With Christmas quickly approaching, some of us fall into the holiday spirit easier than others.  Here are some great movies, treats and local events to help you catch up on Christmas.

Movies:

Hallmark Channel

Hallmark has all the heart throbs during the holiday season even though they’re extremely predictable, you already know the girl and guy will fall in love right as it snows, but that’s what makes them so enjoyable! You can sit back, drink your hot chocolate and enjoy the movie instead of wondering what’s going to happen. Hallmark is the go-to channel to get into the holiday cheer, and there’s plenty of movies to choose from with a new movie everyday in December for Hallmark’s “25 Days of Christmas.”

Home Alone

Home Alone is a classic movie choice for the holidays. Families all around have been watching this movie for years now, captivated by the story of Kevin McCallister as he’s left home alone over Christmas. Home Alone is the perfect, family-friendly movie that’s full of humor and Christmas cheer.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Whether you chose the classic animation or the Jim Carey version, How the Grinch Stole Christma is a seasonal favorite. The story of the furry, green recluse going from overlooking and scolding Whoville for their Christmas cheer, to joining them and singing Christmas songs with everyone fills viewers hearts with warmth and cheer. The Grinch is a must-see this Christmas season.

Treats:

Peppermint Bark

One of my favorite Christmas treats is one that combines classic winter favorites: candy canes, dark chocolate and white chocolate. They’re simple to make, cheap and perfect to cut up and serve for friends and family that are over for the holidays. For a simple recipe, click here.

Hot Chocolate

Hot Chocolate is the perfect drink to fix up after being out in the cold to sit on the couch, drink and watch Christmas movies. There’s always the basic chocolate mix, however, there are plenty of things that are perfect add-ins to make the drink a little different. Simply adding marshmallows or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, adding peppermint or salted caramel, can change the taste and spice up the holiday drink.

Christmas Cakes

If you’re not one for cooking, or just can’t find the time, Little Debbie Christmas Cakes are your go-to snack. They’re cheap and around Christmas season pretty much any store sells them. These cakes are a perfect on-the-go, easy holiday snack.

Events:

HollyWild

Many families have made HollyWild Holiday Lights Safari a tradition over the 27 years the zoo has put on the event. Along with an outstanding light show, Hollywild offers many other attractions for visitors to enjoy including Santa’s Village and the deer park. Santa’s Village includes playing with cute puppies and other animals, and gives the little kids a chance meet and talk to Santa. One of the well-known attractions at HollyWild is the deer park. For 10 dollars (per car), visitors can drive through the deer park, an open field of animals from deer to cow that will walk up to your car looking for food. Regular admission to HollyWild Holiday Lights Safari is six dollars per person, the park opens at 6 p.m. but people are able to start lining up at 5 p.m.

Skating on the Square

If you’re looking to get outside in the chilly, winter air, while having fun and expressing your holiday cheer, Skating on the Square is the perfect destination for you. This is an open ice skating rink in the middle of downtown Spartanburg that’s surrounded by Christmas lights and people selling hot chocolate to warm you back up after being out in the cold. Skating on the Square is open Monday-Thursday from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. The cost to skate is 10 dollars per person which includes your ice skates and skating for as long as you’d like.

Inman’s Christmas House

The Christmas House is a beautiful, white house decorated from top to bottom in Christmas lights and decorations. The owners of the house have been decorating for more than 40 years, making it a known destination for locals, and beginning to attract the attention of people in other areas. It’s free for anyone that wants to drive through and enjoy the lights and the lights are on anytime it’s dark. The beautiful lights are the perfect destination for anyone looking for Christmas cheer.