Nash-County-Farmers-Market-Christmas-Event

Always a place to support local vendors and get the freshest and best in area products, this weekend will see a special twist for the holidays. From 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., the Nash County Farmers Market Christmas Event will help spread holiday cheer this Saturday, December 14. The “Holiday and Artisian” Market will also run with the same Christmas theme, Saturday, December 21.

Those in need of a tree can get them freshly cut at the Market.

A Special Guest “from the North Pole” to Attend Nash County Farmers Market Christmas Event

Taking place as always at 1006 Peachtree Street in Rocky Mount, is the Nash County Farmers Market Christmas Event. This is much like the weekly Farmers Market. However, this holiday-themed event adds a little “yuletide” spirit. In addition to the usual great vendors on hand, there will be several holiday-themed additions to the market.

Just an hour after the Farmers Market/Holiday Artisian market begins, a guest is set to arrive. This isn’t just any guest though, as all the way from the North Pole, Santa Claus will be on hand. Arriving at 9:00 a.m., “Jolly Ol’ St. Nick” will be visiting with kids and available for pictures until 2:00 p.m.

In addition to Christmas trees, wreaths, stockings, candles, and other holiday items will be available.

Trees, Wreaths, and Other Locally Made Holiday Decor

Over 40 local vendors, spanning two buildings are expected for the Nash County Farmers Market Christmas Event. In both of the remaining two weeks, several of these vendors will have decor and other great holiday products.

For those of you waiting for just the right moment for a locally grown, beautiful Christmas tree, this is the place. At the Nash County Farmers Market Christmas Event, area farmers will be out in full force selling fresh-cut trees. These no doubt will include many Fraser Firs, which are “North Carolina’s Christmas Tree’s.”

In addition, there will be vendors selling wreaths, stockings, art, and so much more. Looking to finish off your Christmas list? Look no further than these holiday type items. If that’s not your style, try the locally made handcrafted gifts from the Nash County vendors.

Delicious homemade candies and chocolate make a great “stocking stuffer.”

What About the Usual, Fresh, and Delicious Goods at the Nash County Farmers Market? Will They be on Hand?

“Yes,” is the plain and simple answer to these questions. You can get all of the delicious produce, meats, and baked goods, you always do on your Saturday stop at “the market.”

With the aforementioned 40-plus vendors on hand, whatever you usually stop at the Farmers Market for, is there. Sweet potatoes, apples, jellies and jams, collard greens, candles, soaps, and more will be available at the Nash County Farmers Market Christmas Event.

Music and Food Trucks add to the Nash County Farmers Market Christmas Event

On top of all the fresh produce and handmade products. In addition to the Christmas trees, wreathes, and Santa Claus visiting. There couldn’t possibly be more at this Nash County Christmas event.

However, tehre is, as the Rocky Mount High School Orchestra will be on hand, as will other live music each week. Likewise, the Aacme Soul and Seafood food truck will be on site cooking up luch and dinner for those who build an appetite.

There will be plenty of candles, soaps, arts and crafts for sale at the Nash County Farmers Market Christmas event in each of the next two Saturdays.

For Newcomers, a Bit of History Behind the Farmers Market

For those unfamiliar with the Market, the Nash County Farmers Market Christmas Event is a perfect opportunity to check it out. The market itself first opened in 2005 in an effort to provide area farmers a facility to sell goods.

In the past 14-plus years, the market has succeding in doing just that and grown to become a regular Saturday stop for many. According to nashcountync.gov, the following is the “mission” of the event.

“This market philosophy is consistent with long term economic development and preservation of our local farming community. This market is not just a building.” It continues, “It’s the dynamic activity of all of the people involved in growing, harvesting, buying, selling and sometimes socializing. Shoppers come to enjoy the farmers market experience.”

For more information on the Nash County Farmers Market’s holiday event and schedule or any other events, visit nashcountync.gov.

Christmas-in-Rocky-Mount-Imperial-Centre

On the first Friday of each month, the Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences plays host to a variety of family-friendly activities. However, the most special “First Friday” event of the year is approaching on Friday, December 6. On that Friday, the Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences will host a special “First Friday” Christmas in Rocky Mount.

Santa Claus will be on hand for the First Friday event at the Imperial Centre.

Christmas in Rocky Mount Activities Throughout the Centre

As with each “First Friday,” all areas of the Imperial Centre will have activities for all ages. Consequently, due to its Christmas in Rocky Mount theme, all of these areas will be “spreading holiday cheer” on December 6.

At 6:00 p.m., the most traditional Christmas in Rocky Mount activity will take place. This is when the annual tree lighting will take place. Also, Santa will be on hand to take pictures with the kids. Likewise, another traditional Christmas in Rocky Mount favorite returns with the annual carriage rides.

The art demonstrations are always a fun part for the children at Imperial Centre events.

Children’s Museum Christmas Activities

In the Children’s Museum area at the Imperial Centre, there will be an array of Christmas in Rocky Mount fun for the family to enjoy. This includes free admission to the “Spin” exhibit and the always popular Braswell Memorial Pop-Up Library. At 7:00 p.m. there will be a planetarium show as part of the First Friday Christmas in Rocky Mount. In addition to all of this, at 8:00 p.m. will be a special Holiday Laser Light show.

There will be a variety of vendors one hand Main Lobby of the Imperial Centre to pick up some Christmas gifts for your loved ones.

First Friday Christmas Events in the Art Center

Just as with the Children’s Museum section, the Art Center will also feature its own holiday-themed events. This area will boast free art exhibits for public viewing. It will also have live music throughout the night’s festivities by Tim and Susan Wells. Lastly, you will want to be sure to join in the special holiday-themed art activity and demo.

The Main Lobby: A Celebration of Christmas in Rocky Mount

Not to be outdone, The Imperial Centre’s Main Lobby will feature a variety of local vendors on hand for those looking to pick up some last-minute stocking stuffers and gifts. Additionally on hand will be an information table and a performance by the talented dancers from Dance USA. An art demonstration will also take place during this event in the main lobby as well.

The Langston Hughes’ written “Black Nativity” will have six showings at the Imperial Centre between December 6-15.

Black Nativity Takes the “Centre Stage” for Six Showings as Part of Imperial Centre Holiday Events

The theatre at the Imperial Centre is always the place to find a talented group of live performers on stage. Their annual holiday performances have included several Christmas classics, and this year will be no exception.

Featuring an all-local cast, this year’s performance will be “Black Nativity: A Gospel Song Play.” The classic Christmas tale will see the cast tell its story in dialogue, narrative, pantomime, gospel song, and folk spiritual forms. This year’s production is directed by Imperial Centre Artistic and Managing Director, Brookew Edwards. The show is co-produced by Word Tabernacle Church.

Show Times at the Imperial Centre for Black Nativity: A Gospel Song Play

  • Friday, December 6- 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, December 7- 7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, December 8- 2:00 p.m.
  • Friday, December 13- 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, December 14- 7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, December 15- 2:00 p.m.

The Imperial Centre for the Arts is located just minutes from your new home at Belmont Lake Preserve at 270 Gay Street in Rocky Mount. For more on tickets for “Black Nativity,” and all the Christmas in Rocky Mount First Friday events at the Imperial Centre, visit imperialcentre.org. For more information on the Belmont Lake Preserve new home and golf community, visit belmontlakepreserve.com.

Rocky-Mount-Christmas-Parade-Belmont-Lake-Preserve

A pair of Rocky Mount Christmas traditions are set to return to the downtown area on consecutive Sunday afternoons. First, on Sunday, December 1, will be the 64th Annual Christmas Parade. Then, on the following Sunday (December 8) the Imperial Centre for the Arts will again host “Winter Wonderland.”

The 64th annual Christmas Parade will feature fun characters and floats for all to enjoy.

The Rocky Mount Christmas Parade: Six-Plus Decades of Tradition

On Sunday, December 1, for the 64th consecutive year, the streets of downtown Rocky Mount will be filled with the sights and sounds of the season. The annual Christmas Parade is a holiday tradition spanning and bringing together generations of Rocky Mount families.

The street will feature floats, marching bands, and countless other community businesses at the Rocky Mount Christmas Parade. As always, Santa Claus will also be on hand to greet all the children. The parade begins at 3:00 p.m. and is will run until 4:30 p.m.

Santa Claus will be on hand at the “Winter Wonderland” to take pictures with the kids.

A Newer Rocky Mount Christmas Tradition: Winter Wonderland Returns to the Imperial Centre

One week following the parade, December 8, the Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences will host its annual “Winter Wonderland.” Scheduled to start at 1:00 p.m. and run until 5:00 p.m., there are countless holiday activities at this event.

All areas of the “Centre” will feature fun-filled Christmas activities for all ages at Winter Wonderland. As always, this is a free event, with holiday themed music, rides, arts and crafts, and of course Santa himself will be on hand. 

Events Scheduled for Winter Wonderland at the Imperial Centre

  • Horse and Carriage Rides
  • A Sledding Hill
  • Pictures and Meet with Santa Claus
  • Holiday arts and Crafts Making
  • Food Vendors

The Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences is located at 270 Gay Street in downtown Rocky Mount. Both the Christmas Parade and Winter Wonderland events are only a short drive from Belmont Lake Preserve. For more information on either of these events, visit the City of Rocky Mount website at rockymountnc.gov