Spirit Of Christmas – December 9th and 10th

This would be a great weekend to come experience Oriental as it presents the Annual Spirit of Christmas – an extrordinary, two day celebration of friendship and old time hospitality. The Spirit of Christmas is considered by many to be a showcase of Oriental’s laid back, friendly style.

Every year, on the second weekend in December, Oriental merchants, churches and civic groups put on a dazzling display of fun, food and musical entertainments unlike any other. And, there’s a parade, a lighted flotilla and a live nativity as well.

There’s laughter in the air as friends old and new greet one another. And just at dusk, as if by magic, the three thousand plus luminaries that line the streets are brought to life by “Santa’s Elves.” It’s an enchanting sight that recalls Christmases past spent with family and loved ones.

And the food! You’ll find an incredible array of complimentary goodies, from gourmet cookies and chicken soup to roasted chestnuts and sliders. Visitors and townsfolk alike stroll from merchant to merchant to greet one another and graze on the delectible goodies.

There are musical presentations throughout the village. The Pamlico Chorale presents its annual Christmas program on Friday night at 7:30 and again Saturday night at 8:00. This 60+ member group draws a standing room only crowd each year. But they’re only the beginning. Various musicians of different styles play throughout the village all weekend. Programs are available at all merchants so that you don’t miss anything!

The fun begins at dusk on Friday, December 9th with a lighted flotilla that cruises up the Neuse River to dock at the town dock where sing-along caroling takes place and the Spirit of Christmas Star is lit. And the fun continues all day Saturday with the parade, open house at area merchants and a live children’s nativity. The Gingerbread House competition is judged on Saturday as well. Be sure to stop by and cast your vote for the best creation!

And here at River Neuse Suites we’ll be inviting folks in for a cup of gourmet seafood chowder. Our Oriental NC hotel is a great spot to use as your base as you stroll to all the activities and attractions. We’re withing walking distance of all the events plus you’ll have a front row seat for the lighted flotilla as it passes up the majestic Neuse River in front of the hotel. Rooms start as low as $99 per night – plus we’ll apply a 10% discount to guests who follow our blog.

So come on down and join us for a weekend of old time, small town hospitality! We’ll be waiting!