Christmas activities around Richmond County kick off just after this year’s late Thanksgiving.
Starting Friday, Rockingham Speedway is bringing back its Holiday Lights Extravaganza, which runs every day through Dec. 29, except Christmas Day.
The drive-thru will take visitors onto the big oval, around the apron, and onto and through the infield road course with more than 75 large light displays and a 50-foot Christmas tree.
Earlier this week, several local businesses and nonprofits decorated trees that are on display in the Papa Joe Hendrick Garage. There is also a 12-foot “giving tree” to collect toys for the less fortunate children in the area.
In addition to the trees, the garage also features cars from Warriors in Motion and the track’s Crown 9 Series. There will also be a few stock cars added prior to the start of the event.
Warriors in Motion is also collecting bicycles — no matter the condition, the group will refurbish if necessary — for local foster children.
The Santa’s Pit Stop in the garage will have concessions (cookies, donuts, muffins, hot cocoa and coffee) chairs and fire tables, festive music, laser lights and an interactive TV with a big red button for kids to push that displays different winter scenes for photo opportunities. Santa will be in the garage on the weekends for pics with children and families.
Tickets are $30 per vehicle and available at the speedway’s website through thefoat.com. Tickets are also available at the gate.
Carrying on a holiday tradition, Sue Jarvis will perform Truman Capote’s “A Christmas Memory” at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1 at the Derby Store (Triple L Farms).
Those planning to attend should RSVP with Marcia Lambeth by calling or texting 910-995-6082 or emailing marcialambeth@gmail.com.
Municipal tree-lighting ceremonies start Monday, Dec. 2, with Hamlet’s annual event at 5:30 p.m. at Main Street Park.
In addition to the lighting, there will also be a live nativity and performance by the Hamlet Senior Center Choir, followed by refreshments and the Polar Express Experience at the Hamlet Depot, where Santa and Mrs. Claus will meet with kids.
Click here to see photos from 2023.
Hoffman’s annual event is the same evening at 6 p.m. at Town Hall, with refreshments to follow at the town’s Recreation Complex. Because of the event, the town’s monthly meeting has been moved to Dec. 9 at 7 p.m.
Rockingham’s 33rd annual tree-lighting ceremony will be 7 p.m. Dec. 3, with Christmas carols from the L.J. Bell Elementary choir. Flipping the switch this year will be Track Enterprises president Bob Sargent, promoter of the upcoming NASCAR weekend at Rockingham Speedway.
Hamlet will hold its fourth annual Parade of Lights at Thursday at 6 p.m. The longtime parade was moved from afternoon to after dark in 2021, with the addition of awards and food trucks along the route. Richmond County Hospice has won first place for the best float all three years.
Click here to read more about the 2023 parade.
On Friday, Ellerbe will light its tree at 6 p.m. as part of its annual Hometown Christmas, which starts an hour before. In addition to the local shops being open, activities include hayrides to a nativity, food and craft vendors along Main Street, a game truck, 360 photo booth and free photos with Santa.
Click here to see photos of Hometown Christmas from 2023.
The first full week of December will be capped off with the Hamlet Fire Department’s Breakfast with Santa from 8:30-10:30 a.m., and Rockingham’s annual Christmas on the Square, featuring craft and commercial vendors, food trucks, music and more.
Click here to read more about this year’s Christmas on the Square.
Click here to see photos from the 2023 Christmas on the Square.
Click here to see photos from the 2023 Breakfast with Santa.
The town of Dobbins Heights will hold its annual tree-lighting event at Town Hall on Dec. 10 at 5:30 p.m.
Santa will be at the Norman Stage on Dec. 20 from 4-7 p.m., where there will also be cookies, hot chocolate and cider, as well as small gifts for kids.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office continues its Santa parades in three communities this year:
- Dec. 20 – Ellerbe at 3 p.m.
- Dec. 21 – East Rockingham at noon; Cordova at 2 p.m.
Click here to see photos from Ellerbe in 2023.
Click here to see photos from Cordova in 2023.
Also on Dec. 21, the Derby Store will host its annual Derby Christmas, a tradition dating back more than a decade, at 6 p.m.
On Dec. 23, Dobbins Heights welcomes back free sleigh rides from Gold Leaf Carriage, in addition to a toy drop and holiday meal, at the town park and community center.
Click here to see photos from 2023.
