There are still several Christmas-related events on the calendar in Richmond County prior to the holiday.
Santa will be back at Harrington Square, posing for photos, Thursday evening for the second annual Rockingham Christmas Festival, organized by the Rockingham Downtown Corp.
The event, which runs from 5-8 p.m., will feature food trucks at the square and in the parking lot of the former Food King property. Hudson Brothers Deli and Henry’s Uptown Grill will also be open.
Sparky the Fire Dog will be at the Food King parking lot, where local dance teams are slated to perform.
Vendors will be set up along the sidewalks between the two spots with crafts and other items for sale, games and face painting.
The downtown shops — Simply Chic Boutique, Our Southern Roots, Willow Tree & Company, Hippy Dippy Marketplace and Hillside Florist and Gifts — will also extend their hours into the evening for strolling shoppers.
Nana’s Coffee Rocks and the Richmond County Partnership for Children will have three storytime slots (5:30, 6:30 and 7:30), and Discovery Place Kids will offer gingerbread crafts and photos.
The event is also slated to include music from Eric Whitfield and the Richmond Community College Choir.
Click here to see photos from the inaugural Rockingham Christmas Festival.
In addition to the RDC, the event is sponsored by the city, WAYN Radio and Coldwell Banker.
The town of Dobbins Heights is carrying on its tradition of sleigh rides through the streets starting at 1 p.m. on Dec. 22. The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office will also be on site giving out toys.
Last year’s sleigh rides were canceled due to weather.
Click here to see photos from the 2022 Christmas party in Dobbins Heights.
Click here to see video of the sleigh rides from 2021.
Below is a list of more events compiled by Richmond Tourism.