The weather was perfect, and the spirits were high as the Greensboro community gathered together to light the Community Christmas Tree, officially kicking off the holiday season.

Friday, Dec. 2, Greensboro welcomed Santa and his elves on the city’s new fire engine. Santa was greeted by a parade of children who were eager to visit with him and to give him their list.  

Area choirs provided live music for the evening as young and old took part in the singing of Christmas carols.  Mark and Christian Ruppelt of Greensboro First United Methodist Church started the evening off with a holiday trumpet duet. Next was Christ our King and Savior Catholic Church Choir singing beautiful Christmas hymns. Antioch Baptist Church Mass Choir is always a favorite with its large numbers and full choral sound.  Wesley Chapel joined the fun this year by singing some of everyone’s favorite seasonal tunes. Gene Yaws of Festival Hall delighted everyone by singing “O’ Holy Night,” “The Christmas Song “and closed the evening with his rendition of “Mary Did You Know.”

The winner of the Greensboro Downtown Holiday Basket 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 year’s winner was Tommi Ward.  Thank you to Butterfly Treasures, Dream Catchers Antiques, EZ Steemer Carpet Cleaner, Genuine Georgia, Greene County Chamber of Commerce, Greensboro Antique Mall, Greensboro Jewelers, Murphy’s Gift and More, Pinch of the Past, Traditions Old and New, and The Yesterday Café for providing gifts for the gift basket.

Finally, the time came to light Greensboro’s tree. The Honorable Mayor Glenn Wright, along with Santa Claus, took to the stage to light the tree. The mayor welcomed everyone to downtown and led the crowd in a prayer of gratitude for the holiday season. Before starting a countdown to the tree’s lighting, the mayor introduced Mrs. Howell Cobb, who graciously donated the tree for this year’s Christmas season.  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 Santa’s Workshop. Santa graciously took Christmas lists and heard holiday wishes from both young and old.  Santa shared that all is well in the North Pole.  His elves are busy working to make gifts for children all over the world – but, especially, for the boys and girls of our area! Photos with Santa were offered by Amy Watson Photography.  

Santa reports that as always the children of Greene County were well-behaved.  “I heard lots of pleases and thank-yous from my visitors,” Santa said.  “I’m sure that with such polite manners and good behavior that I’ll be bringing a sleigh-load of toys to Greene County when I return in a few weeks.”

After a visit with Santa, children stopped by the craft tent on the court house lawn to make their very own Christmas ornament. Other vendors for the evening included Festival Hall, Future Farmers of America (FFA), Greene County High School Band Booster, Greensboro Fire Department, Hay Rides by Jim Foster and Family, Greensboro First United Methodist Church, Knight of Columbus, and Relay for Life.

Remember to support your local businesses this holiday season!  The downtown merchants will have extended business hours on Thursdays and Fridays until Christmas and they are more than able to help you find the perfect Christmas gift.  Be sure to check out the unique selection of clothing, hand made gifts, local art, special holiday items, and more that are available at the shops of downtown Greensboro.

For more information about the holidays in Greensboro, contact the Better Hometown Office at (706) 453-7674.