2022 Holiday Guide

Venues

Lights on the Neuse

⋆ Boyette Family Farm, 1620 Loop Road, 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.

Dawn Avenue Lights

Dawn Avenue, Four Oaks

Featured in previous Christmas guides, this imaginative display features a “mega tree,” singing Santa Claus, hundreds of lights and even broadcasts music over your car stereo in sync with the show.

Christmas Lights Contest Smithfield

The Light Up Smithfield Christmas Lights Contest will feature four categories: Griswold (the more and tackier, the BETTER!), Traditionally Elegant, Best Theme and Best Window Display. Show your creativity and get the whole family involved! This contest is open to all residences and businesses inside the city limits. Houses and businesses should be decorated no later than December 11. Judging will take place on December 18-19 and winners will be named on December 21.

Ready Set Escape

1304-D Market Street, Smithfield Check out “Santa’s Cabin,” their new 30-minute Christmas escape room experience.

Christmas Jubilee

Rudy Theatre, Selma

Capture the magic of the holiday season with the Christmas Jubilee at the Rudy Theatre. There are plenty of chances to catch the show, and you can visit www. rudytheatre.com/schedules to see all of the available dates.

Things to do

Thursday, Dec. 1, 5:30 p.m.

⋆ Clayton Christmas Village and Tree Lighting, Downtown Clayton

The 32nd Annual Downtown Clayton Christmas Village and Tree Lighting, presented by the Downtown Development Association and the Town of Clayton, will be held Thursday, Dec. 1. Events will include Santa in Horne Square, a downtown business open house, Christmas activities on Main Street, live performances, food trucks and the tree lighting ceremony. The tree lighting will take place at 8 p.m. in Town Square.

Thursday, Dec. 1, 6-8 p.m.

Smithfield Christmas Tree Lighting

Hosted by the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation and the Smithfield Parks & Recreation Department, the Smithfield Christmas Tree Lighting, always held on the first Thursday in December, is when the town lights up for the holidays! The program begins with Santa Claus and the Mayor leading a countdown and flipping the switch to light the tree. There will be performances from local choruses, bands and dance groups, and other fun games and activities.

Friday, Dec. 2, 5:30 p.m.

A Small Town Christmas

Barbour's Grove Park, Four Oaks

Come out for Four Oaks’ annual Christmas Tree Lighting. There will be live performances and Santa will be on hand from 6-7 p.m. The tree lighting is at 7, so bring your lawn chairs and enjoy some complimentary hot dogs from Lighthouse Christian Church.

Dec. 2-4, 5-8 p.m.

Live Nativity, Sonlight Farms, Bunn Road, Kenly

Local churches are combining to share the experience of the true meaning of Christmas.

Friday, Dec. 2, 5 p.m.

Christmas on Main, Benson

The Benson Area Chamber of Commerce will host Christmas on Main Friday, Dec. 2 from 5-7:30 p.m. Stores will be open for shopping, the Christmas Tree Lighting at Benton Square will be held at 6 p.m. and the Christmas Parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. Post-parade activities will be held in the Singing Grove. Events will include a Benson Little Theater Christmas Concert, visits with Santa, an antique tractor show and a classic car show. There will be s’mores, hot chocolate, popcorn and food trucks. Please bring an unwrapped toy for the annual Community Christmas Closet. Donation boxes will be located at Benton Square, the Benson Chamber and the Singing Grove.

Friday, Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m.

2Digh4 in concert, Fainting Goat Brewery, Benson

Catch 2Digh4, known for their original songs and large variety of covers, as they bring their unique style, rocking melodies and profound storytelling to Benson.

Saturday, Dec. 3, 8-10 a.m.

Breakfast with Blaze the Elf, Pine Level Fire Department

Come out and bring your family to enjoy Breakfast with Blaze the Elf! There will be pancakes and sausage with a choice of milk, orange juice or coffee. We will have picture time with Blaze, and pictures can be taken for you or you can take them yourself. Adults and children over 3 are $5 and kids under 3 are free. Cash only, please.

Saturday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m.

Stink, Stank, Stunk 5K Run and Jingle Bell Jog, Smithfield Community Park

The 2022 Stink, Stank, Stunk 5k Run and Jingle Bell Jog happens on December 3 at 10 a.m. at Smithfield Community Park. Your fee for participating is a new, unwrapped toy that will benefit Harbor and the Johnston County DSS Angel Tree Project. The Stink, Stank, Stunk 5k Run and Jingle Bell Jog is brought to you by Local Government Federal Credit Union and the Smithfield Kiwanis Club. Learn more at www.smithfield-nc. com/page/christmas_stink_ stank_stunk.

Dec. 3, 5-8 p.m.; Dec. 4, 1-4 p.m.; Dec. 10, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Dec. 11, 1-4 p.m.

Visit with Santa, Lee’s Produce and Garden Center, Main Street, Clayton

Lee’s Produce and Garden Center will host visits with Santa. There will be free visits with Santa, so bring your camera and the whole family.

Monday, Dec. 5, 6 p.m.

How to Write a Business Plan, Virtual meeting - Johnston Community College Small Business Center

The Johnston Community College Small Business Center will host an online seminar, How to Write a Business Plan, Monday, Dec. 5. A business plan can be the most important tool for a small business owner. Learn how to turn your ideas into a solid plan for financing and long-term success. Learn the important components of a business plan, and lay the foundation for a winning plan. Find out how marketing, operations and finance are interrelated.

Attendees must be pre-registered, and 18 or older to attend. Registration ends at noon the day of the seminar. There is no cost. Register online at www.ncsbc.net/ reg.aspx?mode=event&event= 280420044.

Tuesday, Dec. 6, 6 p.m.

Selma Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting

Selma’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony and parade brightens the night! The festivities will be held Dec. 6 and will begin at 6 p.m. in front of the town hall. There will be special holiday performances by the Johnston County Choir and the Benson Baptist Hand Bells. The Junior Women’s League of Smithfield is hosting a reindeer foodmaking station for children. You can check off those on your Christmas list by shopping at local stores. The parade starts at 7, and the viewing route will start at the intersection of East Richardson Street and North Raiford Street. The parade will travel down North Raiford Street turning left on Anderson Street. The route will continue down East Anderson Street and end at the corner of East Anderson Street and South Webb Street. Events are free to attend.

Tuesday, Dec. 6, 7 p.m.

Christmas in Cleveland, Cleveland Fire Department, Cleveland Road, Clayton

Don’t miss Christmas in Cleveland on December 6 for the annual Christmas Parade, food truck rodeo and, of course, Santa!

Wednesday, Dec. 7, 7 p.m.

Eddie Miles in concert, Rudy Theatre, Selma

Eddie Miles returns to Live at The Rudy Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. to deliver an intimate solo performance of America’s most loved Christmas and country music, saluting everything from Hank to Elvis. For tickets, visit www.rudytheatre.com.

Thursday, Dec. 8, 1 p.m.

Community Science: Feeder Watch, Howell Woods, Devil’s Racetrack Road, Four Oaks

Howell Woods will host Community Science: Feeder Watch, Thursday, Dec. 8 in the Nature Center Classroom. This project will focus on collecting data about the natural world and can be done anywhere! The cost for this program is $5. To register, visit www.johnstoncc.edu/ howellwoods/forms/public.aspx.

Thursday, Dec. 8, 6 p.m.

Carolina Sound in concert, The Farm at 95, Batten Road, Selma

The University of Mount Olive acapella group, Carolina Sound, will perform at the Farm at 95 on Dec. 8. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m. There will also be a buffet meal for guests. Tickets are $50 and proceeds will benefit the university’s general fund. For tickets, visit www.umo. edu/carolina-sound-christmas.

Thursday, Dec. 8, 7 p.m.

Smithfield Christmas Parade

Smithfield Parks & Recreation will present the Smithfield Christmas Parade Thursday, Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. at Downtown Smithfield Development Corp., 200 S. Front St. in Smithfield. For more information, call 919-934-2148.

Friday, Dec. 9, 4-7 p.m.

Santa is Coming, C.E. Barnes Store, Buffalo Road, Archer Lodge

Santa is coming to C.E. Barnes Store on Friday, Dec. 9 from 4-7 p.m. There will be pictures with Santa, food trucks and much more.

Friday, Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m.

Heather Land Live!, The Clayton Center

Comedienne, author and singer Heather Land will perform at The Clayton Center Friday, Dec. 9. She tells it like it is with sarcasm and southern charm. Practically overnight, Heather burst through the clutter of the online world with her hilarious and witty videos, which have garnered more than 300 million views.

Learn more about Heather at heatherlandofficial.com. Tickets are $75 including a meet and greet, $35 individual and $25 balcony. For more information, call 919-553-1737 or email eventinfo@ townofclaytonnc.org.

Saturday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m.

Recovery Alive Home: Christmas UNO Motorcycle Run, Bulldog Harley Davidson, Outlet Center Dr, Smithfield

UNO Run Registration will be held at Bulldog Harley Davidson. A full slate of events are planned to have a little fun and give back to others in need this holiday season. Check out the full list of stops at www.facebook.com/ events/764982874563233.

Saturday, Dec. 10, 3 p.m.

Clayton Christmas Parade

The Clayton Christmas Parade will be held Saturday, Dec. 10 at 3 p.m. on Main Street in Clayton. There’s just something about a small-town Christmas Parade! The parade is sponsored and organized by the Clayton Rotary Club. As the parade is a holiday celebration, the organizers ask all to leave politics and protests behind for a moment, and bring a celebratory and community spirit to the event. The event features more than 100 colorful floats, booming marching bands and of course, Santa Claus! Join them to grab a front-row seat anywhere from Smith Street to Robertson Street. For more information, call 919-628-9063.

Saturday, Dec. 10, 4 p.m.

Micro Christmas Parade

Micro will hold its annual Christmas Parade Saturday, Dec. 10 from 4-6 p.m. Join in as they celebrate their “Small Town with a Big Heart.” Parade entry fees are waived for individuals and $30 for businesses. For more information, call the town office at 919-2842572 or visit townofmicro.com.

Saturday, Dec. 10, 4 p.m.

Christmas Caroling at the Food Hall, Old North State Food Hall, JR Road, Selma

Rick Henderson and the North Carolina Ukulele Collective will host Christmas Caroling at the Food Hall Saturday, Dec. 10 from 4-6 p.m. at the Old North State Food Hall. Join them to share holiday joy with the patrons, shoppers and travelers at this new culinary destination! Don your gay (holiday) apparel and bring your jingle bells.

Monday, Dec. 12, 5 p.m.

Owl Safari, Howell Woods, Devil’s Racetrack Road, Four Oaks

Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center will host an Owl Safari Monday, Dec. 12 from 5-7 p.m. Join them as they search for the elusive Barred Owl. They will introduce raptors, visit the Birds of Prey exhibit, and then take a truck ride to search for these nocturnal creatures! The cost for this program is $5. To register, visit www.johnstoncc.edu/ howellwoods/forms/public.aspx.

Monday, Dec. 12, 6 p.m.

Financing Your Small Business, Virtual meeting - Johnston Community College

The Johnston Community College Small Business Center will host an online seminar, Financing Your Small Business, Monday, Dec. 12 from 6-7:30 p.m. Financing continues to be a challenge for many small business owners. Get to the heart of business financing in this webinar. Explore the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of funding sources and how to choose the right one for your needs. Discover the keys to financing success. Attendees must be pre-registered, and 18 or older to attend.

Registration ends at noon the day of the seminar. There is no cost. Register online at www.ncsbc.net/ reg.aspx?mode=event&event= 280420045.

Dec. 12-13, 7 p.m.

Auditions for Monte Carlo

Neuse Little Theatre

Neuse Little Theatre will hold auditions for “Monte Carlo” at the Hut at the corner of Front and Market streets in Smithfield. The cast will include two males and four females. All roles are open. Casting is open to everyone and newcomers are especially welcomed and encouraged. Crew volunteers are also needed. Auditions will consist of cold reading from the script. Please come prepared to tell of any conflict dates you have from auditions to final show date. For more information, contact the director at bleighv@gmail.com.

Wednesday, Dec. 14, 7 p.m.

The Embers Christmas Show featuring Craig Woodard, Rudy Theatre, Selma

The Rudy Theatre will host The Embers Christmas Show featuring Craig Woodard on Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. Come hear The Embers perform Christmas classics! For more details, visit rudytheatre.com.

Saturday, Dec. 17, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Open House and Pony Rides at Colony Ridge, Colony Ridge Road, Clayton

Pasture Pals Equine Rescue will hold an open house and pony rides on Saturday, Dec. 17. Pony or horse rides, grooming a pony or going in the pasture with a volunteer will cost $5, while petting zoo treats, drinks and baked goods will be $1. There will be volunteer crafts for sale and PPER T-shirts will be $20. Come and enjoy the fun for free and take photos with your favorite equine. For more information, email PasturePalsER@aol.com or visit PasturePalsER.com.

Saturday, Dec. 17, 7 p.m.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra Tribute by The Origin, Rudy Theatre, Selma

The Rudy Theatre will host a Trans-Siberian Orchestra tribute by The Origin Saturday, Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. The Origin will perform a tribute to the sights and sounds of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. The proceeds from this show will benefit Zach’s Toy Chest, a local version of Toys for Tots that provides toys, games and activities for children who are in the hospital. For tickets, visit www. rudytheatre.com.

Monday, Dec. 19, 6 p.m.

Bookkeeping Basics for Small Business, Virtual meeting - Johnston Community College Small Business Center

The Johnston Community College Small Business Center will host an online seminar, Bookkeeping Basics for Small Business, Monday, Dec. 19. Gain a beginning basic workable knowledge of how to properly record financial transactions for your small business. Attendees must be pre-registered, and 18 or older to attend. There is no cost. Register at www.ncsbc.net/reg.aspx?mode= event&event=280420046.

Wednesday, Dec. 21, Noon

Winter Solstice Walk, Howell Woods, Devil’s Racetrack Road, Four Oaks

Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center will host a Winter Solstice Walk Wednesday, Dec. 21 from noon until 1 p.m. Join Howell Woods staff as they discuss what the winter solstice is and then take a nature walk down one of our trails, searching for hibernating animals. The cost for this program is $5. To register, visit www.johnstoncc.edu/ howellwoods/forms/public.aspx.

Saturday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m.

New Year’s Eve with Jim Quick & Coastline, The Farm at 95, Batten Road, Selma

Come ring in 2023 with Jim Quick & Coastline on The Farm at 95! Tickets include entry into the event, a free champagne toast at midnight, a fun show from Jim Quick & Coastline, light appetizers from Backyard Bistro and access to the cash bar! Reserved tables are available for purchase on a first-come, first-serve basis. These tables seat eight total guests and are the only way to guarantee a seat for the event. Table tickets

DOES NOT include admission to the event – you must purchase a table ticket and admission tickets. Tickets are: Admission: $40 and Reserved Table: $100. No re-entry is allowed (NO exceptions), event is for ages 18 and older and festive attire is requested (no jeans please). For tickets, visit www. thefarmnc.com/new-years-eveat-the-farm.

Saturday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m.

New Year’s Eve - Elvis Meets Patsy, Rudy Theatre, Selma

Every New Year’s Eve, the Rudy Theatre hosts Diane Bailey with country crooner Dayle Eason and a special guest “Elvis,” Alex Mitchell, for a special show entitled “Elvis Meets Patsy.” For tickets, visit www. rudytheatre.com/tickets.