Start off the holiday season by making memories in downtown Greensboro Dec. 2, at the annual Lighting of the Tree event. Gather on the Courthouse Lawn from 6-8 p.m. Friday night for performances from local organizations and help Mayor Corey Williams to light the big town tree.
The entire family can enjoy an evening of music from local organizations, food from nearby restaurants, holiday fun, shopping, and of course, a visit with Santa Claus in downtown Greensboro. Santa will be set up in his workshop on North Main Street to visit with children, so parents need to have their cameras ready to snap that perfect holiday picture.
Visitors are encouraged to come for dinner during the event, too. Find a warm, cozy booth at the Yesterday Café, grab a to-go burger from The Burch Food Truck or visit the Christmas Café under the big tent on North Main Street for delicious street tacos and tamales. Then stay warm with a delicious cup of hot apple cider prepared by the Knights of Columbus.
Fun crafts and cookie decorations also are among the many things happening for kids during the Lighting of the Tree event. Everyone also can enjoy a marshmallow roast and local vendors will fill the street. Items for sale this year include gingerbread houses, dish towels, pecans, Greene County Courthouse ornaments, jewelry and of course, baked goods.
Beginning at 6 p.m., the Lake Oconee Academy Band of Titans will be playing favorite Christmas tunes, followed by members of the Southern Spice Dance Academy, who will delight audience members with their many talents. And with favorite sing-along Christmas hits will be sister trio EverGreene, who will sing the night away on downtown streets.
Just be sure to be near the main stage shortly before 7 p.m. for the lighting of the big tree!
Shopping also takes center stage this holiday season, as downtown Greensboro’s friendly merchants remain ready to help find gifts for everyone this season, bypassing the hectic traffic and crowds of the typical shopping mall.
Make this a full weekend in downtown Greensboro. Come back downtown on Saturday, Dec. 3, for more fun and holiday shopping as the Greensboro Business Association hosts a holiday open house with more goodies and Santa’s return.
To learn more about holiday events in downtown Greensboro, contact the Greensboro Main Street Program at 706-453-7674 or visit online at downtowngreensboroga. com.
-Contributed