Festival of Lights Logo

DECEMBER 1, 2023

5:30 -9:00 PM

The festival of lights has been a holiday tradition for almost 40 years. Each year, the festival includes holiday favorites like the community sing-along, lighting of the community tree in Center City Park, Santa in Hamburger Square, and carolers and acoustic performances along Elm Street. 

You’ll find plenty of delicious treats throughout downtown and don’t forget –
finalize your shopping at one of the many downtown merchants who will be open late for Festival of Lights!


ITINERARY

On December 1, Festival-goers can start the night in LeBauer Park with Piedmont Winterfest and the Vendor Market at 5:00 p.m. 

At 5:30 p.m., the official Festival of Lights program will begin in Center City Park with a performance by the North Carolina A&T State University Fellowship Gospel Choir. At 6:30 p.m. join in for the community sing-along with the Drew Hays Five featuring Diana Tuffin.

The community tree will be lit at precisely 6:56 p.m. in Center City Park.

After the tree lighting, make your way down Elm Street for a musical stroll from Friendly Avenue to Lewis Street with performances by:

  • Grimsley Madrigal Singers
  • The Reids
  • Greensboro Tarheel Chorus
  • Rod McCoy & The Real McCoy Band
  • UNCG Chariots
  • Greensboro Performing Arts
  • High Lonseome Strings
  • Finn Phoenix
  • Sinai Mountain Ramblers
  • Greensboro College Brass

Traditional favorites like Mrs. Claus, Season’s Best Carolers, The Silver Drummer Girl, Superheroes, and Disney Princesses will be strolling throughout the Festival footprint.  

New at this year’s Festival of Lights, visitors can go get tinsel (fairy) hair in Hamburger Square in heated igloos!

Other entertainment includes:

  • Circus Performers
  • Sumo Santas
  • UNC Greensboro’s Student Art Market
  • LED Robot
  • Live Ice-Sculpting
  • Face Painters
  • Balloon Twisters
  • Giant Lite Brite

The chilly weather is calling for snow in Hamburger Square at Elm and McGee Street. Walk in a winter wonderland, roast marshmallows, and enjoy a spectacular light show by Greensboro Holiday Lights.. Continue the good times on the South End with a a visit from Santa, The Worship Place Band, and karaoke. Peppermint Alley will debut beside Boxcar Bar and Arcade as the perfect holiday-selfie spot.

Downtown businesses will be open for great shopping and dining options. Other dining options include the following food trucks:

  • Jamaica Coast
  • NutNbutLuv
  • Sweet’s Turkey BBQ
  • Bel le Full Vending
  • Charlie Poppers Kettle Corn
  • Duck Donuts
  • Mahos Bistro
  • Magnificent Concessions
  • Off the Hook/Sweet Cold Treats

MAP