Downtown Roanoke Rapids is a charming, small town in North Carolina that becomes an old-fashioned Christmas town around this time of year. From the glamorous, twinkling lights on residences and businesses to organizing and donating to toy and food drives, you will feel love from these people as you enter their heartwarming place. Christmas on the Avenue will feature seasonal holiday events presented by Main Street Roanoke Rapids, Roanoke Rapids Parks and Recreation, and other local businesses throughout the season. The holiday fun kicks off on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023, offering activities in a few different locations. Let’s see what the folks are planning for this exciting Roanoke Rapids Christmas.

Downtown Roanoke Rapids normally looks like this.
Main Street Roanoke Rapids, 1040 Roanoke Ave, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870, USA
Indy beetle, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
But around Christmastime, hold onto your hats, because the generous business owners spend extra money to decorate their buildings for the holidays.
With the contribution of the hardworking city employees, it all adds up to a magical holiday. Just look at that yuletide glow at this Roanoke Rapids Christmas!
Centennial Park, 600 Roanoke Ave, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870, USA
Main Street Roanoke Rapids/Facebook
On Dec. 1 at 6 p.m., a Christmas tree lighting ceremony will take place at Centennial Park and Roanoke Avenue, offering free hayrides, food trucks, a Beer and Wine Garden, gorgeous lights, and luminaries.
The Santa Square Marketplace will take place from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. at 949 Roanoke Ave. featuring hand-crafted gift items, such as art, clothing, crystals, and yummy baked goods.
949 Roanoke Ave, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870, USA
Main Street Roanoke Rapids/Facebook
And 1026 Urban Green Space will again offer some festive lights and holiday activities.
Santa will linger around reading love letters at the Green Space at this Christmas festival in Roanoke Rapids.
Main Street Roanoke Rapids/Facebook
In addition to the letters-to-Santa station, this cool space will be equipped with such activities as ornament-making, a selfie station, and a visit from the green ole' Grinch.
Afterward, head across the street to the Halifax County Arts Council where an arts and crafts event with live music awaits the children.
Halifax County Arts Council/Facebook
On your way there, notice the beautiful Christmas lights cheering you on and help support the local businesses by doing some shopping.
Stephens Outlet, 1007 Roanoke Ave, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870, USA
Main Street Roanoke Rapids/Facebook
Stephens Outlet is the premier local flooring business for the Roanoke Valley, offering a wide variety of carpet, luxury vinyl tile, and more.

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If you need an exquisite holiday gown for a great price, The V is the answer.
The V, 1019 Roanoke Ave, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870, USA
Main Street Roanoke Rapids/Facebook
This is the shopping destination for fashion- and price-conscious customers.
The Quality Shop is an elegant, local icon for ladies who love to shop, offering the latest trends and lovely customer service.
Quality Shop Inc., 1022 Roanoke Ave, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870, USA
Main Street Roanoke Rapids/Facebook
Shop for a cause at Lily's Boutique, an important outreach business on The Avenue, where you can find beautiful inexpensive items at this resale store.
Main Street Roanoke Rapids/Facebook
All proceeds benefit Transforming Lives & Restoring Hope Inc.
Hannah's Closet Thrift Store is another important nonprofit business on The Avenue. It offers a large selection of treasures, such as jewelry, housewares, vintage and second-hand clothing, art, and pocketbooks.
Hannah’s Closet Thrift Store, 1034 Roanoke Ave, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870, USA
Main Street Roanoke Rapids/Facebook
All proceeds go toward helping survivors of domestic violence
Rivertown Home is one of the warmest places you will ever go, offering an endless and eclectic selection of unique, one-of-a-kind finds, mixed in with high-end home furnishings, home decor, and gifts.
Main Street Roanoke Rapids/Facebook
Even the employees are filled with the Christmas spirit at The Mill Coffee and Eatery, where the roasted red pepper soup is so creamy and delicious, you'll go back for more, but especially for the outstanding, sweet service, ice cream, and desserts.
The Mill Coffee and Eatery, 1020 Roanoke Ave, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870, USA
The Mill Coffee and Eatery/Facebook
And look for the heartwarming beef stew coming to ward off the winter chill.

Surely there are more events taking place in downtown Roanoke Rapids at Christmastime, so stay tuned by visiting the Main Street Roanoke Rapids Facebook Page. And while you’re at it, learn about Historic Halifax, right down the road. Its second annual Yuletide by Lanternlight also takes place on Dec. 1, 2023, a candlelight tour that starts with a magical horse-drawn wagon ride. If you visit either place, please share your experiences in the comments below. Consider extending your stay in a cozy, waterfront Lake Gaston Vrbo as a gift to yourself.

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More to Explore

Christmas In North Carolina

Carolyn Harmon | November 17, 2023

What are some of the best Christmas towns in North Carolina?

  • McAdenville hosts an annual celebration so extraordinary it has earned the nickname Christmas Town USA. This small town near Charlotte illuminates the sky during the holidays with so many businesses and homes lit with Christmas lights and decorations. Attend the tree lighting and Yule Log ceremonies, and jog off some of those calories by participating in the Christmas Town 5K. If the spirit of Christmas is lacking in your life, you just might find it here.
  • Dillsboro is a tiny town that is huge on loving Christmas and for 40 years has celebrated Dillsboro Lights & Luminaries. For the first two weeks in December, this magical place is lit with 2,500 candles and twinkling lights, creating a magical attraction. You'll find harmony in the streets with Christmas carolers. Take an old-fashioned horse-and-buggy ride and dance to live music. Find out why so many people attend this unforgettable holiday event.
  • Asheville is an interesting town any time of the year. But you must visit the castle during the holidays. Christmas at The Biltmore is an extravagance you have earned, leaving you feeling charmed. The decorations from days long ago inspire a sense of magic that is unique and fulfilling. From the kitchen to the indoor swimming pool and expansive gardens, see how folks once lived and celebrated the season. And you can't prepare for the first look at the lit mansion in person. It will take your breath.
  • While you're in Asheville, ride a Christmas train, then stay in a Christmas-themed inn for a holly jolly North Carolina adventure. Reserve a seat on the historic Craggy Mountain Line Jingle Bell Trolley. And afterward, book your Christmas gift, a luxurious holiday vacation at the roomy 6,300 square-foot Abbington Green Bed & Breakfast Inn and Spa, listed as the Jackson-Peyton House on the National Register of Historic Places.

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