Holiday Events in Greensboro

Local Favorites and Hidden Gems

Your complete, locally curated guide to the best December happenings in Greensboro; beyond the typical tourist roundup.

December hits different in Greensboro. It’s not just the lights (though we’ve got plenty of those). It’s the way the city suddenly feels cozy and connected. You run into people you know. There are events you look forward to every year, plus those random little finds that end up being your favorite thing you did all month. If you’re planning outings with kids, holiday hangs with friends, or just want something festive to look forward to, here’s what’s actually worth doing this December.

Top Holiday Events to Experience

1. Festival of Lights – Downtown Greensboro
   
   • When: December 5 (5:30 PM–9:00 PM)
     
   • What to expect: The downtown community tree lighting, carolers, acoustic performances, and classic holiday songs along Elm Street.
     
   • Local tip: Bring a blanket or low chairs — the tree lighting draws quite a crowd, and being comfy helps while you wait.
     
   • Why it stands out: A neighborly feel, not over-commercialized, and a chance to stroll downtown after dark when shops are lit up.
     
2. Greensboro Holiday Parade
   
   • When: December 6 (12:00 PM–2:00 PM)
     
   • What to expect: Floats, marching bands, giant balloons, and community groups all parading through downtown.
     
   • Local tip: Watch from Elm Street for the best view. After the parade, many downtown restaurants stay open later so you can warm up with a meal.
     
3. Jingle Jog 5K
   
   • When: December 7 (from downtown; part of the “Downtown in December” series) 
   • What to expect: A fun, festive run where people dress up in holiday gear. Great for families, runners, and walkers alike.
     
   • Local tip: Register early — it’s a popular community event, and the route is lined with holiday decorations and cheering spectators.
     
4. SantaCon Bar Crawl
   
   • When: December 14, 3:00 PM–9:00 PM, starts at Boxcar Bar + Arcade.
     
   • What to expect: Ugly sweaters, Santa hats, and participating bars around downtown. Proceeds benefit Junior Achievement.
     
   • Local tip: Use ride-shares. Parking will be tough, and you’ll want to enjoy the crawl without worrying about your car.
     
5. Piedmont Winterfest – LeBauer Park
   
   • When: Seasonal (runs through December)
     
   • What to expect: Outdoor ice skating, curling nights, and fun winter-themed gathering spaces in the heart of downtown.
     
   • Local tip: Visit on a weekday evening if you can — less crowded, more room to skate, and better photo opportunities under the lights.
     
6. Holiday Market: Reading Connections Holiday Market
   
   • When: December 6 at 415 N. Edgeworth Street
     
   • What to expect: Student and community vendors selling handcrafted gifts; supporting literacy and local nonprofits.
     
   • Local tip: It’s a smaller, meaningful market — go early for the best selection, and bring cash (some vendors may prefer it).

7. Mclaurin Farms Christmas Festival

• When: Open select Nights in December
• What to Expect: Walk through the lights and farm, Hayride, Write a letter to Santa, Play on the Playground 
• Local Tip: It’s less expensive to go Monday-Thursday so plan in advance, and no pets are allowed, so leave Fido at home!

8. Running of the Balls

• When: Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 — 6 p.m., Sunset Hills Neighborhood
• What to Expect: This fun run in the Sunset Hills neighborhood is a December favorite. Everyone throws on something festive and walks or runs a nighttime 5k under the neighborhood’s iconic Christmas balls 
• Local Tip: Registration is required in advance and it gets really crowded! THe neighborhood also uses the lights as an attraction for their annual canned food drive, so please consider bringing a non-perishable food item to support our community.

 Off-the-Beaten-Path Holiday Things to Do

• Street Performers & Carolers on Elm Street: During the Festival of Lights, keep an eye out for local musicians (sometimes unexpected groups — high school choirs, solo artists) tucked into alleys or on corners.
• Holiday Pop-ups at Little Brother Brewing- the whole brewery is decked out in wrapping paper, christmas lights, and garland, truly a christmas spectacle
  
• Greensboro Science Center – After Dark: Beyond Winter Wonderlights (see more in next blog), check for special late-night events or themed nights.
  
• Historic Tours by Candlelight: Walk through some of Greensboro’s older neighborhoods (or stop by Magnolia House) to feel the history + holiday charm.
  

Tips for Planning

• Buy Tickets Early: For major events like Winter Wonderlights, ticketed or timed entry is common.
  
• Use Public Parking: For downtown events, street parking fills up fast so consider city decks or remote lots, and give yourself more time to park and walk
  
• Bring Layers: Even December evenings can be chilly, especially while walking or standing.
  
• Plan Photo Moments: Downtown trees, market booths, and ice rink areas make for great photo ops; try to hit them before peak times.
  

This isn’t just the usual holiday spectacle. What makes it special: events like the Jingle Jog, the grassroots feel of the market on Edgeworth Street, and a downtown that comes alive not just with lights,  but with real people, real tradition, and real heart.