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.
Friday, November 22, 2019
Franklin County Farmers Market
Friday, November 22, 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 available at this year-round farmers market.
Friday Afternoon Popcorn and A Movie at The Nash Senior Center
Friday, November 22, 2019 @ 2pm
Senior citizens, come and enjoy popcorn and a movie. 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. Movies planned are:
- Friday, November 22, 2019 @ 2pm: La La Land (2016)
- Friday, December 27, 2019 @ 2pm: Jack Frost (1998)
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.
Johnston County Writers Group “Open Mic”
Friday, November 22, 2019 @ 6:30pm
Step up to the mic! Writers and poets share their works. Open Mic events are held on the fourth Friday of each month. Future date: December 27, 2019. Join their Facebook group for updates. NOTE: For this date, the writers group Open Mic will be at an alternate location: Selma Public Library, 301 N Pollock Street, Selma, NC rather than the museum.
Downtown Zebulon Tree Lighting Festival
Friday, November 22, 2019 @ 6-9pm
Live music, vendors, food trucks, beer garden, s’mores at the fire station, SNOW, Santa, 50+ vendors, and more leading up to the tree lighting. Located along Arendell Avenue, Zebulon, NC between Sycamore Street and Vance Street. Come and join the fun, have a meal, and shop for gifts from local crafters. See official details including schedule here. #ShopLocal
Saturday, November 23, 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 Farmer’s Market
CLOSED this Saturday (Nov. 23)
The Nash County Farmer’s Market in Rocky Mount, NC will be closed November 23, 2019. The market will reopen as the Holiday Market on November 30 for 4 weeks through December 21.Updates may be posted to the market’s Facebook page.
Zebulon Holiday Craft Market
Saturday, November 23, 2019 @ 9am-3pm
Come to this special market to shop for gifts inside the Zebulon Community Center, 301 S Arendell Avenue, Zebulon, NC. Shop local artisans and small businesses. Food available for purchase onsite, including the Brown Bag Bagels and Good Taste food trucks. Free photos with Santa Claus, kids activities, performances including live music, and dozens of local vendors. See details here. #ShopLocal
Wake Forest Farmers Market
Saturdays, November 23, 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. (Starting in November, hours are 10am-noon.) The Wake Forest Farmers Market website is www.wakeforestmarket.org.
Note that the Fall Craft & Kids Market “Holiday Market” is Saturday, November 23, 2019, 8am-noon. #ShopLocal
Wilson Downtown Christmas Parade
Saturday, November 23, 2019 @ 11am-1pm
The town has planned this special celebration with the theme of “A Tropical Holiday” to brighten this late-November Saturday. Come and watch the parade of floats, horses, cars, school bands, sports teams, and more. Route will be down Nash Street, Wilson, NC from Whitehead Avenue to Douglas Street. Come celebrate the season! See details and parade sponsor names here.
Local Authors: Book Readings Event
Saturday, November 23, 2019 @ 2-4pm
Meet and greet with six local authors at this event organized by by The Rusted Hinge Marketplace. Listen to readings, and shop for locally written books and more at The Rusted Hinge Marketplace in Triangle Town Center, 5959 Triangle Town Blvd, Raleigh, NC (on the second floor near Macy’s). Wassail and cookies will be served during this two hour gathering. See article.
Sunday, November 24, 2019
Family Art Sundays
Sundays, November 24, 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. Future Dates: December 1, 8, and 15, 2019 See event here.
Christmas with The Embers featuring Craig Woolard
Sunday, November 24, 2019 @ 3pm
This holiday-themed concert is part of the Paramount Performing Arts Series, Tickets are $25 per person. Event benefits the Empty Stsocking Fund in Wayne County. Held at the City of Goldsboro’s Paramount Theatre, 139 S Center Street, Goldsboro, NC. See details here.
Coming Soon
Downtown Lights Up
Tuesday, November 26, 2019 @ 5-8pm
Gather in front of City Hall, 200 N Center Street, Goldsboro, NC, and kick off the holiday season with the lighting up of the downtown, Santa Claus, SNOW, hot cocoa, kids’ craft activities, free horse-drawn trolley rides, and much more. The town has much to offer this evening, not just at this event but at the Paramount Theatre and local shops and restaurnts. See details here.
A Red Oak Christmas
Saturday, November 30, 2019 @ 2-7pm
Come for a Christmas parade, carriage and train rides, live music, craft vendors, Santa Claus, and a tree lighting! Food will be on sale in a concession area. Join this free community event in Ennis Park, 4605 N Old Carriage Road, Red Oak, NC. Follow the Town of Red Oak Facebook page for updates.
Nash County Holiday Artisan and Farmers Market
Saturdays, November 30, 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
Note that the farmers market will be closed November 16 and 23 in the lead-up to the Holiday Market.
Tarboro Holiday Market
Saturdays, November 30 and 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
2019 Zebulon Christmas Parade
Sunday, December 1, 2019 @ 2-3:30pm
Celebrate the community at this annual parade, which will begin at the Zebulon Community Center, travel through downtown on Arendell Avenue, then left on West Gannon Street, to end at J&M Chevrolet, Zebulon, NC. See info on this Chamber webpage.
Rocky Mount Christmas Parade
Sunday, December 1, 2019 @ 3pm
Come out and watch the 64th-annual Rocky Mount, NC Christmas Parade. Downtown Rocky Mount will be full of floats, marching bands, Santa, and more. Follow the city Facebook page for updates.
Selma Christmas Parade
Tuesday, December 3, 2019 @ 6pm
Come and enjoy entertainment beginning at 6pm, a tree lighting at 6:45pm, parade at 7pm, and FIREWORKS at 7:45pm. Brought to you by Selma Parks and Recreation. See details at www.selma-nc.com/christmas.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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
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.
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 @ 2pm
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
Rolesville Christmas Parade
Sunday, December 8, 2019 @ noon-3pm
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. 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.
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.
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 Meeting
Thursday, December 12, 2019 @ 6-7:45pm
Writers of all experience levels are invited to this monthly meeting of JoCo Writers and hear guest author Jean Heller (Read Article). Held at the Public Library of Johnston County and Smithfield, 305 E Market Street, Smithfield, NC. This group meets on the second Thursday of the month. Future dates: January 9, 2020; February 13, 2020; and March 12, 2020. Join the group on Facebook here.
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.
Wake Forest Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 14, 2019 @ 1pm
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.
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.
________
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.
____
Ed. Note: Originally published November 19, 2019. Updated November 21 with new Open Mic location.
