The turkey and leftovers are finally put away from Thanksgiving, and the Christmas trees are going up all over Columbus County. Several municipalities will be kicking off their holiday celebrations over the next couple of weekends, and if you missed out on all those Black Friday sales, many schools and organizations have you covered with their annual Christmas markets and bazaars.
If your church, civic group, or association has turkey shoots, live nativities, Christmas markets, plays, fundraisers, or events that you want published in The Good News, send your submissions to crystalfaircloth@columbuscountynews.com. We will be sure to get them out there for absolutely free.
The East Columbus Fine Arts Department will ‘Let It Go’ with their presentation of Disney’s Frozen Junior tonight, Dec. 3, and again on Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. The show will be at the ECJSHS auditorium and tickets are $10 each.
On Dec. 6, there will be a meet and greet with the characters. The cost will be $5 for the session and will include treats and photos. East Columbus is located at 32 Gator Lane in Lake Waccamaw.
The Columbus County Health Department will have a free food drive tomorrow, Dec. 4, beginning at 11 a.m. It’s a great opportunity for your family to pick up free food and find out about community resources.
No registration is required for this event. The CCHD is located at 304 Jefferson Street in Whiteville.
Carolyn’s Kaleidoscope Children’s Advocacy Center is now collecting gently used donations of clothing in all sizes for boys, girls, teen, and women. The clothing can be dropped off at 219 North Lee Street in Whiteville.
Columbus Career and College Academy will be doing their community service project for the folks at Liberty Commons in Whiteville this month. All donations must be turned in by 5 p.m. on Dec. 5.
The kids will be accepting donations of socks, toothbrushes, toothpaste, boxed tissues, ChapStick, and lotion to make gift bags for the residents for Christmas. If you choose to ship them to the school, please be sure to put CCCA as the recipient.
Columbus Career and College Academy can be found on the SCC campus located at 4564 Chadbourn Highway in Whiteville.
The Town of Chadbourn will have their annual tree lighting on Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. Breakfast with Santa will be at the Chadbourn Depot at 9 a.m. on Dec. 6, and the Christmas parade will follow later in the day at 2 p.m. The depot can be found at 201 West First Avenue.
Mission Valley Freewill Baptist Church will present a live nativity called ‘The Savior is Born’ on Dec. 5-6 with shows at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. each evening. Be immersed in beautiful outdoor scenes set in ancient Bethlehem with biblical characters, inspiring music, and narration from the scriptures.
The church’s address is 5634 Lebanon Church Road in Clarendon. Pick up your free tickets at www.thesaviorisbornnativity.eventbrite.com.
Lake Waccamaw will also be holding their annual holiday celebrations on Friday night and Saturday morning in the area. The town’s tree lighting and candlelight walk will be on Dec. 5 at 5:30 p.m., and the Christmas parade will be on Dec. 6 at 10 a.m. with lineup at 9 a.m. at Elizabeth Brinkley Park.
The Columbus Baptist Association and the Military Vet Riders will hold their twenty-sixth annual Toy Run on Dec. 6. Cyclists will begin their journey in the Whiteville Walmart parking lot at 10 a.m.
The cost of the ride is $10 or a new unwrapped toy, and registration will be from 8-9:30 a.m. The trip will last about one and half to two hours as the group collects toys from different locations throughout the county.
For more information, contact Roz Skochinsky at 910.445.3062 or Don Edmunds at 910.207.1558.
The Sheepdog Foundation and The McMullen House of Heroes opened their hearts to help out in the community once again. McMullen House put out a call for a new stove for the family of a retired first responder who lost their home in a house fire, and the Sheepdog Foundation showed up to answer that need. Thank you to both organizations for all you do for our first responders, military members, children, and county residents.
Fair Bluff will have their Christmas First Saturday Market on Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Everyone is invited to come out and bring the kids and your pets for pictures with The Grinch.
There will be a cookie contest and cookie walk, vendors, yard sellers, and so much more. Shop local, get some lunch, and check out the last market of this year on Riverside Drive in Fair Bluff.
If you’re still not done shopping until you drop, the West Columbus School PTO will be having The Jingle Market on Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the school gym. There will be music, festive food, shopping, and crafts.
It’s not too late to sign up to be a vendor. Those interested in selling at the market can sign up by emailing the PTO at westcolumbusschoolpto@gmail.com.
Whiteville will have their annual Christmas parade on Dec. 6 starting at 6 p.m. This year, the procession will feature a very special Grand Marshal, Kyla Mae Benton. Six-year-old Kyla has already inspired the community with her spirit, strength, and remarkable journey of healing after surviving a tragic car accident last January. She has shown what hope, determination, and what the power of community prayer can do
The parade will kick off on Webster Street and make its way through downtown, ending at Madison, Franklin, and Lee Street intersection. After the big event, gather with family and friends at Vineland Station for the annual tree lighting, some food trucks, and so much more.
Entry applications for the procession can be picked up at Whiteville City Hall located at 317 South Madison Street or you can grab one online by visiting https://www.whitevillenc.gov/sites/default/files/uploads/christmas-parade-contract-2025.pdf.
Hallsboro United Methodist Church is gearing up for their community Christmas event, and they need you. Vendors and sponsors are welcome to join HUMC for their Christmas celebration on Friday, Dec. 6.
The event will include photos with Santa, snacks and treats, Christmas tree decorating, and vendors and sellers. Those interested in participating can visit www.hallsboroumc.org for more information.
Candlewood Farms and Lower Cape Fear Life Care are partnering together to host a Veteran’s Cafe and Connection on Dec. 10 from 9-11 a.m. at the coffee shop. It’s a chance for veterans to gather, share stories, and enjoy a free cup of coffee in a space built for camaraderie and support.
The facility is also collecting Christmas and Thank You cards with $5 gift cards to pass out during the event to help give back to the men and women who served our country.
For more information about the cafe, call Laura Long at 910.620.5062. Candlewood Farms Coffee and Bakery is located at 721 South Madison Street in Whiteville.
The Columbus County Partnership for Children and Families will present Magic on Main at the Vineland Station Depot on Dec. 11 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Grab some free pajamas for kids newborn to five years old, take a photo with Santa, and join on the free food giveaways and raffles.
For more information about Magic on Main, call 910.642.8226. Vineland Station is located at 701 South Main Street in Whiteville.
The Columbus County Farmers Market invites you to experience the magic of Christmas on Dec. 13 from 9 a.m.- 7 p.m. Meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, and Cindy the Who. The Carolina Country Cruisers will be there with cars and razors from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and the Edgewood Chorus will perform at 10:30 a.m.
Enjoy crafts, door prizes, games, vendors, food and photo ops all day long. Folks interested in peddling their wares can pick a spot for $50. The market can be found at 132 Government Complex Drive in Whiteville.
Get ready, aim, and fire every Friday and Saturday night through Dec. 27 and on Wednesday, Dec. 31 with the Veterans Memorial Park of America Turkey Shoot. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. each evening. Raffle tickets are also up for grabs for a Weber smoker. Tickets are $10 each or 3 for $20, and the drawing will be held on Dec. 31.
The kids will not be left out at the VMPA Community Outreach Center. There will be a movie night at the facility on Dec. 13 at 5 p.m. Grab a chair and a blanket and snuggle in to watch The Polar Express.
The Veterans Memorial Park of America can be found at 6354 James B. White Highway South in Whiteville.
Riegelwood will host their Christmas parade and festival on Dec. 13 from 12-8 p.m. There will be food, vendors, and a kids zone for the little ones. Parking and restrooms will be available at the Riegelwood Community Center.
For all the details, email riegelwoodchristmas@gmail.com.
Fair Bluff will kick off the holiday season on Dec. 14 with their Christmas celebration at the Visitors Center. The big event begins at 4 p.m. with a visit from Santa, followed by the tree lighting at 5:30 p.m., and the parade at 6 p.m. The center can be found at 1054 Main Street.
The Town of Bolton is accepting food and vendor applications for their second annual Christmas parade on Dec. 14 at 3 p.m. To find out how to get yours, call Town Hall at 910.655.8945, or shoot an email to aa.youngdaniels@gmail.com.
Toys for Tots will be accepting new and unwrapped toys for children ages 0-18 years at various locations in Whiteville until Dec. 15. All donations will be distributed to children right here in Columbus
Drop off facilities include:
- Columbus County Veterans Services- 805 Pickney Street
- Columbus County Transportation- 206 Legion Drive
- Columbus County Collections- 303 South Madison Street
- Columbus County Public Housing- 612 North Madison Street
For additional information or questions, contact Kendra Graham at 910.640.6638.
Remember to check out our Good News tab throughout the week. We love to hear about all the great things happening around you. Email your submissions to thegoodnews@columbuscountynews.com or crystalfaircloth@columbuscountynews.com; call us at 910.914.6056 or just drop by our office at 1015 South Madison St., Whiteville. We love visitors. If the blinds are open, we’re open for business.
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