Downtown Asheboro buzzes during holidays

There was a festive atmosphere and several events in downtown Asheboro during the recent holiday season. (Thadd Sanders / Randolph Record)

ASHEBORO – Crowds visited downtown Asheboro in big numbers prior to and during the holidays, and that was pleasing to mayor David Smith.

Smith said the events that spread across a few weeks provided festive atmospheres.

In particular, Smith pointed to the Christmas on Sunset activities that drew a bustling turnout across three hours of activities.

“I’d say that is as big as we’ve ever done,” he said. “The streets were full from store to store.”

The turnout to visit Santa Claus was impressive as well at Asheboro Recreation Center.

“There was a line waiting to see Santa Claus that was at least an hour long,” Smith said.

The formal holiday activities were coordinated by the Asheboro/Randolph Chamber of Commerce through its Christmas events committee and the City of Asheboro. Smith said the Downtown Asheboro Inc. also assisted.

Smith, who won’t run for another term in 2025, said he was pleased to see strong foot traffic in downtown even on days following Christmas. He said he hopes the holiday activities that drew hundreds of visitors translate into more regular busy times for downtown retailers and restaurants.

More activities were set for this week, with Four Saints Brewing Company and The Pharmacy Cocktails holding an “Early Bird New Year’s Eve Celebration” from 4-9 p.m. Tuesday.