2023 Greenville Holiday Guide: 10+ Things to do in and around Greenville NC this Holiday Season🤶
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Happy Holidays! Your Ultimate Guide to Festive Fun is Here! 
‘Tis the season to be jolly, and if you’re on the lookout for the merriest happenings in and around Greenville, NC, look no further! We’ve curated a holiday event list so you don’t have to! And our list is packed with Holiday Parades, Light Shows, Holiday Markets, and more! So, let’s make this holiday season in Greenville one for the books, filled with laughter, love, and shared experiences.
1. Attend a Tree Lighting🎄
Greenville Gives
Description: Immerse yourself in the enchantment of the holiday season at Greenville Gives with a dazzling Tree Lighting Ceremony, lively Community Performances, a festive Holiday Arts Market, and complimentary treats. Support local non-profits, enjoy crafts, visits with Santa, and a captivating Christmas story reading.
Price: Free
Date(s): December 1st, 2023
Time: 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Five Points Plaza, 500 Evans Street, Greenville, NC, 27858
Town of Winterville Christmas
Description: Join the Town of Winterville Christmas festivities featuring a Christmas Market, a Christmas Parade, and a Tree Lighting Ceremony. Enjoy craft vendors, food trucks, entertainment, and a festive evening with performances, The Night Before Christmas reading, a gift card giveaway, and the illumination of the Town Christmas Tree.
Price: Free
Date(s): December 9th, 2023
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Location: Winterville, 252 Main St, Winterville NC
2. Attend a Holiday Parade 🎷
Parade of Lights
Description: Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year in downtown Ayden at Christmas Town! 
Explore the Christmas Town Market for unique finds, meet Santa, and savor some hot chocolate. The whole town comes alive during the dazzling Parade of Lights!
Price: Free
Date(s): November 30th, 2023
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Town of Ayden, 528 E. Third Street, Ayden NC 28513
Jaycees Christmas Parade
Description: Experience the magic of the holiday season at the Greenville Jaycees Christmas Parade on December 2, 2023, in Downtown Greenville, NC, starting at 5:00 PM. Join the community in celebrating over 75 years of festive cheer with dazzling floats, enchanting performances, Santa’s grand entrance, and more, creating special moments for the whole family to enjoy.
Price: Free
Date(s): December 2nd, 2023
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Uptown Greenville, 408 Evans St, Greenville, NC27858
Farmville's Christmas Parade
Description: Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit as elaborately decorated floats, marching bands, and cheerful participants come together to create a joyful procession. Bring your family and friends to enjoy a day filled with merriment, music, and the warmth of community.
Price: Free
Date(s): December 9th, 2023
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Main Street, Downtown Farmville 27828
3. Support a Local Artist at a Holiday Market 🎁
Holiday Artist Market
Description: Celebrate the holiday season with Emerge Gallery’s Annual Holiday Artist Market, a vibrant showcase featuring over 40 talented artists presenting unique handmade fine arts and crafts. Immerse yourself in creativity, support local talent, and find the perfect holiday gifts in this enchanting shopping experience that transforms the Wooten Gallery into a festive marketplace.
Price: Free
Date(s): December 1st, 2023
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Emerge Gallery &Art Center, 404 Evans Street, Greenville, NC 27858
Merry Mixer
Description: The Merry Mixer, is a FREE holiday event at GMoA on December 8 from 6 – 9pm. It’s an evening filled with live musical performances, vendor market, arts and crafts, and other holiday merriment. There will be a food truck, festive drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), photo booth, and more!
Price: Free
Date(s): December 8th, 2023
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Greenville Museum of Art, 802 Evans Street, Greenville, NC 27858
4. Attend a Holiday Light Show ✨
Dreamland Escape's Winter Wonderland
Description: Step into a winter wonderland at Dreamland Escapes for a unique holiday experience featuring a Christmas light hayride/train ride through dazzling lights, decorations, and festive music. Take a memorable journey with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and even a reformed Grinch, explore a Bethlehem maze, and cap off the night with hot chocolate, s’mores by a warm fire, and a final enchanting ride through more Christmas lights, leaving you with lasting memories of this joyous season.
Price: Children 12 and under: $15; Adults: $20
Date(s): December 1st, 2nd, 7th, 8th, 9th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 2023
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Dreamland Escapes, 9271 NC 903, Ayden, NC 28513
Nights of Lights
Description: Embark on a magical night filled with Santa, mischievous elves, and the Grinch at this festive event featuring a winter wonderland adorned with twinkling lights, outdoor movies, and delightful treats. Enjoy activities like meeting Santa, participating in the Elf Workshop, catching the playful antics of the Grinch, and indulging in fireside s’mores and hot chocolate, creating a memorable holiday experience for the whole family.
Price: Ages 13+: $20; Ages 3-12: $15; 2 and under: Free
Date(s): December 1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th, 22nd, 23rd, 2023
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Raised In A Barn Farm, 2100 NC Hwy 33 East, Chocowinity, NC 27817
5. Watch Your Favorite Holiday Movie 
Christmas on the Farm
Description: Join Briley’s Farm for an unforgettable evening of festive fun! Enjoy a variety of activities, such as farm animals, a hay ride, jump house, mega slide and more at the farm starting at 2:00 pm, followed by a special showing of The Polar Express at 5:15 pm.
Price: $15 (All proceeds go to Joy Soup Kitchen)
Date(s): December 2nd, 2023
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Briley’s Farm, 5290 Old Pactolous Rd, Greenville NC 27858
Movie Under The Hoops: The Polar Express
Description: Immerse yourself in the heartwarming tale of a young boy’s journey to the North Pole, discovering the true meaning of Christmas, while indulging in delicious treats from on-site food vendors.
Price: Free
Date(s): December 8th, 2023
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Drew Steele Center, 1058 South Elm Street , Greenville, NC 27858
6. Attend a Holiday Show 🎼
The Nick of Time
Description: Experience an evening of laughter and heartwarming moments in a delightful two-act play, as an endearing but inept theatre troupe hilariously attempts to stage a Christmas Eve production filled with comedic mishaps.
Price: $20 general admission; $15 seniors/military/students
Date(s) & Time(s):
Wed, Dec 6th, 2023 at 7:30pm
Thurs, Dec 7th, 2023 at 7:30pm
Fri, Dec 8th, 2023 at 7:30pm
Sat, Dec 9th, 2023 at 2:00pm
Sun, Dec 10th, 2023 at 2:00pm
Thu, Dec 14th, 2023 at 7:30pm
Fri, Dec 15th, 2023 at 7:30pm
Sat, Dec 16th, 2023 at 2:00pm
Location: Magnolia Arts Center, 1703 East 14th Street, Greenville NC, 27858
The Nutcracker
Description: Join the 31st season of The Nutcracker at ECU’s Wright Auditorium, a beloved holiday tradition benefiting ECU Health Maynard Children’s Hospital, Children’s Miracle Network, and ECU Health Foundation.
Price: $34 for Youth; $40 for Adults
Date(s): December 9th, 10th, 2023
Time: 9th and 10th (2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m). & 9th (7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m)
Location: Wright Auditorium, 212 Wright Circle, Greenville NC 27858
6. Make your own Christmas Decorations ❄
Ornament Crafting Class
Description: Get into the festive spirit with this dazzling ornament making class! Join for a joyful crafting workshop where you can create unique and personalize ornaments.
Price: $29 (All materials are included in the price)
Date(s): November 29, 2023 and December 3, 2023
Time: November 29th (6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.), December 3rd (10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
Location: Pitt Community College, 1986 Pitt Tech Rd., Winterville, NC 28590
December Craft Night
Description: This Craft Night is designed for adults, so gather your friends or make friends at the event, for a night of crafting beautiful wooden bead snowflake Christmas ornaments that will add a touch of handmade charm to your holiday decor.
Price: Free
Date(s): December 14th, 2023
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Farmville Public Library, 4276 West Church Street, Farmville NC 27828
7. Take a Photo With Santa 🎅🏻
Greenville Gives
Description: Immerse yourself in the enchantment of the holiday season at Greenville Gives with a dazzling Tree Lighting Ceremony, lively Community Performances, a festive Holiday Arts Market, and complimentary treats. Support local non-profits, enjoy crafts, visits with Santa, and a captivating Christmas story reading.
Price: Free
Date(s): December 1st, 2023
Time: 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Five Points Plaza, 500 Evans Street, Greenville, NC, 27858
Breakfast At The Farm With Santa
Description: Experience the magic of Breakfast with Santa at H.O.P.E. Farms, where families can enjoy breakfast and quality time with Santa inside the barn, along with complimentary train tickets and animal treats for the kids. You’ll also be able to explore the farm, feed the animals, and indulge in playground fun after your visit with Santa.
Price: $15 (All proceeds support events those with special needs)
Date(s): December 2nd, 2023
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Location: Hope Farms and Learning Center, 872 Briley Road, Greenville, NC 27834
Dreamland Escapes
Description: Step into a winter wonderland at Dreamland Escapes for a unique holiday experience featuring a Christmas light hayride/train ride through dazzling lights, decorations, and festive music. Take a memorable journey with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and even a reformed Grinch, explore a Bethlehem maze, and cap off the night with hot chocolate, s’mores by a warm fire, and a final enchanting ride through more Christmas lights, leaving you with lasting memories of this joyous season.
Price: Children 12 and under: $15; Adults: $20
Date(s): December 1st, 2nd, 7th, 8th, 9th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 2023
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Dreamland Escapes, 9271 NC 903, Ayden, NC 28513
Nights of Lights
Description: Embark on a magical night filled with Santa, mischievous elves, and the Grinch at this festive event featuring a winter wonderland adorned with twinkling lights, outdoor movies, and delightful treats. Enjoy activities like meeting Santa, participating in the Elf Workshop, catching the playful antics of the Grinch, and indulging in fireside s’mores and hot chocolate, creating a memorable holiday experience for the whole family.
Price: Ages 13+: $20; Ages 3-12: $15; 2 and under: Free
Date(s): December 1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th, 22nd, 23rd, 2023
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Raised In A Barn Farm, 2100 NC Hwy 33 East, Chocowinity, NC 27817
8. Drink Hot Cocoa ☕ & Eat S'mores 🍫
Moonlight Hayride and Campfire
Description: Come on out to celebrate the upcoming Christmas season with a 45-minute hayride around River Park North’s 31-acre pond and roasted marshmallows by a campfire upon your return. This is something to do with the whole family to start your holiday season with love, cheer, and the Christmas spirit!
Price: $10-$12 (Kids under 2 are free, if sitting on parents lap)
Date(s): November 28th
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m & 8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: River Park North, 1000 Mumford Rd, Greenville NC, 27858
Greenville Gives
Description: Immerse yourself in the enchantment of the holiday season at Greenville Gives with a dazzling Tree Lighting Ceremony, lively Community Performances, a festive Holiday Arts Market, and complimentary treats. Support local non-profits, enjoy crafts, visits with Santa, and a captivating Christmas story reading.
Price: Free
Date(s): December 1st, 2023
Time: 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Five Points Plaza, 500 Evans Street, Greenville, NC, 27858
Dreamland Escapes
Description: Step into a winter wonderland at Dreamland Escapes for a unique holiday experience featuring a Christmas light hayride/train ride through dazzling lights, decorations, and festive music. Take a memorable journey with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and even a reformed Grinch, explore a Bethlehem maze, and cap off the night with hot chocolate, s’mores by a warm fire, and a final enchanting ride through more Christmas lights, leaving you with lasting memories of this joyous season.
Price: Children 12 and under: $15; Adults: $20
Date(s): December 1st, 2nd, 7th, 8th, 9th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 2023
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Dreamland Escapes, 9271 NC 903, Ayden, NC 28513
Nights of Lights
Description: Embark on a magical night filled with Santa, mischievous elves, and the Grinch at this festive event featuring a winter wonderland adorned with twinkling lights, outdoor movies, and delightful treats. Enjoy activities like meeting Santa, participating in the Elf Workshop, catching the playful antics of the Grinch, and indulging in fireside s’mores and hot chocolate, creating a memorable holiday experience for the whole family.
Price: Ages 13+: $20; Ages 3-12: $15; 2 and under: Free
Date(s): December 1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th, 22nd, 23rd, 2023
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Raised In A Barn Farm, 2100 NC Hwy 33 East, Chocowinity, NC 27817
9. Eat Christmas Cookies 
Cookies With Santa
Description: Join Santa for a festive evening on the farm for cookies, hot chocolate, animal treats, a train ride, and a special visit with Santa.
Price: $15
Date(s): December 8th, 2023
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Hope Farms and Learning Center, 872 Briley Road, Greenville, NC 27834
10. Hear a Christmas Story 
Greenville Gives
Description: Immerse yourself in the enchantment of the holiday season at Greenville Gives with a dazzling Tree Lighting Ceremony, lively Community Performances, a festive Holiday Arts Market, and complimentary treats. Support local non-profits, enjoy crafts, visits with Santa, and a captivating Christmas story reading.
Price: Free
Date(s): December 1st, 2023
Time: 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Five Points Plaza, 500 Evans Street, Greenville, NC, 27858
Christmas Candlelight Tours: Christmas 1864
Description: Experience the magic of Christmas in 1864 for an enchanting journey back in time. Witness a full Civil War encampment, where soldiers drill, tend the wounded, and share Christmas fellowship. Explore the candlelit village, enjoy live music featuring Christmas carols from 1864, and immerse yourself in living history reenactments of the Underground Railroad, Quaker life, and the plight of war refugees.
Price: Adults: $20; Children (6-17): $10; Children 5 & under: Free with a paid adult ticket
Date(s): December 1st & 2nd, 2023
Time: December 1st (6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.), December 2nd (4:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
Location: Eastern Carolina Village & Farm Musuem, 4570 County Home Rd, Greenville NC 27858
Christmas Story Time
Description: Celebrate the magic of the season with Christmas Story Time and Crafts event, a heartwarming gathering for families and children of all ages. Join for enchanting holiday tale that will transport you to a world of festive wonder. Their storyteller will weave captivating narratives filled with the spirit of Christmas, sparking joy and imagination.
Price: $4 – $6
Date(s): December 19th & 20th, 2023
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Eppes Recreation Center, 400 Nash St, Greenville NC 27834
The Gingerbread Man Puppet Show
Description: Gather your little ones for an immersive and entertaining experience that combines the joy of reading with the whimsy of puppetry.
Price: Free
Date(s): December 4th, 5th, 6th, 2023
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Sheppard Memorial Library, 530 Evans St, Greenville, NC 27858
Stay Connected for Year-round Celebrations! 
As we wrap up this festive guide, we invite you to stay in the luuup for year-round celebrations in and around Greenville! Subscribe to Luuup and never miss another magical moment. Be the first to know about upcoming events, from holiday extravaganzas to the hidden gems that make our community shine. Your journey into local festivities is just a click away!
Submit Your Event and Be a Part of the Fun! 🎉
But the celebration doesn’t end here – it’s time for YOU to take the stage! Have an event that deserves a spotlight? Whether it’s a bingo night, a vendor market, or a unique activity, we want to feature it on our community calendar. Share your event with the community and let the festivities begin!
Explore Our Community Calendar! 🗓️
Ready to explore the broader spectrum of events happening in and around Greenville? Dive into our extensive Community Calendar to discover a year-round tapestry of local happenings. From seasonal festivities to ongoing community events, there’s always something exciting to explore!
By: Grace Rains
Grace Rains is the Founder and CEO of Luuup. She graduated from ECU and lives in Greenville NC. You can find her at many local events such as farmers markets, wine tastings, or any live music event.