It’s almost the most wonderful time of the year, and the signs are everywhere: wreaths hanging from the light poles, garlands popping up in shops and the mall, and the events spreading the holiday cheer are filling the calendar.
The Raeford-Hoke Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual free Hometown Christmas event on Friday, Dec. 6 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Main Street in the town of Raeford. Kicking off the event is the Christmas Tree lighting at 5:30 p.m., followed by a street fair, visits with Santa, food and entertainment.
In years past the event has drawn 50-60 vendors to line Main Street with all kinds of holiday and season “swag.” Providing delicious goodies this year are C-Que, Goo-Ma & Yopa’s Kitchen, Toy’s Tastie Thai and Peace A Pizza. Chamber members Kayla Renee Cakes, Home Food Market, Raeford Hardware, Stewart’s Tavern, and The Weknd Warrior will be set up and ready to serve the public during the event. There will be an entertainment stage at Hoke Public County Library with various entertainers including school bands and choirs, performing from 5:30 p.m. to 7:10 p.m.
There is still time to sign up to be a vendor. If you are a member of the Raeford-Hoke Chamber of Commerce vendor setup is free. Adding a little friendly competition and festive fun is the addition of the Storefront Decorating Contest.
Stephanie Hendrix, Executive Director at the Raeford-Hoke Chamber of Commerce since April 2023 is excited about helping bring this local tradition to life this year and seeing the families enjoy the hard work that has gone into putting this event together.
“They say if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life — and that’s absolutely true. It is a pleasure to get to work every morning and be able to put a spotlight on the businesses and events Raeford and Hoke County have to offer … The Raeford Hoke Chamber started the annual Hometown Christmas in 2015 as a way to give back to the community. The vendors on Main Street will be giving out information about their business as well as Christmas goodies (think hot chocolate, popcorn, reindeer antlers, etc.) from the Chamber building all the way down to the Hoke County Library. Mr. & Mrs. Claus will be available at City Hall for all the good boys and girls of Hoke County. We will also have a trackless train, hay rides, kids’ corner, and Christmas music filling the street,” Hendrix said.
This year is set to be an amazing one thanks to the work of the chamber and its members.
The chamber is constantly growing as the area is seeing an increase in development and investment. Hendrix said there are several benefits to joining the chamber.
“Joining the Chamber of Commerce is the best and most affordable way to receive support, marketing, and resources for your business,” she said.
For those interested in joining the Raeford-Hoke Chamber of Commerce and learning about the benefits of membership contact Stephanie Hendrix at info@rhchamber.com.

(Photo: The Raeford-Hoke Chamber of Commerce's Hometown Christmas event will feature a train that drives around Main Street. Photo courtesy of Craig Knapp, Flickr)