Compiled by Kay Whatley, Editor

This week’s list may include events from North Carolina counties of Edgecombe, Franklin, Nash, Johnston, Wake, Wayne, Wilson, and beyond — occasionally including unique coastal or mountain events. While most listed events are free, ticketed or fee-for-entry events may be included.

Events may be rescheduled/delayed or locations changed. Contact an event’s organizer directly. To suggest an event for a future list, email the editor.

Thursday, December 5, 2019

Tarboro Tree Lighting and Caroling

Thursday, December 5, 2019 @ 5:45-8pm

Come downtown and join the fun in the Courthouse Square, Tarboro, NC, and surrounding businesses including Tarboro Coffee House and Tarboro Brewing Co. There will be a food truck, crafts, horse-drawn carriage rides, trivia, and more. Follow Tar River Christmas on Facebook for this event and others during December.

Smithfield Tree Lighting

Thursday, December 5, 2019 @ 7pm

Come out for the tree lighting which includes entertainment, Santa, food trucks, kids’ activities, hot chocolate, cookie decorating, and more. Tree location is the corner of Third Street and Market Street, Smithfield, NC — in front of the library. For updates, Follow Historic Downtown Smithfield on Facebook.

Friday, December 6, 2019

Franklin County Farmers Market

Friday, December 6, 2019 @ 9am-1pm

Come and pick up locally grown food from local farms, fresh eggs, and more. Check with market directly for any schedule changes related to weather and other factors. Market is also open Tuesdays. The market is located in the parking lot at 137 Shannon Village, Louisburg, NC. Follow their Facebook page for updates, closings, and produce/art/goods available at this year-round farmers market.

“December Tunes”

Friday, December 6, 2019 @ 11am

Come and listen to music by Rocky Mount High School in the Warner Meeting Room at Braswell Memorial Library, 727 N Grace Street, Rocky Mount, NC. With questions, call Brenda at 252.442.1951 x.256. The library website is braswell-library.libguides.com.

Wendell Wonderland

Friday, December 6, 2019 @ 5-9pm

Head to downtown for the annual light show, live music, food trucks, a Christmas market, trolley rides, and more. And Santa Claus, of course. Held in Wendell, NC. Follow town updates on Facebook.

Bailey Christmas Tree Lighting

Friday, December 6, 2019 @ 6pm

Come for hot cocoa and cookies and sing! Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus will be there. Tree lighting will be in downtown close to the Bailey Police Department, 6260 Main Street, Bailey, NC, where the  NC Fallen Law Enforcement Tree will be on display starting December 1, 2019. Follow the town PD on Facebook.

Imperial Centre Tree Lighting

Friday, December 6, 2019 @ 6pm

Celebrate the tree lighting at Imperial Centre, 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount, NC, and enjoy the adjacent “First Friday” activities including carriage rides and a visit from Santa Claus. See details at imperialcentre.org/events/first-friday.

Lighting of Wake Forest

Friday, December 6, 2019 @ 6-8:30pm

Gather at Centennial Plaza at Wake Forest Town Hall, 301 S Brooks Street, Wake Forest, NC, and welcome the holiday season with music, free hot chocolate and cookies, and glow necklaces while supplies last. Watch the lighting of the town’s 30-foot Christmas tree by Mayor Vivian Jones, followed by the arrival of Jolly Old St. Nick (Santa Claus).  See details of this event and other December happenings here.

Bunn Christmas Tree Lighting

Friday, December 6, 2019 @ 6-7pm

Come out to watch the lighting of the Christmas tree. Free cookies, coffee, water, and sodas. Christmas music, Santa, a North Pole Mailbox, and more at Town Hall, 601 Main Street, Bunn, NC. Follow the Town of Bunn Facebook page for updates.

Christmas in Enfield

December 6-7, 2019

Downtown Enfield Restoration and Preservation weekend of Christmas happenings including a tree lighting, vendor fair, dramatic readings, oyster roast, and more in Enfield, NC. Some Christmas in Enfield activities are free, others have a fee.  To see events and updates, Follow Downtown Enfield Restoration & Preservation on Facebook at www.facebook.com/enfieldnc. (Article)

“Stepping Into The Past” Special Weekend

December 6-7, 2019

This unique Tobacco Farm Life Museum offers family fun and history with museum tours, demonstrations, and holiday happenings over this weekend, including museum activities and downtown fun.

• Friday, December 6, 2019 — Candlelight tour of the museum grounds and Santa’s Workshop. Held at the Tobacco Farm Life Museum (TFLM), 709 Church Street, Kenly, NC.
• Saturday, December 7, 2019 — Kenly Christmas on Main, with special activities in downtown Kenly, NC.

Visit the museum website at www.tobaccofarmlifemuseum.org or Follow on Facebook.

Jingle in the Park

December 6-7, 2019 @ 4-8pm

This free, family-friendly event spans two afternoons and is presented by Goldsboro Parks & Recreation.  There will be food trucks, hay rides, a Candy Cane Hunt, ICE SKATING, outdoor movie, The Polar Express, Santa Claus, plus more. Held in Historic Herman Park, 900 Park Avenue, Goldsboro, NC. See details here.

Saturday, December 7, 2019

Ed. Note: The Zebulon Farm Fresh Market, Clayton Farm and Community Market, Wendell Farmers Market, and Wilson Farmers and Artisan Market have closed for the season. The Selma Saturdays Arts and Crafts Market (quarterly) returns in 2020.

Nash County Holiday Artisan and Farmers Market

Saturday, December 7, 14, and 21, 2019 @ 8am-3pm

The Farmers Market vendors are joined by holiday vendors for four Saturdays in a row. On these four special dates, market shoppers will find seasonal produce, handmade crafts, and goodies or gifts for the holiday.  The Nash County Farmer’s Market is located in the Historic Rocky Mount Mills District at 1006 Peachtree Street, Rocky Mount, NC. Updates may be posted to the market’s Facebook page. #ShopLocal

Holiday Vendor Fair

Saturday, December 7, 2019 @ 9am-1pm

Shop local vendors at the third-annual “Holiday Vendor Fair” at Southern Nash High School, 6446 Southern Nash High Road, Bailey, NC (close to NC-97 and 581). Vendor spaces available. See event here. #ShopLocal

Wake Forest Holiday Artisans’ Market

Saturday, December 7, 2019 @ 9am-3pm

Artisans and craftspeople will have their wares on sale at this annual Wake Forest Holiday Artisans’ Market. The Market location is inside the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 Brooks Street, Wake Forest NC. The Holiday Artisans’ Market showcases a wide variety of handmade items, featuring many types of crafts in a wide range of prices. Visit Wake Forest Arts. #ShopLocal

Wake Forest Farmers Market

Saturday, December 7, 14, and 21, 2019 @ 10am-noon

Weekly offerings from farms, artisans, and crafters at this year-round farmers’ market. Check with market directly for any schedule changes related to weather and other factors. Located at 235 S Taylor Street, Wake Forest, NC.  The Wake Forest Farmers Market website is www.wakeforestmarket.org and on Facebook here.

Note: On December 7 and 21, 2019, the Wake Forest Farmers Market is holding a food drive for Tri-Area Ministry Food Pantry. Market patrons may bring non-perishable foods to donate.

Mount Olive Christmas Parade

Saturday, December 7, 2019 @ 10am-noon

Come out and watch this annual parade organized by the Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce. Line the streets along the new route down Bell Avenue to College Street, then Center Street and to the Town Hall, Mount Olive, NC. See details here.

NEW:  The Market

Saturday, December 7, 2019 @ 10am-2pm

Join this new Market at the Farm hosted by Oak Ridge Farms, Zebulon, NC, which will feature farm goods, local business vendors including “farmers, crafters, and artisans.” Follow Oak Ridge Farms on Facebook for market details/updates.

Bailey Christmas Parade and More

Saturday, December 7, 2019 @10am-5pm

Join the Town of Bailey for a day of fun downtown and a parade along Main Street, Bailey, NC. Parade is 2-5pm. Vendors and children’s activities 10am-5pm. Follow town activities on Facebook.

Garner Christmas Parade

Saturday, December 7, 2019 CANCELED

Come watch this parade of marching bands, classic cars, floats, and more including Santa Claus. Parade route includes Garner Road, Main Street, around downtown Garner, NC. See details and access the route map here.

Goldsboro Christmas Parade

Saturday, December 7, 2019 @ 4pm

The Wayne County Chamber of Commerce presents this annual Parade through the streets of downtown Goldsboro, NC. See parade information including route map at www.waynecountychamber.com/goldsboro-christmas-parade.

Glassblowing Demonstration (Free)

Saturday, December 7, 2019 @ 6-7pm

Watch a free public glassblowing demonstration at this interesting facility. The demo follows a glass creation from start to finish, and lectures — including the history and process of glassblowing. Demonstration is free and open to the public, so walk on in and join the audience. Held at The GlasStation, 3732-B West Wilson Street, Farmville, NC. Follow The GlasStation on Facebook, and check out their upcoming free demonstrations focused on Thanksgiving and the holiday season. #ShopLocal

Christmas in Enfield (continued from Friday)

December 6-7, 2019

Some Christmas in Enfield activities are free, others have a fee.  To see events and updates, Follow Downtown Enfield Restoration & Preservation on Facebook at www.facebook.com/enfieldnc. (Article)

“Stepping Into The Past” Special Weekend (continued from Friday)

Saturday, December 7, 2019

Kenly Christmas on Main, with special activities in downtown Kenly, NC. Visit the Tobacco Farm Life Museum website at www.tobaccofarmlifemuseum.org or Follow on Facebook.

Jingle in the Park (continued from Friday)

December 6-7, 2019 @ 4-8pm

This free, family-friendly event spans two afternoons and is presented by Goldsboro Parks & Recreation.  Held in Historic Herman Park, 900 Park Avenue, Goldsboro, NC. See details here.

Sunday, December 8, 2019

Rolesville Christmas Parade

Sunday, December 8, 2019 @ 2-3pm (parade time)

This parade will begin at Thales Academy and move past spectators down Main Street, Rolesville, NC, to end at Rolesville Baptist Church. This is the town kick-off of the holiday season and Santa Claus will be there. Activities scheduled before the parade. See details on the Rolesville Chamber website.

Winter Wonderland

Sunday, December 8, 2019 @ 1-5pm

Snow and fun at this annual celebration continues at the Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences, 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount, NC. The free event includes music, a sledding hill, arts and crafts activities, carriage rides, and a visit from Santa Claus. Follow updates here.

Tarboro Christmas Parade

Sunday, December 8, 2019 @ 2-4pm

Come out and enjoy this parade through Tarboro, NC organized by the Tarboro Edgecombe Chamber of Commerce. Follow updates via the Chamber Facebook page.

Family Art Sundays

Sundays, December 8 and 15, 2019 @ 2-4pm

Drop-in event, meaning family registration is not required. Event is free. All ages welcome with accompanying adults. Join in art making, interactive play, gallery sketching, or go on your own exhibition tour. Materials are provided. Held at the art gallery at Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences, 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount, NC. See event here.

A Soulful Christmas Celebration

Sunday, December 8, 2019 @ 4-6pm

This event by Vision Community Theatre Group will be a “musical celebration of the season and the reason.” Admission is free with donation of 1 non-perishable food item and 1 wrapped shoe box containing senior citizen gift. Held at Ascension Lutheran Church, 2512 W Nash Street, Wilson, NC. See details and register via EventBrite.

Coming Soon

flix4kidz

Monday, December 9, 2019 @ 10:30am-noon

The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre hosts free family-friendly movie showings on the second Monday morning of each month.  Concessions. will be available for purchase. Movie screenings are free and open to the public. Held at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 Brooks Street, Wake Forest NC. Visit the Ren Centre website at www.wakeforestrencen.org for upcoming events.

Free at 3

Monday, December 9, 2019 @ 2-4pm

Movies for adults age 50 and up, “Free at 3” features a variety of film favorites and genres screened on the second Monday afternoon of each month. Concessions will be available for purchase. Movie screenings are free and open to the public. Held at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 Brooks Street, Wake Forest NC. Visit the Ren Centre website at www.wakeforestrencen.org for upcoming events.

Johnston County Writers Group *Pot Luck Christmas Party*

Thursday, December 12, 2019 @ 6-8pm

This special holiday gathering replaces the regular monthly meeting in December. Held at the Selma Public Library, 301 N Pollock Street, Selma, NC.  Join the group on Facebook here. To sign up to bring food to share, email Dot La Motta at justadotintime@yahoo.com or call 919.553.7206.

Town of Smithfield Christmas Parade

Thursday, December 12, 2019 @ 7pm

Come out for this annual parade and celebrate the holiday season. Route travels down Market Street, Smithfield, NC. Downtown restaurants may be open before/after the parade. See town holiday events here.

Free Family Movie Night

Friday, December 13, 2019 @ 7-9pm (doors open 6:30pm)

Enjoy a free family movie at the Zebulon Community Center, 301 S Arendell Avenue, Zebulon, NC.  Movie will start at 7pm. Call the Community Center at 919.823.0432 for movie title. See Town of Zebulon calendar here.

Christmas with the Celts

Friday, December 13, 2019 @ 7:30-9pm

This ticketed event offers delightful Celtic Music and a celebration of Christmas. Tickets are $25+online fee per person. Held at the Dunn Center for the Performing Arts, 3400 N Wesleyan Blvd, Rocky Mount, NC. Purchase tickets via eTix.

Bunn Christmas Parade

Saturday, December 14, 2019 @ 10am

Always fun, come and watch the annual Christmas Parade down Main Street, Bunn, NC, with floats, cars, horses, marchers, and more. Bring a bag or bucket for candy. Follow the Town of Bunn Facebook page for updates.

Tarboro Holiday Market

Saturdays, December 14, 2019 @ 10am-4pm

Support small local businesses at this holiday market. Holiday gifts and decor, locally made goods, and more. Held in the WS Clark Building, 409 N Main Street, Tarboro, NC.  For more information, contact the organizers at Pretty Rugged Designs. #ShopLocal

Wake Forest Christmas Parade

Saturday, December 14, 2019 @ 1pm CANCELED

Come and watch this parade with local organizations, businesses, and Santa Claus. Route covers South White Street / South Brooks Street, Wake Forest, NC. Line up early.   See details of the Christmas Parade and other December holiday happenings here.

Clayton Christmas Parade

Saturday, December 14, 2019 @ 3pm

The Clayton Rotary Club and the Town of Clayton are hosting the annual Clayton Christmas Parade during this, the town’s 150th Anniversary year. The parade will be held, rain or shine, in downtown Clayton, NC. See details at www.claytonchristmasparade.org.

Christmas Tea at the Museum

Sunday, December 15, 2019 @ 4-6:30pm

Gather for a ‘cuppa’ tea at this annual event at the May Museum and Park, 3802 S Main Street, Farmville, NC. Celebrate the holidays with hot tea, hot chocolate, fellowship, and wine for those of age. To see events and updates, Follow the May Museum here.

Holiday at Hogwarts

Rockin’ the Forest

December 28, 2019 @ 7:30-10pm

This music series features a variety of musical acts at ticketed concerts. Tickets are $15+tax per person. Cash bar will be set up on-site. Scheduled bands:

• December 28, 2019:  Steve Owens & Summertime
• January 17, 2019:  Legacy Motown Revue
• February 28, 2019:  Jim Quick & Coastline
• March 27, 2019:  The Magnificents

Held at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 Brooks Street, Wake Forest NC. See details and purchase tickets via the Ren Centre website.

Around the Tables

Saturday, December 21, 2019 @ 10am-noon

This monthly event by Dream Coat Ministries provides free clothing for kids and adults, plus lunch (11:30am) at no charge provided by Now Faith Community Baptist Church. The address is 8933 Buffaloe Road, Knightdale, NC. Follow www.facebook.com/Dreamcoatknightdale.

Stories with Santa

Saturday, December 21, 2019 @ 10am

Christmas stories, treats, and a photo opp with Santa Claus at this free, public event. Held at Farmville Public Library, 3733 N Main Street, Farmville, NC. Follow library activities here.

Friday Afternoon Popcorn and A Movie at The Nash Senior Center

Friday, December 27, 2019 @ 2pm

Senior citizens, come and enjoy popcorn and a movie (Jack Frost, 1998). The movie showing is free and popcorn is 25 cents a bag. Movies shown in Room 112 at the Nash County Senior Center, 103 N Alston Street, Nashville, NC. With questions or to register, call 252.459.7681. Pre-registering is recommended and helps the facility to plan seating and refreshments for those attending. Movie showings are held on the fourth Friday of each month. For this and other senior happenings, follow Nash County senior center updates on Facebook or check out their quarterly newsletter via the county web page.

Fourth Friday Open Mic

Friday, December 27, 2019 @ 6:30-7:30pm

Poets, writers, musicians, and others are welcome to share their talents at this Open Mic event. Held at Selma Public Library, 301 N Pollock Street, Selma, NC. There is no fee for this gathering. Overseen by the Johnston County Writers Group. Join the group on Facebook here.

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To request inclusion of a free or low-fee event, email details to the Editor. Sponsors and logos are not included in Things To Do in NC When You’re Bored listings. Events are added at the editor’s discretion.

Event organizers: News site display advertising is available month-to-month.

Event information may be gathered from various sources. While attempts are made to verify data, for most events contact details are included. If you’re planning to attend an event, use contact information or event links to confirm, check for updates or changes, or verify space is available. 

These events are publicized by The Grey Area News, but are not events overseen by this news site or staff. Any highlighted events are selected by staff, generally due to prior experience with the event, knowledge of offerings, or relation to a recent article on this news site.

Why are the day, date, and year included, repetitively, under each dated heading? The better for visitors to cut-and-paste complete event information to share with others… Though sharing of this full list’s link is encouraged, so readers may see all upcoming events.

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Ed. Note: Originally published December 3, 2019. Updated December 4 with writers’ event changes, parade changes.