This year, Holly Springs will be bursting with even more holiday cheer than ever before, with the addition of new decorations that will augment the downtown area’s ambiance. That’s in addition to all the favorite annual events, including Light the Springs, the Happy Holly Days Parade, visits with Santa, and ways to share the joy of the season with others.
Dazzling Downtown Decorations & Shopping
With a name like Holly Springs, lean into the holiday spirit with a trip downtown! Linger on a bench beneath a new, larger-than-life holiday ornament – the perfect location for a photo opportunity! While there, enjoy new lighted holiday decorations with trimmings in the Town’s colors. Stroll past Town Hall where special lighting illuminates Town Hall and the trees to delight visitors throughout the year. Colors will be adjusted depending on the season.
Have some holiday fun and celebrate downtown businesses by participating in Shop the Springs in early December. You could win a prize package! Organized by Holly Springs Economic Development, Shop the Springs is a fun way to highlight small businesses in Downtown Holly Springs that offer unique products and delicious food, and that make our community a special place to live — and shop! From November 29 through December 13, collect stamps by visiting local businesses and completing downtown activities. Stay tuned for details at hollyspringsnc.gov/shopthesprings!
Holiday Events
Light the Springs
Saturday, December 6, 5-8 p.m.
Holly Springs Cultural Center
Enjoy live entertainment, food trucks, visits with Santa, craft stations, menorah and Christmas tree lightings, and a “snow” celebration!
The free event begins with the menorah lighting on the outdoor stage. Live entertainment featuring local community groups will include festive favorites as food trucks and vendors in and around the Cultural Center offer selections of hot chocolate, coffee, baked goods, and snacks.
Be sure to say hello to Santa and Mrs. Claus. Kids can bring their letters to Santa to the mailbox in front of Town Hall on Main Street before meeting the jolly fellow in person at the event.
At 8 p.m., the lights on the outdoor Christmas tree go on, and a light “snowfall” will cap off this celebration you won’t want to miss! Details: hollyspringsnc.gov/light
Happy Holly Days Parade
Saturday, December 13, 10 a.m.
Downtown Holly Springs
Floats, bands, dancers, decorated vehicles, marching groups, and all sorts of entertaining entries travel Main Street through downtown. Read more about the history of the Happy Holly Days Parade in this issue! Details: hollyspringsnc.gov/parade
Santa’s Mailbox
November 24-December 14
Main Street in front of Town Hall
Does your child have a special wish that they hope reaches Santa in time? Children can eliminate the guesswork by writing to the Big Man himself! Santa’s Mailbox returns for the season outside the front entrance to Town Hall at 128 S. Main St. It’s a gift to the children by John Dalpe and ASI, North Carolina.
Once letters are dropped off, Holly Springs Run Club volunteers and Endurance Fence Solutions staff run them to the North Pole so that Santa can answer before Christmas. **Children who want to hear back from Santa by Christmas Eve should include their name and home address.**
Holly Day Express with the Fire Department
Early December
Neighborhoods throughout Holly Springs
Thanks to the help of the Holly Springs Fire Department, Santa Claus is coming to a neighborhood street near you.
The jolly fellow is hopping on a float and being escorted through Town. Fire engines will also join Santa’s tour through Town, so if you hear a siren or see some lights, you’ll know Santa is getting close!
Even if Santa is not in your neighborhood, your children can digitally follow his progress in real time through Holly Springs each night on the Town’s specially created Santa Tracker.
Details: hollyspringsnc.gov/hollydayexpress
Santa Cares
Wednesday, December 3, 4-7 p.m.
Holly Springs Cultural Center
This sensory-friendly holiday event allows families with all types of special needs to experience the time-honored tradition of a visit with Santa in a comforting environment. Accommodations are made to support the sensory, physical, and developmental needs of Santa’s guests.
Appointments are available for visits with Santa, and a sign-up for specific time slots will be shared with those who register in advance for this free activity. Details: hollyspringsnc.gov/santacares
Ways to Share the Joy
The Town offers many ways to share the joy during the holiday season, including toy drives like the one at Town Hall and the annual Holly Springs Police Shop with a Cop event. Every year, Holly Springs police and school resource officers identify about 10 children. Each child is paired with an officer to shop for holiday presents for themselves and their families. Monetary donations are accepted at the Law Enforcement Center, or visit the Town website for more details.
Learn about holiday events, ways to share the joy, and more at hollyspringsnc.gov/festive!
