Every late November or early December, the Festival of Lights kicks off the Christmas season in Downtown Greensboro, NC. The Lighting Ceremony is the main highlight of the festival. The program is full of fun events and activities like musical performances, sing-a-long and Community Tree Lighting at City Center Park, acoustic performances along Elm Street, and holiday crafts for kids.
The Festival of Lights runs from 5:30 to 9 pm. The live entertainment program in Center City Park begins at 5:30 pm, followed by the community tree lighting at 6:56 pm.
The annual Festival of Lights has been Greensboro's favorite holiday tradition for over 40 years. Thousands of kids can't wait to meet Santa Klaus in Hamburger Square, drink a cup of hot chocolate, and roast s'mores. Warm up at several warming stations in Downtown Greensboro and take a perfect family picture at a social photo booth. There are also many holiday treats in downtown cafes. Besides, all the shops are open late for the Festival of Lights.
Greensboro Holiday Parade (December 2, 2023)
Another festive tradition is the Greensboro Holiday Parade, featuring guest bands and giant Macy-style balloons. It is one of the few large Christmas Parades in the state. The event attracts over 60,000 spectators. The main attractions of the parade are spectacular professional floats, dance groups, and drill teams, as well as the region's best middle school, high school, and college marching bands as they march along the brightly illuminated streets of Downtown Greensboro.
