Saxapahaw Holiday Market Boosts Local Economy, Greensboro Candlefest Shines
The Saxapahaw Holiday Market brought more than 100 vendors to historic Alamance County over the weekend, offering handmade art, jewelry, pottery and woodworking that supported local makers and drew visitors to the village. Nearby Greensboro hosted Candlefest with a path lit by more than 4,000 lights and community food donations, underscoring a weekend of seasonal activity that matters for small business revenue and local tourism.
Saxapahaw's holiday market on the weekend of December 5 returned as a focal point for Alamance County's seasonal economy, with over 100 vendors set up across three historic sites. The Haw River Ballroom at 1711 Saxapahaw Bethlehem Church Road, the Hawbridge Schools at 1820 Saxapahaw Bethlehem Church Road, and the Culture Mill at 1616 Jordan Drive hosted artists selling paintings, jewelry, pottery and woodworking during market hours that ran from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Markets of this scale concentrate shopper traffic and provide concentrated sales opportunities for artisans whose annual receipts can be weighted toward the holiday season. Beyond direct sales, the market encouraged foot traffic through the village, live music, and river walks along the Haw River, which supports ancillary spending at local restaurants and services. For Alamance County officials and small business owners, that kind of concentrated demand during a single weekend represents a measurable boost to local commerce and a practical test of parking and pedestrian management ahead of future events.
Greensboro added to regional activity with Candlefest at the Greensboro Arboretum on Saturday evening. The arboretum path featured more than 4,000 lights, hot chocolate, s'mores and a Santa visit, with free admission in exchange for a nonperishable food donation for Greensboro Urban Ministry. The event ran from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and drew families who were also responding to winter weather forecasts that predicted snow for parts of the state on Friday. That weather risk likely concentrated attendance into weekend offerings and highlighted the value of community oriented events that combine entertainment with charitable giving.
Regional highlights beyond Alamance County included Charlotte Comicon, the Grinch Whoville Holiday Bash in Asheville, and the City of Wilmington Holiday Parade. The weekend underscores a broader trend toward local experiential retail and community driven events as key drivers of holiday spending. For residents and county officials, sustaining these markets will mean continued support for vendor infrastructure, clear permitting and parking plans, and promotion that converts seasonal visitors into repeat customers for Alamance County businesses.
