Christmas in Americas Hometown
I thought this might be a good time to recap some of the things happening in greater Fayetteville during the fast-approaching Christmas season. Below, I have highlighted 4 of my favorite events – but there are many others happening throughout the region. Please follow the link at the bottom of the blog for a more comprehensive calendar of happenings.
A Dickens Holiday – For 10+ years, on the day after Thanksgiving, downtown Fayetteville provides a fun way to mark the start of the season. From 1 to 9 pm the downtown area is transformed into a Victorian Christmas wonderland with people dressed in period dress, gingerbread and cider, carolers, carriage rides, and you might even get to talk to Tiny Tim or Scrooge himself. (During one of our first visits to A Dickens Holiday, years ago, my then 4-year-old Erinn ran away from Scrooge.)
Special happenings are planned throughout the day, including:
* Victorian ornament workshop
* Professional chefs creating gingerbread houses
* a “Tuba Christmas” performed at Hay Street Methodist Church
* Carriage Rides
The highlight of the day is the candlelight procession at dusk from the Arts Council to the Market House followed by the lighting of the Christmas tree. Fireworks over the Market House round out the day. The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County produces A Dickens Holiday in collaboration with Fayetteville’s Downtown Alliance. Follow the link to the Arts Council’s website for pictures from past events.
The Singing Christmas Tree – Since 1980, at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church has offered this FREE Christmas Concert. The music is great, and I guarantee it WILL put you in the Christmas spirit!Set to run from December 3 – December 5, the 2010 concert features 250 singers, 2 handbell choirs, and a 40 piece orchestra. Although the concert is free, tickets are required. Follow the link above and call early to get your tickets.
Holiday Jubilee – On December 5th, the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex will present their 10th anniversary of Holiday Jubilee. AT this special event, visitors tour the 1897 EA Poe House in its full holiday dress, see cooking demonstrations and make Christmas decorations. Holiday Jubilee is a free event.
The Nutcracker Ballet – The North Carolina State Ballet production of the “Nutcracker”, featuring 60 dancers and actors, will be staged at the Crown Theater December 11 and 12th. A few years back, I took my 7 and 8 year old girls to see this world-class production. The production was great, and it gave me the opportunity to learn something about my girls’ tastes in entertainment. One daughter sat mesmerized, through the entire production, and the other kept asking me – “why aren’t they talking?
” Fayetteville/Cumberland County department of Parks & Recreation is offering a new event for 2010 that sounds like a fun time. They will bring the entire ½-mile walking trail at Arnette Park alive with lights and Christmas decorations for “Christmas in the Park.” The cost is $2 per person; pictures with Santa are an additional cost.
These are just a few of the events our community offers between Thanksgiving and New Years. For a complete listing of holiday happenings, please check out our CALENDAR .
