The larger, and even more cheerful, holiday guide

Thankfully, things have returned to something closer to normal, and more events are being planned for the 2021 holiday season.

Thus, the holiday guide is back to being more packed with activities for the family to enjoy than last year. There are chances for you to get out there and grab a little holiday cheer than last year.

Happy holidays everyone, and enjoy!

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 every night from Dec. 17-24 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 Jubilee

Live@The Rudy Theatre, Selma

Back in 2021 is the Rudy Theatre’s annual Christmas Jubilee. The event features an evening of Southern hospitality, great American music and side-splitting comedy that will delight audiences of every age. Add a couple of surprise guests, like Santa and his friends, and this show is guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit. For schedule and ticket information, visit www.rudytheatre.com/schedules

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 Dec. 11. Judging will take place on Dec. 11-12 and winners will be named on Dec. 13.

Benson’s Light Fight

It’s almost that time of year — a season of twinkling lights throughout Benson. Along those lines, if you would like to enter your home or nominate a neighbor’s home for the Benson 2021 Light Fight Contest, follow this link, bit.ly/3nhSL8J. Trophies will be awarded to the top three finishers.

Ready Set Escape

1304-D Market Street, Smithfield

Check out “Santa’s Cabin,” their 30-minute Christmas escape room experience.

Christmas Lights on the Farm

11959 Highway 222 W., Middlesex

Enjoy a hayride through Christmas Town to our Field of Lights display. While visiting, enjoy music on stage and make s’mores by the fire pit. Santa will be there taking pictures. Bucky and a few of his friends will be visiting also. There is a gift shop and concessions to enjoy. Open through Dec. 23. See www.christmaslightsonthefarm.com for complete schedule.

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. 1-5, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Drive-Thru Nativity

Check out “The Greatest Gift,” a live drive-thru nativity experience, at 3400 N.C. Highway 242 South in Benson. Admission is free and gates will close at 9:30 p.m. The experience will include live animals such as camels, donkeys, sheep, goats and more.

Thursday, Dec. 2, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Downtown Clayton Christmas Village and Tree Lighting

Main St. from O’Neal St. to Smith St. in Clayton

Join us for the 31st Annual Downtown Clayton Christmas Village and Tree Lighting, presented by the Downtown Development Association and the Town of Clayton. There is a fun-filled lineup for the night including: Santa will arrive on a fire truck at 6 p.m. so kiddos can visit with Santa in Horne Square, a Downtown Business open house, the Storefront Decorating Contest winners will be announced, there will be performances by local schools, community groups, and entertainers, a Doggie Costume Parade by Roxie Daisy, a live nativity with Clayton First Baptist Church and the tree lighting ceremony will take place at 8 p.m. in Town Square.

Thursday, Dec. 2, 7 p.m.

Kenly Christmas Parade

Don’t miss Kenly’s annual Christmas Parade, held on the first Thursday in December.

Friday, Dec. 3, 6-8 p.m.

Walk Through Christmas Village Tobacco Farm Life Museum, Kenly Help us welcome the holiday season during our first night of our Christmas Village!

Dec. 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 6-8 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. Visit Kenly to tour their first ever drive through Christmas Village and to enjoy the downtown holiday decorations.

Friday, Dec. 3, 6-8 p.m.

Christmas on Main

Downtown Benson Come out for a fun filled night as Benson welcomes the Christmas season. Shops will be open. There will be a tree lighting and Christmas parade. Don’t forget the entertainment!

Friday, Dec. 3, 6 p.m.

Barbour’s Grove Park, 107 N. Railroad St., Four Oaks

Come out to light the town of Four Oaks Christmas tree and enjoy an evening of free family fun including food and a Christmas movie!

Saturday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site, 5466 Harper House Road, Four Oaks

Come celebrate a Civil War Christmas during this holiday event. Visitors can enjoy cookies and cider by the fire, period music, or stroll through the soldier’s camp. Kids of all ages are welcome to help make period decorations for the kitchen and Christmas tree. Event subject to change and cancellation. COVID safety guidelines will be followed as advised at the time of event.

Saturday, Dec. 4, 3:30 p.m.

Archer Lodge Christmas Celebration

Archer Lodge Community Center, 14009 Buffalo Road, Archer Lodge

The Archer Lodge Community Center annual Christmas celebration will include a parade, Santa and Mrs. Claus, a tree lighting and food trucks.

Saturday, Dec. 4, 9-3 p.m.

Third-annual Christmas Craft Fair

Pace Family Farms, 12701 Buffalo Road, Clayton

Come out for our third annual Christmas Craft Fair!

Saturday, Dec. 4, 9-2 p.m.

Christmas on Main

Kenly Area Chamber of Commerce, Main St., Kenly

This is an annual event for the community and visitors to come and enjoy food and fun, buy from vendors and listen to the musical groups.

Saturday, Dec. 4, 11 a.m.

Four Oaks Christmas Parade

Downtown Four Oaks

Bring the family and come out for the annual Four Oaks Christmas Parade down Main Street! The parade is presented by the Four Oaks Chamber of Commerce.

Saturday, Dec. 4, 1 p.m.

Princeton Christmas Parade Downtown Princeton Come out for Princeton’s Christmas Parade, held annually on the first Saturday of December.

Saturday, Dec. 5, 9 a.m.

Santa’s Showdown Car & Truck Charity/Toy Drive

Christmas Lights on the Farm (Big Daddy’s Farm), 11959 Highway 222 W., Middlesex

For details, visit www.lightsonthefarm.com.

Tuesday, Dec. 7, 7 p.m.

Christmas in Cleveland

Cleveland Fire Rd., Clayton

Mark your calendars for Christmas in Cleveland! Visit www.facebook.com/ events/4192794394179850 for more information.

Wednesday, Dec. 8 p.m.

Christmas with the Embers

The Farm at 95, 215 Batten Rd., Selma

You are invited to come out Dec. 8 for Christmas on The Farm! For more details, visit www.thefarmnc.com.

Wednesday, Dec. 8, 7 p.m.

Eddie Miles Christmas Show

Live@The Rudy Theatre, Selma

Eddie Miles comes back to Selma to perform an Elvis Christmas Show. He is a great tribute artist and performer. For more information, visit www.rudytheatre.com.

Thursday, Dec. 9, 7 p.m.

Smithfield Christmas Parade

Bring out your families and celebrate the holiday season with the Smithfield Christmas Parade. If you are interested in participating, applications can be found in the SRAC lobby, online at Smithfield-nc.com or by contacting Tiffany Pearson at 919-934-2148.

Saturday, Dec. 11, 3 p.m.

Clayton Christmas Parade

The parade co-hosts will be the Rotary Club of Clayton and town of Clayton. As the parade is a holiday celebration, we ask all to to leave politics and protests behind for a moment, and bring a celebratory and community spirit to the event. Let’s make it a fun experience for the children! Until parade day, we wish everyone a happy, safe and blessed holiday season, and look forward to seeing you on Dec. 11. Visit www.claytonchristmasparade.org to learn more.

Saturday, Dec. 11, 11 a.m. - 1 p.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’ St. Nick! Make reservations at www. eventbrite.com. Visit Serving Spoon at 119 on Facebook for more information.

Saturday, Dec.11, 4 p.m.

Christmas in Micro

The annual Micro Christmas Parade is set for Saturday, Dec. 11. The tree lighting will follow at 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 11, 5-8 p.m.

Cookies with Santa

The Grocery Bag, 4879 Highway 42 E., Clayton

Come out for Cookies with Santa! Bring your own camera and take photos!

Saturday, Dec. 11, 5:30 p.m.

"Polar Express" Movie Night

The Grocery Bag, 4879 Highway 42 E., Clayton

Come out for a fun filled night! Santa Claus will be inside the store from 4-8 p.m. "Polar Express" movie on the hill with popcorn and hot cocoa! Wear your pjs and bring a blanket!

Dec. 15, 11 a.m. and Dec. 17, 6 p.m.

Story Time with Santa

James Bryan Creech Public Library, Four Oaks

Santa will read a story to children of all ages. He will take time to listen to each child’s wish list and give parents a chance to take their own photos. (Please bring your own camera.) Each child will receive a small gift from Santa. Times for children with sensory issues are also available. Please call the library for more information at 919-963-6013.

Wednesday, Dec. 15, 7 p.m.

Christmas with the Embers

Live@The Rudy, 300 N. Raiford St., Selma

The Embers will perform their Christmas Show featuring Craig Woolard. For more information, visit www.rudytheatre.com.

Dec. 15-17, 7-9 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 are invited to drive through as many times as you would like! They request only single-family vehicles drive through the nativity. Visit www.drivethrunativity.org to learn more.

Saturday, Dec. 18, 8:30, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.

Breakfast with Santa

Selma Civic Center, 300 N. Webb St., Selma

Start the day in a merry way by joining Santa for breakfast, perfect for the whole family! Take a photo with Santa, write a letter to Santa and enjoy the Christmas songs. For more information, call Selma Parks and Recreation at 919-975-1411.

Sunday, Dec. 19, 7 p.m.

Clayton Piano Festival Holiday Gala

Twin Oaks Barn, Cornwallis Road, Garner

Clayton Piano Festival presents this star-studded holiday concert celebration as a finale to its 10th anniversary season. The show features jazz and classical legend, Joel A. Martin, Broadway star, John Arthur Greene ("West Side Story", "Matilda", "School of Rock", "Tootsie"), classical and jazz vocalist Angelique Alexander, multigenre violinist Christin Danchi, David Richards and the Swingsters Union Band and artistic director, Jonathan Levin, pianist. The musical selections will be brought to you by narration from the renowned poet, Shelby Stephenson. For ticket information, visit www.claytonpianofestival.org/events.

Thursday, Dec. 24, 6 p.m.

Christmas Eve at the Library

James Bryan Creech Public Library, Four Oaks

The library will be closed but the public is invited to come out for hot cocoa, coffee and finger foods. Video games will be available for kids of all ages and conversation will be on offer for the adults. Call the library for more information at 919-963-6013.

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 2022 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 eight people and do not include admission into the event. This will be the only way to guarantee a seat for the evening. Tickets will be sold separately and are on sale now at etix.com! Learn more at www.facebook.com/events/780530899478287.

Thursday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m.

Diane Bailey meets Elvis

Live@The Rudy Theatre, Selma

Diane Bailey is bringing an Elvis legend, Stephen Freeman, and Dayle Eason, a country crooner, to the Rudy Theatre for 2021 New Year's Eve. Party favors will included for a fun night. For more information, visit www.rudytheatre.com.

We'd like to thank the students at the Cary and Clayton School for Creative Arts for their illustration submissions. Illustrations provided by Julia Hagan, Pippa Zwirschitz, Lani Boerema, Caroline Alley and Alexandra Kirby.