Holly Days in Pittsboro

And, just like that, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. In Chatham County, all is merry and bright. You’ve finished your last of the Thanksgiving leftovers and are preparing for a festive frenzy during the month of December. Loved ones may be visiting, you may have time off of work, you may be in the market for a holiday activity that does not require driving to the North Pole. Hop on our sleigh and we’ll guide you in navigating your to-do list!

First Sunday:

The first Sunday of the month falls on Sunday, December 5. We encourage you to fa-la-la-la-llow us there for a shopping spree, packed with local artisans and their crafts! Browse the streets of downtown Pittsboro from noon until 4 p.m., filling your bags with the merriest of surprises. For shoppers of all ages, the sidewalks of historic downtown will be lined with vendors selling art, jewelry, textiles, woodwork, soaps, pottery and more. Hosted by the Pittsboro Business Association, this event is free to attend. You may not be able to resist purchasing some of the sweet treats though…

Interested in becoming a First Sunday vendor? Fill out your application online!

Pittsboro Holiday Parade:

Bundle up, it’s time to give Santa a wave before he travels north for the busy season. On Sunday, December 12 from 3-4 p.m., enjoy a spectacle of marching bands, floats, dance teams, horse-drawn wagons and cheer! And yes, Santa Claus is the guest of honor, the man of the hour. Presented by the Town of Pittsboro, the parade will travel on Business Highway 64 from east to west.

Miracle on Hillsboro Street:

One of Santa’s favorite holiday traditions, Miracle on Hillsboro Street is the grand finale of Pittsboro’s Holly Days. Taking place at the Chatham County Courthouse on Sunday, December 19 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., this performance is sure to give you a full dose of pure merriment. Hosted by the Pittsboro Business Association, you will have a front-row seat to Santa himself on trial! Featuring local actors and a very real Santa Claus, the audience is encouraged to join in on all the fun.

Admission to the shows is a $5 donation, with proceeds benefiting the Chatham County Partnership for Children. Instead of a monetary donation, you can also bring five non-perishable food items to benefit the organization’s food pantry. Admission for children under the age of 6 is free. Make sure to get your tickets in advance, before they sell out, at one of the participating locations: Chatham Business Services, Pittsboro Toys, Reclamation Home Furnishings or the Pittsboro Roadhouse & General Store.

We’re missing one important piece, the letters to Santa! Children can write their own letters to Santa and have them dropped off to the designated mailbox at Pittsboro Toys, Reclamation Home Furnishings or the Chatham Community Library. Some letters will be selected to be read at one of the showings. Now, that would be a Christmas miracle!

Reindeer Run 5K:

In the spirit of giving back, lace up those sneakers and get ready to run for a good cause. The Reindeer Run 5K, supporting the Chatham County Partnership for Children, will take place Saturday, December 11 at the Central Carolina Community College in Pittsboro. In addition to the Rudolph Fun Run, the Story Walk on CCCC’s campus will be geared toward younger runners. Along the course, runners can stop to listen in on parts of a Christmas story.

Register as an individual, register as a team, register your school. If you choose to run as a team, make sure to sign up before December 6. Teams will consist of five people or more. Team times will be the result of the fastest three times on the team added together. Individuals are able to sign up until the day of the race, including race day.

More information on picking up packets and start times is coming soon. For now, register online and wait for further instructions. Sponsors are still needed to support the race. Contact Race Director Jerry Lux at [email protected] for more information on how to get involved.

Christmas Cookie Workshop for Adults:

Hosted by the Travelling Café in Pittsboro, you are absolutely never too old to learn how to make Christmas cookies! On Saturday, December 11 at 11 a.m., learn how to make traditional cookie recipes and other baked delicacies from Chef Bruce Pressey. Bring your recipes home, add your own spin to them for a new holiday tradition.

Tickets can be purchased online for $75 each, adding a glass of wine on for $10.