Christmas in Johnston County

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!

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, 6:30 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.

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 the lineup; Santa Claus. Selma will be hopping with excitement as the Christmas Season begins on this very special night.

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.

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 candlelight tour of the museum and visit with Santa while enjoying musical entertainment and free hot dogs. On Saturday, Dec. 7, check out PJs and Pancakes with Santa at the fire department. The fire department will be offering adult breakfast as well. Beginning at 9 a.m., there will be street vendors, food vendors, shopping, games, Santa’s Workshop, bake-off contest, Touch a Truck, live entertainment, live nativity, cookie decorating, ornament making, Christmas card contest and much more. Email kacc@embarqmail.com for more information.

Dec. 6-8

Live Nativity

Smithfield Advent Christian Church, 2777 N.C. Hwy. 210

Celebrate the reason for the season with a live nativity each evening. Visitors can enjoy cookies and cider while listening to period music. Costumed military interpreters will be available to discuss how the common soldier spent his time on furlough with friends and family.)

Friday, Dec. 6, 8 p.m.

Melinda Doolittle in concert, The Clayton Center

Check out American Idol Season Six member Melinda Doolittle as she performs live at The Clayton Center. Tickets can be found here: https://bit.ly/2WU8Lij.

Friday, Dec. 6, 9:30 p.m.

Breathe Deep 2019 TSO Benefits

Cleveland Draft House, Clayton

Breathe Deep’s 2019 Christmas Benefit Series will feature the sights and sounds of TransSiberian Orchestra. This show will be benefiting Clayton Area Ministries.

Saturday, Dec. 7, 7 a.m.

Pancakes With Santa

Swift Creek Middle School, Clayton

Join the SCMS Band and enjoy a pancake breakfast with Santa while listening to individual and small group performances from band students. Breakfast plates will be $7 each and photos with Santa will also be available for $5.

Saturday, Dec. 7, 9 a.m.

Christmas Craft Fair

Pace Family Farms, Clayton

Pace Family Farms is hosting its first Christmas Craft Fair. There will be vendors and food trucks, and admission is free.

Saturday, Dec. 7, 9:30 a.m.

Holiday Bazaar

Cleveland High School

The sixth-annual Holiday Bazaar will feature more than 60 vendors selling direct marketing items and handmade items. This indoor event will be held at Cleveland High School. It is sponsored by the Cleveland Band Parents Association to benefit the Cleveland Arts Performance Ensemble. For tickets, visit: www. clevelandhigh.band/2019-bazaar-reg/.

Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m.

A Civil War Christmas

Bentonville Battlefield

Come celebrate a Civil War Christmas during this Holiday open house event. Costumed interpreters will decorate the kitchen in festive themes using natural materials such as holly, magnolia, fruits and popcorn strands. Visitors can enjoy cookies and cider while listening to period music. Costumed military interpreters will be available to discuss how the common soldier spent his time on furlough with friends and family. For more information, call 910-594- 0789.

Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m.

Hibernation Station

Howell Woods, Four Oaks

As the temperatures cool outside, animals survive by hibernating. Meet at the Learning Center and learn about hibernation with a story time and then create your own habitat shelters. To register, email t_stanforth@johnstoncc.edu or call the Learning Center at 919-938-0115. Cost is $5 per participant.

Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m.

Grinch Stink, Stank, Stunk 5K

Smithfield Community Park

Don’t be a “bad banana with a greasy black peel”... join the seventh-annual Grinch Stink, Stank, Stunk 5K and Jingle Bell Jog! All participants are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy or gift card. All toys will benefit Harbor and the Johnston County DSS Angel Tree Project.

Saturday, Dec 7, 10 a.m.

Santa’s Workshop

Cleveland Elementary School, Clayton

Come out to a free community event. Santa will be there to take pictures with the children. Vendors will be set up to do all your Christmas shopping. Tickets can be purchased to make crafts, decorate cookies and do the cake walk.

Saturday, Dec. 7, 8 and 10:30 a.m.

Pancakes & Pics with Santa

Rainbow Lanes, Clayton

Harbor Shelter is hosting this fun event. Come have pancakes and take pictures with Santa! Ticket information will be available soon at www.harborshelter.org, and all proceeds benefit the shelter.

Saturday, Dec. 7, 11 a.m.

Littles Holiday Ornament Making Class

Artmosphere Community Arts Center, Clayton

This is a special holiday time for those little ones to get crafty and make some holiday treasures to put on their tree or give to a friend or loved one. All materials are provided and they will take home several ornaments. Cost is $20.

Saturday, Dec. 7, 11 a.m.

Powhatan Elementary Holiday Vendor Fair

Powhatan Elementary, Clayton

Powhatan Elementary School will be holding its annual Holiday & Crafting Fair on Dec. 7. There will be vendors, crafters, a food truck, concessions to purchase, kids activities and more.

Saturday, Dec. 7, 1 p.m.

Princeton Christmas Parade

The annual Princeton Christmas Parade is set for Saturday, Dec. 7 at 1 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 7, 7 p.m.

Around Town Singers & Orchestra Christmas Show

The Clayton Center

Enjoy a 90-minute Christmas show with all your favorite holiday songs! Performed by the Around Town Singers and Orchestra, plus special guests Sophie Collins, Jennifer Jarvis, the Burnett Sisters Band and many more. Featuring a 20-piece orchestra and the Around Town Dancers, too. For tickets, visit: https://bit.ly/34FY3yu.

Saturday, Dec. 7, 7:30 p.m.

The Embers Christmas Show

W.J. Barefoot Auditorium, Benson

For one night only, The Embers will take the stage for an exciting evening of music and fun. Visit www.thebensonarts.com for more information.

Sunday, Dec 8, 2 p.m.

Christmas in Clayton Art and Home Tour

Portofino

The Christmas in Clayton Art and Home Tour at Portofino is back for its eighth year. Tickets are $10 each which includes a tour of six homes decorated for Christmas and local artists exhibiting their work at the Portofino Club House. You can also purchase tickets online at www.claytonvisualarts.org/Christmas-in-Clayton or purchase them at the Portofino clubhouse the day of the event. You can also contact Kathleen Nobles at knobles@centurylink.net.

Sunday, Dec. 8, 3 p.m.

The Nutcracker

The Clayton Center

Students from Tippy Toes Dance Studio in Princeton perform this beloved holiday classic. Tickets are $8 each and are available here: https://bit.ly/2qDovu4.

Sunday, Dec. 8, 3 p.m.

Pine Level Christmas Parade

Pine Level’s annual Christmas parade is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 9, at 3 p.m. For more information, call Town Hall at 919-965- 2284.

Sunday, Dec. 8, 4 p.m.

Wilson’s Mills Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting

The Wilson’s Mills Christmas Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting is held annually each year. Santa will be on hand taking “wish lists” from kids of all ages, and he will be available for photos as well. There will be Christmas caroling, food, games and the lighting of the tree at dusk.

Tuesday, Dec. 10, 6:30 p.m.

Clayton High School Chorus and Band

The Clayton Center

The Clayton High School chorus and band ensembles perform all of your holiday favorites at this free event.

Thursday, Dec. 12, 7 p.m.

Smithfield Christmas Parade

The Smithfield Christmas Parade will march down Market Street beginning at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12.

Thursday, Dec. 12, 7 p.m.

Clayton Piano Festival’s Holiday Gala

Piazza at Portofino, Clayton

Don’t miss the Clayton Piano Festival’s third-annual Holiday Gala. This year’s featured musical artists are husband and wife, Nikoleta Rallis, soprano, and Aza Sydykov, pianist, a performance team whose combined experience crosses many different genres, musical traditions and countries. They will be joined by CPF Director Jonathan Levin and Nikoleta’s father, Michael Rallis, tenor, for an mix of classical, Broadway, opera and holiday favorites. For tickets, visitwww.claytonpianofestival.org.

Friday, Dec. 13, 5 p.m.

Powhatan Glee Club Christmas Performance

Clayton General Store

Come out and join the Powhatan Elementary School Glee Club as they bring sounds of the holiday season with s’mores and an outdoor Christmas movie to follow the performance.

Saturday, Dec. 14, 9 a.m.

Selma Santa Train

All aboard! Join an unforgettable seasonal journey on the Selma Santa Train. Young and old will be whisked off to enjoy the round trip ride with Santa on board. Does Santa really like juice and cookies? You’ll find out as they are served while on the train. Families are encouraged to wear their pajamas and be ready to join in on the caroling and sing-along while on board. Tickets (while they last) are $55 for adults 13 and older, $45 for children up to age 12 and infants can travel for free in a lap. Register at www.selma-nc.com/selma-santa-train or for more information, call Selma Parks and Recreation at 919-975-1411.

Saturday, Dec. 14, 11 a.m.

Parker Pharmacy’s Three-Year Anniversary Celebration

Parker Pharmacy, Four Oaks

Come out to Parker Pharmacy and help them celebrate Christmas as well as their three-year anniversary! There will be a special visitor from Noon until 2 p.m. Bring your camera and snap a picture with Santa! Lunch will be provided while supplies last.

Saturday, Dec. 14, 1 and 7 p.m.

Christmas is Coming, Sing for Joy

The Clayton Center

The Johnston County Chorus presents its annual show. Tickets are available here: https://bit. ly/2p0Fki1.

Saturday, Dec. 14, 3 p.m.

2019 Clayton Christmas Parade

The Rotary Club of Clayton and the Town of Clayton are once again hosting the annual Clayton Christmas Parade through Downtown Clayton. Visit www.claytonchristmasparade.org for more details or to register to participate.

Saturday, Dec. 14, 4 p.m.

Micro Christmas Parade and Christmas Tree lighting

Micro’s annual Christmas parade is set for Saturday, Dec. 14. The tree lighting will follow at Micro Fire Department. For more information, call 919-901-1737.

Wednesday, Dec. 18, 5 p.m.

Owl Safari

Howell Woods, Four Oaks

Join a search for the elusive Barred Owl. The staff will introduce raptors, visit the Birds of prey exhibit, and then take a truck ride to search for these nocturnal creatures. To register, email t_stanforth@johnstoncc.edu or call the Learning Center at 919-938-0115. Cost is $5 per participant.

Dec. 18-20, 7-9 p.m.

Pleasant Hill Christian Church Nativity

Pleasant Hill Church Road, Benson

See the story of Christ presented in ten 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 they invite you to drive through as many times as you would like. For more information, call 919-894-3212, email info@drivethrunativity. org or visit drivethrunativity.org.

Thursday, Dec. 19, 6 p.m.

Bowling For A Cause

Rainbow Lanes, Clayton

The Zeta Youth Affiliates of Clayton-Zeta Phi Beta Soroity are hosting Bowling for a Cause at Rainbow Lanes. Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for kids 12 and under or $100 for a team of six. Tickets are available at https://bit.ly/33uJi1t, and a portion of the proceeds will be given to the March of Dimes.

Friday, Dec. 20, 7 p.m.

Liz Reedy in concert

Simple Twist Taproom, Smithfield

Don’t miss Liz Reedy, live in concert.

Friday, Dec. 20, 8 p.m.

Roger Glenn in concert

First Street Tavern, Clayton

See country and rock singer/songwriter Roger Glenn in concert in Clayton.

Saturday, Dec. 21, 10 a.m.

Winter Birds

Howell Woods, Four Oaks

Come celebrate the Winter Solstice by observing animals that overwinter: birds! We will learn how to identify local and migrant species and examine birds from feeders and the trail. To register, email t_stanforth@johnstoncc.edu or call the Learning Center at 919-938-0115. Cost is $5 per participant.

Saturday, Dec. 21, 9 p.m.

Gypsy Railroad

Tavern 42, Clayton

Gypsy Railroad is bringing its unique sound to Flowers Plantation.

Sunday, Dec. 29, 11 a.m.

The Redeemed

Selma Original Free Will Baptist Church

Join Selma OFWB church for a special worship service in song by Kenly’s The Redeemed.

Tuesday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m.

New Year’s Eve at The Farm

Come help ring in 2020 with Jim Quick & Coastline at The Farm at 95. Tickets are $40 each and are only being sold at https://bit.ly/2CseMt6. There are a limited number of tables for $100 per table. These tables seat up to eight people and do not include admission into the event.

Tuesday, Dec. 31, 9:45 p.m.

New Year’s Eve party with MikeMickXer

Cleveland Draft House, Clayton

Ring in the New Year with MikeMickXer at Cleveland Draft House. “The Trio of the Triangle,” playing the most eclectic mix of Reggae, Rockabilly, R&B, Country, Americana and Funk.

Meadow Lights

4546 Godwin Lake Road, Benson

The largest and oldest Christmas light show in eastern North Carolina. Family owned and operated business that started more than 40 years ago. “The Old Country Store” is one of the largest candy stores in the state specializing in Christmas and old fashioned candy, carrying over 300 varieties. Take a train ride through more than 30 acres of lights or ride an old-fashioned carousel. There’s also a chance to take a photo with Santa. Dates: Through Dec. 31. Hours: Sunday – Thursday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday - Saturday 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Christmas Jubilee Live @ The Rudy

Rudy Theatre, Selma

Take a nostalgic trip back to an innocent age when anticipation of Santa’s visit made the holidays magical. Enjoy gospel favorites and the contemporary beat of hits like “Christmas in Dixie.” Show runs all month long. For dates, times and ticket information, visit www.rudytheatre.com.

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. New this year is a working Ferris wheel that stuffed animals will ride. There is even a Santa ticket booth where they have to buy tickets.