McCORMICK, S.C. – Embrace the holiday cheer this season with a visit to McCormick, where the city offers a delightful array of Christmas-themed festivities.

Among the highlights is the enchanting Festival of Trees, hosted at the historic Dorn Mill Complex. This annual celebration is a cherished tradition in the community.

In the latest installment of “Your Hometown Road Trip,” our team explored McCormick to uncover the theme of this year’s festival and share what attendees can look forward to at this festive event.

Discovering the Festival of Trees

“The Festival of Trees is a beloved tradition that has been lighting up our town for 12 years,” explained Marjorie Brosseau, the Historical Commissioner of McCormick. “We transform the historic Grist Mill into a Christmas wonderland, showcasing over 25 beautifully decorated trees. Each tree is accompanied by a vignette that tells its unique story, capturing the magic and beauty of the season.”

What is the theme for this year?

“This year is The Night Before Christmas, and you’ll see that reflected throughout some of the vignettes you go through,” she said.

What are people going to see?

“Lighted trees, homemade ideas for decorating your tree at home without a lot of fuss, without a lot of supplies, to some very elaborate and professionally done vignettes, just all kinds.”

This is a charity event, what do you do with the money that is made?

“This is our gift to McCormick, so there’s no entry fee, it’s free and open to anyone who would like to come,” she said. “We do have a donation box, those help us with our forward going projects, and kid of keep the power going so we can stay warm, and other things that we need for the day to day maintenance.”

The Festival of Trees is happening on December 12th, and 13th from noon to 7 p.m. at the Dorn Mill Complex, which is located at 206 N Main St, McCormick, S.C. 29835.