The Holidays are here, which means more area Christmas-themed events than you can shake a candy cane at. But there's also plenty of comedy shows, concerts, and other exciting things to do in and around Greater Fayetteville. So, bundle up and get out there!
A Christmas Story
Nov. 26-Dec. 6
Gilbert Theater
Enjoy the classic comedy A Christmas Story live and in person at the Gilbert Theater. Follow the story's young hero, Ralphie, as he crusades for a Red Ryder BB gun while overcoming everything from schoolyard bullies and traumatizing Santas, to frozen lampposts and exploding furnaces!
Fayetteville Holiday Lights
Nov. 28-31
Segra Stadium
PWC and Segra Stadium are teaming up again to light up the Christmas holiday! More than 3.5 million lights will be on display at the Fayetteville Holiday Lights, as well as holiday vendors, a 40-foot Christmas tree, and jolly Old Saint Nick. There will even be themed nights, including fireworks and military appreciation nights, so plan ahead!
Light Up The City In Downtown Fayetteville 2025
Dec. 1-31
Cool Spring Downtown District
It's that time of year again. Head downtown for the annual Light Up the City decorating celebration! Take a self-guided tour with friends and family to see the decorated storefronts and then vote online to help pick a Viewers' Choice Award winner!
Behold: A Christmas Cantata - Presented by Sweet Tea Shakespeare
Dec. 4-6
1601 Raeford Road
Get into the holiday spirit with a live concert performed by the Fayetteville Symphony's own Sweet Tea Shakespeare performance group. Behold: a Christmas Cantata will include stirring melodies and meaningful storytelling, cheerful enough to brighten anyone's holidays.
Singing Christmas Tree
Dec. 4-7
Snyder Memorial Baptist Church
The Singing Christmas Tree returns for another year to entertain young and old alike with a musical collaboration like no other. Enjoy 250 singers, a 40-piece orchestra, and the magical handbell choir that has been entertaining locals with live music since 1980.
Festival of Lights
Nov. 28-Dec 27
Sweet Valley Ranch
Round up the family and friends and head to Sweet Valley Ranch for their annual Festival of Lights. Enjoy the brightest scenic drive in the area thanks to a dazzling Christmas light display spread out over the entire ranch. Then feed live animals, watch movies, and sit around a fire pit at the Magic of Tiny's Winter Wonderland.
Christmas at the Lake
Dec. 5
Hope Mills Lake
Round up the kids and grab those lawn chairs and blankets because it's Christmas at the Lake time in Hope Mills. Enjoy complimentary hot cocoa and cookies while listening to Christmas carols and taking photos with Santa before the annual tree lighting.
Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon 50th Anniversary Show
Dec. 5 / 12
Fayetteville State University
Enjoy staring at a different kind of holiday lights at FSU's Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon 50th Anniversary Show. The FSU band will perform at the school planetarium, alongside the iconic, psychedelic rock band's music and amazing space visuals!
Christmas Parade of Light
Dec. 6
Rockfish Elementary to Hope Mill Middle School
The Hope Mills Christmas Parade of Lights is coming, so find a parking spot and get ready to watch all the colorful passersby. This year's route is from Rockfish Elementary to Hope Mills Middle, starting at 5 p.m., so get there early!
King George the FAN-MILY Tour
Dec. 6
Crown Coliseum
Take a break from mundane holiday jingles with a soulful concert by King George and FAN-MILY and Marcellus the Singer. But they're here for only one night, so get your tickets now!
Comedy & Cocktails with Von Mychael and Kwame Kumah
Dec. 11
Paddy's Irish Public House
The holidays can be hectic, so take time to laugh out loud with Comedy & Cocktails at Paddy's Irish Pub! Headlining comedian will be Von Mychael, a young, up-and-comer who came in second at the Apollo Theater. Featured comedian Kwame Kumah is a Baltimore-based comic who's appeared nationally, commenting on the profound and absurd.
Disney on Ice: Jump In!
Dec. 11-14
Crown Complex
Get ready, kids of all ages! Disney on Ice is coming, just in time for the holidays! The beloved children's ice show glides into town with iconic Disney characters that will make you laugh, jump, and cheer through pure childhood magic. So, get your tickets now for best seating.
Blume School of Dance Presents: The Nutcracker
Dec. 12-14
Crown Theatre
The storied Nutcracker stage ballet returns to Fayetteville again to enchant children and adults alike! Now in its 55th year, the classical dance production will highlight young ballerinas and boys dancing to magical Christmas tunes in this holiday classic.
Santa Shuffle 5k – 1 Mile
Dec. 13
Jordan Soccer Complex
Burn off those unwanted holiday pounds this year at the Santa Shuffle 5k and 1 miler! The paved route will follow along the scenic Cape Fear River Trail and include a walk/run/shuffle option. First 250 entrants receive a free Santa suit to make the competition even merrier!
Fayetteville Marksmen: Winter Wonderland - Frozen
Dec. 20
Crown Complex
Time to yell and scream for the hometown hockey team as the Fayetteville Marksmen take on the Knoxville Icebears. Disney's fan-favorite movie, Frozen, is the theme of the night, with special team jerseys to be auctioned off after the game.
Fayetteville Anime-Fest 2025
Dec. 20
Crown Complex
Anime-Fest is back for another year, just in time for the holidays, with fun for the entire family. Roam the aisles to see anime and comic vendors, voice actors, guest panelists, and other attractions. Special pricing for kids, and don't forget the gaming and cosplay contests!
New Years at Noon!
Dec. 31
Fascinate-U Children's Museum
Let the kids get in on the New Year's fun with New Years at Noon! at Fascinate-U Children's Museum. It allows them to skip the late-night antics but still celebrate by exploring how different countries ring in the new year through hands-on activities!
