Fayetteville, NC is well-known for being home to Ft. Bragg and the 82nd Airborne, the Army’s fighting forces that are currently serving tours in Iraq. Other than being a town that supports a war effort, Fayetteville also has a myriad of holiday activities for families to participate in whether their soldiers are home or deployed. From handmade crafts to Victorian themes, Fayetteville always finds a way to put a special touch on the holiday season. And let’s not forget the singing tree!
Junior League of Fayetteville sponsors the annual Holly Day Fair from the 2nd thru the 5th of November at the Crown Expo Center. Christmas decorations, jewelry, clothes, food, toys, and more will be on display with over 300 vendors and an average attendance of 21,000. This fair has been going on for over 40 years now. The Crown Expo center is right off of I-95 at the East Mountain Drive exit. They have super shopping hours (that include numerous specials and discounts) beginning Thursday from 9am to 12pm, with regular shopping continuing on until 9pm that night. On Friday and Saturday the fair will be open from 10am-9pm and on Sunday from12pm to 5pm. Tickets are only $12 for the super shopping day and $7 on all other days.
If you are looking for fine woodworking and more classical Christmas gifts, The Eastern Carolina Craftsmen’s Christmas Festival also takes place in the same venue from the 24th of November thru the 26th. Handmade crafts will be on display and for sale. Over 300 exhibits will be featured with only a cost of $4 per day of admission. Children under 15 and people with special needs will be admitted for free.
During the “Dickens Holiday” event, downtown Fayetteville is transformed into a scene straight out of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” story, complete with Victorian costume contests and craft making. Fayetteville Arts Council members, who sponsor this event, can be seen walking around in costume on the brick-laden streets. Some even break out into impromptu Christmas carols! Most of the local shops participate as well, highlighting their window displays with Victorian-era decorations. Hot cider and cinnamon is bountiful. The day also includes a candlelight procession to the marketplace square and a tree illumination. Events take place on November 24 from 1pm-9pm.
In relation to the Dickens Holiday, November 24th is also the opening night of “A Christmas Carol”. The show will start at 8:30pm and show Saturday and Sunday at 2pm at the Gilbert Theatre, located in downtown Fayetteville at the corner of Bow and Green Street. If you can’t catch it that weekend, no need to worry because it will show for two more weekends until 10 December.
More holiday-themed theatre can be found at the Cape Fear Regional Theatre as they host their 15th annual production of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”.The hilarious story about a family of child misfits learning the true meaning of Christmas has always been a holiday favorite among locals. CFRT has not announced show times yet, but there will be school day shows as well as public performances during the weekend from 6 December to 19 December.
The Hope Mills Festival of Lights has been going on 3 decades strong now. Hope Mills, located just minutes south of Fayetteville, hosts this event through its Parks and Recreation department. Hot chocolate, cookies, cakes, and – don’t tell the kids! – Santa will be there for everyone to enjoy. All festivities take place on the 2nd of December at 5pm. Kicking off the event in downtown Hope Mills is the town Christmas Parade featuring local businesses, pageant winners, and christmas-themed mobile displays.
For 26 years running, the Snyder Memorial Baptist Church has been putting on a very special Christmas show called “The Singing Christmas Tree”. It features a large, 8-tiered construction shaped like a Christmas tree but is decorated with live singers. Yes, singers! Accompanying them are additional singers (250 total), two hand bell choirs, and a 40-piece orchestra. This holiday spectacle is on Westmont Street between Bragg Blvd. and Ft. Bragg Road. Show times are from 30 November through 3 December at 7:30pm with weekend matinees beginning at 4:30pm. Tickets are at the best price: free!
As you can see, there’s more than enough to do in Fayetteville if you happen to visit family and friends. I hope you enjoy your stay and keep the spirit of the holidays!
