home

Y

es. The weekend event that is Spirit of Christmas has a big parade.

It also has a Live Nativity and an evening on-the-water light parade known as the Kayak Flotilla.

Members of the Kayak Flotilla crowd the harbor at dusk. Among them are kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and a dragon.

The Pamlico Chorale performs carols – and gets a visit from Santa – and the Tree of Names and Lights is lit up in Lou Mac Park, remembering and honoring loved ones.

Inside Oriental United Methodist Church during the Pamlico Chorale seasonal performance.

And there’s lights. On homes, on businesses, in trees, and in yards. This is also part of the Spirit of Christmas.

A flying pig in the trees outside the Oriental Vet’s office.

Light Up Oriental decorating contest winners:

• Most Traditional: Hugh & Dixie Midyette, 5605 Styron Drive
• Most Whimsical: Keneth & Nathan Schaffer, 508 Midyette Street
• Most Lights: Claudine Fields, 701 Broad Street
• Most Nautical: Jane & Paul David, 1110 Neuse Drive
• Best Decorated Business: Oriental Village Veterinary Hospital, 407 Broad Street

The seasonal spirit on A Dock at Oriental Harbor Marina.

A waiting lamb flips up her ears while watching for her cue.

Reindeer, gnomes, and gators decorated lawns and homes in the night.

Pointing into the harbor, an excited child spots his dad in the Kayak Flotilla.

In some places, a reindeer pulls Santa’s sleigh. On Neuse Drive, it was a gator.

The Flotilla wasn’t just kayaks. It was, however, engineless.

A Moravian Star hangs outside the historic brick building on Broad Street.

The full Moravian Star view.

One of Santa’s elves paddles by the dock.

Away in a manger. The LIve Nativity scene at Oriental United Methodist Church.

A crowd gathered for the lighting of the Tree of Names and Lights. It kicks off The Spirit of Christmas weekend.

A Grinch rides a dragon.

A look from Mizuchi the Dragon.

Watching the Live Nativity, and dressed for the season.

Decorated buildings around Oriental.

Santa visits the audience while the Chorale sings.

Dusk on the harbor during the Kayak Flotilla.

Posted Wednesday December 13, 2023 by Allison DeWeese