Christmas is just over a month away, but celebrants across Columbus County are making big plans for the season.
Whiteville’s Shop Our Stores/Small Business Saturday on Nov. 25 will focus on downtown, with special deals at a number of area business as the Christmas shopping season kicks into gear. The Columbus County Arts Council and Tim Hilbourn Photography will host the Real Whiteville Santa for free photos with children from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting downtown, along with Rudolph and Frosty the Snowman, along with the Grinch. The chamber of commerce is also offering “Shopping Dollars” for special deals, and some stores will be offering gift certificates.
On Nov. 29, the Grinch will be back, visiting Guiton’s Drug Store from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., and the reformed curmudgeon will have a special treat for each child.
Christmas at the Lake will begin Dec. 1 at 5:30 p.m. with the candlelight walk and tree lighting from town hall to the community Christmas tree on Flemington. The tree lighting and caroling will start at 6 p.m. Residents are also being encouraged to “Light up the Lakeshore” beginning Dec. 1. In recent years, Christmas displays along the shore have drawn a growing number of visitors to view the holiday lights.
Dec. 2 will see several parades and festivals.
The 25th Annual Military Vet Riders Association Toy Ride for the Columbus Baptist Association Toy Store will open with registration from 8-9:30 a.m. at the Walmart parking lot. Admission is $10 or a new, unwrapped toy. Kickstands go up at 10 a.m. for a two hour ride through the county, picking up toys from drop-off locations. Call 910.445.3062 or 910.207.1558 for more information.
Riegelwood will have a full slate of events Dec. 2. Food trucks, vendors and Santa Claus will be at 305 Hwy. 87, in the center of the village, from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. The Christmas parade starts at 5 p.m., with the community Christmas tree lighting is set for 6 p.m.
Lake Waccamaw’s Christmas Parade is at 10 a.m. on Dec. 2. Arts and craft vendors will set up after the parade at Elizabeth Brinkley Park. Vendors may set up on private property with permission of the landowner.
Chadbourn will hold their parade at 3 p.m. At 6 p.m., the Whiteville Christmas Extravaganza kicks off with the parade, music and festivities at Vineland Depot.
Tabor City’s Twinkle Town Christmas is Dec. 7, with the parade at 6 p.m., music and Christmas tree lighting at the library downtown. The Cookie Crawl sponsored by the Tabor Chamber of commerce is Dec. 8, followed by the Holiday Flotilla on Lake Tabor at 7 p.m. Registration for the flotilla starts at 6:30. Call 910.377.3012 for more information.
On Dec. 9, Fair Bluff will have a day full of activities leading up to the parade at 6 p.m. The new village market will be open starting at 8 a.m., and there will be other activities throughout the day.
Also on Dec. 9, Hallsboro community will have a Christmas tree lighting and Santa will be visiting Gwen’s Diner. Every child who visits Santa will receive a gift. Arrangements for the Hallsboro lighting and parade are still being finalized.
