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ach year the merchants, churches, townspeople and civic groups unite to present Spirit Of Christmas as a way to say “thank you” for your support during the year. Spirit of Christmas runs Thursday, December 10 to Saturday, December 12.

Though the event is smaller and there is no parade this year due to COVID-19, you can still join the town for holiday treats, entertainment, and specials throughout town. Grab a hot cider and see the Friday evening lighted kayak parade, the movie Scrooged, the lights in Lou Mac Park, the lighting of the Oriental Star… and discover the beauty of Oriental as luminaries and decorations light the streets after dusk.

Many retail locations ask that patrons continue to observe COVID-19 occupancy, distancing, and mask guidelines while inside.

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Thursday, December 10

5:30p The lighting of the Tree of Names and Lights in Lou Mac Park and will stay up until December 31. This year’s donations benefit the Southeast Pamlico Volunteer Fire Department on Straight Rd.

6p The winners of the Light Up Oriental contest are announced directly after the lighting ceremony.

Friday, December 11

Friday all day – Nautical Wheelers Enjoy a cup of Hot Aspen Spiced Apple Cider on the Front Porch and in the yard.
Inside, there are daily specials on selected wine and holiday food treats. The Buy 1 Get One at Half Price Christmas Special on regular priced men’s and women’s clothing continues. 411 Broad St.

2 – 4p Pamlico Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) PAWS will be serving hot dogs, chips, and sodas in front of Oriental Village Veterinary Hospital. 407 Broad St.

3:30p – Dusk Luminaria are set out and lit along the streets of Oriental. They will burn throughout the Spirit of Christmas.

4:30p The New Bern Yacht Club Lights up the Harbor The New Bern Yacht Club docks at Oriental Marina, decorating their vessels with lights for the Spirit of Christmas.

5p Lighted Kayak Parade & Star Lighting. A flotilla of lighted kayaks, canoes, paddle boards and unmotorized dinghies leave the Wildlife Ramp at 5p and paddle into Oriental Harbor. The Star is lit at town dock #1 on Hodges directly after.

6p Scrooged at The Red Rooster. The Old Theater presents “Scrooged”, starring Bill Murray. Movie begins at 6p, gates open at 5:30p. Bring your own chair or golf cart and a blanket. Admission by donation, food available for purchase. 50/50 raffle to benefit the Theater.

Saturday, December 12

8a – 11a Farmer’s Market Get your holiday shopping done early with local produce, freshly baked good, jams & jellies, fresh Christmas greenery, and fine arts & crafts. Along Hodges Street in front of Garland Fulcher Seafood. 301 Hodges St.

Saturday all day – Nautical Wheelers Enjoy a cup of Hot Aspen Spiced Apple Cider on the Front Porch and in the yard.
Inside, there are daily specials on selected wine and holiday food treats. The Buy 1 Get One at Half Price Christmas Special on regular priced men’s and women’s clothing continues. 411 Broad St.

8a – 11a Brantley’s Village Restaurant Santa, his elf, and even the Grinch are at Brantley’s for breakfast. No matter the weather, there will be snow for the kids. 900 Broad St.

11:30a Santa Rides Through Oriental Escorted by the fire and police departments, Santa makes his way through town. Come out and wave to Santa when you hear the sirens.

10a – 1p Serendipity Spa Come meet Mona at Serendipity Spa. Get candles, cocoa bombs, or stop for a quick massage. Grab a healthy snack and pick up the perfect gift for your loved one. 402 Hodges St.

10a until… Village Hardware Join Village Hardware for spiced tea and cookies. 804 Broad St.

10a – 2p Oriental Therapeutic Massage Oriental Therapeutic Massage will be offering a free 10 minute massages (masked), homemade snacks and cider. 502 North St.

10a until… Marsha’s Cottage Open House Enjoy holiday specials and get a photo with Santa at 2p. 204 Wall St.

11a – noon Oriental Deli & Subs Come out and try the Chili or Snowman Soup (Chicken Gnocchi) along with brownies and hot cocoa. 807 Broad Street.

12 – 4p Toucan / Tiki Bar Pauline Smith sings on the deck. 101 Wall St.

1:30p Musicians will be strolling through the streets of Oriental.

3p Oriental United Methodist Church The Children’s Church at OUMC performs a Live Nativity outside the church. 404 Freemason St.

3:30p – 4:30p Mariner Realty Open House Enjoy Christmas Carols on the porch with Pat Nocera while enjoying refreshments and Christmas cheer with Angie and Allen Propst and the folks at Mariner Realty.

4 – 5p New Village Brewery Treat yourself to a plate of Jim Kellenberger’s North Carolina BBQ pork with three sides, benefitting Sound Rivers. Must pre-order for pickup, $10 per plate. Order at www.soundrivers.org or call 252-946-7211.

6p Pamlico Arts @ The Silos Restaurant Lip Synco Holiday Song Challenge. Bring a non-perishable food item to donate to Fishes & Loaves.

Posted Wednesday December 9, 2020 by Allison DeWeese