The High Point Public Library is a very active public-facing institution that hosts a lot of events for the city’s residents, and that’s especially true at this time of year when people are getting into the holiday spirit. The city will, at the library, officially kick off the most wonderful time of the year with its Holiday Time event on Saturday, Dec. 3, featuring a special Holiday Stroll Market, festive activities throughout the day and the lighting of the Christmas tree that evening.

The 15-foot Christmas tree was donated by library supporter and local attorney Jim Morgan in December 2019, who, along with Santa Claus, will flip the switch at about 5:30 p.m. That will happen after a short program of Christmas music is held in the library.

The celebration will really last all day long – starting at 10 a.m. and going until the revelers return from the bars and nightspots they’ll no doubt hit after the tree lighting ceremony.

Here’s a rundown of the day’s events:

•10 a.m.- 2 p.m. The Holiday Market. This special market will feature over fifty vendors offering fresh produce, meats and baked goods as well as pottery, woodworking, jewelry, soaps and candles. During this time, live music will be provided by local musician Evan Blackerby. (The Hope City Food Truck will be at the Market from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.)

• Noon -1 p.m. Holiday crafts for children in the Story Room.

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Making Christmas cookies with Mrs. Claus in the Story Room. (Note: this will likely be a Mrs. Clause impersonator dressed as Mrs. Claus rather than Santa’s actual wife.)

3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Grinch movie will be shown with holiday snacks in the Story Room.

4:45 p.m. – 5:20 p.m. Photos with Santa (again, likely an impersonator) in the Story Room. Sensory-friendly priority time for this event runs from 4:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. 5 p.m. – 5:25 p.m. Holiday music from Tri-City Christian Academy Bell Choir in the café.

5:30 p.m. The grand finale: the lighting of the Christmas tree.

Those attending the festivities in downtown High Point are encouraged to take advantage of the lighted ‘Selfie Sleigh’ for additional holiday photo ops. The sleigh is being provided by the Guilford Merchants Association. Both the Christmas tree and the sleigh will remain lit until after the New Year.

For more information about children’s activities, anyone with questions can call Jim Zola at 336-883-3668 or Sarah Nareau at 336-883-3667.

For Holiday Market information, people should contact Mark Taylor at 336-883- 3646.

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