FEATURED:

MAKE THE MOST OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON IN GOLDSBORO-WAYNE COUNTY

by Destination Magazine 

FEATURED:

30+ FUN WINTER THINGS TO DO IN NORTH CAROLINA

by Travel Through Life

FEATURED:

9 ADORABLE NORTH CAROLINA TOWNS THAT FEEL LIKE A HALLMARK CHRISTMAS MOVIE

by Travel Awaits

HOLIDAY EVENTS GUIDE

DOWNTOWN LIGHTS UP

NOVEMBER 23 – JANUARY 2

Join us for this annual event, as Downtown Goldsboro lights up and the holiday season officially begins! Don’t worry if you miss the event, Downtown Goldsboro stays lit up for the rest of the holiday season for those magical instaworthy pics. 

HOLIDAY TROLLEY RIDES

EVERY TUESDAY
NOVEMBER 23 – DECEMBER 21

These festive horse-drawn trolley rides are the perfect treat for a night out with family, friends or a significant other! Enjoy the sights and sounds of the season in Downtown Goldsboro.

SHOPPING PASSPORT

NOVEMBER 27 – DECEMBER 11

Shop local and win big! Downtown Goldsboro is giving away $500 to a lucky winner who completes their shopping passport. Passports can be picked up at any participating business and you’re just a stamp away from holiday cheer!

CHRISTMAS CONCERTS AT THE WAYNE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

DECEMBER 1 + 8 + 15 | 3:00 PM

The Waterbound Dulcimers
Dec. 1 | 3:00 – 4:00 PM

Scott McConnaughey 
Dec. 8 | 3:00 – 4:00 PM

Daniel Baynes w/ Hwy 581 South
Dec. 15 | 3:00 – 4:00 PM

DOWNTOWN HOLIDAY DRIVE-IN MOVIE SERIES

DECEMBER 2 + 16 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Load up the family and catch a FREE holiday drive-in movie! Find the holiday spirit from the comfort of your car. Arrive early, grab some snacks from the local vendors and have a joyful good time.

JINGLE EXPRESS + JINGLE IN THE PARK

DECEMBER 3 + 4 | 4:00 – 8:00 PM

Hayrides, Santa, outdoor movies, train rides on the Kiwanis Miniature Train, candy cane hunts, food truck and much more can all be expected at this annual Herman Park event! Fun for the whole family, this is an event that you won’t want to miss. 

GOLDSBORO CHRISTMAS PARADE

DECEMBER 4 | 4:00 PM

Join the holiday tradition of the Goldsboro Christmas Parade – this year with a record number of entries! Enjoy the festivities as Downtown Goldsboro fills with cheer, music, and fun. 

A HOLLY JOLLY HOLIDAY MARKET

DECEMBER 4 | 1:00 – 6:00 PM

Join Shop Small Goldsboro (a collaboration between Sweet Carolina Soap and EcoRo Creations) for their Holly Jolly Holiday Market! Food trucks, local vendors and perfectly timed to take place before and during the Goldsboro Christmas Parade. Get your holiday shopping done early and support local. 

WAYNESBOROUGH RAILROAD CLUB’S CHRISTMAS SHOW

DECEMBER 4 | 4:00 – 8:00 PM

Head over to the Waynesborough Railroad Club for a special Christmas open house! Their life-like models, scenery and the addition of The Polar Express will bring you joy and take you back to being a kid again! Bring the whole family and enjoy the model trains that will be spinning around the track.  

PIKEVILLE CHRISTMAS PARADE

DECEMBER 5 | 3:00 PM

Mark your calendars because the annual Pikevillege Christmas Parade it back! Following the parade, don’t miss out of the Greater Pikeville Improvement Committee’s Christmas Tree Lighting at 5:30 PM. 

PERFORMING ARTS AT THE PARAMOUNT THEATRE

DECEMBER 3 – 20 

The Nutcracker Ballet
Dec. 3-5 | Click below for times

A Carolina Sound Christmas 
Dec. 7 + 8 | 7:30 – 9:30 PM

Child of Promise 
Dec. 17 – 19 | Click below for times

Christmas with The Embers, ft. Craig Woolard
Dec. 20 | 7:30 PM

CST PRESENTS: A CHRISTMAS JOURNEY

DECEMBER 10 – 12

Join Centerstage Theatre for their production of A Christmas Journey 2021. Encounter Biblical Figures, St. Nick, and dancing, singing, and excitement as you experience this Christmas Journey! 

POLAR EXPRESS 2021

SANTA’S TRAIN SCHEDULE:

Dec. 4 | 4:00 – 8:00 PM
Dec. 9 – 11 | 5:00 – 8:00 pm
Dec. 16 – 18 | 5:00 – 8:00 PM

Enjoy the last rides on the original 1953 Kiwanis Miniature Train before it is retired for a brand new train! This train has been a family tradition since 1953 and it’s one of Goldsboro-Wayne County’s most unique staples. For only $1.00 a ticket, this train is worth the ride!

THE GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS PAST 

DECEMBER 18 
4:00 – 6:00 PM | 7:00 – 9:00 PM

TICKETS AVAILABLE:
Advance Adult: $25
Advance Child: $15 
At Gate Cost: $5 increase 

Created by the Wayne County Museum. Meet the “residents” of Willowdale Cemetery on this walking tour. Historic figures are portrayed by local actors, and it’s the perfect education and enjoyable time for families and groups of friends. 

THE MT. OLIVE PICKLE DROP

DECEMBER 31 | 5:30 – 7:00 PM

You cannot miss out on one of the most unique events in North Carolina! The Mount Olive Pickle Drop has been an annual tradition since 1999 and is a must see event, just to catch that three and half foot pickle usher in the New Year. 

A HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE

THE HOLIDAY ART MARKET

Stop by the Art Market and discover the beautiful handmade and handcrafted items that local Wayne County artists create. Give the gift of handcrafted goods this holiday season!

THE ARTISAN VILLAGE

Pick up some handcrafted items that show how much you care this holiday season and support local Wayne County makers and sellers! Grab some treats at Pink Piggy Sweets while you’re there too!

MT. OLIVE PICKLES

Did you know that the Mt. Olive Pickle factory has an AMAZING gift shop? If you’re shopping for a pickle lover, you need to grab some gifts here. From hats to pickle packs, they have it all. 

CRAFT BEER

All I want for Christmas is brews! Shop at Well Travelled Beer, R & R Brewing, Goldsboro Brew Works, First Brew or Brewmasters of Goldsboro and grab yourself a pack (or five…) of craft beer!

BARBECUE

Goldsboro-Wayne County is know for iconic barbecue, so why not pick up some swag to share that barbecue love? Wilber’s Barbecue sells swag that can make the perfect stocking stuffer. 

HOLLY GROVE FARMS

Need to do some last minute gift shopping? Holly Grove Farms has the freshest goat cheese products at their farm shop. Want to explore? Give them a call and request a tour of the farm!

HERITAGE FARMS
GENERAL STORE

This is a must-see store with everything you can think of for a gift idea. From North Carolina swag, to fresh Cheshire Pork cuts, to seasonings and rubs, we guarantee you’ll find a gift here.

THE ANTIQUE MALL

Go explore the Goldsboro Antique Mall for hidden treasures from time! Find that perfect gift for the friend or family member that loves vintage. Want to give the gift of donating this year? Head to one of our many thrift or re-home stores.

GYPSY BEAN COFFEE SHOP

Give the gift of a fresh roast and caffeine to that friend or family member that need coffee to wake up in the morning! Grab yourself a gift card and a cappucino and let your holiday gift-giving worries disappear with a sip!

ELROY FARMS MARKET

If you’re a fan of fresh Christmas trees, alongside locally grown and made products and produce, you have to check out Elroy Farms Market.

TIMMY’S
ROADSIDE GARDEN

Timmy’s Roadside Garden is a staple for all things Christmas tree! Ask any local and they’ll tell you, Timmy’s will have you truly “pine”-ing for a fresh tree!

COUNTRY FRUIT STANDS

You can’t go wrong at any of the Country Fruit Stands in Goldsboro-Wayne County. Grab yourself some in-season produce and a tree to celebrate the holiday season. 

RYE ALWAYS FRESH

If you’re shopping for someone who loves street wear, is a sneaker head, or a fan of unique limited edition clothing, Rye Always Fresh is the place for you! Keep your gifts “fresh” this holiday season and head over to Rye.

CAROLINA PINE
COUNTRY STORE

Supporting a Veteran-owned business, shopping local, all while shopping for holiday gifts? That seems like the perfect mix! Pick up a variety of gifts from home goods to balms, lotions and more. 

2nd AMENDMENT ON MAIN

What can’t you find at 2nd Amendment on Main? Every product comes from a Veteran-owned company, they have patriotic wares, coffee, wallets, sunglasses, decanter sets, and more! This place is a holiday shopping dream.

BICYCLE WORLD

Picking up a gift for that sporty member of the family or friend group? Look no further than Bicycle World! This place has been a community staple for years and they can help you find, ffix or replace whatever you need this season.

CRY FREEDOM MISSIONS

What a better way to shop this holiday season, than at a location that supports  a good cause? Cry Freedom Missions not only have an array of goods that youll love, but you know that your money is going to help support a good cause.

GOLD CITY
HOUSE OF MUSIC

For those feeling nostalgic, or are big lovers of all things music, head over to Gold City House of Music to grab yourself or your loved-ones the gift of jazz, R&B, funk, country, and much more!

MICKEY’S PASTRY SHOP

How can you not want to give the gift of pie? Or donuts? Or cookies? Or cakes? Mickey’s Pastry Shop is one of the oldest bakeries in North Carolina, so you know that they are doing something right and that a gift from here will be the winner.

DAY SPA

Goldsboro-Wayne County is home to many spas, from Oasis Day Spa to Skin Therapy by Beth Day Spa, we hold the key to relaxation this holiday season! Give the gift of peace of mind this holiday and check out our local spas.

NAHUNTA PORK CENTER

This is the largest pork retail center on the East Coast and it’s calling your name this holiday season! Give the gift of fresh and locally produced meats that will be perfect for that holiday dinner. 

A HOLIDAY MEAL

Grab yourself dinner and drinks at one of many eateries and enjoy the magic of the holidays. 

CARL N’ CHELLE’S GRILL ROOM

Perfect for a date-night before the holidays, Carl N’ Chelle’s Grill Room is the perfect place for a romantic holiday meal. Voted the best steakhouse in Wayne County multiple years in a row, you won’t be wondering why they have been awarded that title after taking a bite.

BARRIQUE

This high-end eatery with a casual and laid-back atmosphere is the place for anyone who doesn’t just want a meal, they want an experience. From their chef selections and wine paired meals to their crafted selection of cocktails, Barrique is a can’t miss eatery.

JAY’S KITCHEN

If you’re a lover of sushi, artisan burgers, a fun cocktail selection and Japanese/Korean fusion, Jay’s Kitchen is the place for you. With a HUGE selection of sushi to choose from, and a menu of burgers that is a community favorite, this will be a unforgettable meal.

WILBER’S BARBECUE

No name is as iconic as Wilber’s Barbecue for Eastern, North Carolina-style barbecue. This is the perfect place for a family meal during the holiday season, as it is both an experience and a delicacy. Fill up on barbecue and grab a piece of pie at this family oriented eatery.

BREAD OF HEAVEN RESTAURANT

Pies, cakes and good old fashioned Southern cooking! Have we caught your attention yet? Bread of Heaven is going to tick every one of those boxes for a holiday meal, from the food to the dessert (which happens to be MASSIVE pieces of freshly baked cake) you’ll be wanting to experience this holiday meal.

LAMAR’S CAFE 

This family-owned cafe is the perfect spot for that holiday lunch. Their Ecuadorian eats are absolutely delicious and the whole vibe of the cafe is warm and family-oriented. You won’t want to miss out on this unique location in Goldsboro Wayne County, serving up home cooked cuisine with care in every single bite.

LOS FOGONES

 Charcoal Peruvian Chicken (Pollo ala brasa) , Grill Platters (Paradillas) filled with chicken, pork ribs, sausage, ribeye steak, and lamb. These are the delicious bites that await you at Los Fogones! This warm and laid-back Peruvian fusion restaurant is the perfect place for the filling holiday meal this season.

THE PLOWHOUSE RESTAURANT

Good ole country cooking is exactly what you get at the Plowhouse Restaurant, and you definitely won’t be leaving without your stomach full. Experience one of the many perks of being in the South – the incredible country cooking that you’ll be dreaming about long after you head home this holiday season.

THAI GARDEN

It might be chilly outside, but you definitely won’t notice after you’ve tried Thai Garden’s food. If you’re not one for spicy food, our pro-tip is don’t try the mild – just stick to the regular. But if you are a fan of spicy foods and you want to keep warm a little longer this holiday season, we definitely recommend going all out and trying Thai Cuisine’s different levels of spice! 

BRISAS LATIN CUISINE

Located in the heart of Downtown Goldsboro, you’ll get a perfect view of the holiday cheer all around! While looking outside at a winter wonderland, you’ll get to enjoy the warmth of the Caribbean in the cuisine at Brisas. Whether you’re grabbing one of their outstanding lunch specials or making a night of it for dinner, Brisas Latin Cuisine will transport you for your holiday meal.

JOHN’S PIZZA & FIRST BREW

We know not everyone wants a big or traditional meal for the holidays, so why not go to everyone’s favorite? PIZZA! John’s Pizza is a casual eatery connected to their own taproom and bottle shop, First Brew. Listen to live music, watch the game with a craft or domestic beer, or play some games with your family or friends. Needless to say, you won’t be leaving without making some memories.

VAILHOUSE OYSTER BAR

So, you wish you were on the beach? Winter is definitely not your season, and even though you love the holidays, you hate everything that reminds you that it’s winter. Well, Vailhouse Oyster Bar & Grill has you covered. If the warmth of the owners and staff don’t make you feel like it’s summer time, then the fresh seafood will! So grab yourself some oysters and think warm throughts this holiday season!

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