By Emily Cross
Whiteville Downtown Development
Wondering what you can expect at the Downtown Whiteville Christmas Extravaganza? We’ve got a loaded evening of festivities so please read below to make sure you are ready.
The magic begins at 6 p.m. with the Christmas Parade. The parade starts at Webster Street and ends at the Madison/Lee/Franklin intersection.
After the parade, make your way to Vineland Station Depot and gather around the sleigh for the announcement of the winners of Most Creative and Best in Show for the parade, and the best decorated downtown home and business, followed by the Christmas tree lighting.
At approximately 7 p.m. the Edgewood Chorus will sing we anticipate the arrival of Santa. Followed by the wonderful Columbus County Community Band who will play until Santa’s arrival by fire truck. Once Santa makes his way through the crowd, he will light the tree with his magic wand around 7:30 p.m. Santa will remain on the sleigh for photos with you and your family for the next few hours. Carriage rides will begin at 8 p.m. and go on until 10 p.m. These are free for anyone and so much fun. They take a short ride around the Twelve Days of Christmas lights down Main Street.
We are thrilled to have 14 arts and craft vendors to include baked goods, fairy hair, boutiques, cotton candy, and hand-crafted bows just to name a few. These vendors will be on the pavilion along with live music and a photo op with Diana’s DIY Designs. We also have 13 food vendors to choose from featuring tacos, loaded fries, hot dogs, chicken bog, hot cocoa, empanadas, seafood, fresh squeezed lemonade, and more. They will be set up in the parking lot adjacent to the pavilion.
And of course, we will have Kids Block too. This will be located on the grassy end of the Depot just past the pavilion. Kids Block is free for all children and includes slides, games, bouncy houses and more. Parents, please note you must sign a waiver before your children enter.
It’s going to be chilly so y’all bundle up and come out to kick off the Christmas season with us. Several of our downtown businesses will have extended hours for this event too, so be sure to check them out.
We can’t wait to see you!
