Last updated: November 11, 2024
Experience the joy of the holidays in Fayetteville! Our guide highlights all the special festive events and activities. Whether you're a Fayetteville regular or a one-time guest, this guide maximizes your holiday enjoyment.
One of the highlights of the season is the Cape Fear Botanical Garden Holiday Lights, where enchanting displays illuminate the gardens, creating a magical atmosphere. Another festive attraction features the Rotary Christmas Parade, showcasing vibrant floats and lively performances. And the Christmas in the Park is something you definitely don’t want to miss, offering a delightful setting to enjoy seasonal treats and community spirit. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Fayetteville Holiday Light Displays
Cape Fear Botanical Garden Holiday Lights
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday light display with Santa and Grinch animations.
- Description
- The Cape Fear Botanical Garden's Holiday Lights event is an outdoor, walk-through experience featuring thousands of lights, light displays, Santa and Grinch animations, photo opportunities, holiday music, and a vendor market.
- Where
- Fayetteville | More Info : Cape Fear Botanical Garden Holiday Lights
Light Up the City
- What to Expect
- Spectacular display of over 500,000 LED lights in downtown Fayetteville.
- Description
- The Lights of the Ozarks is a holiday celebration featuring over 500,000 LED lights in Fayetteville's Historic Downtown Square. The event includes a festive selection of seasonal activities, holiday music, winter treats, and vendors. It begins with Lighting Night on November 22nd and continues nightly through January 1st.
- Where
- Fayetteville | More Info : Light Up the City
Fayetteville Holiday Markets and Shopping
Shop Local for Christmas in Fayetteville
- What to Expect
- Unique holiday shopping experience with proceeds supporting local charities.
- Description
- Shop Local for Christmas in Fayetteville features 90 unique vendors selling handmade and one-of-a-kind items, with proceeds supporting local charities. The event includes a Timeless Treasures section filled with gently used household items, a Gingerbread House shop for homemade baked goods, and a Grill serving hot lunch.
- Where
- Fayetteville | More Info : Shop Local for Christmas in Fayetteville
Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Extensive selection of unique holiday items from local vendors.
- Description
- The Holly Day Fair is a premier holiday gift and craft show in Eastern North Carolina, featuring over 150 vendors offering unique handcrafted and manufactured products, including holiday decorations, handmade crafts, stylish jewelry, clothes, children's toys, and specialty food items.
- Where
- Fayetteville | More Info : Christmas Market
Dickens Holiday
- What to Expect
- A celebration of Victorian traditions with costumed performances and local artisan markets.
- Description
- This event immerses visitors in a delightful atmosphere reflecting the spirit of the Victorian era, featuring costumed characters, themed street performances, and festive decorations. Local shops showcase unique products, while visitors can enjoy various seasonal treats and warm beverages. The celebration also highlights arts and crafts, family-friendly activities, and live entertainment throughout the day.
- Where
- Fayetteville | More Info : Dickens Holiday
Fayetteville Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Singing Christmas Tree
- What to Expect
- Community-driven musical celebration with choirs and instrumental groups.
- Description
- The Singing Christmas Tree is a cherished tradition at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church, featuring music ministry choirs, instrumental groups, and Laudate ensembles. This event is a gift to the community, showcasing the church's long-standing musical heritage.
- Where
- Fayetteville | More Info : Singing Christmas Tree
Rotary Christmas Parade
- What to Expect
- Local marching bands and floats celebrating the holiday season.
- Description
- The 25th annual Fayetteville Rotary Christmas Parade is a holiday tradition featuring local marching bands, floats, queens, characters, and Santa. Held in downtown Fayetteville, it includes Ville City Jeeps as its safety partner and offers a festive celebration along Person Street and Hay Street.
- Where
- Fayetteville | More Info : Rotary Christmas Parade
The Snowman: A Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert
- What to Expect
- Holiday-themed family concert with live music and movie.
- Description
- The Snowman: A Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert features a holiday-themed family concert and movie at Cape Fear Botanical Garden, with performances and a chance to meet Santa and the Grinch.
- Where
- Fayetteville | More Info : The Snowman: A Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert
Fayetteville Other Holiday Activities
Christmas in the Park
- What to Expect
- Drive-through holiday celebration in a natural woodland setting.
- Description
- Celebrate the holiday season at Arnette Park, a beautiful combination of developed facilities and natural woodland spanning 100 acres adjacent to the Cape Fear River. Drive through the park while taking in the sights and sounds of the Christmas season.
- Where
- Fayetteville | More Info : Christmas in the Park
Letters to Santa
- What to Expect
- Opportunity for children to write letters to Santa.
- Description
- Write your letters to Santa and share your holiday wishes with the jolly old man. This special event allows children to express their thoughts and dreams in a festive atmosphere.
- Where
- Fayetteville | More Info : Letters to Santa