Twinkling Streetscapes
Holiday Community Events Kicking Off Tonight
Local downtowns provide the backdrop to beautiful community events throughout the year. During this holiday season, streetscapes especially shine bright with beautiful lights, wreaths, and Christmas trees in storefronts.
McGill loves seeing communities continue to thrive after the completion of streetscape and downtown revitalization projects. Below are a few communities our team has enjoyed working with and being a part of transforming their downtowns into bustling community spaces. These beautiful downtowns are hosting many events this month including parades, visits from Santa, holiday markets, tree lightings, and train rides.
Beginning tonight, many events are kicking off, so be sure to find your nearest downtown to enjoy the festivities!
Town of West Jefferson, NC:
Tonight, the Town of West Jefferson is hosting a Holiday Gallery Crawl from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. Art galleries and local stores will be open downtown for guests to check out seasonal artwork, music, food, and gifts. Tomorrow morning, Saturday, December 7, you can bring the kiddos to meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus at the Ashe Arts Center for stories, arts, and crafts from 8:30 to 11:30 am.
City of Sanford, NC:
Santa will be arriving in Downtown Sanford tonight to light up Deport Park at the annual Tree and Train Lighting from 6:00 to 10:00 pm. Families can enjoy music, sledding, crafts, and shopping at the Christmas Market, while waiting for their turn for a photo with Santa. On Saturday, December 7, the Ashe County Farmers Market is hosting its last Holiday Market of the year from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Local vendors will have an array of items, including seasonal decorations, wreaths, garland, woodwork, photographs, and jewelry.
City of Lenoir, NC:
The Starry Night Christmas Parade is kicking off tonight in Downtown Lenoir at 6:30 pm. Local businesses and community groups will be showing off their floats, while university and high school bands will be filling the streets with songs of the season.
Town of Blowing Rock, NC:
Beginning at 5:00 pm tonight, Santa will be visiting Downtown Blowing Rock for the Holiday Stroll, where you can enjoy the beautiful streetscapes while getting in some local shopping. After strolling the sidewalks, you can take your family through a winter wonderland at The Festival of Trees. Continuing tonight through Sunday in Blowing Rock, the festival encompasses many events, including a raffle and an auction of over 75 trees and wreaths to benefit the Western Youth Network.
City of Bessemer City, NC:
The 11th annual Christmas in the City and Christmas Parade will be taking over Downtown Bessemer City tonight from 5:00 to 7:30 pm. Endless fun for the family will include music, entertainment, refreshments, and more in Centennial Park.
City of Statesville, NC:
Downtown Statesville will be ringing with cheer tonight from 5:30 to 9:00 pm during the Shop and Stroll Spectacular. City Hall will be hosting Santa and his elves for children to enjoy some crafting, hot cocoa, and popcorn. Beginning at 6:00 pm, families can take a train ride at the Civic Center or take a horse drawn carriage throughout the downtown area to enjoy the beautifully decorated streetscapes. After a peaceful carriage or train ride, you can enjoy some smores at Statesville Fire Department. Throughout the Shop and Stroll Spectacular, visitors can enjoy downtown shopping and the wonderful sounds of Victorian carolers.
City of Asheville, NC:
In the heart of downtown Asheville between Walnut and Woodfin streets, you can check out stunning work from local artisans at the Asheville City Market this Saturday, December 7, from 9:00 am to noon. Also taking place this Saturday and Sunday, you can view more local art work during The Big Crafty event at Asheville’s US Cellular Center from noon to 6:00 pm.
Town of Sunset Beach, NC:
Don’t miss the one-day-only Christmas Holiday Market, this Saturday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at Sunset Beach Town Park. Local vendors will have homemade crafts, gifts, and food trucks to enjoy, while strolling through the market. Santa will be making a visit as well, so all the little ones can get their picture taken with him throughout the event.
Get your family ready for this joyful season by engaging in your community and visiting your local downtown. Please show off your beautiful downtown streetscapes by sharing your holiday festivity photos with us. Happy holidays from our McGill family to yours.