By Chris Comer

Are you ready for Christmas?  Yes, Christmas is rapidly approaching and will be upon us in the blink of an eye. Although this month is the home of one of the greatest American holidays, we all know how quickly the demands of the Christmas season can sneak up on us. I hope you all enjoy Thanksgiving and celebrating a holiday that focuses on a positive attitude about life and the blessings thereof, rather than the hustle and bustle of gathering gifts.

Christmas, though, is the time of year when we get to show our loved ones what they mean to us through the giving of gifts. Plan to buy local this year and enjoy celebrating the holiday season by not only supporting the local economy, but also by getting to know the business owners in town!  Downtown Kernersville is a great place to spend time and is the perfect place to begin checking off items on your Christmas list.  Everywhere you go, you will discover stores showcasing vintage and antiques, salons that sell gift certificates, bakeries, and shops with an assortment of handcrafted goods–something for everyone on your list.

The historic atmosphere of Downtown Kernersville continues to grow with the Kernersville Museum Foundation being located on West Mountain Street. The Museum will host lots of activity this holiday season.  The word is that Santa and Mrs. Claus will be coming by at least once.  Körner’s Folly will have beautifully decorated rooms, so be sure to stop by and admire the festive ornamentation.  Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden is stunning all year round so take time and check out the gardens this holiday season.

Each year, downtown merchants adopt a country during Christmas Around the World.  This event is an opportunity to buy local and learn about traditions from another culture.  Saturday, December 5 from 1:00 – 6:00 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the Museum, along with Kernersville Little Theatre and Crisis Control Ministry.  Passports will be distributed so you can travel “Around the World.”  After you have experienced Christmas Around the World you and your family can walk down the street to enjoy the Annual Christmas Tree lighting at Harmon Park.

Downtown Holiday Events:
Friday, November 27 – Holiday Open House
Saturday, November 28 – Small Business Saturday
Saturday, December 5 – Christmas Around the World from 1:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 5 – Christmas Tree Lighting in Harmon Park
Sunday, December 6 – Frosty 5K Run 1:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 6 – Kernersville Christmas Parade
Sunday, December 6 – Rotary Pancake Supper 3:30 – 6:30 p.m.

This year, Kernersville is being nationally recognized as a shop small business destination by American Express.  Please watch for more information on this around town.
Each year the Christmas Parade gets bigger and bigger–and this year will be no different.  Groups and floats will be judged in front of the Kernersville Chamber of Commerce, with parade goers all along the route from Pineview, East Mountain, West Mountain, and then finishing at Kernersville Elementary School.  Set up your chairs early so you can cheer on the runners participating in the Frosty 5K run.  After the parade, head to Kernersville Elementary School and enjoy the delicious annual Rotary pancake supper.
We are not just a stopover town, we are a destination, so why not spend your days enjoying our parks, our restaurants, and checking off the Christmas list as you Discover Kernersville!