As the year winds to a close, the Fayetteville area can expect a dash of holiday cheer with Christmas events to finish out 2022. Popular holiday attractions are returning for the public to enjoy and help spread some joy in and around Fayetteville. Take a look at our list of some of the popular options now available through December.

The Festival of Lights has returned to Sweet Valley Ranch for another year. Located at 2990 Sunnyside School Rd. in Fayetteville, the event features over a million lights and more than 350 unique and exotic animals. The community is invited to the working farm to enjoy the lights for a memorable holiday evening. 

A drive through event, guests will be able to enjoy vendors, gift stores, rides, food, and more. First responders, Santa’s Backyard, Dinosaur World, Star Wars, Santa's Drive-Thru Gift Shop, Nativity Scene, Gingerbread House, The Grinch's Mansions, and Military Tribute are just a few of the special exhibits available. 

A 100-foot prehistoric cave featuring custom Ice Age lighted exhibits made of over 30,000 lights is a new exhibit also making its holiday debut in 2022. 

“The Sweet Valley Ranch, we're extremely pleased to bring that back. We have added a new prehistoric cave exhibit and additional light at displays so bring your families out and have fun,” said Owner Fred Surgeon. 

Available through Dec. 26, opening dates and times may vary. 

Tickets can be purchased, and more information can be found online at www.sweetvalleyranch.com.

Join the cast and crew at the Cape Fear Regional Theatre for the 31st annual production of the holiday classic “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. 

Follow the story of a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant faced with casting the worst kids in the neighborhood: The Herdmans. Follow the mayhem, fun and touching story when the Herdmans collide with the Christmas story head on!

With performances scheduled for Dec. 9, 10, 11 and from Dec. 13-18, there’s plenty of time for your family to come together to enjoy a classic community holiday performance. 

“We've talked about ‘do we want to venture out and do something else?’ But you know, people love this story, and it's really beautiful thing,” said Cape Fear Regional Theatre Marketing Director Ashley Owen. “We have four casts of about 30 kids apiece so, seeing 120 kids all come together and do this story, it’s really exciting and people love it. So, we have talked about maybe like, rotating a couple of things through, but I think BCPE is here to stay.” 

Around 10,000 people are expected to see the show based on previous year’s turnout. 

Tickets are available online at www.cfrt.org and can also be purchased by calling the theater’s box office directly at 910-323-4233. Shows are selling out fast so make sure to buy your tickets soon.

The Cool Spring Downtown District will be utilizing the “Can Do” District Trolley to bring holiday cheer to both kids and adults this Christmas season. 

For kids, the “Holly Jolly Trolly” will be offering a family friendly sing along trolly tour of local neighborhood holiday lights and decorations. Fayetteville’s favorite elf musician Michael Daughtry will ensure all is merry and bright with a festive performance of songs of the season.

“We are flying in an elf from the North Pole, he's a local musician and he will dress like an elf and families and friends will hop on the Holly Jolly Trolley and take a tour of Christmas lights throughout our community while singing all of your Christmas favorites,” said Cool Spring Downtown District President and CEO Bianca Shoneman. 

Families are invited to don their holiday apparel and come out on Dec. 15 and 16 at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. and will meet in Downtown Fayetteville at 222 Hay St. The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes and tickets start at $20.00 for adults and $10.00 for children under 12. The event is free for children under 2.

Those looking for more adult entertainment are in luck as the District Trolley will also be used for the “Sleigh What?! A holiday comedy on wheels” event gearing up to take place on Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. 

“We got a naughty elf coming from the North Pole too, and she's a comic, her name is Kristi Howard, and she’s leading two turns on the “Sleigh What” comedy trolley. This is not for children under the age of 18. It is an adult comedy tour that comes with one free beer or wine with ticket purchase,” shared Shoneman. 

The show is for adults aged 21 and over and is expected to last for 45 minutes. The trolley will depart from the Cool Spring Downtown District's office at 222 Hay Street. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased online.

Tickets can be purchased, and more information can be found online at www.visitdowntownfayetteville.com.