NC Christmas Towns: Fayetteville features a magical holiday roundup

As the holiday season begins, towns across the state transform into magical Christmas cheer celebrations, where visitors and natives alike feel as if they have stepped into a Hallmark movie. Over the coming weeks, the Carolina Journal will highlight some of these towns and their unique traditions leading up to Christmas.

Fayetteville is best known as a military town, but far beyond that, it bursts to life with the holiday spirit each year as the holiday season approaches.  The city plays host to a few favorite holiday traditions each year that are beloved by visitors and tourists alike. 

A Dickens Holiday (Nov 29th): This has been a beloved holiday tradition of Fayetteville for the last quarter century. Inspired by the classic tale penned by Charles Dickens, this event transforms the town into a charming holiday tale that includes shopping, street performances, carolers, and other holiday activities. Initially born out of a desire to create an alternative to the chaos of Black Friday, the event now draws thousands of visitors each year. 

Fayetteville Holiday Lights (Nov 29-Dec 23): This is the fourth year in a row that Segra Stadium will serve as a stage showcasing over two million lights, more than a dozen large light displays, and the largest light-up Christmas tree Fayetteville has to offer. Holiday refreshments are also provided, along with daily, special promotions.

Festival of Lights and Tiny’s Winter Wonderland at Sweet Valley Ranch (Nov 29-Dec 28): This drive-through light show boasts more than a million lights and over 350 animals. The wonderland includes amusement rides, a gift shop, and local vendors.

Holiday Lights in the Garden (Dec 6-22): This exhibit in the Cape Fear Botanical Garden is an immersive walk-through experience featuring thousands of twinkling lights. These vibrant displays transport visitors directly into the heart of the holiday experience. Santa and the Grinch can also be spotted there, as visitors enjoy seasonal music and a holiday photo-op. A complete schedule and tickets can be found here. 

Holiday Jubilee (Dec 8): This annual event occurs at the 1897 EA Poe House, part of the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex. This year’s festivities include a free concert by the Coventry Carolers and the Fayetteville Sound Barbershop Chorus. Both groups will perform holiday favorites on the Poe House front porch.  Other holiday attractions include a cooking demonstration on the 1902 Glenwood stove, Christmas stories read by Santa, and the beautifully decorated Poe House.

Christmas Market at Dirtbag Ales (Dec 13-15): This three-day event will be Dirtbag’s seventh annual Christmas Market, featuring 80 holiday-inspired food vendors. In addition, local artists will convene in one location for fun and easy holiday shopping. The region’s finest food trucks will be on-site, featuring a daily, holiday-themed musical performance. This local brewery and taproom handcraft small-batch brews, from classic ales and lagers to bold, experimental brews that push the boundaries of traditional flavors.

The post NC Christmas Towns: Fayetteville features a magical holiday roundup first appeared on Carolina Journal.