Looking for some holiday things to do?

2020 has been something else, huh? It’s hard to put into words how much we’ve lost this year, and in how many ways COVID-19 has affected us.

Even this holiday guide, which is usually packed jam full of Christmas activities is a fraction as long as it usually is. Still, there are chances for you to get out there and grab a little holiday cheer.

Happy holidays everyone, and enjoy!

Lights on the Neuse

Boyette Family Farm, 1620 Loop Road, Clayton

Celebrate the holiday with an oldfashioned 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 Dec. 18-19 and winners ill be named on Dec. 21.

Ready Set Escape

1304-D Market Street, Smithfield

Check out “Santa’s Cabin,” their new 30-minute Christmas escape room experience appropriate for all ages. For reservations, visit www.ready-set-escape. com

Free piano lessons

Elizabeth Ann Temple, MM, is offering free piano lessons for the month of December. It’s open to all ages, because Temple, a public school music teacher, wants everyone to have access to piano music during the holidays. Call or text 919-901- 7582 for more details.

Illustrations courtesy of the Cary School of Creative Arts. For more information, visit www.csoca.com.

Tuesday, Dec. 1, 6 p.m.

Virtual Tree Lighting Downtown Smithfield This year’s tree lighting ceremony in Smithfield will be a virtual event, broadcast on the Town of Smithfield’s Facebook page. Join Mayor Andy Moore, along with a very special guest, as they flip the switch and light up Downtown Smithfield.

Dec. 4-5 and 11-12, 5-8 p.m.

A Drive-thru Christmas Village Tobacco Farm Life Museum, Kenly The Tobacco Farm Life Museum, Kenly Area Chamber of Commerce, Town of Kenly and local businesses are working together to provide a special 2020 holiday program. They invite you to Kenly to tour their first ever drive through Christmas Village and to enjoy the downtown holiday decorations.

Friday, Dec. 4, 5 p.m.

Christmas on Main Downtown Benson Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions and the safety of all, there will not be a parade this year. There will, however, be a virtual tree lighting ceremony and participating stores will be open for shopping. Don’t miss entertainment, food vendors and visits with Santa as well.

Saturday, Dec. 5, 9 a.m.

Stuff UR Stocking Shopping Day Corbett Hatcher Communiity Building, N.C. 39 North, Selma Local vendors will be on hand to help with all your holiday shopping. Food trucks will also be on site. For more information, call Lynn Stanley at 919-369-4951 or Pat Gordon at 919-369-5826.

Saturday, Dec. 5, 9 a.m.

Breakfast with Santa Centenary United Methodist Church, Smithfield Tickets are required. Learn more at www. facebook.com/events/342573216963264.

Saturday, Dec. 5, 11 a.m.

Reverse Christmas Parade Downtown Four Oaks The annual Christmas parade will look a little different this year. The Town of Four Oaks will be lining Main Street with all of your favorite parade floats and festivities while the spectators will drive through to enjoy! The event will function similar to a drive through lights display. Tired Iron Classics will have an awesome display of vintage bikes and other vehicles. Drive through to check it out and grab your goody bag. This will be a family friendly, safe holiday event so be sure to add it to your calendar! Visit www.facebook.com/ events/339901710429225/ to learn more.

Saturday, Dec. 5, noon

Merry Makers Market 2728 N.C. Hwy. 42, Willow Spring Find unique gifts for friends and family. Pick out your perfect Christmas tree at Healing Green Farms. They look forward to spending the holiday season with you and spreading cheer to shoppers. Visit www. facebook.com/events/405445390436424 to learn more.

Saturday, Dec. 5, 3 p.m.

Christmas Parade (Small Business Clayton Style) The Clayton General Store and Clayton small businesses will be doing it again, bringing you a small town, but big time Christmas parade. Stay tuned for more details. Visit www.facebook.com/ events/626669108044032/ to learn more.

Saturday, Dec. 5, 7 p.m.

Festival of Trees InStill Distilling Co., Clayton Don’t miss the Festival of Trees, benefiting Clayton Women in Networking. There will be a silent auction, entertainment, heavy hors doeuvers and more. All trees will be donated and decorated by local businesses. Cost is $15. Register at https://conta.cc/33V6Y1t.

Dec. 16-20, 7 p.m.

Drive-thru Nativity Pleasant Hill Christian Church, Benson Pleasant Hill Christian Church Presents a live nativity — the story of Christ presented in 10 scenes. Enjoy the animals and lantern-lit drive as you and your family experience the real meaning of Christmas. There is no charge or admission fee, and you can drive through as many times as you would like! Visit www.drivethrunativity. org to learn more.

Saturday, Dec. 19, 10 a.m.

Breakfast with Santa Serving Spoon at 119, Pine Level Enjoy a delicious breakfast and get a little quality time for your young ones with jolly ol’ Saint Nick! Visit www.facebook.com/ events/359077295279785/ to register.

Sunday, Dec. 20, 10 a.m.

One on One with Santa and Mrs Claus Clayton General Store This will be one-on-one scheduled time with your family and Santa and Mrs Claus. It’s an amazing experience where Santa will speak to your kids by name and talk about their Christmas list. Visit www. facebook.com/events/326440125231126/ to learn more.

Thursday, Dec. 24, 6 p.m.

Eden Woods Luminaries Eden Drive, Smithfield Residents of Eden Woods subdivision in Smithfield will line their streets with luminaries on Christmas Eve (weather permitting). Guests are invited to drive through the candlelit neighborhood.

Thursday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m.

New Year’s Eve at The Farm Come ring in 2021 with Jim Quick & Coastline on The Farm at 95! They are reserving a limited number of tables for $100 per table. These tables seat up to 8 people and do not include admission into the event. This will be the only way to guarantee a seat for the evening. Tickets are on sale now at etix.com! Learn more at www.facebook.com/ events/780530899478287.