The holiday season is officially here, bringing with it a wonderful array of local events that you can enjoy and participate in. Whether you are searching for exciting things to do before Thanksgiving, looking for fun activities during that festive week, or even seeking enjoyable events after the holiday, we have compiled a fantastic round-up of events just for you. This guide is organized into categories: Food Events, Shopping Events, Craft Events, and Family Fun. Each section highlights unique opportunities to celebrate the season, indulge in delicious treats, find the perfect gifts, create beautiful crafts, and enjoy quality time with loved ones.
FOOD EVENTS
Thanksgiving celebrates uniting loved ones and community for a delectable feast. Consider these gatherings to explore and enjoy.
Friday, Nov. 15 at 6:30 p.m.
Learn How to Cook Your Holiday Dishes Vegan Style
Prima Elements Holistic Wellness Center, 124 Anderson Street
Join Prima Elements for a fun-filled cooking class where you will learn how to cook vegan-style classic holiday dishes. Visit https://tinyurl.com/4jyewjww

Saturday, Nov. 16 at 6 p.m.
Friendsgiving
CrossFit Intrinsic, 3725 Ramsey Street, Unit 103-B.
Join in at this Friendsgiving potluck hosted at the gym. Visit https://tinyurl.com/4xyara9v

Sunday, Nov. 24 at 12:30 p.m.
Thanksgiving Lunch
Freedom Biker Church Fayetteville, 455 Rock Hill Rd
Join in for the Annual Thanksgiving Freedom Family Luncheon. Visit https://tinyurl.com/mr2mw4p6

Wednesday, Nov. 27 at Noon
Potluck Event with Tabitha
Hoke Country Public Library, 334 N. Main Street, Raeford
Join together with friends, family and neighbors for a holiday potluck event. Visit https://tinyurl.com/5dvncesj

Thursday, Nov. 28 at 7 p.m.
Thanksgiving Potluck
White Rabbit Pub, 3030 Fort
Bragg Rd
Join in for this annual potluck with karaoke after. Visit https://tinyurl.com/2dck2uuc

SHOPPING EVENTS
The holiday season calls for exploring local craft fairs, vendor events, or festive markets to discover ideal presents for your loved ones. Check out these nearby gatherings that offer excellent gift-shopping opportunities.
Saturday, Nov. 16 at 10 a.m.
2024 Mistletoe Market
St. Pauls Possible, Inc, NC Highway 20, St Pauls
Enjoy shopping over 50 vendors as well as food trucks and children activities. Visit https://tinyurl.com/3rnk962x

Saturday, Nov. 16 at Noon
Vinyl Record Show
Dirtbag Ales, 5435 Corporation Drive, Hope Mills
Do you have a music lover on your shopping list? Discover rare records, cassettes and music memorbilia. Visit https://tinyurl.com/4fmzh5ed

Saturday, Nov. 16 at 2 p.m.
Vintage Market & Fall Pop-Up
Just Love Coffee Cafe, 2737 Freedom Parkway Drive
Shop amazing local vendors offering vintage finds, handmade goods and fall favorites. Visit https://tinyurl.com/4pmx3d4t

Saturday, Nov. 16 at Noon
German Christmas Market
Gaston Brewing Taproom, 421 Chicago Drive
Shop 20 local craft vendors and enjoy food trucks, beer, wine and German favorites. Visit https://tinyurl.com/379hb2mv

Wednesday, Nov. 27 at 6 p.m.
Thanksgiving Market
Dirtbag Ales, 5435 Corporation Drive, Hope Mills
Perfect shopping opportunity to stock up on fresh, local produce for your Thanksgiving feast. Visit https://tinyurl.com/3z5y2c3j

Friday, Nov. 30 at 10 a.m.
Unwrapped Shopping Event
Fulfillity Books & More, 5548 Trade Street, Hope Mills
Get gifts for all those book worms on your shopping list and support a local bookstore at the same time. Visit https://tinyurl.com/4nvadz8c

Saturday, Nov. 30 at 11 a.m.
Shop Small Downtown
Downtown Fayetteville
When you shop at local businesses, you are supporting the people that live in your community. Find unique and special gifts for your loved ones this holiday season locally. Visit https://tinyurl.com/3sd3vfax

Saturday, Nov. 30 at 11 a.m.
Christmas Market
Nazro Farms, 145 Bettie Hamilton Lane, Spring Lake
Shop the 3rd Annual Christmas Market and also enjoy food trucks, a visit with Santa, Christmas hayrides and the Christmas Tree Lighting. Visit https://tinyurl.com/3ubhv4a5

Saturday, Nov. 30 at 11 a.m.
Autumn Vendor Fair
505 Cross Creek Mall
Shop this lively vendor fair offering unique handmade crafts and delicious food options. Visit https://tinyurl.com/3h59axck

CRAFT EVENTS
Use your creativity to make a festive craft for yourself or to give as a gift this holiday season.
Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 6:30 p.m.
Floral Pumpkin Standup
Dirty Whiskey, 5431 Corporation Drive, Hope Mills
Make a floral pumpkin standup-the perfect fall decor for any home. Tickets are $70. Visit https://tinyurl.com/3pnkyery

Monday, Nov. 18 at 6:30 p.m.
Christmas Highland Cow Paint Class
J.D. Pone Recreation Center, 2964 School Road, Hope Mills
Join up for a fun and relaxing night of painting a cute Highland cow. Tickets are $35. Visit https://tinyurl.com/bdcmz2du

Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 10:30 a.m.
Craft Out: Joyful Wreath
Bordeaux Community Library, 3711 Village Drive
Make a beautiful wreath using bamboo frames, garlands and ribbons. Visit https://tinyurl.com/yyrrxdua

Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 6:30 p.m.
Glorious Pumpkins
Paddy’s Irish Pub, 2606 Raeford Road, Suite B
Paint a masterpiece of pumpkins to hang in your own home or gift to someone. Tickets are $40. Visit https://tinyurl.com/v4m2apbr

FAMILY FUN
The holidays are about spending quality time with the family. Gather everyone up and enjoy one (or more) of these local events together.
Thursday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m.
NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet
Crown Complex, 1960 Coliseum Drive
Bring the family to this magical classic with timeless characters and music. Tickets range from $35-$184.Visit https://tinyurl.com/4sfksww7

Friday, Nov. 22 at 8 p.m.
A Christmas Story
Gilbert Theater, 116 Green Street
You remember the movie, now see this classic with friends and family at the Gilbert Theater. Tickets range between $12-$22. Visit https://www.gilberttheater.com/

Friday, Nov. 29 at 10 a.m.
Opening Day
Doby Christmas Tree Farm, 150 Doby Rd, Cameron
It is opening day at the Christmas Tree Farm. Enjoy local vendors, hot chocolate and pick up a tree while you are at it. Visit https://tinyurl.com/2byrk3nt

Friday, Nov. 29 at 1 p.m.
A Dickens Holiday
Downtown Fayetteville
Head downtown and celebrate the 25th year of A Dickens Holiday. Stroll the streets decorated for the season, take in street performers and musicians, shop the variety of vendors and enjoy some seasonal food and drinks. Visit https://tinyurl.com/4659huby

Saturday, Nov. 23 at 7:30 p.m.
Handel’s Water Music Suite
St. John’s Episcopal Church, 234 Green Street
Listen to 20 Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra musicians bring this beautiful suite to life. Tickets range from $6-$35. Visit https://tinyurl.com/4zvfm5du

Tuesday, Nov. 26 at 6 p.m.
Thanksgiving Bingo & Craft Night
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, 4825 Ramsey Street
Bring the whole family for a fun night of crafts, bingo and a chance to with great prizes. Visit https://tinyurl.com/kbuvf5ph

Wednesday, Nov. 27 at 6 p.m.
Aloha Safari Park Christmas Wonderland of Lights
Aloha Safari Park, 159 Mini Lane, Cameron
Drive through a Christmas Wonderland of Lights with over 2 million dazzling lights. Get a photo with Santa and visit with the friendly barnyard animals, enjoy hot chocolate, s’mores and other treats. Admission is $10. Visit https://tinyurl.com/y7xb7c8f

Friday, Nov. 29 at 11 a.m.
Black Friday Weekend!
Fort Bragg Harley-Davidson, 3950 Sycamore Dairy Road
Enjoy a free cookout at Harley Davidson during the Black Friday weekend. Visit https://tinyurl.com/bdezm7ms

Saturday, Nov. 30 at 9 a.m.
Family Christmas Event
Bell’s Seed Store, 230 E Russell Street
Santa and Mrs. Claus is stopping by Bells for a family event with a meet and greet, pictures and a craft. Cost is $10 per participating child. Visit https://tinyurl.com/3ecrvy8j