By Kay Whatley, Editor

This list may include events from North Carolina counties of Edgecombe, Franklin, Nash, Johnston, Wake, Wayne, Wilson, and beyond including a few unique coastal or mountain events. While most listed events are free happenings, some ticketed events may be included.

Events may be rescheduled, delayed by weather, canceled, times adjusted, or locations changed without our knowledge. Contact an event’s organizer directly via provided links for updates.

Thursday, December 6, 2018

Franklinton Christmas Parade

December 6, 2018 @ 7-8pm

Watch the holiday parade down Main Street, Franklinton NC, with floats representing local groups/businesses, and Santa Claus too.

Friday, December 7, 2018

Jingle in the Park 2018

December 7-8, 2018 @ 4pm

Enjoy ice skating, outdoor movies, hay rides, food trucks, and much more. Santa Claus will be attending this free, public event in Herman Park, 900 Park Avenue, Goldsboro NC. This annual outdoor event is organized by Goldsboro Parks and Recreation, on Facebook here.

Wendell Wonderland

Friday, December 7, 2018 @ 5-10pm

Join the fun in downtown Wendell NC, with a tree lighting, craft market, Nativity, food, cookies, and much more. See event flyer here.

Tar River Christmas

December 5-9, 2018

The Town of Tarboro NC holds various evenings including musical events/concert, children’s activities, the parade (Sunday, December 9, 2018 @ 2-4pm), and a Holiday Market. See an overview here.

Braswell Library Holiday Book Sale

December 7-8, 2018 @ 10am-5pm both days

Head to the Warner Room for the libreary’s holiday book sale. All books cost a quarter ($0.25); or, purchase a bag for $5 and fill it with books. Braswell Memorial Library is located at 727 N Grace Street, Rocky Mount NC. The library is online here.

A Night of Miracles: Free Drive-Thru Nativity

December 7-9, 2018 @ 7-8:30pm each night

This Nativity is organized by Rock Spring Baptist Church, 34 Rock Springs Church Road, Louisburg NC — three miles north of Bunn NC. Note that in case of rain, an evening may be canceled. The church is on Facebook at www.facebook.com/rockspringbaptistchurch.

Saturday, December 8, 2018

Breakfast with Santa

Saturday, December 8, 2018 @ 8-10am

Held at the Rolesville Masonic Lodge 683, 207 Pulley Street, Rolesville NC. Proceeds ($7 per person; or $20 per family) will be donated to North East Wake Backpack Buddies. Tickets available from the Rolesville Chamber online here.

Bunn Christmas Parade

Saturday, December 8, 2018 @ 10am

Watch the vehicles, groups, horses (maybe), and Santa Claus as they make their way down Main Street, Bunn NC. Spectators, have the kids bring a bag or bucket to gather candy from the paraders as they go by. The Town of Bunn is online at www.townofbunn.org.

Christmas ~N~ Middlesex

Saturday, December 8, 2018 @ 10am

This annual event offers a parade and gift-shopping from vendors set up around downtown Middlesex NC. The day’s enjoyment includes inflatables, giveaways, and refreshments. The parade begins at 2pm. See updates via the new Christmas N Middlesex Facebook page.

Gingerbread House Festival

Saturday, December 8, 2018 @ 10am-noon

Stop by and check out gingerbread houses at the Public Library of Johnston County and Smithfield, 305 E Market Street, Smithfield NC. The “Cookie Corner” begins at 10am, with award ceremony at 11am. See details here.

God’s Eye Basket Making

Saturday, December 8, 2018 @ 10am-1pm

Join the Friends of Battle Park. Battle Park Road, Rocky Mount NC, for this event. Description:  “Gather materials from the forest and make a God’s eye basket. Bring gloves, pruning shears, and a sharp knife (if you know how to use it safely). We will enjoy hot chocolate, Christmas music and have a propane hand warmer to keep our cold fingers working. Children will need adult help and supervision. We will meet at shelter B and folks should plan on parking near the boat ramp and walking to the shelter. (No one will be sad if you bring cookies to share)” For details, visit here.

Tarboro Holiday Market

Saturday, December 8, 2018 @ 10am-5pm

Join Pretty Rugged Designs at 417 N Main Street, Tarboro NC, for the last day of their holiday vendor market. Search through locally made items to find the perfect gifts. Updates/photos may be posted on their Facebook page.

Author Visit: Sanda Hight

Saturday, December 8, 2018 @ 10:30am-12:30pm

Come and hear the author tell of her book, Charms of Home, School, and Country Life. Held at Braswell Memorial Library, 727 N Grace Street, Rocky Mount NC. The library is online here.

Hometown Holiday Fair

Saturday, December 8, 2018 @ noon-4pm

Hosted at the Wayne County Museum, 116 N William Street, Goldsboro NC. Come and see the museum’s exhibits on local agriculture, and shop from local artists and artisals. Hot apple cider will be served. Organized by Just Becca Events.

Wake Forest Christmas Parade

Saturday, December 8, 2018 @ 1pm

The Wake Forest Christmas Parade is scheduled, rain or shine. It will follow a route through downtown Wake Forest NC. Come and watch as parade floats, marchers, business/organization entries, and Santa Claus travel through the town. See details here.

Christmas Open House / Open Studio

Saturday, December 8, 2018 @ 1-4pm

Enjoy an afternoon of live music, arts and crafts show, silent auction, and refreshments while perusing the studio’s locally-created arts, crafts, and literature. Get your holiday shopping started, or finished, and support local makers and small businesses. For more information including directions to the Franklinton NC studio, email Donna Campbell Smith.

Clayton Christmas Parade

Saturday, December 8, 2018 @ 3-5pm

Come and watch the parade down E Main Street, Clayton NC.  Organized by the Town of Clayton and the Rotary Club of Clayton.

Rockin’ For The Rescues Benefit Concert

Saturday, December 8, 2018 @ 4-6pm

Arkham Comix hosts this special night of music at their Wilson location. The address is 3710 Peppermill Drive Suite F, Wilson NC. The students of String Theory Music Lessons offer this concert as a fundraiser for The Maggie Society. To enjoy the event, donate a bag of dog food for entry; no other fee to enjoy the music. These incredible kiddos will take the audience on a journey through music history. Donations of other pet goods are also welcome, including pet toys, bedding, and others.

Santa Storytime and Holiday Movie

Saturday, December 8, 2018 @ 4-7:30pm

Register in-advance at the HD Cooley Library () and your child will receive a wrapped book. Storytime begins at 4pm, followed by pictures with Santa until 5:30pm. The movie begins at 5:30pm and concessions will be available. Bring something comfy to sit on as we watch Elf on the big screen in the gym at Nashville Elementary School, 209 E Virginia Street, Nashville NC.

Greenville Christmas Parade

Saturday, December 8, 2018 @ 5-7pm

Organized by the Greenville Jaycees, the Christmas parade marches along Evans Street/downtown Greenville NC, with the potential for 150+ entrants in the parade. See information here.

CultureFest 2018

Saturday, December 8, 2018 @ 6-10pm

Held in the Keihin Auditorium, 2009 W Wilson Street, Tarboro NC. This event is designed to push the culture forward through music, hair, and fashion. Entry is $15 per person. Tickets for sale on EventBrite here. Organized by Mr Why Not Events.

Sunday, December 9, 2018 (ALL CANCELED #NCsnow)

Notice Regarding Rocky Mount NC Events

Due to the threat of inclement weather and unsafe travel conditions, all Rocky Mount Parks & Recreation events for Sunday, December 9 have been cancelled. This includes Winter Wonderland, A Charlie Brown Christmas, and the Christmas Chorus at the Imperial Centre for the Arts & Sciences.

The Imperial Centre, South Rocky Mount Community Center, and Booker T. Washington Gymnasium will be closed on Sunday December 9 as well. — Via Jessie Nunery, City of Rocky Mount

*RESCHEDULED: Tarboro Christmas Parade

NEW DATE: Sunday, December 16, 2018 @ 2-4pm

Watch the parade down Main Street, Tarboro NC. Organized by the Tarboro Edgecombe Chamber of Commerce.

Update: The Tarboro Christmas Parade was moved from December 9 to the new date, December 16, 2018. The time is still 2-4pm.

Coming Soon

The RTP Mistletoe Market

December 13, 2018  @ 4-7pm

The fourth-annual Mistletoe Market returns to The Frontier, 800 Park Offices Drive, Research Triangle Park NC. This holiday market offers holiday shopping from 50 local vendors and artisans. Shoppers may also enjoy complimentary beer and wine. Visit www.rtp.org/event/the-rtp-mistletoe-market.

Ed. Note: The Grey Area News will be at the market with a #ReadLocal promotions booth, with local author books on sale, and handouts on eastern NC writers.

Walk-Thru Living Nativity

December 14-16, 2018 @ 6pm

Walk through this Nativity at First Baptist Church, 200 S Church Street, Rocky Mount NC. Scenes depict the birth of Christ with live actors and animals. The church is online at www.fbcrm.org.

Free Family Movie Night

Saturday, December 15, 2018 @ 5:30-8pm

Join the fun for this free family movie screening. Description: “Warm pajama attire, pillows and blankets are welcome. Hot chocolate, popcorn and hot dogs will be served.” Hosted by Harris Chapel Baptist Church, 2960 Tarboro Road, Youngsville NC. The church is on Facebook here.

The Gift of Music

Tuesday, December 18, 2018 @ 4:30-5:30pm

Gather in the Main Assembly Room at Wilson County Public Library (main library), 249 Nash Street W, Wilson NC, for a holiday-themed musical performance by the Toisnot Middle School Band. With questions, contact Scott Houston at 252.237.5355 x.5073 or visit www.wilsoncountypubliclibrary.org.

Cookie Social

Thursday, December 20, 2018 @ 4pm

All ages are welcome to come and decorate cookies. Listen to festive stories too. Held at the Wilson County Public Library’s Lucama library branch, located at 103 E Spring Street, Lucama NC. For more information, call 252.239.0046. Registration is not required.

Live Nativity: Cradle to the Cross

Friday, December 21, 2018 @ 6-9pm

This organization will hold Nativity showings at 6pm, 7pm, and 8pm. Fellowship and hear/see the story of Jesus at Building 323, 73 Wilder Road, Middlesex NC. The organization is on Facebook here.

Christmas at the Barn

Sunday, December 23, 2018 @ 4:30-8pm

Join the fun with First Fruits Farm, 1950 East River Road, Louisburg NC. There will be a live Nativity, hot chocolate, Christmas Carols, and treats. Bring a treat to share. There will be food for sale. See the First Fruits Farm event information here.

Christmas Day

Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Merry Christmas to all who are celebrating this joyous holiday.

Game Night at the Library

Thursday, December 27, 2018 @ 5-7pm

Play board games at the Franklin County NC Library, 906 N Main Street, Louisburg NC. With questions, call 919.496.2111.

Family Holiday Movies

December 27-28, 2018 @ 11am-1pm both dates

Bring the kids to these free family movie nights, with free popcorn and lemonade. No registration required. Held in the Wilson County Public Library, 249 Nash Street W, Wilson NC. See movie titles via the library calendar. With questions, contact Genevieve at 252.237.5355 x.5050.

Event organizers: News site display ads, with a link, are available for a monthly fee. Call 919.637.6973 or email Sales.

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.

Ed. Notes:

Event information 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. 

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.