Access Triad

12/01/2025

12/01/2025

The Festival of Lights map is LIVE! ❄️ Save it, share it, and get ready to make the most of this year’s holiday magic downtown.

Festival of Lights starts at 5:30pm on Friday, December 5th in Downtown Greensboro!

What are you most excited for?

11/30/2025

Yes it's ball time of year! Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about visiting our lovely neighborhood and viewing the display:

1) There is no admission but we do ask that you bring some non-perishable/canned food to place in our donation stations scattered throughout the neighborhood. We donate all of it to local food banks like Second Harvest. If you need suggestions, please remember that people can always use canned/box milk, sugar, oil, spices, baby supplies and feminine products. And if you forget, look for the signs around the neighborhood telling you how to donate with your phone!

2) There are no set times- come after dark, obviously. Please drive slowly (we live here!) and enjoy the display. Feel free to park your car (not in front of a driveway, please) and walk around if you like. Lights are set on timers and will be off by 10pm in the park.
3) There are no set days- people put up their decorations when they want and take them down when they want. The highest concentration is the month of December. So plan your visit accordingly.

4) We're easily found near Friendly Center across from Wesley Long Hospital. You can click this link for a map- https://goo.gl/maps/sif91YBEDe92
If you need to put in a GPS location, use 2400 Friendly Ave Greensboro NC 27403 (address of the hospital) - once you in the vicinity you can't miss the decorations.

5) Finally, you do not need to worry- there are no plans to cancel anything EVER. Not due to the weather, pandemics, godzilla attacks, etc. We don't cancel anything- the lights are on unless the power is out and in some cases, even then. And the need is even greater than before as many fundraising groups are hard pressed to meet demand these days. So please come visit us and bring your food donations!

Hope this helps- enjoy our displays and Shine the Light on Hunger!

11/26/2025

✨ PART 2 — Meet the Women Behind the Event

In Part 2 of our Sip & Soul Brunch coverage, Bella sat down with the powerhouse duo behind the experience.

👩🏾‍🍳 Chef Shantel, born and raised in Lumberton, NC, shared how her southern roots influence every dish she creates — comfort, community, and big flavor.

🎨 Amber, the host and creative behind the stunning décor, talked about how she brings Cozy Rose Productions to life through intentional design and unforgettable atmosphere.

Their collaboration is all about celebrating culture, connection, and quality — and Bella had nothing but glowing feedback on the food, the vibes, and the hospitality.

Proud to highlight women creating magic in the Triad. ✨

11/21/2025

11/20/2025

The Davie Street Parking Deck will permanently close on Monday, November 24. Located at the corner of East Market and Davie streets, the deck opened in 1967. As part of a comprehensive review of parking facilities in downtown in 2024, it was determined to have reached the end of its useful life.

Drivers who typically use the Davie Street Parking Deck are encouraged to utilize nearby City-operated parking facilities, particularly the Church Street and February One parking decks.

Lane closures will be in place around the structure as preparations are made for demolition. In June, City Council approved the sale of the site ‘as is’ to BSC Holdings, Inc. who will demolish the parking deck and prepare the site for redevelopment. A firm demolition date has not yet been determined and redevelopment plans are still being finalized.

11/20/2025

Join us for a fun and creative Lego One Scoop Challenge! All ages are welcome!

📍 McGirt-Horton Branch
📆 Thursday, November 20
⏰ 4:30 - 5:30 pm

11/17/2025

🎄 Triad Holiday Events Master List (2025) — UPDATED

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🎉 Festival of Lights — Downtown Greensboro
📍 Downtown Greensboro (Elm St & surrounding blocks)
📅 Date: Friday, Dec 5, 2025 — 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
💲 Cost: Free admission
📋 Notes: Tree lighting, live music, Santa meet-and-greets, local vendors, street performers. Confirmed on Downtown Greensboro’s 2025 calendar. 

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🎉 Winter Wonderlights — Greensboro Science Center
📍 Greensboro Science Center (4301 Lawndale Dr)
📅 Dates: Nov 19, 2025 → Jan 4, 2026
💲 Cost: Ticketed (typical tiers ≈ $15–$25; check site for exact tiers)
📋 Notes: Over one million lights across zoo, aquarium & museum. Themed nights like “Jingle Brew” and community discount nights available. 

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🎉 Local holiday pop-ups & downtown lights — Greensboro
📍 Various downtown locations (Center City Park, LeBauer Park, Elm Street merchants, Greensboro Coliseum Special Events Center)
📅 Dates: Multiple weekends — notable confirmed events include: Holiday Market (Gilmore Shows) Nov 7–9, 2025 at the Special Events Center/Greensboro Coliseum; CVA Holiday Market / Santa Saturday Dec 13, 2025; Downtown “Festival of Lights” events Dec 5–7 weekend programming.
💲 Cost: Usually free / varies by vendor (Holiday Market is ticketed)
📋 Notes: Rotating weekends & markets across November–December — check event pages for vendor lists and exact weekend schedules. 

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🎉 Tanglewood Festival of Lights (drive-through) — Clemmons / near Winston-Salem
📍 Tanglewood Festival Park (4061 Clemmons Rd, Clemmons)
📅 Dates: Nov 14, 2025 → Jan 1, 2026 — nightly 6:00–11:00 PM
💲 Cost: Family vehicle ≈ $20 cash / $23 credit; group & carriage rates posted online
📋 Notes: Southeast’s largest drive-through light display, carriage rides, “Paws in the Park,” and running events. 

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🎉 Reynolda Village Holiday Stroll & House Tours — Winston-Salem
📍 Reynolda Village & Reynolda House (Winston-Salem)
📅 Date: Saturday, Nov 22, 2025 — Holiday Stroll programming 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM (house tours run on scheduled dates; see Reynolda House calendar)
💲 Cost: Free for stroll; house tours ticketed
📋 Notes: Caroling, holiday shopping, historic Reynolda Village tours.

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🎉 Christmas at Körner’s Folly — Kernersville
📍 Körner’s Folly (413 S Main St, Kernersville)
📅 Dates: Nov 25, 2025 → Jan 3, 2026 (holiday season; special candlelight evenings and themed events have specific dates on the Körner’s Folly calendar)
💲 Cost: Ticketed (nighttime candlelight tours and themed rooms)
📋 Notes: Historic home decorated for the holidays.

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🎉 Kernersville Christmas Tree Lighting — Town Hall Courtyard
📍 Kernersville Town Hall Courtyard (134 E Mountain St)
📅 Date: Saturday, Dec 6, 2025 — Festivities begin at 6:00 PM
💲 Cost: Free / family event
📋 Notes: Community tree lighting with music and vendors; confirmed on Kernersville Parks & Rec announcements. 

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🎉 Kernersville Christmas Parade + Yuletide Celebration
📍 Downtown Kernersville (Main St / East Mountain St corridors)
📅 Dates: Kernersville Christmas Parade — Sunday, Dec 7, 2025, 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM; Yuletide Celebration / Night Market — Saturday, Dec 13, 2025 (daytime & evening activities)
💲 Cost: Free to attend; float/entry fees may apply
📋 Notes: Parade route through downtown with vendors and the Yuletide Night Market on Dec 13. 

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🎉 Winter Glow at The Point — Truist Point Stadium (High Point)
📍 Truist Point Stadium (301 N Elm St, High Point)
📅 Dates: Nov 23, 2025 → Jan 4, 2026 (special themed nights on select dates; sample nights: Dec 6 — Glow After Dark; Dec 13 — Glow & Discover; Dec 20 — Wishes in the Glow)
💲 Cost: Ticketed (varies by night; see Winter Glow / Truist Point site for ticket tiers)
📋 Notes: Light show & interactive holiday nights on the field — themed family nights, domes, and activities. 

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🎉 High Point University Christmas Lights Drive-Through — HPU Campus
📍 High Point University (One University Parkway)
📅 Dates: Dec 20 → Dec 27, 2025 — nightly drive-through times typically 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM (arrive early; enter via University Parkway)
💲 Cost: Free / donations sometimes accepted
📋 Notes: Seasonal campus lights & drive-through experience; confirmed on HPU holiday listings. 

⸻

🎉 High Point WinterFest + Holiday Parade & City Lake Park Events
📍 Downtown High Point & City Lake Park
📅 Date (Holiday Parade): Sunday, Nov 23, 2025 — High Point Holiday Festival Parade (approx. 3:00 PM); other City Lake Park WinterFest programming occurs on the surrounding weekend dates — check Visit High Point for full schedule.
💲 Cost: Free entry; rides/vendors may charge
📋 Notes: Parade kicks off the season; City Lake Park events and WinterFest activities through late November/December. 

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🎉 High Point Theatre Seasonal Shows — Holiday Concerts & Nutcracker
📍 High Point Theatre (220 E Commerce Ave, High Point)
📅 Dates: High Point Ballet — The Nutcracker: Fri, Dec 19; Sat, Dec 20; Sun, Dec 21, 2025 (times vary; additional family/student performances around Dec 18–20)
💲 Cost: Ticketed
📋 Notes: Family holiday performances and seasonal concerts; check High Point Theatre box office for single-show times and ticketing. 

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🎉 Uptown Lexington Christmas Open House & Tree Lighting
📍 Uptown Lexington (Main St / The Square)
📅 Date: Sunday, Nov 23, 2025 — Christmas Open House (1:00 PM); tree-lighting and evening festivities tied to the Open House (live music + train rides)
💲 Cost: Free / family friendly
📋 Notes: Uptown merchants host shopping specials and a community tree-lighting as part of the Open House weekend. 

⸻

🎉 Lexington Christmas Parade (Uptown)
📍 Uptown Lexington (parade route along Main Street)
📅 Date: Monday, Dec 1, 2025 — 6:00 PM (annual Uptown Lexington Parade)
💲 Cost: Free spectators (float registration fees may apply)
📋 Notes: Evening parade with lights and community groups; confirmed on regional event guides. 

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🎉 Country Christmas Train at Denton Farm Park (near Lexington)
📍 Denton Farm Park / Handy Road Entrance (4259 Handy Rd, Denton)
📅 Dates: Nov 28–30, 2025; Dec 5–7; Dec 11–14; Dec 18–23; (additional dates like Dec 31 shown on some calendars) — gates open ~4:30 PM, last train ~9:00 PM
💲 Cost: Adults ~$25; Seniors/Military ~$20; Kids 5–17 ~$10; Under 4 Free (prices vary by date and vendor; check tickets page)
📋 Notes: Live nativity, Santa, and train rides through lighted park; multiple performance nights and family discount nights. 

⸻

🎉 Olde Leaksville Nighttime Christmas Parade — Downtown Eden
📍 Olde Leaksville District (Washington St / Downtown Eden)
📅 Date: Saturday, Dec 13, 2025 — Parade starts at 6:00 PM
💲 Cost: Free / float entry fees apply
📋 Notes: Nighttime parade tradition with lights and community groups; confirmed with Eden/Olde Leaksville announcements. 

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🎉 Eden Holiday Events & Tree Lighting — Multiple Venues
📍 Downtown Eden & surrounding venues
📅 Dates: Multiple — Olde Leaksville Parade Dec 13, 2025 (evening) and additional family events scheduled across November–December (check ExploreEdenNC calendar)
💲 Cost: Mostly free community events
📋 Notes: Community tree lighting, seasonal markets, and family programming.

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🎉 Mebane Christmas Parade — Downtown Mebane
📍 Downtown Mebane / Veterans Memorial Garden area
📅 Date: Friday, Dec 5, 2025 — 7:00 PM (Nighttime parade)
💲 Cost: Free / float registration may apply
📋 Notes: Alamance County’s nighttime parade tradition — confirmed in regional holiday guides. 

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🎉 Mebane Tree Lighting — Veterans Memorial Garden (Downtown)
📍 Veterans Memorial Garden (Downtown Mebane)
📅 Date: Friday, Dec 5, 2025 (tree lighting typically coordinated with Mebane’s nighttime festivities)
💲 Cost: Free family event with music & vendors

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🎉 Burlington Christmas Parade & Holiday Magic — Downtown Burlington
📍 Downtown Burlington (Front St / Main St corridors)
📅 Dates: Saturday, Nov 22, 2025 — 78th Annual Burlington Christmas Parade (10:00 AM); Holiday Magic (Downtown) — Saturday, Dec 13, 2025 (4:00–7:00 PM); Christmas in the Park — Burlington City Park — Monday, Dec 22, 2025 (5:00–8:00 PM)
💲 Cost: Free / carriage rides or vendors extra
📋 Notes: Parade and Holiday Magic evening programs are both annual highlights; confirm vendor/ride ticketing on Burlington Parks & Rec pages. 

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🎉 Christmas in the Park — Burlington City Park
📍 Burlington City Park
📅 Date: Mon, Dec 22, 2025 — 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Christmas in the Park family evening)
💲 Cost: Free or low-cost (rides/vendors may charge)

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🎉 North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival — Cary (Koka Booth Amphitheatre)
📍 Koka Booth Amphitheatre (Cary)
📅 Dates: Nov 15, 2025 → Jan 11, 2026
💲 Cost: Tickets vary by date / tier; typical adult pricing examples $22+, kids 3–12 ~$16 (check official site for exact pricing)
📋 Notes: Handcrafted lantern displays, cultural performances, and food vendors.

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🎁 BONUS: THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride — NC Transportation Museum (Spencer, NC)
📍 NC Transportation Museum (Spencer)
📅 Dates: Nov 7–9; Nov 14–16; Nov 21–23; Nov 28–30; Dec 5–7; Dec 11–23, 2025 (official schedule with multiple weekend slots)
💲 Cost: Ticketed — multiple tiers available; book early
📋 Notes: Official licensed experience with hot chocolate, Santa, and on-train entertainment.

11/13/2025

⛸️❄️‼️

The most wonderful rink of the year is almost here! ❄️

Piedmont Winterfest opens November 21. Lace up, bundle up, and get ready to make your downtown winter official.

Check the action in real-time on our live rink feed at https://www.greensborodowntownparks.org/.