Here’s a quick look at the scheduled lineup of activities. For questions about any of the events contact Meghan Freeman at the Hope Mills Parks and Recreation Department at 910-426-4109.
The celebration begins Friday, Dec. 6, at 6 p.m. with Christmas at the Lake. This event features the lighting of the Christmas tree at the lake near the gazebo.
There will be hot chocolate and cookies and free music provided by Kelly West of Cumulus Media.
One of the highlights of the Christmas season in Hope Mills is the annual Christmas parade, which is scheduled for this Saturday, Dec. 7, and will begin at 3 p.m.
This will be the first Christmas parade featuring the altered route that was introduced at this year’s Fourth of July Parade. In the past, the parade started at Hope Mills Middle School and wound its way through town to finish on Rockfish Road near the Town Hall complex.
The route was reversed for the Fourth of July so that bands and other walking units don’t have to negotiate the long hill climb that starts at the railroad trestle and continues up Rockfish Road.
Last year’s parade attracted some 70 units according to Freeman. This story was written just prior to the deadline for submitting an entry into the parade so there was still time for late additions.
This year’s parade grand marshals will be the winners of the Miss Cotton Pageant.
Other entries are expected to include local high school bands, businesses, churches, athletic groups, classic cars and of course Santa.
Right after the Christmas parade, enjoy the Festival of Lights at the Town Hall complex on Rockfish Road. Activities will begin at 5 p.m.
The highlight of the Festival of Lights is the lighting of the Christmas tree by Hope Mills Mayor Jackie Warner.
In addition to the tree lighting, there will be free hot chocolate and cookies for everyone. Kelly West of Cumulus Media will provide the music.
There will be a giant snow globe spectators can get inside and take pictures. There will also be two train rides and Santa Claus will be on hand.
The event will wrap up around 7 p.m.
Breakfast with Santa
For a second straight year, the town will host Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 14, at the main Hope Mills Fire Station at 5788 Rockfish Road.
The event was moved to the fire station last year because of damage sustained to the parks and recreation building from Hurricane Florence. The event was such a success last year the fire department wanted to continue being involved with it, so it was kept at that location this year.
This is the only town Christmas event requiring tickets.
The cost is $10 per person. Children under the age of three are admitted free. There is a limit on the number of tickets. Only 250 are sold and it’s first come, first served. Tickets can only be purchased in person at the Hope Mills Parks and Recreation Department near the Town Hall complex on Rockfish Road.
The breakfast is scheduled to run from 8:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. Music will be provided by Kelly West of Cumulus Media. The breakfast menu includes pancakes, eggs, sausage, bacon and juice and will be catered by Grandsons Buffet.