Now is the perfect time to make amazing holiday moments! The best way to do that is to get out and have a bit of Holiday fun! Fayetteville and its sister cities have no shortage of events this Holiday season and I hope this guide helps you get make the most of the season!
Thanks to my friends at the Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and a bit of research I’ve found some pretty awesome places to be throughout the Holidays.
Fayetteville, NC
December 2nd – 23rd
HOLIDAY LIGHTS IN THE GARDEN
Cape Fear Botanical Garden – 536 N. Eastern Blvd., Fayetteville, NC
Grab your golden ticket and your coat to come to the 8th annual Holiday Lights in the Garden! This year we’re celebrating the season on the Polar Express. Parents and children will be amazed by a synchronized show of lights and music over the Cypress Pond, a mile-long stroll featuring thousands of lights aglow, a free caroling hayride, photos with Santa, S’mores roasting over the fire pit, entertainment on select evenings and free crafts for children. The Garden Gift Shop will be open each evening with a wonderful holiday selection. New this year is Santa’s workshop, a place for kids to secretly purchase holiday gifts for their parents, a showing of the Polar Express on loop in the Grand Hall and more themed nights than ever! Also, this year we made a deal with Santa. The Garden will be a letter drop off for your childrens’ wishlists and in return, Santa will be at the Garden EVERY night of Holiday Lights!
“Sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can’t see”
-The Polar Express
Get Your Tickets HERE | Event Details HERE
December 2nd | 1pm – 5pm
HOLIDAY JUBILEE
1897 Poe House – 801 Arsenal Ave, Fayetteville, NC
Celebrate the Christmas season with Victorian flair at the annual Holiday Jubilee at the 1897 Poe House on Sunday December 2 from 1:00-5:00 pm. The Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex invites you to attend this free event featuring a concert by Fayetteville’s own Coventry Carolers and the Cross Creek Chordsmen.
The house will be elaborately decorated for a Victorian Christmas providing a beautiful backdrop for this festive event and will be open between the caroling performances. The Poe House kitchen will be alive with the smells of Christmas goodies cooking on our 1902 Glenwood stove. Santa Claus will also be in attendance and available for pictures throughout the event. Santa photos are FREE!
Learn More HERE
December 6th | 6:30 pm – 8 pm
All-American Holiday Concert 2018
Crown Complex – 1960 Coliseum Drive, Fayetteville
GET READY for the 3rd Annual “All-American” Holiday Concert!!!
EVERYONE is welcome to attend this FREE Broadway-style musical performance! FREE tickets available at the door!
You DO NOT want to miss this… !
Learn More HERE
December 6th – 15th | 7 pm Nightly
BEHOLD: A FOLK CHRISTMAS CANTATA
Holy Trinity Episcopal Church – 1601 Raeford Rd., Fayetteville, NC
Our celebration of the winter season—part Gospel, part Sweet Tea magic—is an evening of communion meant to warm your hearts and focus your minds on Advent and Christmas. Featuring Andrew Peterson’s folk cantata Behold the Lamb of God rounded out with songs both traditional and new, Behold tells Old and New Testament stories with simplicity and grace, during this time of joy and reflection.
Seasonal drinks will be available for purchase; Sweet Tea Shakespeare’s Scarlet Marvel – A True Spectacle Maker brewed in collaboration with Hugger Mugger Brewery and tea from Fayetteville local tea store, Winterbloom. Cocktails and wine will also be available.
ADVANCE RESERVED SEATING for season ticket holders and season sponsors.
Get Your Tickets
December 6th – 22nd | Show Times Vary
THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER!
Cape Fear Regional Theater – 1209 Hay Street, Fayetteville, NC
Join us for this hilarious Christmas classic! Grace Bradley struggles to put on the church Christmas pageant, and is faced with casting the Herdman kids – probably the most inventively awful kids in history. You won’t believe the mayhem and the fun – when the Herdmans collide with the Christmas story head on!
Get Your Tickets Here
December 6th – 20th | 6 – 9 pm Daily
CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK
Arnette Park – 2165 Wilmington Hwy, Fayetteville, NC
Christmas In The Park is an event I’ve had the chance to experience first hand. It is such an amazing way to experience the beauty of Christmas from lights and cocoa to Santa himself!
Christmas in the Park is celebrated at Arnette Park, a beautiful combination of developed facilities and natural woodland spanning 100 acres adjacent to the Cape Fear River.
Bring your family and friends for a leisurely stroll on a ½ mile paved walking trail while taking in the sights and sounds of the Christmas season. You’ll enjoy entertainment provided by local artists, roast marshmallows at the fire pit and get creative at the craft station. Relax and watch some of your favorite holiday movies on the outdoor movie screen and take a ride on the Christmas Express train. Don’t forget to stop by and visit with Santa!
Learn More Learn More Here
December 8th – 22nd | 1pm – 8pm Daily
CARRIAGE RIDES WITH SANTA
Downtown Fayetteville
The Cool Spring Downtown District will host Carriage Rides with Santa Tickets are $5 for children under 10 and $10 for adults and children over 10. Tickets for the “Early Bird” special from 1pm-2pm are only $5 for all adults and children. Purchase tickets on the day of the rides at 222 Hay Street across from the Cameo Theater. Call 910-223- 1089 for more information.
December 8th – 9th | 3 pm
NC BALLET NUTCRACKER
Crown Complex – 1960 Coliseum Drive, Fayetteville, NC
The Nutcracker is one of the most iconic Christmas ballet. This performance is presented by the NC State Ballet.
Get Your Tickets HERE
December 8th | 8:30am – 10am
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
Fascinate U Children’s Museum – 116 Green Street, Fayetteville, NC
Come to enjoy a full breakfast, create an ornament, have your picture taken with Santa, play in the museum and watch the Christmas Parade with your entire family.
Learn More HERE
December 8th | 11am – 2pm
ANNUAL ROTARY CHRISTMAS PARADE
Downtown Hay Street, Fayetteville, NC
Fayetteville’s Annual Christmas Parade is hosted by the local area Rotary Clubs. Come downtown for Food Trucks, Fun, and Santa! We can’t wait to see you!
December 8th | 1pm – 3pm
LUNCH WITH SANTA
Huske Hardware – 405 Hay Street, Fayetteville, NC
After the Christmas Parade come to have lunch with Santa! That’s right! Santa will be on site at Huske from 1 pm – 3 pm Come to enjoy some lunch and you’ll have the opportunity to have your child’s photo taken with Santa for $3
December 8th | 12 pm – 6 pm
DOWNTOWN UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER DAY
Hay Street, Fayetteville, NC
Don your finest, tackiest, gaudiest Christmas sweater, vest or other garb and join us for an afternoon of fun while you shop, eat and experience downtown. Participating shops will be serving holiday beverages and refreshments. Watch for more information to come! #wearitdowntown#getugly #shopdowntownfaync
December 8th | 6pm – 9pm
DOWNTOWN CANDLELIGHT LOFT TOUR
The Downtown Fayetteville Candlelight Loft Tour features 16 homes including new spaces at Park View, the 300 Hay Street lofts to charming historic homes on Old, Hay, Bow and Person Streets! The self-guided Loft Tour runs from 6-9 p.m. Thursday, December 6, 2018. Check-in for event program and tour wristband will be at the Cool Spring Downtown District office, 222 Hay St., anytime between 9 a.m.-7 p.m. the day of the event.
Need Childcare during the tour? Cool Spring Clubhouse will be open during the event – reserve your spot on their website:
Majestic Mobility will be providing shuttle service from our office at 222 Hay St up to the Park View Lofts and back again. Check out their fleet at www.majesticmobility.com!
While you’re touring the Park View Lofts, you’ll find refreshments from our friends at Coldwell Banker Advantage and information on the new spaces under construction at The Residences at The Prince Charles. The Fayetteville Woodpeckers will also be onsite with merchandise available for purchase and updates on the progress of the stadium!
There’s plenty of shopping, food, arts and entertainment available Downtown as you stroll the streets between loft visits! Performers from our Busker Program will be out and about sharing their talents with visitors!The winter Art Walkabout will be happening from 5pm to 9pm with 6 great places to see some fantastic art: Cape Fear Studios, Olde Town Gallery, CityCenter GalleryandBooks, Floating Shanti, The Ellington-White Community Development Corporation, Leclair’s General Store and 300 Hay Street. So much to see Downtown!
As you cross from Hay Street to Person Street, you’ll want to stop at The Market House – for a refresher on Fayetteville’s rich history!
Tickets are available online, and will also be available for purchase at The Pilgrim Gift Shop in Westwood Shopping Center, at the Cool Spring Downtown District office at 222 Hay St. and at the following Downtown businesses: Rude Awakening coffee house, CityCenter GalleryandBooks, The Shops at 123 Hay Street, Pressed – A Creative Space, Kinder Koalas, The Coffee Cup, The DoorBelle, The Hemp Farmacy and A Bit of Carolina.
Get your tickets now!
December 14th | 6 pm – 9 pm
DINNER & PICTURES WITH SANTA
Airborne & Special Operations Museum – 100 Bragg Blvd. Fayetteville, NC
Call For Details: Catherine Hodge 910-643-2773
December 15th | 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Skate With Santa
800 Elm Street, Fayetteville, NC
Roll with Santa on December 15th for only $5 admission and regular skate rental!
December 15th | 8:30 am
RYAN’S REINDEER RUN
101 Robeson Street, Fayetteville, NC
13th Annual Ryan’s Reindeer 5K Run is December 15, 2018 downtown Fayetteville Medical Arts Complex Field 101 Robeson Street. The race begins at 8:30 am.Packet pick up and Registration: Friday, December 14, 2018, from 5 pm – 8 pm at the Child Advocacy Center 222 Rowan Street Fayetteville 28301Packet pick up and same day Registration: Saturday, December 15, 2018, from 7 AM – 8:15 AM at the Race Site Medical Arts Complex Field 101 Robeson Street
December 20th | 6 pm – 9 pm
PJ’s & PINOT
The Wine Café – 108 Hay Street, Fayetteville, NC
Wear your PJ’s and join us for our 3rd Annual PJ’s & Pinot Party at The Wine Café in the heart of Downtown Fayetteville! Wine tasting of pinot and other wines too! We will be giving away prizes to the best outfits! • every year it has been a blast and we can’t wait for this year’s “grape” fun!
$5 per person and free for those wearing PJ’s!
Beyond Fayetteville
December 2nd – 30th | 5:30 pm Daily
HOLIDAY LIGHTS TOUR ON THE GREAT RALEIGH TRAIN
131 E. Davie street #10, Raleigh, NC
Enjoy the best holiday lights shows and Christmas displays as you sing along to holiday-themed songs cuddled-up with family and loved ones. Rated among the top things to do in North Carolina – the Holiday Lights Tour starts the first day of December and runs through the end of December.
This family-friendly tradition starts outside Isaac Hunter’s Tavern at 414 Fayetteville Street. Parking is available at the many city parking decks nearby, as well as the Alexander Parking Deck (entrance – 120 S. Wilmington St.). Please arrive 30 minutes before the tour’s departure time and feel free to bring along your favorite beverage to take along for the ride.
We offer three different, equally full of cheer, Holiday Lights Tours this year…
Downtown Holiday Lights & History Tour – This tour will stay in downtown Raleigh and include some Raleigh history lessons along the way! We will visit staples such as Historic Oakwood, The Governor’s Mansion, and the City of Raleigh’s Christmas tree in City Plaza. This tour will be family friendly and last approximately 1.5 hours.
Griswold Holiday Lights Tour – This tour will cover more asphalt in an attempt to show you all the best, big light, displays across Wake County! This tour will be family friendly and last approximately 2 hours.
Downtown Holiday Lights & Nightlife Tour – This tour will stay in downtown Raleigh, covering all the staple, must see Christmas displays in the capital city, as well as stops at some of the most popular nightlife destinations. This tour is only available to 21+ and will last approximately 1.5 hours.
Learn More HERE
December 2nd – December 30th | 9 am – 5 pm Daily
CAPE FEAR FESTIVAL OF TREES
NC Aquarium At Ft. Fisher – 900 Loggerhead Rd., Kure Beach, NC
Join Lower Cape Fear Hospice at the NC Aquarium at Fort fisher for one of the area’s favorite and longest running holiday traditions: Cape Fear Festival of Trees. Admission to the aquarium is all that is needed to delight in a forest of uniquely decorated trees while taking in all the amazing aquatic displays. Sure to delight all ages, Cape Fear Festival of Trees is the perfect way to entertain children out on school break or family and friends visiting during the holidays. #capefearfestivaloftrees
Learn More HERE | Get Your Tickets HERE
December 2nd – January 13th | 6 pm Daily
CHINESE LANTERN FESTIVAL
Booth Amphitheater – 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary, NC
Cary’s Booth Amphitheatre will once again be transformed into a magnificent setting when the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival returns this holiday season. The seven-week event will run November 23rd, 2018 through January 13th, 2019.
Tips on planning your visit
Patrons will walk through the venue to observe the lanterns. Plan for 45-75 minutes to view all light displays and enjoy the live cultural performances. Total walk through is approximately ½ mile.
There will be limited seating on the crescent deck for those that want to relax and take in the view!
Venue food/beverage stands will be open selling holiday treats and beverages on the Crescent Deck.
Please note, the venue is not able to provide wheelchairs for patrons at this event, but you are welcome to bring your own.
Pets are not allowed.
Cultural performances will take place on the stage several times throughout the evening, weather permitting.
Parking is free of charge.
Learn More HERE
December 7th – 15th | Times Vary
TURKEY SHOOT
Clay Target Center – 651 E. Manchester Rd. Spring Lake, NC
The turkey shoot is a fun competition consisting of people shooting paper targets. There will be brackets of 8 people and the winner of each bracket will be able to choose a prize of either turkey, ham, or bacon. It’s $5 to enter a bracket.
- Shotguns only, shells provided
- No scopes allowed
- Ear and eye protection mandatory
- Shotgun rental and ear protection are for sale at the clubhouse, or shooters can bring their own.
- Door prize drawings
Open to the public. For ages 8 years and older. Participants ages 17 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Learn More HERE
December 7th – 23rd | 6 pm
CHRISTMAS WITH THE KRINGLES
Millstone Creek Orchards – 506 Parks Crossroads Church Road, Ramseur, NC
Bring your family on a once in a lifetime Christmas adventure. Visit behind the scenes with Santa & Mrs. Claus and experience all the Christmas magic at the Orchard!
Admission Includes: Visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus, Family Firepit Roasting (Hot Dog, Chips, Drink, & S’mores), Santa Storytime with Hot Cocoa, Making Reindeer Food, A Millstone Creek Christmas Event (Admission Wristband), Christmas Light Show, Christmas Cookie Decorating, & lots of family fun!
Limited Space Available. Reservations Required.
Reserve Your Tickets Here
December 7th – 9th | 7 pm Nightly
THE SINGING CHRISTMAS TREE
Highland Baptist Church – 4456 Legion Road, Hope Mills, NC
Our “Singing Christmas Tree” is a truly unique way of telling and hearing the Christmas Story.
You will get to see the story of Christmas dramatized before your eyes, and hear it through song.
Following the Story is a time of food and fellowship. It’s all FREE
Donations of canned food will go to help support Balm in Gilead Family Counseling Ministry.
Learn More HERE
December 8th | 12 – 4 pm
SPRING LAKE’S INAUGURAL GERMAN CHRISTMAS MARKET
1530 North Bragg Blvd, Spring Lake, NC
The Spring Lake Chamber of Commerce is hosting it’s Inaugural German Christmas Market. This is a great opportunity to get your Christmas shopping done from local businesses. We will have local eats, drinks, and all the cheer. The famous “Christkindlmarkt” originated in Germany where local entrepreneurs, families, friends, and communities come together during the holidays and shop, drink, and spread Christmas cheer. We chose the event image from the Frankfurt Christmas Market as an inspiration for all of us. We aim to create a beautiful environment of creativity and support for our community.
Learn More HERE
December 12th | 11 am
SANTA CLAUSE IS COMIN’ . . . TO THE LIBRARY!
Throgmorton Library – Bldg. 1-3346 Randolph St., Fort Bragg, NC
Santa Clause will be making a super special appearance at the library, and he will be bringing treats and Christmas cheer to all the boys and girls. There will also be an exclusive book reading of “The Soldier’s Night Before Christmas” by a surprise guest! *This event is open to the public.
Learn More HERE | FREE Admission
December 14th – 15th | 5pm – 9pm
CHRISTMAS CANDLELIGHT TOUR
Oak Grove – 8640 Burnett Road, Godwin, NC
Candlelight House Tour, Carriage Rides, Santa Visits & Brunswick Stew at the kitchen. Kids can Roast Marshmallows & Hot Dogs by the Fire Pit!!
*Fireplace Cooking Demo*
Come on over to Oak Grove Plantation, step back to a simpler time and enjoy your evening with us. Historical House decorated with all natural greenery.
Learn More HERE
December 15th | 8:30am – 11am
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
Hope Mills Fire Station – 5788 Rockfish Road, Hope Mills, NC
$6 Per Person | More Information Call 910 – 426-4109
December 15th | 10am – 5pm
Deutscher Weihnachtsmarkt at Dirtbag Ales Farmers Market
5435 Corporation Drive, Hope Mills, NC
Hallo all and welcome to our second annual Christkindlmarkt right here for Cumberland County and surrounding areas.
We can’t wait to celebrate this cultural day with all of you. Enjoy German inspired food, Weihnachts Musik, community spirit und shopping opportunity.
You will find German delights all throughout the market.
The event will take place from 10:00AM until 5:00PM.
We delinquently select local creators of art, small businesses, food vendors, Farmers, and all to join us.We love our new location and partnering up with Dirtbag to make this event as wonderful as possible for all and for many years to come.
Dogs Park
Kids Park and kids craft
Craft and Food Vendors
Glühwein, Bratwurst, German Kartoffel salad.
Places to sit and enjoy beer and wine
Santa Claus (learn the history of his German Brother Nikolaus)
This place is surrounded by Trees, fresh air and many places to talk about memories.This year’s Weihnachts Market is inspired by Bonn, Germany The beautiful city I called home for many years in my childhood. We are shooting for the true spirit of Nürnberg, München and many of the other major cities for the years to come…but let’s start realistic and small. We are currently working with getting a German Partner City for next year, so any suggestions and contacts are welcome. Maybe even creating those beautiful Wooden Shopping stands für the years to come.
Every year we are planning to get closer and closer to what the German market experience is truly about. We couldn’t do it without all of you and your valuable feedback. So let’s make this year amazing and the next couple of years phenomenal.
Last uns mall feiern mit Familie und Freunden. Wir freuen uns euch all zu sehen. Fröhliche Weihnachten!
Learn More HERE
December 15th | 8:30am – 11am
After Dark In The Park
General Lee City Park – Fayetteville, NC
Join us at After Dark in The Park for a Holiday Block Party! Come meet Santa, take a ride on the Haymount Polar Express, and stay for an outdoor movie (The Polar Express) under the stars! Joining us will be local vendors, Leclairs General Store – offering hot coffee, cocoa, and warm beverages, The Sweet Palette for all of your festive sweet treats, a KT’s Sweets & Treats for more substantial meal options. Dont forget your cozy blankets and lawn chairs!
Giving Back
December 29th | 10 am – 1 pm
EmpOwerU Presents: COVERING THE COMMUNITY
Westover Recreation Center – 267 Bonanza Drive, Fayetteville, NC
EmpOwerU is on a mission to cover the community. Now that the weather is changing, we want to help those in need by donating new and gently used adult and children’s coats. Starting on Monday, November 19th you can drop off your new or gently used coats to any member of EmpOwerU or schedule a drop/pickup by emailing us at fayempoweru@gmail.com
We will be coordinating at least 2 dropoff points in the community for your convenience. Be sure to follow the event page for updates.
On Saturday, December 29th from 10am – 1pm we will be handing out these coats on a first-come first-served basis at Westover Recreation Center. If you know someone in need, SHARE THIS!!!
Learn More HERE
Happy New Year
December 31st | 9pm – 3am
Ring In The New Year
Stop Button Arcade – 425 Legion Road #127, Hope Mills, NC
Celebrate the New Year at Stop_Button Bar and Arcade. Enjoy Drink Specials!
Have your choice of gaming entertainment: from classic arcades and pinballs to modern consoles, our games are always on FREEPLAY!
*18 years and older after 9PM. Need valid ID for entry. $5 membership fee at the door
Learn More HERE
“Believe in yourself, your passions, and your dreams. Your voice is unique – build on that. Embrace what is different about you and make it your greatest asset!”
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- Cape Fear Regional Theatre – Best In The House – May 1, 2021
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