🎄The Coziest Week of the Year Starts Here

Easy plans, festive moments, and simple ways to savor the in-between days

Author

Frank Jones
December 24, 2025

Hello, ENC Explorers!

This is that rare, glow-filled week when schedules loosen, lights stay up a little longer, and the world feels just a bit softer. It’s a time made for cozy comforts, playful traditions, and simple plans that feel special without adding stress. Whether you’re carving out a low-key moment just for two or looking for an easy way to create memories with the whole family, this week’s ideas lean into warmth, fun, and togetherness. Think familiar favorites with a festive twist, joyful outings that fit naturally into the season, and small moments that make this week feel unforgettable.

🔊 Your Midweek Reset

Step away from the scroll and slow things down. Each Wednesday, our 5-minute audio guide shares Greenville’s best under-$25 outings, inviting local spots, and easy ways to enjoy the week without piling on plans. In just a few minutes, you’ll discover relaxed date ideas, family-friendly fun, and small moments that help the season feel a little warmer. Tap play, take a breath, and let us do the planning. ✨

You can listen on:

Your weekly audio guide to affordable fun in Greenville 🎧

📍 Put Your Business Where Greenville Shows Up

ENC Explorer readers don’t just scroll — they make real plans. From quick coffee stops to easy family outings, our audience of ECU students, parents, and longtime locals actively supports the places that shape everyday life in Greenville.

With 400+ local spots already featured and a loyal, growing readership, ENC Explorer has become a trusted go-to for where to eat, shop, and explore across Pitt County. And during this glow-filled end-of-year stretch — when people are choosing how and where to spend — being top of mind makes all the difference.

Featured placements start at just $100 — real local reach, thoughtful visibility, and zero algorithm guesswork.

👉 Reserve your spot today or simply reply to this email. Let’s make this your busiest (and best) season yet.

🌟 Celebrate ENC’s Everyday Heroes

Eastern North Carolina feels like home because of the people who show up for it — the mentor who encourages others, the neighbor who lends a hand without being asked, the small business owner who gives back, and the volunteer who leads with heart.

Right now, we’re highlighting locals who make our communities stronger, kinder, and more connected. Nominate someone who:
🤍 Leads with care and intention
🤝 Brings people together through service, creativity, or generosity
✨ Gives their time, energy, or support to make ENC a better place

It could be a teacher who inspires confidence, a barista who remembers every name, or a friend whose quiet kindness made a lasting difference.

📬 Selected nominees may be featured in ENC Explorer — because the people who shape our community deserve to be recognized.

Let’s celebrate the folks who remind us that “local” isn’t just where we live — it’s how we show up for one another.

🍂 ENC Adventure: Savoring the In-Between

This stretch of the season has a familiar Greenville feel — daylight fades a little earlier, routines loosen up, and the city settles into a quieter rhythm. While calendars can still feel full, there’s also more room for small pauses if you know where to look. This week’s adventure is about easing off the pace, leaning into comfort, and enjoying the simple moments that fit naturally into everyday life around town. No packed itineraries or extra spending required — just gentle ways to let winter unfold right here at home.

✨ Seasonal Tip: Use Winter Afternoons to Explore Greenville Gently

Winter afternoons in Greenville bring a rare calm — daylight lingers just long enough, crowds thin out, and familiar places feel easier to enjoy. This week is a great time to plan one simple daytime outing and let everything else fall into place naturally.

A few easy ways to lean into the season around town:

• Spend time downtown earlier in the afternoon, when shops and sidewalks feel quieter and parking is easier
• Pop into indoor spots like the Greenville Museum of Art or the NC Museum of Natural Sciences for a warm, unhurried visit
• Take a short loop through nearby neighborhoods or along the river to enjoy the seasonal atmosphere without committing to a long plan

Pro tip: Choosing one small daytime outing often makes the rest of the day feel lighter — winter plans don’t have to be full to feel satisfying.

Coming Up Next: One cozy date idea and one family-friendly outing designed to help you enjoy the season without rushing it

💑 Date Idea: Movie Matinee & Mall Stroll for Two

Location: AMC Fire Tower 12 → Greenville Mall
Cost: $20 per person

Lean into the relaxed rhythm of the in-between days with a classic movie matinee followed by a slow walk through the mall — no rushing, no crowds, just time together. Catch a film you’ve both been excited about, then wander, window shop, grab a coffee, or split a treat before heading home. It’s simple, cozy, and feels quietly special during a week when schedules are softer and the atmosphere is still festive.

Practical Tip: Go mid-afternoon to avoid evening crowds, and let the stroll be unstructured — the magic is in lingering, not planning. 🍿✨

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Outing: Ugly Sweater & Cookie Exchange Nigh

Location: At home
Cost: $15 per person

Turn one evening into a playful family tradition with an ugly sweater and cookie exchange night. Everyone picks their silliest sweater, brings a favorite cookie (homemade or store-bought), and trades treats while sampling and voting on fun categories like “most colorful,” “most surprising,” or “kid favorite.” Add music, simple games, or a short movie clip to keep things light and joyful. It’s festive, inclusive, and easy to repeat year after year.

Practical Tip: Keep portions small and set a clear “no perfection” rule — the goal is fun, not fancy. 🧶🍪

How helpful was this edition of the City Guide by ENC Explorer?

We’re always looking to make our emails even more useful in helping you discover great things to do in the region.

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

🌟 Think Greenville Slows Down in Winter? Think Again

Shorter days and fuller schedules can make it feel like things are winding down — but Greenville keeps its energy in quieter, cozier ways. From inviting spots made for lingering to easy outings that spark connection, there are plenty of local, feel-good ways to brighten your week. This season is all about finding warmth in simple plans, and Greenville is still very much glowing. ✨

The ENC Explorer City Guide is your trusted guide to under-$25 dates, family adventures, and hidden gems throughout Eastern North Carolina.

✨ No endless scrolling. No pricey tickets. Just easy plans that fit real life — right here at home.

📬 Know someone who loves finding local favorites? Forward this email and share the Greenville you enjoy — welcoming, thoughtful, and full of small moments that make this season feel brighter.

🎄 ENC Events: Cozy Nights & Holiday Cheer

Greenville is settling into that sweet spot where cool evenings meet twinkling lights — the perfect season for warm drinks, festive strolls, and simple outings that feel extra special. ✨ Whether you’re planning a relaxed night out, a family-friendly adventure, or a cheerful way to soak up local holiday spirit, this week’s events deliver all the cozy vibes ENC does best.

What’s Happening: Fireside fun, seasonal shows, and small-town holiday magic.

Date: December 24–29, 2025 | 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Location: 303 Greenville Blvd SW, Greenville, NC 27834
Cost: Free

Description:
Step into a holiday wonderland at the Greenville Convention Center’s annual Festival of Trees. Dozens of beautifully decorated trees fill the space, each designed by local businesses, schools, and community groups to showcase their creativity and seasonal spirit. It’s an easy, cheerful stop during the holiday week — families can wander at their own pace, couples can snap festive photos, and kids will love choosing their favorite themed tree. The self-guided layout makes it simple to pop in anytime during the day and soak in one of Greenville’s most charming seasonal traditions.

Pro Tip: Weekday mornings and early afternoons tend to be quieter, making it easier to enjoy the displays and grab photos without crowds.

Location: Pitt Street Brewing Company, Greenville, NC
Dates & Times: December 31 at 7:00 PM–1:00 AM
Cost: Free

Step into an evening of elegance, whimsy, and old-world glamour at Pitt Street Brewing Company’s Bridgerton-themed Masquerade Ball. Inspired by Regency-era flair and dramatic romance, this New Year’s Eve celebration invites guests to don masks, mingle in style, and enjoy a festive atmosphere worthy of the season’s grand finale. From 9:00–11:00 PM, the Stratus String Quartet will perform live in the front taproom, adding a refined soundtrack to the night as the countdown to midnight approaches. Whether you arrive in full period attire or modern cocktail wear, this free community celebration promises a memorable way to ring in the new year.

Pro tip: Bring your own mask, arrive early to enjoy the live music, and consider a rideshare if you plan to stay through the midnight toast. ✨

Date & Time: December 31 | 11:00 AM–2:00 PM
Location: Five Points Plaza (5th & Evans Street), Downtown Greenville
Cost: Free

Celebrate the New Year early with a high-energy, family-friendly party in the heart of downtown Greenville. This daytime celebration features bounce houses, a live DJ with kid-friendly music, photo booths, a caricature artist, and a Touch-a-Truck area with Police and Fire/Rescue vehicles. The countdown ends with a bubbly toast — sparkling grape juice included — making it a fun, stress-free way for families to join the celebration without staying up late.

Pro tip: Arrive early to beat the crowds and let kids enjoy the bounce houses before lunchtime.

Your Voice Matters

📚 Reader Spotlight: A Quiet Winter Pause in Chocowinity, NC

Looking for a calm, close-to-home way to slow things down this week? Barbara J recommends a winter visit to Chocowinity, NC — a small river-town just a short drive from Greenville that’s known for its laid-back pace and strong sense of community. With open skies, quiet streets, and nearby water views, Chocowinity offers a peaceful change of scenery when you’re craving something simpler.

Take a slow drive through town, pause near the river, or enjoy the stillness that settles in during the winter months. It’s the kind of place where kids can stretch out, couples can enjoy an unhurried moment together, and anyone needing a reset can breathe a little easier. No agenda required — just time and space.

If you’re looking for a gentle, low-key way to enjoy the season without going far, Chocowinity delivers a quiet kind of magic that locals appreciate.

What’s your favorite type of budget-friendly activity in ENC?

🌟 We Want to Hear From You! Your input helps us tailor this City Guide to your interests, making sure every issue is packed with ideas you’ll enjoy. Take a quick moment to vote and shape the future of our content!

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Share Your Thoughts

We want to hear from you! What’s your favorite spot in and around Greenville, NC? Whether it’s a hidden gem, a local eatery, or a scenic park, your input could be featured in an upcoming City Guide! Take a moment to share your pick in our one-question survey.

📍 Know Someone Who Loves Seasonal Adventures?

Share the guide that keeps discovering Greenville easy, local, and fun.

ENC Explorer highlights free events, under-$25 outings, and can’t-miss local gems across Eastern North Carolina — perfect for anyone who’d rather make memories than spend time searching for plans.

✉️ Forward this email and invite a friend to explore ENC alongside you.

Happy exploring,
— The ENC Explorer Team

 📍 P.S. Put Your Business on Greenville’s Radar

From relaxed winter nights to everyday coffee stops, ENC Explorer helps locals decide where to go next — and your business can be part of that story.

If you’re not featured yet, now’s the perfect time to connect with readers who are actively choosing to support local spots right here in their community.