Bright lights on buildings and actors on stages. Parades in the streets and an elf for the ages. Bluegrass and sweet treats and bright, shiny bling. These are a few of our favorite things.
A Christmas Carol – The Temple Theatre
Temple Theatre’s own original musical adaptation is back by popular demand. Join Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim and a host of colorful characters for a remarkable holiday production of the beloved Charles Dickens classic. Embrace the spirit of the season wrapped in wonder, holiday magic and your favorite yuletide melodies presented live onstage. In our humble opinion, the holidays just aren’t the holidays without A Christmas Carol. Tickets available for multiple show dates.
Holiday Parades
The Sanford Christmas Parade cruises through downtown once again on Monday, Dec. 6th. For more than 60 years, this holiday tradition has delighted onlookers with marching bands, festive floats and of course, the man of the hour – Santa Claus. Not be outdone in the least, neighboring Broadway, NC also boasts a pretty fantastic processional happening on Saturday, Dec. 11th. Get a double dose of holiday magic by securing a choice spot at both events.
Santa Train and Tree Lighting
Join Santa for the annual Train & Tree Lighting in Depot Park on Sunday, Dec. 5th! Spend the afternoon and evening enjoying local performances on The Depot Stage, savoring hot cocoa and other sweet treats and of course, visiting with the big man himself! Make plans now for this exciting experience filled with good tidings of comfort and joy for the entire family!
Broadway Town Lights & Tree Lighting
There’s nothing like heading over to Broadway, NC for the holidays. Especially, when there’s much holiday sparkle to take in. Load the entire family into the car for the drive-through spectacular that is Broadway Lights starting Dec. 1st. There’s also the annual tree lighting at NC Veteran’s Memorial to add to your holiday merriment.
Brick City Boba Christmas Movies
There’s nothing like gathering family and friends together to enjoy a Christmas flick or two for the holidays. Brick City Boba brings the experience outdoors with a lineup of classic favorites like Elf (Dec. 4th), The Grinch (Dec. 11th) and The Polar Express (Dec. 18th). Grab your favorite blanket and camping chair to snuggle up in front of a big screen under the stars. Brick City Boba will provide the popcorn and have hot chocolate, cider, coffee and teas available for purchase.
Bluegrass 365 – Home Grown Christmas
Bluegrass band, Sweet Potato Pie returns to Temple Theatre on Dec. 14th to deliver their annual Christmas show filled with your favorite holiday tunes. Best known for their distinct harmonies and entertaining stage shows, the band’s unique sound is best described as a blend of Americana, Bluegrass, Country and Gospel, or “sweetgrass” for short. Don’t miss this stellar, family friendly show that will surely add more joy and cheer to the last month of the year.
Taylor Phillips HITS Lee County with Friends
Taylor Phillips has written close to 100 recorded songs and made a few friends along the way. Adding to the goodwill of the holiday season, Taylor is partnering with Visit Sanford to put on star-studded concert and charitable event at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic & Conference Center. Come enjoy great music for a great cause with famed country music songwriters and artists performing acoustic sets all evening long. All concert proceeds benefit suicide awareness and suicide prevention efforts. Concert doors open on Dec. 19th at 6:00 pm and the show starts at 7!
Music at Smoke and Barrel
In addition to serving up slow-cooked smoked meats, NC craft beer and bourbon, Smoke and Barrel also hosts live music every weekend. Head on over in December to catch singer-songwriter, Erik Hawks (Dec. 3rd), country artist and Sanford native, John Norris (Dec. 10th) and cover band, The Simpletones (Dec. 17th).
Cookies for Santa – Millie’s Mama Bakes
Has a busy holiday season got you wondering how you’ll find the time to make Christmas cookies for Santa? You may want to consider stopping by Millie’s Mama Bakes, a tiny cookie shop located in the heart of downtown Sanford. Enjoy hand-crafted deliciousness baked with small-batch freshness. MMB offers a rotating weekly schedule of quarter-pound gourmet cookies, French macarons, decorated sugar cookies and cookie cakes. Place your order now for a guaranteed way on to Santa’s nice list permanently.
Holiday Shopping at Tasting Queens Market
Spice up the winter months with a trip to Tasting Queens Market. This shop has evolved overnight into a foodie paradise offering Queens, NY-inspired, Caribbean-influenced, chef-crafted sauces, spices, teas, baking and frying mixes and more. All products are made with local ingredients by a Guyanese American woman and executive chef. They also include organic and non-GMO gourmet options. Make your way over to celebrate a diversity of flavor with the budding chefs and foodies on your holiday shopping list.
Holiday Shopping at Dan Martin Jewelers
Looking for a bit of bling to put under the Christmas tree this year? Come check out the full collection of shiny baubles and sparkling precious metals at Dan Martin Jewelers. Located in the heart of Sanford, this full-service jewelry store offers new jewelry, jewelry repair, special gifts and customization services. With expert eyes and attentive customer service at work for you, find the pieces that perfectly meet your needs and leave quite the lasting impression.
Farmers On Main
Our latest favorite thing is the recent opening of Farmers On Main in Broadway. This causal restaurant now dishes out breakfast, lunch and dinner with a smorgasbord of classic American dishes. Early reviews are in, and folks are raving about everything from the breakfast biscuits to the bacon cheeseburgers and steak and potato dinners in between! Get over to Farmers On Main now because word is spreading fast, and it won’t be long until there’s a line out the door.
