Santa is en route.
Tonight (Friday), the corner of North Water and Princess streets in downtown Wilmington will glow with holiday entertainment, arts-and-crafts vendors, a big ol’ Christmas tree and Kris Kringle himself to mark the start of the jingle-bell season.
A gathering with entertainment will begin at 5:30 p.m. followed by the tree’s grand lighting at about 6:25 p.m., according to a notice from the City of Wilmington.
“Santa will arrive shortly thereafter and will be available for visits,” said the notice. “Families are encouraged to bring cameras for a photo opportunity with Santa.”
In past years, the city’s 30-foot Christmas tree went up a bit south, in Riverfront Park; this year, the plan had to change a bit due to load restrictions now in effect at the park, where the city and the U.S. Coast Guard are planning repairs.
A menorah provided by Chabad of Wilmington, however, is within the load restriction and will be on display in the park, across from the Alton Lennon Federal Building on North Water Street. The tree will be staged at the foot of the old Wachovia Parking lot at North Water and Princess streets.
Friday’s event is made possible by the city’s Recreation and Downtown Services Division and the Downtown Business Alliance.
For more information, call 254-0907.
