As we step into a new month, our excitement for the holiday season is growing and we can’t wait to showcase our favorite local activities in the areas where we build. We love where we live, and we want you to experience the charm and wonder of your new (or old) hometown! We have curated a list of our favorite activities happening in our community this month. From enriching shows to unique events here are some ways to connect the vibrant spirit of our neighborhoods. 

Have a favorite event you want to add? Let us know at info@cavinessandcates.com

Wednesday, November 15 - Saturday, November 18, 2023

Open Daily 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

https://festivaloftrees.org/

Festive trees for a cause? Sign us up. The Sandhills Children’s Center Festival of Trees is an annual display of more than 100 trees that has raised more than $200,000 each year for the foundation — which provides vital community programs to children birth through 5 years old with Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, hearing impairments, vision impairments, and other developmental delays. For a small fee, you can support the cause and bid on these amazing and creatively decorated trees. As a bonus, it’s held in the historic Carolina Hall in the Carolina Hotel which is transformed into a sparkling winter wonderland that is sure to delight the young … and the young-at-heart.

Nov 18-29

The town of Seagrove is just a short drive from our Carthage, Pinehurst and Aberdeen communities and is a must-visit during the Pottery Festival! The Celebration of Seagrove Potters 16th Annual Festival will take place in the historic Luck’s Cannery in addition to a Studio Tour.  Shop pottery from the long list of local potters in the area and check some shopping off of your list with unique locally handcrafted gifts for your friends and family (or yourself!).

November 11th

Just outside the gates of Fort Liberty, many veterans call Southern Pines and surrounding areas home. Enjoy the town’s 11th Annual Southern Pines Veterans Parade at 9:30am on the 11th. The annual parade is a chance for us to come together in celebration of our Veterans, troops and their families. Come out and enjoy community and patriotism. While you’re here, check out the incredible local shops, take a walk in nature at Weymouth Woods, or dine in one of the many top-notch restaurants.

November 17, 2023 - January 14, 2024

 

If you live in North Carolina, this is a must-see for the whole family! Cary’s Koka Booth Amphitheatre will once again welcome the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival for an 8th year.

Chinese artisans are already busy crafting more than 40 all-new displays, each one comprised of hundreds of parts, and thousands of LED lights. These larger-than-life lanterns will captivate visitors at every turn with amazing craftsmanship and artistic beauty. Cultural arts performances will take place each night on the main stage.

Raleigh Christmas parade
November 18

The Raleigh Christmas Parade has been a beloved community event since it began in 1939 and is the Largest Christmas Parade between Washington, DC and Atlanta! Bring the family out to downtown Raleigh or watch live on ABC11, the ABC11 streaming apps, and the ABC News Hulu channel.

Looking for the most unique parade around? Head to Wrightsville Beach on Saturday the 25th for the NC Holiday Flotilla! This is our Coastal Carolina Version of a Holiday parade, except ours is on the water! Check out the parade of boats “decked” out in their finest festive décor followed by a fireworks show! 

November 4th

The 14th Annual Southport Wooden Boat Show will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2023, in and around the historic Old Yacht Basin in Southport, from 10 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Meet and talk with wooden boat makers and owners and vote for your favorite during this family-friendly event. Children Activities will return to this year’s show under the tutelage of the NC Maritime Museum of Southport’s Nauti-Kids program. The little sailors will be able to build (with or without help) their own boats and test their sea-worthiness, to learn rope making, learn to sail in a static display and learn from exhibits by the North Carolina Aquarium and The Ft Fisher Underwater Archeology Branch as part of the day’s activities.

November 15-19

The Cucalorus Film Festival is a film festival held annually in Wilmington, North Carolina. It is one of the largest film festivals in the U.S. South and recognized as a destination film festival for indie filmmakers. The 29th annual Cucalorus Film Festival will take place November 15-19, 2023 in downtown Wilmington, North Carolina.

Cucalorus was founded in 1994 by the underground filmmaking collective Twinkle Doon. At the inaugural event, crowds wrapped around the block to see 16 local films screening at Water Street restaurant by the Cape Fear River. These days Cucalorus takes place every November, celebrating independent and international film for five days in historic downtown Wilmington, NC. MovieMaker Magazine has recognized it as “One of the Coolest Film Festivals in the World” for three years in a row.

November 4

Come out and show your support for our Nation's troops and veterans. Jacksonville and the surrounding areas are home to many Camp Lejeune Veterans and their families making this a special hometown parade. Hosted by the NCOA Downeast Chapter 906, the parade will start at 10 AM in front of Coastal Carolina Community College and continue down Western Blvd. to Liberty Drive. 

Mikes Farm is a local favorite offering a warm, wholesome family atmosphere for all of their customers. Pay them a visit this holiday season with events all month long.

Festival of Lights Hayride:  A 30-minute hayride around the farm accompanied by all of your favorite Christmas Classics. November 16th and running until December 23rd.
Mike's Private Wilmington Celebration Choir:  Held November 16th, 17th, and 18th!  Come join us for a special holiday performance with the renowned Wilmington Celebration Choir, an old-fashioned style dinner, and a Festival of Lights hayride. 

November the 17th – December 23rd 2023

The Meadow Lights is the largest and oldest Christmas light show in Eastern North Carolina. They are a Family owned and operated business that started more than 40 years ago.  Also one of the largest candy stores in the state specializing in Christmas and old fashion candy, carrying over 300 varieties. Lights are on over 30 acres and operate a train ride through 10 plus acres.  

November 3-5

The 56th Annual Holly Day Fair, the largest holiday gift and craft show in Eastern North Carolina, will be held November 2nd – 5th at the Crown Expo Center in Fayetteville. Hosted by the Junior League of Fayetteville, the Holly Day Fair is a one-stop holiday shopping event that draws an average of 22,000 attendees and over 150 vendors. Show-goers have an extensive selection of unique handcrafted and manufactured products to select from including the best in holiday decorations, handmade crafts, stylish jewelry and clothes, children’s toys, specialty food items and much more. A portion of the proceeds are given back to the local community through the Junior League of Fayetteville CAP grants, Junior League of Fayetteville Scholarship fund, and an array of community initiatives.

GREENVILLE

November 17th

Just a short drive from our Greenville communities is a grand Christmas shopping experience at The Wilkinson Center's Annual Christmas Craft Show! Browse a wonderland of arts & crafts from our area's most talented artisans. You're sure to have some holiday fun and find unique gifts for everyone on your list! New for this year: Food Trucks!

Annual Holiday Fair

November 30 - December 2

Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at the 53rd annual Holiday Fair at the Greenville Convention Center! Whether it’s a family tradition or your first time attending, the Holiday Fair is far more than just Christmas décor. They offer the region’s largest selection of holiday arts, crafts, and gifts for everyone on your list – all under one roof this Holiday season.  Exhibitors include more than 350 crafters and commercial vendors in this three-day award-winning fair that gives shoppers a chance to support small businesses this holiday season.

Don't forget to shop small on Small Business Saturday! November 25th, head to your local downtowns and favorite small shops to support your neighbors. 

We hope you enjoy this holiday season in your town!