MORGANTON, N.C. – The holiday season in Morganton kicks off with the Winter Carnival and lighting ceremony on Saturday, November 23rd. The holiday event is held on the Courthouse Square in Downtown Morganton. “With all of the fun festivities and holiday magic in the air, it will be a great time to get some holiday shopping done in downtown! Be sure to grab lunch and check out all of the amazing local businesses in town after you shop the Holiday Market and before you head over to the carnival!” – Makenzie McGinnis, Main Street Manager November Holiday Market Festivities begin at 10 a.m. with the November Holiday Market on the corner of Green Street and Avery Avenue. The market runs until 2 p.m. and will have local crafts, produce, plants and more. Winter Carnival After that, the Winter Carnival takes place from 2:30pm-5:30pm at the Courthouse Square. The Winter Carnival will transform the area into a wonderland of holiday activities. Families can enjoy holiday fun by taking a free carriage ride through the town and even having the chance to meet Santa Claus. There will also be a variety of entertainment, including face painting, an ice slide, games, treats from Frosty’s Dinner and a special station to write letters to Santa. Downtown Lights Up For The Holiday Season The day concludes with a short ceremony that will lead into Downtown Morganton being lit up for the holiday season. While the Memorial Tree Lighting Ceremony won’t happen this year, the City of Morganton said the short ceremony leading up to the lighting of downtown will be an opportunity to reflect on this past year and look toward the bright new future of a healthy holiday season coming into a new year.   Aaron Costic will perform a fire and ice demonstration after the mesmerizing spectacle. “The Winter Carnival and lighting of our town is one of my favorite events! I always see new smiley faces and in this small town that I’ve lived in for most of my life. It brings me great joy to see more people discovering our special events, downtown vibe, beautiful storefronts and delicious restaurants!” – Kasey Goodfellow, Community Events Coordinator Full event summary: 10am-2pm – November Holiday Farmers Market 2:30-5:30pm – Winter Carnival (Free event with Free carriage rides, Santa visits, games and activities, and food) 5:30pm – Pre-Downtown Lighting Ceremony 6:00pm – Downtown lights up for the Holiday Season 6:00pm – Aaron Costic will do a fire and ice demo