Residents of Greenville gather downtown to celebrate the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony, marking the start of the holiday season.
The holiday season in Greenville commenced with a vibrant tree lighting ceremony in downtown, showcasing a stunning Christmas tree adorned with over 25,550 LED lights. Mayor Knox White led a joyous countdown, fostering a sense of community among attendees. The celebration continues with the Poinsettia Christmas Parade, a cherished tradition for over 75 years, featuring festive floats and live music. Additionally, the Greenville Church of God hosts its first annual Christmas tree sale, contributing to charity efforts aimed at supporting children in need locally and globally. Eco-friendly tree recycling options will also be available post-holidays.
In the charming city of Greenville, the holiday season is officially off to a bright start following a delightful tree lighting ceremony held on Friday night. The heart of downtown, particularly Main Street, was aglow as the city unveiled its magnificent Christmas tree, adorned with a dazzling total of 25,550 LED lights.
The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as Mayor Knox White welcomed children to the stage to assist in the countdown for the grand illumination. As the mayor counted down, the collective anticipation from the crowd culminated in the brilliant lighting of the tree, sending sparks of joy throughout the gathering. Local residents such as Graziella Paniz and Juan Corral expressed their delight, emphasizing how the beautifully lit tree fosters a wonderful community spirit as families and friends come together to celebrate the season.
The lighting ceremony was part of the larger “Night of Lights” celebration, where visitors enjoyed the sights and sounds of the season, featuring live music and an array of vendors. Following the excitement of the tree lighting, Greenville continues the holiday festivities on Saturday with the iconic Poinsettia Christmas Parade, which proudly takes place at 6:30 p.m. on Main Street.
Having been a celebrated tradition for over 75 years, the Poinsettia Christmas Parade marks a significant moment, welcoming the Christmas season with joyous fanfare and community warmth. This year, thousands of visitors are expected to gather downtown for the lively parade, which features splendid holiday floats. The enchanting theme of the parade, “A Silver Bells Christmas,” promises to dazzle and delight attendees of all ages as the procession winds through the festive streets.
The parade route will run along South Main Street from Rhett Street to Vardry Street and Main Street from Broad Street to East McBee Avenue. For those planning to attend, early arrival is highly encouraged to secure parking. Helpful tips have been shared through local social media channels to make it easier for families and friends to enjoy the festivities.
In a heartwarming initiative, the Greenville Church of God is hosting their first annual Christmas tree sale, offering over 70 beautiful trees to support children in need both locally and globally. Collaborating with the ‘Buy a Tree, Change a Life’ organization, which began in 2012, this effort is a wonderful way to give back to the community. Proceeds from the tree sales will benefit several nonprofits focused on children in Greenville and Cambodia, and also support women through the Carolina Pregnancy Center, which provides essential prenatal care and recovery assistance for post-abortion stress.
Daniel Mills, a dedicated volunteer with the church, shared that this initiative is about spreading Christmas joy and making a difference in the lives of others. This year’s tree prices vary, making it accessible for everyone to bring home a little holiday spirit. Trees priced for families include $50 for the smaller sizes (2-4 feet), $75 for 5-6 feet trees, $85 for 6-7 feet trees, and $110 for the bigger 7-8 feet options.
As the holiday season unfolds, the city will provide eco-friendly options for residents to recycle their Christmas trees after the celebrations end. There are helpful curbside pick-up options as well as designated drop-off locations available at local parks until late January. To ensure proper recycling, it’s essential for residents to remove all decorations, including tinsel, garland, tree stands, and ornaments before pickup.
For those looking to get creative, old trees can be repurposed into natural bird feeders or even made into a natural reef at local ponds or lakes. Trees brought to recycling centers are often transformed into nourishing mulch, ready to enrich local gardens as spring approaches.
With the twinkling lights and projects aimed at spreading kindness, Greenville is undeniably set to have a festive and joyous holiday season this year.
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