Christmas in Johnston County
As our staff is reminded every delivery cycle, Johnston County is a big place. As such, there is a host of activities planned to celebrate the Christmas season. There are parades, tree lightings and so much more. So, grab a coat, get out there and have fun!
Caroline Alley
Lauren Ellis
The illustrations throughout the holiday guide are courtesy of the students at the Cary and Clayton School of Creative Arts. We'd like to thank Tom Hutchison and his talented students for helping us out with some scenes of the season. For more information about Clayton School of Creative Arts, or the Cary School of Creative Arts, visit www.csoca.com.
Sunday, Dec. 1, 5:30 p.m. Hanging of the Greens Oakland Presbyterian Church, Clayton Begin the Advent Season with a special service designed to decorate the church while also reminding people of the meaning of the decorations we will see all around us during the Christmas Season. For more information, contact the church office at secretary@ oaklandpresbyterianchurch.org. Tuesday, Dec. 3, 5 p.m. Four Oaks Christmas Tree Lighting Don’t miss a family-friendly event including free food, train rides, live performances and more. Contact the Four Oaks Chamber of Commerce at info@fouroakschamber.com or 919-963-4004 for more information. Tuesday, Dec 3, 6 p.m. Selma Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Join as Selma presents the Christmas Parade, lighting up the night sky with twinkling lights. Of course that most important visitor of all will join
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the lineup; Santa Claus. Selma will be hopping with excitement as the Christmas Season begins on this very special night. Tuesday, Dec. 3, 6:30 p.m. Christmas in Cleveland JCC Cleveland Campus Check out the third-annual Christmas in Cleveland event. There will be a Christmas parade and community tree lighting. Santa Claus will be there to ride in the parade and visit with the kids after. The parade will begin behind the fire department and travel onto Cleveland Road and back behind the fire department. For more, visit greaterclevelandchamber.com/christmas-incleveland.html. Thursday, Dec. 5, 7 p.m. Smithfield Christmas Tree Lighting The town’s annual Christmas tree lighting will be held at the corner of Third and Market streets. With performances by local choruses, bands and dance groups, cookie decorating, hot chocolate, the cake dive and a chance to win hundreds of Downtown Dollars, this event offers something for the entire family to get in the holiday spirit. A special visitor from the North Pole will help light the tree.
Thursday, Dec. 5, 7 p.m. Kenly Christmas Parade Don’t miss Kenly’s annual Christmas parade, held on the first Thursday of each December.
Thursday, Dec. 5, 5:30 p.m. Clayton’s 2019 Christmas Village & Tree Lighting Check out the 2019 Christmas Village & Tree Lighting in Downtown Clayton. Enjoy a live nativity, music, holiday cheer, a business open house and, of course, the traditional tree lighting at Town Square. Friday, Dec. 6, 5 p.m. Benson’s Christmas on Main Join the fun on Main Street in Benson for a family fun night with shopping, tree lighting, entertainment, the annual Christmas parade and visits with Santa. For more information, see the ad on Page 33. Dec. 6-7 Kenly’s Christmas on Main Don’t miss the annual Kenly Christmas on Main celebration. On Friday night, Dec. 6, celebrate at the Tobacco Farm Life Museum. Take a
