Christmas on the Square returned last year to downtown Rockingham on Dec. 2, 2023, after a three-year hiatus and reminded us all how special this holiday tradition is in our community.
A full day of family friendly activities, food, and festive cheer, the festival began in 1995, and is held annually on the first Saturday of December.
This year’s lineup will include the traditional favorites of craft and commercial vendors, performances from local groups and organizations, music throughout the day, food trucks, a Santa Train, and Mr. Claus, himself!
Children will have a blast at the free Kids Zone, which includes bounce houses, an obstacle course, and a rock-climbing wall. Special guests, Sparky from Rockingham Fire Department and Santa Claus, will arrive by train and be available for photos and Christmas requests throughout the day.
Food vendors will be serving up delicacies including BBQ, soul food, and sweet treats. You won’t want to miss the car, truck and bike show, organized by Bruce Webb, with door prizes that will be held in the parking lot across from Hudson Brothers Deli. Participants are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy for a local effort, “One Perfect Gift,” organized by four Richmond County churches (Roberdel First Baptist, Calvary Baptist, Hamlet Fellowship Baptist, and Ellerbe First Baptist) in collaboration with Richmond County Schools.
In addition to the fun activities, several organizations will be present to provide valuable information and demonstrations. The Rockingham Police Department will be on hand to provide information on the Governor’s Safety Program, while the Rockingham Fire Department will have a fire truck with Sparky on display. The Rockingham Lions Club Vision Van will offer free hearing and vision screenings, and Arts Richmond will showcase local Christmas-themed artwork and exhibits while also hosting local artist Rob McCullough and other local artists who will be demonstrating live paintings during the festival.
Join us on Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to kick off the holiday month in downtown Rockingham. Christmas on the Square is proudly sponsored by the Richmond County Tourism Development Authority and the City of Rockingham and organized by Carolyn Ford.
Click here to see the RO’s photos from the 2023 Christmas on the Square. See more photos from Terry Clark at visitrichmondcounty.com.
NOTE: All vendor spaces are sold out.
UPDATED: 4:20 p.m. 11-22-24
