Just like that, 2023 is almost over, and the holidays are quickly approaching. You can feel the festive cheer in the air in each area of Pitt County! If you didn't know, each community has its own unique and special way to celebrate the season with events ranging from from parades, holiday markets, live entertainment, Santa appearances, and more. Whether you are a local or a visitor, these events are an amazing way to kick off the holiday season! Below is a guide to 4 communities within Pitt County, and what you can expect to find there this holiday season! 

Face Painting at Greenville Gives

Greenville

Greenville Gives returns to Five Points Plaza in Downtown Greenville on December 1st from 4:30 - 7:30 pm! This can't-miss event not only kicks off the holiday season but is also the community's way to give back to non-profit charitable organizations in the area. If able, you can join in the giving spirit by offering donations directly at the non-profit tables, by donating toys, clothes, and other much-needed supplies, or by making a monetary contribution! Each non-profit will have a wish list available that can be found on the Downtown Greenville Partnership website closer to the event. At the event, there will be a holiday market, craft stations, a Christmas story reading by Greenville's Mayor P.J. Connelly, marshmallow roasting and hot chocolate, a very special guest from the North Pole, and much more! 

The next day, on December 2nd at 5pm, Greenville's Jaycees will be continuing the holiday cheer with the annual Jaycees Christmas Parade! This year's theme will be A Country Christmas! This parade is sure to sprinkle some holiday magic within the community! 

Farmville

Farmville adds a foodie flare to its holiday festivities with the Taste of Farmville festival on December 1st in Downtown! The event will kick off with the Tree Lighting at the gazebo at 6pm, followed by festivities and food until 8:30. Come celebrate with the participating local businesses such as the award-winning Duck Rabbit Brewery, and enjoy food at the BBQ & Brews food tent, and listen to performances by local musicians! Stick around for activities including ornament crafting, a petting zoo, a story hour with Santa, and even a carriage ride!

The festivities will continue into the following week with Farmville's Christmas Parade on December 10th at 10:30am! This parade will primarily be along Main Street in Downtown Farmville! 

Ayden

On November 30th from 4-8:30pm, the Town of Ayden will transform into Christmas Town! This night will be full of magic and joy, featuring reindeer games, crafts, a parade, and a meet-and-greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Grab a cup of hot cocoa and explore the outdoor Christmas Town Market featuring over 50 local vendors. This is a perfect opportunity to find holiday gifts for your loved ones! Make sure to stay until 6:30pm for the Parade of Lights too! Starting on the corner of M.L.K. Jr. and 3rd Street, the route wraps around West Avenue and heads down 2nd Street, ending at the corner of 2nd and Snow Hill Street.

Winterville

On December 9th, celebrate Christmas cheer in Winterville with the festivities that last all afternoon! The hub of the day will be at the Christmas Market, located at 252 Main Street from 2-6pm, where you can find craft vendors, food trucks, a bounce house, and more! Starting at 2pm, enjoy the Winterville Christmas Parade as it weaves its way through the town, starting and ending at the Winterville Recreation Park. The parade goes up Church Street, down Main, and ends on the corner of Agne and Sylvania. At 252 Main Street, watch performances from the local community, listen to a reading of The Night Before Christmas, and watch the lighting of the town Christmas Tree! The Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5pm will wrap up the festivities!