’Tis the season to make spirits bright all across Johnston County! From festive parades and twinkling tree lightings to cozy markets and Christmas concerts, every town has its own way of celebrating the magic of December. So grab a cup of cocoa and your calendar — here’s your guide to all the holiday happenings right here in JoCo!
Smithfield
UNC Health Johnston Festival of Trees
Johnston Medical Mall, Smithfield
Description: The beloved Festival of Trees has grown into a signature event of the Johnston Health Foundation. Each December, the Johnston Medical Mall in Smithfield is transformed into a winter wonderland filled with the scents of the season, sparkling trees and stunning decor.
JWL Letters from Santa
Letters from Santa is a merry online fundraiser that spreads holiday cheer to your loved ones, whether it’s a child, grandchild, pet or someone special, with a personalized letter straight from the North Pole, signed by Santa Claus himself!
For each $7 donation, Junior Women’s League of Smithfield will send a joy-filled personalized letter on Santa’s newest stationary to your loved one using the information you provide. Be sure to add your recipient to Santa’s mailing list before the deadline — December 5 at 11:59 pm. Visit jwlsmithfield.com/letters-from-santa for details.
Ready Set Escape
1304-D Market Street, Smithfield
Check out “Santa’s Cabin,” their 30-minute Christmas escape room experience. Reserve a time at ready-set-escape.com.
December 5-6
JCC Christmas Show
Time and Place: 7 p.m. – Johnston Community College, Smithfield
Description: Celebrate the holiday season with heartwarming country music and Christmas classics at Johnston Community College’s Paul A Johnston Auditorium. Gather your family and friends for an evening of joyful music and seasonal cheer. More details at www.johnstoncc.edu/campus-amenities/johnston-performing-arts-center.html.
December 6
The Grinch Stink, Stank, Stunk 5K & Jingle Bell Jog
Time and Place: 10 a.m. – Smithfield Community Park, Smithfield
Description: Grab your friend, team or family and come have some fun for a great cause. Bring a new unwrapped toy as your registration fee. Dress up as your favorite Whoville characters for costume prizes. Register online at www.sraconline.com.
LifeKids Merry Movie Afternoon
Time and Place: 1 p.m. – Lifespring NC, N. Brightleaf Blvd., Smithfield
Description: Drop off your kids (birth-5th grade) for a cozy afternoon full of holiday fun, snacks and a Christmas movie that tells of the birth of Jesus! Visit lifespringnc.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3240086 to register.
December 11
Smithfield Christmas Parade
Time and Place: 6 p.m. – Downtown Smithfield
Description: The Town of Smithfield is excited to host its annual Christmas Parade. Enjoy dazzling floats, joyful music and a visit from Santa himself!
Celtic Angels Christmas
Time and Place: 7 p.m. – Paul A. Johnston Auditorium, College Rd., Smithfield
Description: Celtic Angels Christmas is a joyous celebration from start to finish, encompassing vocal and instrumental Holiday and Irish favourites. Paired with show stopping world class champion Irish dancing and a fully live band, Celtic Angels Christmas is sure to awe and entertain. Tickets are available through eTix.
December 12
Hot Cocoa Crawl
Place: Downtown Smithfield
Description: Don’t miss a sweet and spirited evening at Downtown Smithfield’s Hot Cocoa Crawl. Sip, stroll and soak up the holiday magic as you explore charming downtown shops and businesses, each serving up a creative cocoa-inspired treat — from decadent drinks to delightful desserts (and maybe a few surprises, too.) Tickets are $20, and proceeds support Isaiah 117 House of Johnston County — spreading warmth in more ways than one. More at www.downtownsmithfield.com/hot-cocoa-crawl.
December 13
JCC EMS Club Winterfest
Time and Place: 8 a.m. – Johnston Community College Public Safety, College Rd., Smithfield
Description: You’re invited to the JCC EMS Club Winterfest Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser which includes holiday character visits, photo opportunities, kids’ crafts and a delicious pancake breakfast. Cost is $5 per person.
December 14
Jingle Bell Jubilee
Time and Place: 3-8 p.m. – Downtown Smithfield
Description: Check out an afternoon filled with music, laughter, delicious food and festive fun for the whole family. Carol by the town Christmas tree, shop at the final Holiday Market of the season and support amazing local small businesses while you stroll through downtown. Food trucks will be on hand, so grab a bite to eat and enjoy dinner downtown before visiting Santa Claus for a FREE photo, courtesy of our friends at Carolina Packers – Bright Leaf Hotdogs. Then, take in the twinkling lights of downtown from a horse-drawn carriage ride — a holiday tradition that’s sure to make lasting memories.
Clayton
Lights on the Neuse
Boyette Family Farm, 1620 Loop Rd., Clayton
Celebrate the holiday with an old-fashioned hayride at Lights on the Neuse this season. The hayride whisks you and your loved ones away to a transformed world of Christmas spirit. It’s open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night through Christmas Eve, and other select nights as well. For the complete schedule, visit www.lightsontheneuse.com/schedule.
December 2
Christmas in Cleveland
Time and Place: 5 p.m. – Cleveland Fire Department, Cleveland Rd., Clayton
Description: Savor delicious bites from some of the best food trucks in town, watch in awe as the festive parade lights up the streets and make memories with Santa himself during the Cleveland community’s annual celebration.
December 3
A True Family Christmas with The Collingsworth Family
Time and Place: 7 p.m. – The Clayton Center
Description: The Collingsworth Family’s Christmas tour, “A True Family Christmas,” offers a blend of Christmas classics and hymns, showcasing the group’s musical talents and family spirit. Visit theclaytoncenter.com for ticket information.
December 4
35th Annual Christmas Village & Tree Lighting
Time and Place: 5 p.m. – Downtown Clayton
Description: For the last 35 years, Downtown Clayton has come alive with Christmas cheer on the Thursday following Thanksgiving. There will be visits with Santa Claus and letters to the North Pole, a Downtown Business Open House, Christmas activities and more.
December 5
Christmas Market and Tree Lighting
Time and Place: 5 p.m. – The Neuse Country Club, Birkdale Dr., Clayton
Description: Kick off the holiday season at The Neuse with its Christmas Tree Lighting and Christmas Market. The Christmas Market in the Birdie Ballroom and the synthetic Ice Skating Rink open at 5 p.m., and the lighting of the Neuse Christmas tree accompanied by Victorian Carolers is set for 6 p.m.
December 6
Seventh Annual Christmas Craft Fair
Time and Place: 9 a.m. – Pace Family Farms, Clayton
Description: This is an outdoor event (parts are under a covered shelter). Enjoy holiday shopping from local vendors and a host of other holiday treats.
Annual Holiday Bazaar
Time and Place: 9 a.m. – Cleveland High School, Clayton
Description: Over 65 vendors will be present, along with a gift wrapping station and a visit from Santa.
Pictures with Santa
Time and Place: 11 a.m. – Hudson’s Hardware, Amelia Church Rd., Clayton
Description: Presented by Black Dog Club, visit Hudson’s Hardware and get a pic with your pup and Santa. You can even bring the kids.
Deck the Paws — Holiday Dog Pawty
Time and Place: 1 p.m. – Deep River Brewing Company, Main St., Clayton
Description: Bring your pup to Deep River for the Deck the Paws holiday dog event. Second Chance Pet Adoptions will be on site, and Santa will be geared up and ready to take holiday “pawtraits” with your fur baby.
Gingerbread Clay Ornament
Time and Place: 2 p.m. – Artmosphere Community Arts Center, Raleigh Rd., Clayton
Description: Create a gingerbread ornament using brown and white clay in this fun, beginner-friendly class. To register, visit artmospherecac.com.
Flowers Plantation Tree Lighting
Time and Place: 2 p.m. – 500 Flowers Pkwy., Clayton
Description: Highlights include craft stations, hayride, DJ, snow machines, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus and performances. In addition, Isaiah 117 House will be collecting donations (new shoes, jackets, games, craft kits, etc.)
December 13
Christmas Comes to Life
Time and Place: 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. – Pace Family Farms, Buffalo Rd., Clayton
Description: Guests will enjoy a hayride telling the story of the birth of Jesus, nativity ornaments, a coloring station, hot chocolate, cookies and more. Waffee Station will be on site for breakfast.
Clayton Christmas Parade
Time and Place: 11 a.m. – Downtown Clayton
Description: Enjoy floats, music and plenty of Christmas cheer! The parade will roll rain, snow or shine — so gather your friends and family and enjoy this beloved Clayton tradition. The Clayton Christmas Parade is proudly presented by the Rotary Club of Clayton in conjunction with the Town of Clayton.
December 14
Sing Noel! presented by Johnston County Chorus
Time and Place: 3 p.m. – The Clayton Center
Description: Celebrate the holidays with the Johnston County Chorus as they Sing “Noel!” Come on out and enjoy your favorite holiday songs with performances by local vocalists and dancers. Tickets available at theclaytoncenter.com.
December 20
Motown & Soul Christmas presented by Pure Life Theatre Company
Time and Place: 3 p.m. – The Clayton Center
Description: Get ready for an unforgettable celebration of music, family and holiday spirit! This high-energy show brings together some of the Triangle’s most talented singers and dancers for festive favorites and soulful sounds. Tickets available at theclaytoncenter.com.
December 31
New Years Clayton
Time and Place: 9 p.m. – Gateway Conference and Event Center, Clayton
Description: For more event information, call 919-559-9780.
Selma
Christmas Jubilee
The Rudy Theatre, Selma
The Christmas Jubilee at the Rudy Theatre is a lively, family-friendly holiday variety show full of cherished Christmas songs, slapstick comedy and heart-warming moments guaranteed to get you in the spirit of the season. There are plenty of chances to catch the show, and you can visit www.rudytheatre.com/schedules to see all of the available dates.
December 2
Town of Selma Christmas Celebration and Parade
Time and Place: 6 p.m. – Downtown Selma
Description: The Selma Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting is the perfect way to begin the holiday season and create a fun tradition with family and friends. Watch as the parade makes its way down Raiford Street through the heart of Selma. Fireworks are planned for the end of the night.
December 14
G+F Youth Craft Market
Time and Place: 11 a.m. – Old North State Food Hall, JR Road, Selma
Description: Support young entrepreneurs and get a little holiday shopping done at the same time.
December 16
Line Dance Classes and Social
Time and Place: 5 p.m. – Longleaf Tavern, JR Road, Selma
Description: Taught by a local World Champion instructor, Raquel Reynolds. Cost is $10 and you can stay the entire night.
December 31
Moonlight Swing Band, New Year’s Eve
Time and Place: 6 p.m. – The Rudy Theatre, 300 N Raiford St., Selma
Description: Come celebrate New Year’s Eve with the 24-piece Moonlight Swing Band, a classic, high-energy band with its full horn section, driving rhythm and powerful vocals. The show captures the glitz and glamour of a bygone era. Advance tickets are required – call the box office at 919-202-9927 to reserve.
Four Oaks
December 2
CommWell Health Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Time and Place: 5 p.m. – 6114 U.S. Hwy 301 S., Four Oaks
Description: Join us for our 4th Annual Eagle Foundation Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony with light refreshments, snacks, photo opportunities with Santa and more!
December 4
Four Oaks Christmas Tree Lighting
Time and Place: 5:30 p.m. – Barbour’s Grove Park, Four Oaks
Description: Get the season off to an exciting start with Four Oaks Small Town Christmas. Enjoy performances from local schools and organizations and visit Santa in the Gazebo.
The tree lighting is set for 7:30 p.m.
December 6
Four Oaks Christmas Parade
Time and Place: 11 a.m. – Downtown Four Oaks
Description: Don’t miss Four Oaks’ annual Christmas parade, presented by the Four Oaks Chamber of Commerce. Please note that the route is modified this year due to construction: it starts on Main Street (near the elementary school), then proceeds to Sanders St., turns left onto Baker St., and finishes at Wellons St.
December 13
Community Christmas Drive-Thru
Time and Place: 10 a.m. – Four Oaks United Methodist, N. Church St., Four Oaks
Description: All are welcome to a community drive-thru where every family will receive a bag of groceries, Christmas stockings and age-specific gifts for children and adults, while supplies last.
Benson
Meadow Lights
4546 Godwin Lake Rd., Benson
Don’t miss “the original old fashioned Christmas tradition and the largest and oldest Christmas attraction in Eastern North Carolina!” Visit the candy store, ride the train and visit with Saint Nick himself. For more information,visit www.meadowlights.com.
December 4
Cookies with Santa at Meadow Fire Department
Time and Place: 7:30 p.m. – Meadow Fire Department, Benson
Description: Come see Santa at Meadow Fire Department! Join us for pictures with Santa, milk & cookies and crafts! Free event, hosted by the Meadow Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.
December 5
Benson’s Christmas on Main
Time and Place: 5 p.m. – Downtown Benson
Description: Christmas on Main is Benson’s signature holiday kickoff event, transforming Downtown Benson into a festive, Hallmark-movie-like setting.
Hosted annually by the Benson Area Chamber of Commerce, this free, family-friendly celebration takes place along Main Street and features the tree lighting ceremony, the
holiday parade, shopping, entertainment and more. Visit benson-chamber.com for complete details.
December 6
West Johnston FFA Whobilation Vendor Fair
Time and Place: 8 a.m. – West Johnston High School, Benson
Description: Annual Whobilation craft and vendor fair! Get all of your Christmas shopping done while supporting local businesses. Enjoy photos and visits with Santa and the Grinch!
Christmas Bake Off Sweet Treat Tasting
Time and Place: Noon – Handpicked Nursery, Ennis Rd., Benson
Description: Check out a festive community event celebrating holiday flavors, family fun and giving back! The contest invites both professional and hobbyist bakers to showcase their talents at a festive competition. Registration is required to enter as a contestant; contact info@handpickednursery.com.
Grace & Grit’s One Year Celebration
Time and Place: 2 p.m. – 121 East Main St., Benson
Description: Enjoy Christmas shopping, take photos with Santa and create adorable fingerprint keepsakes with Mrs. Dae.
December 13
Holiday Wreath Making Workshop
Time and Place: 10 a.m. – Smith’s Nursery, Sanders Rd., Benson
Description: Create a live, fresh wreath on a 12-inch wire frame. Fee is $55. Geared towards adults and children 12 and older. More details at smithsnurseryinc.com.
Sensory Friendly Kids Christmas Party
Time and Place: 3 p.m. – Kaitlyn’s Consignment Thrift Boutique, 480 Godwin Lake Rd., Benson
Description: Check out a Sensory Friendly Kids Christmas Party with photos with Santa by Hannah Noelle Photography, crafts, treats and more! This is a free event open to all children, but will be a safe and inclusive space for those with autism and special needs.
Princeton
December 6
Princeton Christmas Parade & Bazaar
Time and Place: 10:30 a.m. – Downtown Princeton
Description: The Princeton Christmas Parade, hosted by The Princeton Woman’s Improvement Club, will kick off at 1p.m. Bring your family, grab a spot along the route and enjoy all the holiday cheer. The Historic Bazaar, featuring local vendors, will run from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the same Saturday.
December 11 – 13
Live Nativity
Hephzibah Baptist Church in Princeton will present its Live Nativity Drive Through program for three nights from 7 – 9 p.m. From the warmth of your car, you will hear the story of the birth of Jesus through music and Biblical narration. See the story unfold as costumed individuals and live animals illustrate the narration. There is no cost, and the displays are weather permitting. For more, visit www.facebook.com/hbcprinceton.
Kenly
December 4
Kenly Christmas Parade
Time and Place: 7 p.m. – Downtown Kenly
Description: Check out the Town of Kenly’s annual Christmas parade, featuring floats, beauty queens, marching bands, classic cars and more!
December 6
PJs and Pancakes with Santa
Time and Place: 8 a.m. – Kenly Fire Department
Description: Children come dressed in their favorite pajamas and enjoy breakfast with Santa at the Kenly Fire Department from 8 a.m. – 9 a.m. Free for kids 10 and under, available for purchase for parents.
Christmas on Main
Time and Place: 9 a.m. – Main St., Downtown Kenly
Description: A small town Christmas Celebration at its best! Brought to you by the Kenly Area Chamber of Commerce, the event will feature local vendors, a live nativity, community performances, a kids zone, free pictures with Santa Clause and a Cookie & Candy Bake-Off! Find more information at kenlyareachamber.com.
Archer Lodge
December 6
Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
Time and Place: 3:30 p.m. – Archer Lodge Community Center, Buffalo Road, Archer Lodge
Description: Don’t miss out on the holiday magic in Archer Lodge this year! The festivities kick off at 3:30 p.m. with the parade, followed by an afternoon of family fun with face painting, Santa photos, fairy hair, hay rides, letters to Santa, live music, food trucks, a chili cook-off and more, culminating in the town’s tree lighting at 6 p.m.
Micro
December 6
Micro Christmas Parade
Time and Place: 5 p.m. – Micro Free Will Baptist Church, Micro
Description: The Micro Christmas Parade starts at the elementary school and travels down Main St. toward Davis St.; After the parade families can visit the new community building for hot chocolate, photos with the town board and mayor, and festive holiday fun.
December 17
The Light Has Come: A Christmas Worship Night
Time and Place: 7 p.m. – Micro Free Will Baptist, U.S. 301 N., Micro
Description: Don’t miss an evening of singing and worship in celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Refreshments will be served following the event.
Pine Level
December 14
Town of Pine Level Christmas Parade
Time and Place: 3 p.m. – Downtown Pine Level
Description: Pine Level will host its annual Christmas Parade on Sunday, Dec. 14.
Wilson’s Mills
December 6
Tinsel Tree Lane
Time and Place: 3 p.m. – Phillip R. Wright Community Park, Powhatan Rd., Wilson’s Mills
Description: This free, family-friendly event is packed with festive fun, including holiday crafts, activities for kids, hayrides, inflatables, carnival games, vendors and the magical Tinsel Tree Lane, featuring lighted trees decorated by community groups, companies and families. The tree lighting is set for 7 p.m.
December 10
Service of Hope
Time and Place: 7 p.m. – Wilson’s Mills Christian Church, Fire Dept. Rd., Clayton
Description: Enjoy a candlelight service of carols, readings and communion for anyone that is stressed, grieving or just needs to catch their breath during the holiday season.
December 13
Candlelight Christmas Open House
Time and Place: 4 p.m. – Wilson’s Mills Christian Church, Fire Dept. Rd., Clayton
Description: Come celebrate 150 years at Wilson’s Mills Christian Church. All are welcome for food and fellowship.
December 24
Christmas Eve Service
Time and Place: 8 p.m. – Wilson’s Mills Christian Church, Fire Dept. Rd., Clayton
Description: Check out this Candlelight Christmas Eve Service of carols, readings and communion.
