The weather may have been damp, but spirits were bright as Santa arrived in downtown Greensboro last Thursday evening. The Community Christmas Tree was lit, officially kicking off the holiday season in Greensboro.

Area choirs provided live music for the evening, as young and old took part in the singing of Christmas carols. Antioch Baptist Church and the Walker United Methodist Church choirs strolled the streets of downtown caroling for shoppers. The Antioch Choir is always a favorite with its large numbers and full choral sound. The Walker Church carolers delighted visitors with period Victorian costumes.

Downtown Greensboro is decorated for the season with large white lights lining the rooftops of the historic commercial buildings. Twinkling garland is wrapped around the street lamps, and the shops of downtown have their windows beautifully decorated for the season.

Winners of the annual downtown window decorating contest were announced Thursday night. Morning Glory’s on Main located on North Main Street won in the “Best Use of Light” category. “Best Christmas Spirit” went to the School Days

Uniforms and Casual Kid Clothing also located on North Main Street. And “Best Overall” was won by The Greensboro Antique Mall on the corner of Main and Broad Streets. Be sure to check out these windows and all of downtown’s holiday decorations.

The second winner of the Greensboro Downtown Shopping Spree was drawn from a basket filled with entries. Local shoppers have been busy “Shopping Greensboro First” this holiday season to be entered into the drawing. This week’s winner was Joann Vandiver. There are still two downtown shopping sprees that will be drawn this Thursday, Dec. 11 and Thursday, Dec. 18. Drawings are held at 7 p.m. on the courthouse lawn, and participants must be present in order to win. Stop in at any downtown shop for additional details.

Finally, the time came to light Greensboro’s tree. Greensboro council member Ricky Cosby welcomed everyone to downtown and led the crowd in a prayer of thanks for the holiday season before starting a countdown to the tree’s lighting. The Leyland Cypress was lit with hundreds of old-fashioned red, green and white lights as the crowd applauded.

By far the most popular visitor to downtown Greensboro was none other than Santa Claus himself. Children lined up to visit Santa as he received guests in the gazebo.

The downtown merchants will continue to be open for holiday shopping needs until 8 p.m. Thursday evening until Christmas.

For more information about the holidays in Greensboro, contact the Better Hometown Office at (706) 453-7592 or by e-mail betterhometown@greeneccoc.org.