Santa Claus made his first Garner appearances of the 2003 Christmas season last week, including a stopover at Food Lion. Here, the jolly old elf asks Bailey, a local girl, what she would like to have under the tree. See the article at right for a full listing of Christmas activities in Garner, including other appearances from Santa.

Plenty of holiday activities upcoming

By Juli Denning
Associate Editor
julidenning@garnernews.net
December 03, 2003

Maxed out on malls? Strings of lights have you snarled? Get away from it all and into a serene atmosphere this Friday during Garner’s annual Christmas tree lighting. It all starts at 7 p.m. on Main Street at the Depot.

Mayor Sam Bridges will host the event by leading the countdown and lighting the tree for the holidays. The Garner Senior High School chorus and Miss Garner 2004 will provide entertainment.

After a candlelight walk, refreshments will be served at the Masonic Lodge.

Of course everyone is hoping for fair skies, but just in case the weather doesn’t cooperate, call 773-4437 for changes of instructions.

On Saturday, Garner’s festive Christmas parade will once again bring joy to hundreds of folks who are expected to line the streets at 10 a.m. The holiday season in Garner promises to be an extravaganza.

And if you just can’t get enough of the jingle jangle of parades, there’s more on the way. Other local Christmas parades and lighting of the trees are scheduled as follows:

December 4  Fuquay-Varina Christmas Tree Lighting – This will take place in the municipal parking lot at the corner of East Vance and Main Streets from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

December 4  The Cleveland community will hold its fifth annual Christmas Tree Lighting at 6 p.m. at First Citizen’s Bank, Glen Road (off Highway 42). Guests will enjoy entertainment by dancers and cloggers from DanceArt Studios, community caroling and a surprise visit from Santa Claus. Guests will be welcome to take their own pictures with Santa and enjoy some hot cocoa.

December 6  Knightdale parade is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.; Apex parade, “Christmas on Salem Street” will be held at 5:00 p.m.

December 7  Fuquay-Varina Christmas parade, “Miracle on Main Street,” will be at 3:00 p.m.

December 13  Holly Springs, “Holly Days Parade,” will be at 11:00 a.m.; Cary parade is slated for 2:00 p.m.

The magic of Christmas has arrived with a spectacular array of events planned for the festive season in Wake County and beyond. Here are several happenings you will not want to miss.

Now through December 24 – Santa at Crabtree Valley Mall

Santa and his team of elves will talk with children daily and pose for holiday pictures. Free. For more information, call 787-8993.

Now through December 28 - The Nutcracker Ballet

Performed by the Carolina Ballet and NC Symphony, this holiday classic will take you to a land of sweets, waltzing flowers, dancing snowflakes and sugar plum fairies through lavish sets, costumes and sound. Tickets range from $10 - $100. For more information, call 719-0900.

Now through January 3 - Chick-fil-A Celebration of Lights

Ever seen a reindeer that can jump 20 feet? Or a 40-foot long sea dragon? How about 20-foot tall toy soldiers or elves that can throw snowballs 25 feet?

It’s all at the Alltel Pavilion in Raleigh during the 6th annual Chick-fil-A Celebration of Lights.

The event, which features zillions of lights and displays, is open daily and runs from dusk until 10:00 p.m., a little later on weekends.

The winding two-mile drive features over 200 spectacular displays of mesmerizing lights. In fact, just to get it ready for showtime, it takes one month using 12 men working 50 plus hours a week.

The displays require 12,000 miles of wiring, 50,000 pounds of steel, 160 animation controllers and 70,000 replacement bulbs each season. Ten miles of lights are strung in the trees alone. Cost is $15 per car.

For more information, call 831-6666.

Now through December 31 – Meadow Lights

Drive through the bright lights displaying scenes of the Last Supper, the Nativity and Old Glory. The Meadow Lights are located seven miles south of Benson in Johnston County, off US Hwy. 96 on Godwin Lake Road. The lights are glowing Monday through Thursday from 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. and Friday through Sunday until 11:00 p.m. There’s no charge.

Now through January 3, 2004 – Celebrating a Capital Season

Remember those happy holiday seasons of long ago? Celebrate this unique time of year with this special photographic exhibit that takes a look at Raleigh's seasonal celebrations of the past. It all takes place at Raleigh City Museum. The museum is located in the historic Briggs Building at 220 Fayetteville Street Mall downtown Raleigh. The hours are Tuesday-Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and Saturday from 1:00 p.m. until 4 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 832-3775.

December 2-31 - Mordecai Historic Park Holiday Tours

Visitors will experience the sights and sounds of Christmas past when they tour the historic Mordecai Plantation Both the house and the grounds are all decked out in the season’s finery. Admission for the one-hour guided tour is $4-$6. For more information, call 833-6404.

December 2-7 – Holidays Around the World

This annual event features 17 trees and 13 displays depicting the holiday customs of different countries from around the world. Also on display is a collection of homemade gingerbread houses and snowmen. Homemade cookies, candy and ornaments will be on sale. Visitors are encouraged to bring coats, hats, gloves or non-perishable foods items for a “warming tree.” All donations will assist the Battered Women’s Shelter.

There will also be a special place for donations for the Wake County Animal Shelter for animal food, leashes, towels, and money. These items are needed and will be gratefully appreciated. Place them under the Jillian Moss Girl Scout Tree.

It happens Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00 until 4:00 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 250-1013.

December 5-7 – Live Nativity

Grace Baptist church, located at 1140 B.H. Parrish Road in the Cleveland community, will be presenting their annual gift to the community, a live Nativity from 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. nightly.

Guests will be able to ride through the sets in their own vehicles and enjoy six scenes depicting the birth of Christ through His resurrection. Admission is free. For more information, call Grace Baptist Church at 938-2032.

December 5-6 – NCSU’S Holiday Concert

NC State University's Department of Music will present favorite holiday melodies performed by the school’s top instrumental and choral musicians. The event will be held at the Stewart Theatre on the campus of NCSU. Admission charged. For more information, call 515-1100 for times.

December 6 – Garner Arts & Crafts Sale

The fabulous sale will be held from 10:00 until 5:00 p.m. at the Garner Chamber of Commerce building located at the corner of Hwy. W50 and Circle Drive. Stop by and browse or shop for Christmas gifts.

December 6 – Moravian Candle Tea

The annual Moravian Candle Tea, which will be held from 2:00 until 6:00 p.m., will feature costumed hosts, homemade crafts, music, Moravian candle and star making demonstrations. Moravian sugar cake, cookies and candles will be offered for sale. The tea will be held at Raleigh Moravian Church. Admission is free. For more information, call 787-4034.

December 6 – NC Scandinavian Christmas Fair

The Scandinavian Christmas Fair is a celebration of authentic Scandinavian holiday customs and features cultural demonstrations, crafts and food from the countries of Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland. There will be cultural displays, kids games, performances, a re-created Viking Village, story corner, authentic foods and crafts and much more. It will be held at the Holshouser Building at the NC State Fairgrounds from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Admission charged. For more information, call 876-1539.

December 6 – Swim with Santa

Santa and his holiday elves will be making a special trip to the City of Raleigh Parks and Recreation Department’s Pullen Aquatic Center from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Santa will be taking time out during the holiday season to listen to children’s special wishes right in the pool. Children can swim in the pool to sit on Santa’s lap and an accommodating holiday elf will take their picture. Crafts and games will be available. Admission is free. For more information, call 831-6197.

December 6 – Christmas Open House and Candlelight Tour at Historic Oak View County Park

Get a taste for Christmas past at this event. After the sun sinks low in the sky, the park will come alive with the glow of luminaries. Visit Oak View and ride a horse and carriage through the pecan grove, listen to Christmas carols in the 1855 farmstead, and drink delicious hot apple cider while listening to Christmas stories. Saint Nick will also make an appearance. There will also be a special place for donations for the Wake County Animal Shelter for animal food, leashes, towels, and money. These items are needed and will be gratefully appreciated. Place them under the Jillian Moss Girl Scout Tree.

Donations of new clothing, toiletries, or canned goods may be placed under the “warming tree” and will be given to the Battered Women’s Shelter.

The open house will be held from 1:00 until 5:00 p.m. and the candlelight tour takes place from 5:00 until 7:30 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 250-1013.

December 6 - Breakfast with Santa in Apex

A pancake breakfast will be served as Santa and Mrs. Claus read stories and receives Christmas wish lists from children of all ages. The cost is $4, free to children under two. The event is sponsored by the Apex Fire Department. For more information, call 387-9550.

December 6-7 - Christmas Tour at Joel Lane Museum House

The Joel Lane Museum House will be decorated in traditional colonial greenery and fruit. Tours will focus on ways in which those who came before us celebrated the holiday season. Raleigh’s oldest home is now fully restored to its appearance when it served as the residence of Joel Lane, a prominent statesman and patriot. Wassail and ginger snaps will be offered to guests as they enjoy the elegant music of harpists in the Hall. Tours will be held from 1:00 until 4:00 p.m. Admission on this day is free.

The house will be open for holiday tours until mid-December. Regular tours are Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 1:00 until 4:00 p.m. Admission charged. For more information, call 833-3431.

December 6-7 - Hotel Bethlehem

The Garner Arts Association will present “Hotel Bethlehem,” a children’s Christmas musical. This musical will bring to life the Christmas story and allows you to put the true meaning of Christmas into your heart and mind.

Performances are at 7:00 p.m. A matinee will also be held on Monday, December 7 at 2:00 p.m. General admission is $3.

December 7 – Garner Woman’s Club Annual Christmas Tour of Homes

The Garner Woman’s Club will hold their annual Christmas Tour of Homes from 1:00 until 5:00 p.m. Six local homes will be featured this year. In addition to the tour, a floating reception featuring homemade refreshments by Woman’s Club members will be held from 1:30 until 5:30 p.m. at the Garner Woman’s Club Clubhouse located at 230 US 70 West.

Tickets are $10, which admits one to all six homes and to the holiday reception. They are available in advance at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home on NC 50, from any club member, by calling Dee Nelms at 779-1890, or on the day of the tour at the clubhouse.

December 7 – Historic Apex Home Tour

The 17th Annual Holiday Home Tour offers five historic homes fully decked out in elegant Christmas décor. Presented by the Apex Historical Society, the cost is $7 in advance and $10 on the day of the event. Time is from 1:00 until 5:00 p.m.

December 7 – Saint Mary’s 23rd Annual Lighting O’ the Grove

This Christmas celebration features lighting of the tree, caroling and more than 500 luminaries shining in the historic oak grove. It will take place at Smedes Hall at Saint Mary’s at 7:15 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 424-4034.

December 8-11 - Santa’s Hotline

How would you like your child to get a phone call from Santa? Local, scheduled phone calls will be made to children ages three to six. Fee is $3. For more information, contact 870-2911.

December 8-19 – The Twelve Days of Christmas

Performances on weekdays are from noon until 2:00 p.m. and varied on weekends. It’s held at the North Carolina State Capitol building. Admission is free. For more information, call 733-4994.

December 10-17 - A Christmas Carol

Raleigh’s Theatre in the Park will present its 29th annual production of the Charles Dickens classic, “A Christmas Carol,” at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium. Tickets range from $12 to $45. For more information, call 831-6058.

December 11- State Capitol Lighting and Holiday Festival

The Governor and Mrs. Michael Easley will light the official state Christmas tree on Capitol Square followed by an open house at the Capitol and holiday music and entertainment at area museums. Festivities start at 5:00 p.m. and last until 7:00 p.m. Admission is free.

December 13 – Haywood Hall Christmas Open House

Tour the beautifully decorated Hall from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. The home was built by John Haywood, the state's first elected treasurer, in 1799. This is the oldest residence built within the original city limits still on its original site with family furnishings. Enjoy simple refreshments and seasonal music. Free, contributions appreciated.

December 13 - Christmas in the Village, Christmas in the Camp

Capital Area Preservation, in cooperation with the 26th Regiment North Carolina Troops, will present a very special holiday event entitled “Christmas in the Village, Christmas in the Camp.”

Experience Christmas as it was observed during the Civil War by those who fought and by their loved ones that were waiting on the homefront. Featuring the 26th Regiment, North Carolina Troops, this program will include candlelight tours of the camp and holiday vignettes of life at home, including period wedding reenactments in a plantation chapel and more. The event will take place at Mordecai Historic Park, 1 Mimosa St., off of Wake Forest Road in Raleigh from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults, $4 for children 7-17 and free for children six and under. You don’t want to miss this one.

December 13-14 – Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour

Tour the elegantly decorated Victorian homes in the historic Oakwood district in downtown Raleigh. Advance tickets are available and can be purchased at the Oakwood Inn. For more information, call 832-9712.

December 11-14- Executive Mansion Holiday Open House

Raleigh’s Executive Mansion, home to Governor and Mrs. Michael Easley, will open its doors an open house during the holidays. The Victorian-style mansion, home to North Carolina governors since 1891, was once described by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt as having “the most beautiful governor’s residence interior in America.” Built from native North Carolina materials, it has been occupied by 26 governor’s and their families.

Admission is free but reservations are required. For more information, call 733-3456.

December 14 – Garner Arts Association Holiday Music Recital

The holiday recital will be held from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. at the Garner Historic Auditorium. This recital will feature violin and piano students. Admission is free.

December 20-21 -The Raleigh Ringers Holiday Concerts

Using nothing but handbells, the Raleigh Ringers perform music ranging from holiday and classical favorites to the annual live premiere of a Rock ‘n’ Roll classic. Concerts are at Meymandi Concert Hall. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for seniors/children. For more information, call 847-7574.

December 22-23 – Live Nativity

Saint Andrews United Methodist Church will be celebrating Christmas this year with a live nativity scene from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. Everyone is invited and hot chocolate will be served.

St. Andrews is located one block off 401 South at 1201 Maxwell Drive, across the street from Fred A. Smith Elementary School in Garner. For more information, call 772-4410.

While you’re enjoying the sights and sounds of Christmas, remember the underprivileged children of Wake County.

In businesses throughout the area, Christmas trees have been decorated with Angel cards. On the backs of these cards is information about a child who would greatly appreciate Christmas gifts. This information includes their clothing sizes and a short wish list.

Make a difference for a child this Christmas by taking one of these cards from the tree and purchase a few items for the child on the card. Directions are posted near each tree stating where to take your gifts.

History of the Town of
Santa Claus, Indiana
The naming of the town of Santa Claus, Indiana.