Good morning, Fayetteville.

Pearce’s Mill Fire Department will host its annual Breakfast with Santa on Dec.

13 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at 168 Dedication Drive—families can enjoy a hot homemade breakfast, a visit from Santa, and a tour of fire trucks, with tickets priced at $10 and a small fee to support community outreach.

Fort Bragg kicked off the holiday season today with its annual Christmas Tree Lighting and the naming of Family of the Year.

Soldiers spent days decorating a 22-foot tree with red, white, and blue ornaments and topping it with a new star while families enjoyed live entertainment and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Downtown Fayetteville hosted its annual Light Up the City event last Tuesday when residents walked the Cool Spring Downtown District to view holiday lights and creative storefront displays—local shops extended hours and offered treats while visitors voted for their favorite décor.

The event celebrated both local tradition and small business spirit, drawing community members to a festive evening outing.

Elf Season is a downtown event organized by Spark Downtown that will run through Dec.

21 and encourage visitors to shop, find elves, and collect stamps while following a special story — on Saturday, Dec. 13 after the Rotary Parade, Segra Stadium will host a day of holiday cheer with free tickets for those in elf costumes.

The Fayetteville Symphony Youth Orchestra will perform its Winter Concert on Dec.

14 at 4 p.m. at Huff Concert Hall at Methodist University to showcase young musicians across five ensembles—each led by experienced directors—and tickets cost $8 at the door. Registration for Spring auditions opens January 11 and 15 for students aged 7–21 who want to join the program.

The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra and Cumberland Choral Arts will perform Handel's Messiah on Dec.

13 at 7:30 p.m. at Huff Concert Hall at Methodist University—this free concert marks Music Director Stephan Sanders' final Messiah performance and will include four soloists and a youth chorus starting around 7 p.m.

Craig Edwards (a retired Army veteran and father of three) becomes Santa Claus this holiday season to spread joy and offer representation in Fayetteville.

Dance Theatre of Fayetteville celebrates 50 years of The Nutcracker with shows on Dec.

5 at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 7 at 3:00 p.m. at Methodist University Huff Concert Hall—tickets cost $20 for adults and $10 for kids while new anniversary merchandise will be available.

Charlotte Blume School of Dance will perform its 56th Nutcracker on Dec.

13 and Dec. 14 at 3 p.m. at Crown Theatre on Gillespie St. The production features all-new costumes and a tribute to longtime instructor Sheila Mitchell—shown in a special Mother Ginger piece—and includes guest military performers.

Fayetteville launched its new Recycling Right campaign today to teach residents which items belong in blue recycling bins and reduce the 27% to 33% contamination rate.

The campaign will use radio, billboards, FayTV, and social media to show correct recycling practices—cutting waste and keeping our community safe.

Fort Bragg officials named the Lovgren family as the installation's 2025 Family of the Year—selected for their resilience—during the 23rd Annual Tree Lighting ceremony on Dec.

2; the family did not attend due to a family emergency.

Holiday shoppers will experience an unusual market at Dirtbag Ales Brewery’s Creepy Little Christmas Market on Dec.

11 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.—hosted by Dirtbag Farmers Market and the brewery—at 5435 Corporation Drive in Hope Mills, where vendors offer gothic ornaments, offbeat art and festive treats.

The 2025 high school boys' soccer season ended and fans can now vote for the 910Preps Fans' Choice Boys' Soccer Player of the Year while Gray's Creek made a deep playoff run, Cape Fear won a conference title, and South View earned a first league title in 20 seasons—nominees include top players from leading local schools.

The high school volleyball season ended and fans can vote for the Fans' Choice Volleyball Player of the Year until Tuesday, Dec.

9 at 8 a.m. The vote follows Gray's Creek reaching the 6A East regional finals and recognizes standout players from Gray's Creek, Cape Fear, Village Christian, and South View.

Mercato Europeo

11 AM – 5 PM — Villa Mirabela — Free entry — Experience the charm of Europe with artisan delights in a winter wonderland setting.

North Carolina Fashion Week

5-7 p.m. — Arts Council of Fayetteville | Cumberland County — Cost info not provided — Experience a vibrant showcase of local, regional, and out-of-state fashion designers and models.

A Christmas Story Screening

1:30 – 3:40 PM — Cameo Art House Theatre — Ticketed event — Enjoy a holiday classic with Ralphie Parker's charming adventures.

Fayetteville Marksmen vs Knoxville Ice Bears

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Crown Complex — Cost info not specified — Watch an exciting hockey matchup between the Marksmen and Ice Bears on FloHockey.

Anime Holiday Party

12:30-3 p.m. — Oishi Bubble Tea — Free entry — Celebrate Small Business Saturday with anime fans and bubble tea at this ultimate holiday party.