As you drive down Broad Street and see festive wreaths hanging from every street lamp and store windows decorated in twinkling Christmas lights, you can’t help but get excited that it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Edenton.
And Christmas in Edenton is a magical time of year! There are so many special events planned for this holiday season where the whole town celebrates and families create precious holiday memories together.
Here’s a glimpse of cherished annual traditions celebrated in Edenton during the holiday season.
It all begins with Edenton’s “Kickoff to Christmas” at the waterfront, which usually happens the first weekend in December.
Young and old gather early in the morning, all decked out in their most festive holiday gear, to participate in the “Rudolph Run,” a 5K and Fun Run to benefit the Edenton Aces Booster Club and local high school athletes.
Later in the day, Edenton’s waterfront transforms into a magical holiday wonderland with local food trucks, a hot cocoa bar, an ornament making station, a chili cook-off, and more!
Children enjoy bounce houses and a special Grinch-led storytime in the Cupola Gardens which feature locally decorated Christmas trees.
All of this builds to the penultimate lighting of the Community Christmas Tree on South Broad Street. A children’s choir sings Christmas carols while the mayor lights the tree.
This, of course, ushers in the arrival of Santa Claus on a fire truck, and children wait patiently in line to whisper to him all of their Christmas wishes and receive a peppermint candy cane.
The Kickoff to Christmas culminates in the annual tradition of Edenton’s Flotilla, a bevy of local boats all decked out in Christmas lights and decorations, hoping to win the coveted first place prize!
The Edenton-Chowan Christmas Parade takes place the following weekend at 10 AM.
Festive floats, fire trucks, and friendly participants, representing many of Edenton’s organizations, march down Broad Street.
Many people stop by one of the local bakeries, the coffee house, or The Christmas Market at Edenton Farmer’s Market to grab a steaming cup of hot chocolate or their favorite holiday treats to enjoy while watching the parade!
This weekend is also when Edenton hosts the annual Christmas Candlelight Tour, a beloved two-day event downtown.
During this special weekend, you can glimpse how Christmas is celebrated in various historic homes throughout Edenton.
Some of Edenton’s most beautiful homes welcome visitors with festive decorations, family heirlooms, and antique furnishings, all decked out for the holidays.
Other historic buildings, such as the Cupola House and James Iredell House, replicate colonial Christmas traditions, while groups of carolers and musicians add to the Christmas cheer.
Tickets go on sale several months early and usually sell out quickly!
Throughout the holiday season, many restaurants and businesses host special Christmas events, such as Breakfast with Santa and children’s Christmas Cookie Decorating.
Just check out the Calendar of Events at Visit Edenton so you don’t miss out during the holiday season!
Last but not least, Edenton is well-known for JOY Trees, a local holiday tradition that is meant to spread holiday cheer.
All throughout neighborhoods downtown and beyond, you will find trees trimmed in strands of festive lights reminiscent of Whoville.
JOY Trees are just Edenton’s way of reminding you to slow down and cherish the beauty and magic of the holiday season.
Edenton goes all out in welcoming the holiday season and celebrating with Christmas cheer.
Come join us during the month of December as we celebrate the holidays. Our luxurious Bed and Breakfasts are brimming with holiday decorations and are ready to welcome you to Edenton.
Book a room today! We hope to see you soon.
