Six Ways to Celebrate the Season

It's Christmas Every Day! 

From Thanksgiving through New Year's Eve, there is something festive happening every day in Greater Fayetteville.  From kicking off the season at A Dickens Holiday to strolling through millions of Christmas lights, catching a holiday show, or finding that one-of-a-kind gift at a local market, there are plenty of ways to fill the holiday calendar.

Spend a night, a weekend or longer and explore more while you get in the holiday spirit. 

Here are six of the top ways to celebrate the holidays Fayetteville and Cumberland County: 

1. Kick Off the Season at A Dickens Holiday

November 27 | Downtown Fayetteville

There's no better way to start the holiday season than with A Dickens Holiday. Held the day after Thanksgiving, this annual celebration transforms downtown Fayetteville into a Victorian Christmas setting inspired by the stories of Charles Dickens.

Expect costumed characters, carolers, horse-drawn carriages, live entertainment, holiday shopping and plenty of activities for the whole family. As evening approaches, the celebration continues with the candlelight procession and a fireworks finale.

It's a wonderful way to welcome the Christmas season, and admission is free!

2. Find Your Favorite Christmas Light Display

Fayetteville Holiday Lights at Segra Stadium (November 27-December 31): With more than two million lights, a 40-foot illuminated Christmas tree, themed displays, light shows, holiday vendors, and visits with Santa, this is a holiday experience not to miss. Best of all, it's open every day throughout the season!

Holiday Lights in the Garden at Cape Fear Botanical Garden (December 4-22, select nights): Thousands of lights transform the garden into a festive evening experience. Enjoy illuminated displays, interactive activities, seasonal treats, and opportunities to meet Santa and the Grinch.

Christmas in the Park at Arnette Park (December 6-22, select nights): Load up the family and enjoy this free drive-through Christmas light display. It's an easy way to enjoy the holiday decorations without leaving the comfort of the car. The event operates Sunday through Thursday evenings.

Festival of Lights at Sweet Valley Ranch (November 27-December 30, select dates): Take a drive through more than one million sparkling lights, then visit Tiny's Winter Wonderland for farm animals, inflatables, holiday movies, a fire pit and additional family activities. Some evenings feature the drive-through display only.

With several different experiences to choose from, there's no reason to settle for just one Christmas light display this season!

3. Enjoy the Holiday Parades

Nothing says Christmas quite like a hometown parade. Between the illuminated floats, marching bands, festive music and, of course, Santa Claus, these community traditions are a great way to celebrate the season.

Hope Mills Christmas Parade of Lights (December 5 at 5 p.m.): Decorated floats and community groups parade along the streets from Rockfish Elementary School to Hope Mills Middle School.

Fayetteville Rotary Christmas Parade (December 12 at 10 a.m.): Head downtown for this annual tradition featuring more than 100 entries, including marching bands, dance groups, horses, motorcycles and everyone's favorite, Santa Claus.

Grab a spot along the parade route, bring the family and enjoy a little hometown Christmas spirit.

4. Catch a Holiday Show or Performance

Take a break from the holiday hustle and enjoy a little entertainment! From laugh-out-loud Christmas performances to classic ballet and family-friendly ice shows, there's something for everyone.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever at Cape Fear Regional Theatre (December 5-20)

Based on Barbara Robinson's popular story, this hilarious production follows the Herdman children, a famously mischievous group of siblings who unexpectedly take over their church's annual Christmas pageant. What follows is plenty of chaos, unexpected surprises, and a heartwarming reminder of what Christmas is all about.

More Holiday Entertainment at the Crown Complex

The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight (December 3): A dramatic concert experience featuring rock music performed by an orchestra.

Disney On Ice Presents Spotlight Magic (December 10-13): Mickey and friends take to the ice for a production filled with favorite Disney characters and magical moments.

The Nutcracker (December 12-13): Enjoy this beloved holiday ballet tradition.

For something a little different, catch a Fayetteville Marksmen hockey game on December 18 with a special The Nightmare Before Christmas theme night.

5. Shop Local, Sip Local and Celebrate

Holiday shopping is even more fun when it comes with a little local flavor! Dirtbag Ales Brewery & Taproom in Hope Mills is giving shoppers several reasons to get out, support local makers and enjoy something a little different this holiday season.

There are three festive events to put on the calendar:

Christmas Plant Bingo (December 6): Join Agape Farm South for an afternoon of bingo with plants as prizes, holiday fun and a drink from the brewery. It's a fun twist on the traditional bingo night!

Krampus Market (December 10): Not your typical Christmas market! Browse local makers, oddities, vintage finds and unusual gifts. Visitors can even meet Krampus, the infamous Christmas figure, for a photo. It's a fun stop for anyone looking for something a little different this Christmas.

Dirtbag Ales Christmas Market (December 11-13): Get a head start on holiday shopping while browsing local vendors and makers. It's a great opportunity to find unique gifts, support small businesses and enjoy the atmosphere at one of Hope Mills' favorite gathering spots.

Whether it's shopping for something unexpected, picking up a gift from a local maker or enjoying an afternoon with friends, these events offer another reason to make time for local businesses during the holiday season.

6. Make It a Holiday Getaway 

Spend Friday evening exploring the holiday lights at Segra Stadium, enjoy dinner at one of the area's local restaurants, and settle in for a relaxing night . On Saturday, browse local shops, catch a holiday performance or discover another festive event before heading out for even more Christmas fun.

Ready to make holiday getaway plans? Find a place to stay and start planning a Christmas weekend in Greater Fayetteville!