Archive for November, 2009
Christmas in America’s Hometown
The Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau just put out our annual Christmas card that highlights the majority of the Christmas events in Cumberland County; and let me tell you that card is full of events - we could have gone on to fill a couple of pages. Instead, we wrote small.
For me and my family, there are a few events that stand out ~ great family events. And it starts this Friday.
A Dickens Holiday
On Black Friday, Friday, Nov 27, get out early to big sales at the mall, take a nap and head downtown for A Dickens Holiday. Starting at 1 pm, Downtown is transformed to a Victorian Christmas wonderland with Dickens characters (Scrooge will harass you and Tiny Tim will bless you), Father Christmas, carriage rides, tasty holiday treats, carolers, and special sales from downtown merchants. Professional chefs will compete in the Dickens Holiday Classic Gingerbread Competition at the Rainbow Room.
Around 5 pm, townspeople will gather at the Arts Council building for a candlelight procession to the Market House to light the Christmas tree. (I’ve heard 4,000+ attend) The evening wraps up with fireworks over the Market House at 8:30 pm. The festivities start at 1 and a variety of special events happen throughout the day. The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County andFayetteville’s Downtown Alliance put on this event.
Hope Mills Christmas Festival
I live in Hope Mills, and love it - so I’m partial to events in town. As a Girl Scout mom, for the past four years, we participated in the Christmas parade, and all the Christmas festivities that evening during Festival of Lights. Its a great small-town Christmas celebration with a family feel. Both are on December 5th. Festival of Lights runs from 5 - 7 pm at Hope Mills Lake. The Christmas Parade starts at 3 pm.
New this year, venture to Trade Street for The Christmas Street Festival starting at 7 pm on Dec. 4 & Dec. 5. Vendors, hay rides, contests, an an array of local bands are on the agenda. Trade Street is still a small town main street, with cool, eclectic merchants. I drive down Trade Street each morning to go to the YMCA - and on Saturday’s often have breakfast with a friend at the Trade Street Cafe. Food is top notch and extremely reasonable. (Check out the reviews.) I invite you to visit Trade Street and see for yourself.
Best Christmas Pageant Ever
I’m not going to lie, this event isn’t truly a family event - my husband isn’t a theater-goer. But, my kids (10 and 11) and I go every to the theater once or twice a year. Each year we try to attend The Best Christmas Pageant Ever at the Cape Fear Regional Theater. Each year a cast of locals offers the classic story. This year it runs from December 10-20. Follow the link to get show times.
Below is a snapshot of other events: For a full list of events, with details, go to www.VisitFayettevilleNC.com and click on “Events Calendar.”
Thanks for reading!
Melody
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www.VisitFayettevilleNC.com
34th Annual Christmas Craftsmen’s Festival/ Crown Expo/ Nov.27-29
1897 EA Poe House in Christmas Dress/ Through Jan 4
A Christmas Carol/ The Gilbert Theater/ Nov 27 - Jan 13
Heart of Christmas Show/ Crown Theater / Nov 28 & 29
Ft. Bragg Tree Lighting / Dec. 3
Singing Christmas Tree / Snyder memorial Baptist Chruch/ Dec 3-6
Holiday Jubilee/ Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex / Dec 6
The Nutcracker/ Crown Theater/ Dec 6, 12 & 13
World Holiday Festival / Crown Expo / Dec 11-12
Fayetteville Christmas Parade / Downtown Fayetteville/ Dec 12
Breakfast w/Santa / Fascinate-U Children’s Museum/ Dec 19
Kwanzaa / Reid Ross Classical School/ Dec 26
New Year’s Eve Party in the Park/ Festival Park/ Dec. 31
What Does Patriotism Mean to You?
A year or so ago, the Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau held several events where we asked residents of to provide their answers to one of three questions. What does Patriotism Mean to You? What does Uncle Sam mean to you? & How do you Celebrate Your indpendence.
They came up with some stirring answers - follow this link to see our top selections.
www.VisitFayettevilleNC.com Twitter.com/sanctuarycity1 also: