Get excited about the holiday season this weekend with craft markets, holiday shows, sweet treats and more!
Compiled by Nella Rouse
All Weekend
2020 PCH Annual Holiday Craft Sale
Preservation Chapel Hill host local artisans, including woodturners and potters, at the Horace Williams House for a festive exhibition from noon to 4 p.m. Appointments are not required but a limited number of people will be allowed inside at a time.
Winter Wonderland with Goats
Spring Haven Farm celebrates the holiday season with festive farm activities, including buying a Christmas tree, riding the Polar Express Tractor Train and sipping on hot cocoa. Guests can also enjoy sweet treats and write a letter to Santa at the “Snowflake Barn,” and design an ornament with elves at “Santa’s Workshop.” Masks are required.
Thursday
Virtual Lunchbox Talk
Join the North Carolina Botanical Garden for a virtual talk about climate change and the state of birds. Starting at noon, National Audubon Society scientists share their research about the future of North Carolina’s most beloved birds. This event is free, and registration is required.
Friday
S’mores & Bonfire
From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., The Honeysuckle Tea House is providing s’mores kits and mulled mead or local cider to enjoy by the fire.
Friday & Saturday
The Longest Night: A Winter’s Tale
Morehead Planetarium & Science Center, in collaboration with Paperhand Puppet Intervention, puts on a full-dome planetarium holiday show starting at 1 p.m. on Friday and noon on Saturday. The story explores the concept of winter as a time for Earth to rest while waiting for new growth in the spring. The cast and crew includes dozens of puppeteers and production professionals, and The Paperhand Band created original music for the show. Tickets can be purchased online.
Saturday
Hillborough Holiday Wreath Stroll
Get in the holiday spirit by checking out all of the decorated wreaths as well as Hillsborough’s historic architecture during a self-guided wreath tour hosted by The Alliance for Historic Hillsborough. Registration is required, and a map of the wreath locations is provided.
Saturday & Sunday
14th Annual Elf Market
Join The ArtsCenter at its holiday craft market to raise funds for the nonprofit’s Youth Education Scholarships. The market will take place at University Place on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Vendors from Chapel Hill, Carrboro and all over the Triangle will be selling handmade goods perfect for holiday gifts.
Make Your Own Gingerbread House
The Carolina Inn host a children’s gingerbread house making class. Children are able to assemble and decorate their very own gingerbread house. An apron, a chef’s hat and other holiday goodies are included. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Limited space is available. Reservations are required.
Brunch with Santa
Every weekend in December, The Carolina Inn also hosts personalized brunches which include cookie decorating and a visit from Santa. Reservations are required.
