Holiday Events 2025

Archer Lodge

• Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
  • Date/Time: Saturday, December 6, 3:00 PM – 8:30 PM
  • Location: 14009 Buffalo Road
  • Details: Start the celebrations with the Parade. Then enjoy pictures and letters with Santa, fairy hair, hayrides, live music, a chili cook-off, food, and more. At 6:00 PM there will be Tree Lighting. Don’t miss out on the holiday magic!

Ayden

• Christmas Town
  • Date/Time: Thursday, December 4, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Location: 528 E 3rd Street
  • Details: The best time of year… Christmas Town in Ayden is here! Join young and old, girls and boys for a night full of magic, fun, and joy! December 4th – Shop for your family at the Christmas Town Market or visit with Santa and have some hot chocolate. Christmas Town in Ayden is merry and bright, especially during the Parade of Lights at 6 PM. The Christmas Village and Town Market Open then at 6:30 PM the Parade Starts.

Bailey

• Christmas Tree Lighting
  • Date/Time: Friday, December 5, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Location: In Bailey
  • Details: It’s the kickoff to the holiday season with performances from local schools, hot chocolate, a Live Nativity presented by Bailey Baptist, a visit from Santa & Mrs. Claus, and the lighting of the tree! Bring the family and celebrate the season!
• Christmas in Bailey
  • Date/Time: Saturday, December 6, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Location: In Bailey
  • Details: Enjoy a festive day filled with food crafts, a parade, music, and more! The Holiday Magic awaits!

Benson

• Christmas on Main
  • Date/Time: Friday, December 5, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Location: Main Street
  • Details: It’s the kickoff to the holidays as Benson transforms into a festive movie-like setting. It all starts with the Tree Lighting Ceremony, then the holiday parade, visits with Santa, live entertainment, festive treats, and more.

Bunn

• It’s A Hometown Christmas
  • Date/Time: Sunday, December 14, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
  • Location: Bunn
  • Details: Enjoy a fun filled day starting with the Holiday Market, and the Christmas parade at 3:00, followed by Christmas in the Park with Santa where everyone will enjoy live music, S’mores, and free activities.

Clayton

• Christmas Village & Tree Lighting

• • Date/Time: Thursday, December 4, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Location: Main Street
  • Details: Main Street transforms into a winter wonderland filled with the sights, sounds, and tastes of the season. From 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, enjoy a lively open house with local businesses, twinkling light displays, live performances, and holiday treats around every corner. Families can hop on a trackless train ride, snap photos in the giant inflatable snow globe, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, and watch the kids light up with glitter tattoos and seasonal crafts. As the evening winds down, gather in Town Square for the main event, the lighting of the Town of Clayton Christmas Tree at 7:15 PM.

• Christmas Parade

• • Date/Time: Saturday, December 13, 11:00 AM –
  • Location: Robertson St to Smith St
  • Details: The Town of Clayton and Rotary Club of Clayton are hosting The Clayton Christmas Parade with local school marching bands, entertainment, floats, and more!

• Merry Municipal Hot Cocoa with Santa

• • Date/Time: Thursday, December 18, 6:00 PM –
  • Location: Municipal Park
  • Details: A heartwarming holiday tradition that brings families together for a night of sweet treats, twinkling lights, and festive memories. Enjoy a complimentary cup of hot cocoa as you stroll through the park’s holiday light displays and visit Santa himself. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the moment and enjoy the atmosphere that makes this event one of the season’s favorites. This event is free and open to the public.

Farmville

• Christmas Tree Lighting
  • Date/Time: Friday, December 5, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
  • Location: Main Street
  • Details: Save the date for the annual Christmas tree lighting at the Gazebo on the Town Common. Enjoy Christmas music, food, activities for the kids, and a special visit from Santa Claus.

• Christmas Parade
  • Date/Time: Saturday, December 13, 10:30 AM
  • Location: Main Street
  • Details: The Annual Christmas Parade in Farmville is not to be missed! Enjoy the floats, marching bands, and more!

Franklinton

• Franklinton Tree Lighting & Christmas Market
  • Date/Time: Saturday, November 29, 7:00 PM – 7:00 PM
  • Location: Downtown Franklinton
  • Details: Visit with Santa Claus, make an ornament hang to hang on the Town Christmas Tree and get a start on your Christmas Shopping.
• Franklinton Christmas Parade
  • Date/Time: Thursday, December 4, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Location: Downtown Franklinton
  • Details: Join the fun at the Annual Nighttime Christmas Parade along Main Street in Downtown Franklinton!

Garner

• Garner Christmas Parade
  • Date/Time: Saturday, December 6, 4:30 PM – [No end time given]
  • Location: Downtown Garner
  • Details: It’s the Garner Optimist Christmas Parade! Enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday during this family-friendly event.
• Holiday Block Party
  • Date/Time: Saturday, December 6, 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
  • Location: Garner Recreation Center, 215 W Main St.
  • Details: This free family-friendly event will feature holiday kids’ crafts, food trucks, games, music, and more. The Garner Express train ride will take guests on a trip around the outdoor walking trail, and when Santa Claus joins the party be ready for those family pictures!

Goldsboro

• Downtown Lights Up
  • Date/Time: Tuesday, November 25, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Location: Downtown Goldsboro
  • Details: Downtown Goldsboro will kick off the Christmas season with the annual Downtown Lights Up event. Experience the magic as Center Street comes alive with holiday lights, music, and cheer! Enjoy an evening of live entertainment, trolley rides, local vendors, hot cocoa, and photos with Santa. It’s a family tradition you won’t want to miss. See you there!
• Christmas Parade
  • Date/Time: Thursday, December 4, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Location: Downtown Goldsboro
  • Details: Enjoy the 2025 Goldsboro Christmas Parade, the premier, holiday event that brings thousands of citizens together in celebration of the festive season! Held in Downtown Goldsboro, the parade features beautifully decorated floats and vehicles, marching bands, and performances from local schools and organizations.
• Jingle in the Park
  • Date/Time: Friday, December 5, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Location: Herman Park
  • Details: To enjoy the festive atmosphere, and kids can expect a special appearance from Santa Claus himself. It’s a joyful tradition that Come out to Historic Herman Park for the Annual Jingle In The Park Event! It’s 2 nights of Free Holiday fun for all ages!

Greenville

• A Night at the Movies Christmas Parade!
  • Date/Time: Saturday, December 6, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Location: Evans Street
  • Details: This year’s theme for the Greenville Jaycees Christmas Parade is A Night at the Movies, with Christmas movie-themed floats! Immediately after the parade – Santa will light the town Christmas Tree, read a story, & sing a song with the children in the grassy area across the street from the Hen & The Hog. Once his program is done SANTA will be available for pictures with the children. HOPE YOU WILL COME JOIN ALL THE FUN!!

Halifax

• Christmas Parade
  • Date/Time: Saturday, November 29, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
  • Location: Edna Andrews Elementary School & Hamilton Ballpark
  • Details: At 4:15 P.M., Hamilton’s Christmas parade kicks off followed by a tree lighting at 5:45 P.M. The parade lineup begins at the Edna Andrews Elementary School and the tree lighting takes place at the Hamilton Ballpark Recreational Building.

Hamilton

• Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
  • Date/Time: Thursday, December 11, 4:15 PM – 6:00 PM
  • Location: Recreational Building
  • Details: Enjoy a festive celebration at the Downtown Henderson Christmas Parade! Bring your family and friends to enjoy a magical afternoon with Christmas cheer, festive floats, and holiday music. Come see beautifully decorated floats and vehicles, marching bands, and local groups spreading the spirit of the season.

Henderson

• Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
  • Date/Time: Saturday, December 6, 2:30 PM – 6:00 PM
  • Location: Downtown Henderson
  • Details: Enjoy a festive celebration at the Downtown Henderson Christmas Parade! Bring your family and friends to enjoy a magical afternoon with Christmas cheer, festive floats, and holiday music. Come see beautifully decorated floats and vehicles, marching bands, and local groups spreading the spirit of the season.

Jamesville

• Christmas Tree Lighting
  • Date/Time: Friday, December 5, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Location: The Friendly Spot Community Cross Garden
  • Details: Come out for the Community Christmas Tree Lighting!
• Christmas Parade
  • Date/Time: Saturday, December 6, 11:00 AM –
  • Location: Main Street – Downtown Jamesville
  • Details: Join the community of Jamesville for a variety of floats, activities, and the arrival of Santa!

Kenly

• Christmas Tree Lighting
  • Date/Time: Tuesday, December 2, 7:30 PM – [No end time given]
  • Location: Across from Town Hall
  • Details: Start the season in Kenly with the Christmas Tree Lighting.
• Christmas Parade
  • Date/Time: Thursday, December 4, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Location: Downtown Kenly
  • Details: The 63rd Annual Christmas Parade will usher in the Christmas season as it makes its way through downtown Kenly.

Knightdale

• Tree Lighting Ceremony
  • Date/Time: Friday, December 5, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Location: Knightdale Station Park
  • Details: Kick off the season with an evening of festive fun! Write letters to Santa, enjoy performances by local entertainers, sip on hot chocolate, snack on cookies, and countdown to the lighting of the Christmas Tree!
• Knightdale Christmas Parade
  • Date/Time: Saturday, December 13, 10:00 AM
  • Location:
  • Details: Experience the magic of the season at Knightdale’s Christmas Parade! Enjoy festive floats, marching bands, local performers, and a special appearance by Santa himself as the holiday spirit comes to life along the parade route.

Louisburg

• Town of Louisburg Christmas Market and Parade
  • Date/Time: Saturday, December 6, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM / 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
  • Location: Downtown
  • Details: Join in on Downtown Louisburg for a full day of Christmas cheer — starting with the Christmas Market (9 AM–3 PM) featuring craft vendors, food trucks, and holiday shopping, followed by the Town Christmas Parade (3–5 PM) filled with festive floats.

Micro

• Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
  • Date/Time: Saturday, December 6, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Location: Micro Elementary School
  • Details: Enjoy the parade as it starts at Micro Elementary School and proceeds down Main Street toward Davis Street. Then after the parade enjoy the Tree Lighting, hot chocolate and family photos at the new community building.

Murfreesboro

• 39th Annual Murfreesboro Historical Association Historic District
  • Date/Time: Saturday, December 6, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Location: Historic District
  • Details: Enjoy candle-lit walkways, live greenery decorations, horse-drawn carriage rides, a blacksmith demonstration, refreshments, and live music. It’s an insight into the celebration of Christmas, featuring simple customs and natural beauty.

Nashville

• Children’s Christmas & Bike Parade
  • Date/Time: Saturday, December 6, 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Location: Nash County Administration Building and Nashville Exchange
  • Details: Children’s activities begin at 2 in front of the Nash County Administration Building. Children are invited to decorate their bike, wagon, scooter, stroller, or themselves and be a part of the parade starting at 4:30. Then following the parade, enjoy the lighting of the Christmas Tree and free pictures with Santa!

Pinetops

• Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
  • Date/Time: Tuesday, December 2, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Location:
  • Details: Enjoy the lighting of the town Christmas tree at the town gazebo. The surrounding area schools come together for a beautiful display of choral and musical arrangements. There will be refreshments and of course the lighting of our Town Christmas Tree.
• Annual Pinetops Christmas Parade
  • Date/Time: Saturday, December 6, 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM
  • Location:
  • Details: Come celebrate the holiday season in Pinetops at the 49th Annual Parade!

Red Oak

• Christmas Festival
  • Date/Time: Saturday, November 29, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
  • Location: Ennis Park
  • Details: The Town of Red Oak presents the 8th annual Christmas Festival. This year’s theme is “Christmas on Red Oak Farm.” Usher in the Christmas season with a craft market, rides, food trucks and more. Take pictures with Santa from noon to 3 and then watch the parade starting at 4. At the end of the event, enjoy the lighting of the tree. It’s fun for the whole family!

Roanoke Rapids

• Roanoke Rapids Christmas Parade
  • Date/Time: Sunday, December 7, 2:00 PM –
  • Location:
  • Details: Enjoy the sights and sounds at the annual Christmas Parade.

Robersonville

• Annual Town Tree Lighting
  • Date/Time: Friday, December 5, 6:00 PM – [No end time given]
  • Location: Academy and Main Streets
  • Details: Come out and enjoy the start of the season with the annual Tree Lighting!
• Christmas Parade
  • Date/Time: Wednesday, December 10, 4:00 PM – [No end time given]
  • Location:
  • Details: Santa Claus makes his way to the Robersonville Christmas Parade! Come out and enjoy all the sights and sounds of the season!

Rocky Mount

• Rocky Mount Mills Tower Lighting
  • Date/Time: Wednesday, December 3, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Location: Rocky Mount Mills
  • Details: Celebrate the start of the holidays in person at the 8th Annual Rocky Mount Mills Tower Lighting. It will be a festive night with horse carriage rides, Santa, live music, Christmas Market at The Power House, The Grinch and more! This event is free and open to the public.
• A Charlie Brown Christmas
  • Date/Time: December 5 & 6; December 12 & 13, 7:00PM & 7:45 PM
  • Location: Rocky Mount Imperial Centre
  • Details: Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the whole Peanuts gang as they sing, dance, and learn the true meaning of Christmas!
• Christmas Parade
  • Date/Time: Sunday, December 7, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
  • Location: Downtown
  • Details: Rocky Mount’s 69th Annual Christmas Parade is a downtown tradition that brings together people from all over the city. From floats and live animals to seeing Santa, this is the event of the holiday season!
• Winter Wonderland
  • Date/Time: Sunday, December 14, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
  • Location: Imperial Centre
  • Details: Enjoy the Winter Wonderland at the Rocky Mount Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences, with Christmas carolers, a visit from Santa Claus, horse carriage rides, inflatables, arts and crafts, food vendors, and an interactive kids show.

Rolesville

• Christmas Parade
  • Date/Time: Sunday, December 7, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
  • Location: 200 E Young Street
  • Details: Join one of Rolesville’s most beloved holiday traditions—the annual Christmas Parade. Enjoy amazing floats, local talent, and a visit from Santa & Mrs. Claus as Main Street comes alive with Christmas spirit.
• Rolesville’s Annual Tree Lighting
  • Date/Time: Monday, December 8, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
  • Location: Bedford Place Park
  • Details: Kick off the holiday season with an evening full of festive fun! Enjoy pictures with Santa, magical snow flurries, train rides and inflatables for the kids, food, music, and of course the lighting of the tree!

Selma

• Selma’s Christmas Celebration
  • Date/Time: Tuesday, December 2, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
  • Location: Front of Town Hall
  • Details: Enjoy the Selma Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting – it’s the perfect way to begin the holiday season and create a fun tradition with family and friends. Start with the Tree Lighting and entertainment at 6:00. Then at 7 the parade makes its way down Raiford Street through the heart of Selma. Enjoy live music, and FREE refreshments too!

Sharpsburg

• Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
  • Date/Time: Sunday, November 30, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
  • Location: 3721 S Hathaway Blvd
  • Details: Come and join in for the annual tree lighting ceremony for the Town of Sharpsburg. Enjoy live music, and FREE refreshments too!
• Annual Christmas Parade
  • Date/Time: Saturday, December 13, 11:00 AM –
  • Location: Davis Stone Road
  • Details: Come enjoy the parade beginning at the corner of Davis Stone Rd & Mill Branch Rd and ending on Pittman Street behind Town Hall.

Smithfield

• Tree Lighting Festival
  • Date/Time: Friday, November 28, 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Location: 3rd Street South – Downtown Smithfield
  • Details: It’s Smithfield’s Kickoff to Christmas Tree Lighting – celebrate the start of the holiday season in the heart of Downtown Smithfield! Shop from local vendors, enjoy live entertainment, and gather with the community for the lighting of the town’s Christmas tree.
• Smithfield Christmas Parade
  • Date/Time: Thursday, December 11, 7:00 PM –
  • Location: Town Hall
  • Details: The Town of Smithfield is excited to invite you to the annual Christmas Parade on December 11th at 7:00 PM! Enjoy dazzling floats, joyful music, and a visit from Santa himself! Don’t miss out on the fun! Plus, before the parade, beginning at 6:00 PM, drop by Town Hall for free hot chocolate and cookies while it lasts.

Spring Hope

• Christmas in Spring Hope
  • Date/Time: Saturday, December 13, 12:00PM – 5:00 PM
  • Location: Town of Spring Hope
  • Details: Enjoy this community driven event with fun family activities throughout the town including visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, bounce house, face painting, gingerbread house challenge, carolers and more.  Be sure to pick up tickets at participating locations and turn them in at 5:00 to Depot Delights for free cookies.

Tarboro

• Annual Tree Lighting and Carriage Rides
  • Date/Time: Thursday, December 4, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Location: Downtown Tarboro
  • Details: Enjoy Free Christmas Carriage rides in Downtown Tarboro. Ride through beautifully lit streets. Bring the family, snap some photos and soak in the holiday spirit. And enjoy the Tree lighting at 6:00 PM.
• Tarboro Christmas Parade
  • Date/Time: Sunday, December 14, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
  • Location: Main Street
  • Details: Join the community of Tarboro for the fun and festive Tarboro Christmas Parade. Enjoy the floats, cars, trucks, horses, and more!

Wake Forest

• Lighting of Wake Forest
  • Date/Time: Friday, December 5, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Location: Wake Forest Centennial Plaza, 301 S. Brooks St.
  • Details: You’re invited to experience the wonder and magic of the holiday season at the 2025 Lighting of Wake Forest at Centennial Plaza, 301 S. Brooks St. The ceremony will feature the lighting of the Christmas tree and the arrival of Santa Claus.
• Downtown Holiday Open House
  • Date/Time: Saturday, December 6, 10:00 AM –
  • Location: Downtown
  • Details: Get ready to celebrate the season in Downtown Wake Forest! Enjoy the charming downtown, filled with holiday cheer, special shopping, and festive fun for the whole family. Stroll the streets, explore local shops and restaurants, and discover the magic waiting around every corner.

Warrenton

• The Warrenton Christmas Parade
  • Date/Time: Saturday, December 13, 5:00 PM –
  • Location:
  • Details: Enjoy the floats, decorated vehicles, pets, and marchers.

Wendell

• Wendell Wonderland
  • Date/Time: Friday, December 5, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Location: Downtown Wendell
  • Details: Get ready for a great night of events including the tree lighting, live music, trolley rides, Polar Express Storytime, Santa & Mrs. Claus, a craft market, axe throwing, the Lake Myra Light Show, and more!

Wilson

• Wilson Christmas Parade
  • Date/Time: Saturday, December 6, 11:00 AM –
  • Location: Nash Street
  • Details: Get ready for the 2025 Wilson Christmas Parade because it’s going to be a jolly good time! The parade kicks off in Historic Downtown Wilson along Nash Street. Enjoy marching bands, floats, cheer squads, dance groups, businesses, non-profit organizations and more..

Winterville

• Winterville Wonderland
  • Date/Time: Saturday, December 13, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
  • Location: Main Street
  • Details: This year’s Town Christmas festivities include a festive parade, tree lighting ceremony, and vendor market. The Christmas parade begins at 2:00 PM, Tree lighting ceremony begins at 6:00 PM, at 252 Main Street.

Youngsville

• Youngsville Tree Lighting Ceremony
  • Date/Time: Friday, December 5, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
  • Location: Luddy Park
  • Details: Enjoy an evening of festive activities, the lighting of the tree, holiday vendors, and to close out the night—FIREWORKS!
• Christmas Parade
  • Date/Time: Saturday, December 6, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
  • Location: Main Street
  • Details: Youngsville is the place to be to get into the holiday spirit!  Join the fun at the state’s longest-running Christmas Parade! Enjoy the floats, trucks, cars, music and more!

Zebulon

• Candy Cane Lane Festival
  • Date/Time: Saturday, November 22, 4:00 PM –
  • Location: Arendell Ave.
  • Details: Celebrate the holiday season in Downtown Zebulon. Spend the evening strolling Arendell Avenue visiting downtown businesses, participating in Christmas activities, enjoying live performances, and celebrating with community members. Activities will include visits with Santa, free Holiday Crafts, letters To Santa, games, hot chocolate, food frucks & more.
• Town of Zebulon Christmas Parade
  • Date/Time: Sunday, December 14, 3:00 PM –
  • Location: Downton
  • Details: You won’t want to miss the pageantry and excitement of the 2025 Christmas Parade! The parade will kick off the holiday festivities. A long-standing tradition for the town of Zebulon. Family friendly and with community pride.