Fayetteville, NC, turns into a festive wonderland during the holiday season, offering an array of enchanting experiences for both locals and visitors. From the luminous Candlelight Reflections at Cape Fear Botanical Garden to the historic charm of A Dickens Holiday, there's something to captivate every sense. Wander through Christmas in the Park, where Fayetteville's Festival Park comes alive with interactive stations and cozy fireside treats, ensuring a memorable holiday celebration.
Immerse yourself in Fayetteville's unique blend of traditional and contemporary festivities, from the magical horse-drawn carriage rides to the harmonious melodies of the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Concert. Each event creates a magical and cozy atmosphere, making Fayetteville a must-visit destination this Christmas season.
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The Top Christmas Events in Fayetteville
- Candlelight Reflections at Cape Fear Botanical Garden
- Christmas in the Park
- A Dickens Holiday
- Fayetteville Christmas Parade
- Holidays on Hay: A Season of Light
- The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
- Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Concert
- Tuba Christmas
- Horse and Carriage Rides
- Fayetteville Christmas Show
Fayetteville Holiday Light Displays
Candlelight Reflections at Cape Fear Botanical Garden
What to Expect:
Illuminated garden paths with thousands of candles
Description:
Thousands of flickering candles transform Cape Fear Botanical Garden into a luminous winter landscape. Stroll along illuminated garden paths, discovering hidden nooks and crannies aglow with soft light. This event harkens back to 19th-century holiday traditions when candles were used to decorate Christmas trees. Visitors can participate in a candlelight meditation session, fostering a sense of peace and reflection. The garden's rich history dates back to 1989 when it was founded to preserve native plants of the Cape Fear River Basin.
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Candlelight Reflections at Cape Fear Botanical Garden
Fayetteville Holiday Markets and Shopping
Fayetteville Christmas Show
What to Expect:
Large-scale holiday market with a mix of local and regional vendors
Description:
The Fayetteville Christmas Show transforms the Crown Expo Center into a bustling holiday marketplace. This large-scale event brings together local artisans, regional vendors, and national brands, offering a diverse array of gifts and seasonal items. Explore aisles filled with handcrafted ornaments, gourmet foods, and unique holiday decor. The show, which has been a Fayetteville tradition for over two decades, reflects the city's role as a regional hub for commerce and culture. Visitors can watch live product demonstrations or participate in holiday-themed workshops throughout the event.
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Fayetteville Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
What to Expect:
Adaptation of the beloved children's book with local performers
Description:
Fayetteville's Gilbert Theater brings "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" to life, featuring local performers in this adaptation of the beloved children's book. The production tells the hilarious and heartwarming story of the Herdman children, known as the worst kids in town, who hijack the annual Christmas pageant. Watch as chaos unfolds and unexpected lessons are learned. The Gilbert Theater, founded in 1994, has a rich history of showcasing local talent and bringing classic stories to the Fayetteville community. You might spot a future Broadway star among the young cast members.
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The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Concert
What to Expect:
Blend of classical and contemporary holiday music performed by a professional orchestra
Description:
The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra's Holiday Concert fills the air with a harmonious blend of classical and contemporary seasonal music. This professional ensemble, founded in 1956, showcases the talents of local musicians and guest performers. The program features beloved holiday classics alongside innovative arrangements of modern favorites. Listen closely for the delicate chimes of sleigh bells interwoven with the rich tones of the orchestra. Audience members can participate in a sing-along portion of the concert, joining their voices with the symphony for a truly immersive experience.
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Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Concert
Tuba Christmas
What to Expect:
Unique concert featuring only tuba and euphonium players
Description:
Tuba Christmas in Fayetteville brings together tuba and euphonium players for a one-of-a-kind holiday concert. This low-brass ensemble fills the air with rich, resonant tones as they perform classic carols and holiday favorites. The event is part of a nationwide tradition started in 1974 by Harvey Phillips to honor his teacher, William J. Bell, born on Christmas Day 1902. Spectators can marvel at the sea of polished brass instruments gleaming in the winter sunlight. You might even be inspired to pick up a tuba yourself after experiencing this unique musical celebration.
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Fayetteville Other Holiday Activities
Christmas in the Park
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday-themed stations throughout the park
Description:
Fayetteville's Festival Park bursts with holiday cheer during Christmas in the Park. This event transforms the urban green space into a winter playground, featuring interactive holiday-themed stations scattered throughout. Families can decorate oversized ornaments, join in reindeer games, or warm up with hot cocoa by the fire pits. The park's central location has made it a community gathering spot since its establishment in 2007. Listen closely, and you might hear the joyful laughter of children echoing across the grounds.
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A Dickens Holiday
What to Expect:
Victorian-era themed celebration with period costumes and activities
Description:
Step back in time to Victorian-era London during Fayetteville's A Dickens Holiday. This unique celebration brings Charles Dickens' world to life with costumed characters, horse-drawn carriages, and gas-lamp-lit streets. Immerse yourself in 19th-century holiday traditions as you wander through the historic downtown. Try your hand at traditional crafts like candle-dipping or watch a performance of "A Christmas Carol." This event pays homage to Fayetteville's rich history, which dates back to 1762 when it was chartered as Cross Creek.
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Fayetteville Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Combines traditional parade elements with unique local flair
Description:
Fayetteville's Christmas Parade marches through downtown, blending traditional holiday cheer with unique local flair. Floats adorned with twinkling lights showcase local businesses and organizations, while marching bands fill the air with festive tunes. Keep an eye out for the special military-themed float, honoring Fayetteville's connection to nearby Fort Bragg. The parade route follows historic Hay Street, which has been a central thoroughfare in Fayetteville since the 18th century. You can join in the fun by decorating a small float or marching unit to represent your community group.
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Holidays on Hay: A Season of Light
What to Expect:
Month-long celebration featuring different themed weekends
Description:
Holidays on Hay illuminates downtown Fayetteville with a month-long celebration of light and community. Each weekend features a different theme, from "International Holiday Traditions" to "Local Artisan Showcase." Stroll down Hay Street, admiring the twinkling lights and festive window displays. Participate in a holiday-themed scavenger hunt, searching for hidden ornaments in shop windows. This event highlights Fayetteville's diverse community and rich cultural heritage, which has been shaped by its proximity to Fort Bragg and its role as a historic market town.
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Holidays on Hay: A Season of Light
Horse and Carriage Rides
What to Expect:
Scenic tour of historic downtown in a horse-drawn carriage
Description:
Clip-clop through Fayetteville's historic downtown in a horse-drawn carriage, experiencing the city as visitors did in centuries past. These scenic rides offer a unique perspective on the city's holiday decorations and historic architecture. Learn about Fayetteville's rich history from knowledgeable drivers as you pass by landmarks like the Market House, built in 1832. The gentle sway of the carriage and the rhythmic sound of hooves on pavement create a soothing atmosphere. Passengers can snuggle under warm blankets while taking in the sights and sounds of the season.
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Nearby Events
Christmas at the Carolina Barn (Spring Lake)
What to Expect:
Rustic holiday celebration in a historic barn setting
Description:
Christmas at the Carolina Barn offers a rustic holiday experience in a beautifully restored 19th-century barn. The event celebrates North Carolina's agricultural heritage with traditional crafts, local food, and live bluegrass music. Try your hand at making a corn husk doll or sample locally-made apple cider. The barn, which dates back to 1825, provides a glimpse into the region's farming past. Twinkling lights draped across the wooden beams create a cozy atmosphere as visitors explore the various holiday-themed exhibits and activities.
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Christmas at the Carolina Barn
Fort Bragg’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony (Fort Bragg)
What to Expect:
Military-themed holiday celebration with a focus on community and service
Description:
Fort Bragg's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony combines holiday cheer with a celebration of military service and community. This event, held at the heart of one of the world's largest military installations, brings together service members, their families, and civilians. Watch as the massive tree is illuminated, symbolizing hope and unity. The ceremony often includes performances by military bands and choirs, showcasing the talents within the Fort Bragg community. Visitors can learn about the base's history, which dates back to 1918 when it was established as Camp Bragg.
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Fort Bragg’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Historic Holiday at House in the Horseshoe (Sanford)
What to Expect:
18th-century holiday traditions in a Revolutionary War-era home
Description:
Step back to the 18th century during the Historic Holiday at House in the Horseshoe. This Revolutionary War-era home, built in 1772, comes alive with period-accurate holiday decorations and reenactors in colonial attire. Experience how early American settlers celebrated the season, from traditional games to authentic cuisine. Visitors can try their hand at making pomander balls, a popular 18th-century holiday craft. The house's location on a horseshoe bend of the Deep River provides a picturesque backdrop for this journey into North Carolina's colonial past.
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Historic Holiday at House in the Horseshoe