Christmas Tree Lighting 2012 in Kernersville, NC

In so many ways, Kernersville NC is the Heart of the Triad.  Nestled between Winston-Salem and Greensboro, Kernersville is a town that's easy to just drive through.  But trust us, it's worth it to take the exit off the highway into town.  With a thriving downtown and all the stores you'd expect to find in a larger city, Kernersville is a place that makes you feel at home.

This year's Annual Christmas Tree Lighting took place on Friday, December 1, 2012.

Hundreds of people congregated at Harmon Park for the Tree Lighting, which began with caroling by local performers East Forsyth Madrigals.  Krispy Kreme doughnuts and hot chocolate were supplied by Pierce Jefferson.  Children laughed and played on the playground of the park while waiting for Santa's big visit.  

In Kernersville, Santa arrives by fire truck.  This year, he was preceded by the Glenn High School Marching Band!  As everyone gathered around the dark Christmas tree, the pounding beat of percussion increased the excitement of the waiting crowd.

In November, Kernersville unexpectedly lost Fire Chief Walt Summerville.  In memory of Fire Chief Summerville, a fire helmet was placed on the tree.

After Santa lit the Christmas Tree, he and Mrs. Claus went around to each child and said hello.  Most children also had their photo taken with them. The Grinch was there, as well as Teddy the Police Bear.  (That may not be Teddy's official name.  That is what we call him, though!)

Kernersville continues to celebrate the season.  December 13 is Senior-Holly Day.  From 10am-2pm you can enjoy lunch and a brief worship service.

December 15 is Mom's Morning Out.  From 10am-noon you will receive free childcare for downtown shopping.

On December 21, there will be a Candlelight Tour from 6-8pm.

All of these events are taking place in Downtown Kernersville.  There are many great shops in Downtown!  Check out Discover Kernersville for a listing of stores downtown. It appears that this listing has not been updated; I can also recommend eclection and of course, the Holiday House on Mountain Street (between Main and Cherry).

Enjoy Kernersville NC. Discover the Heart of the Triad!

Daytrip! Ride a real train with Santa!

Just a couple of hours from the Piedmont Triad, this sounds like a really fun daytrip that involves Santa.  And a train.   This day could put some children into happiness overload. Santa Claus is coming to town on the Triangle Train

New Hope Valley Railway offers rides with Santa first two weekends in December

(Bonsal, N.C., November 8, 2012) — The New Hope Valley Railway (NHVR) presents its annual Holiday Santa Trains the first two weekends in December departing from its rail yard located in Bonsal, N.C., just 10-minutes south of Apex off of U.S. Highway 1, Exit 89. Santa and his helper will visit each open-air passenger car pulled by either a diesel or steam locomotive. Children will get a treat and the opportunity to talk with Santa. The train, along with other areas of the railroad, will be decorated for the holidays during the hour-long excursion. “Riding a real train with Santa Claus is a fun and memorable way to celebrate the holidays,” says NHVR President Mike MacLean. “It’s a special time for families as well as our volunteers who help bring smiles to children’s faces.”             Purchase tickets online at www.TriangleTrain.com or at the train yard the day of the ride. Holiday Santa Trains will be operating on Saturday, Dec. 1; Sunday, Dec. 2; Saturday, Dec. 8; and Sunday, Dec. 9. Diesel train rides will be departing at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. and steam train rides at 12:15 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for children, ages 2-12. NHVR recommends arriving at the train yard 30 minutes before the listed departure time. Learn more by visiting www.TriangleTrain.com or www.facebook.com/TriangleTrain.

About New Hope Valley Railway (NHVR) The public is invited to visit The Triangle’s Train in historic Bonsal, North Carolina, located just 10 minutes south of Apex off of U.S. Highway 1, Exit 89. Trains generally operate one Sunday each month beginning in the spring through the end of the year. There are also special Halloween and Santa trains as well as themed events, charter and group train rides, opportunities to operate a train and birthday parties in an historic caboose. The North Carolina Railway Museum, a collection of antique train cars and an elaborate G Scale model garden railroad, are also part of the NHVR grounds along with a gift shop. Visit www.TriangleTrain.com.