And a Happy New Year

The presents have been wrapped, some even opened. Stockings have been hung with care, awaiting a visit from a resident of the North Pole. There is an excitement in the air, leading up to a new year, full of new expectations and opportunities. Known as a time for renewal, the New Year is upon us, meaning a total reset is on the horizon. End the holidays and welcome the New Year by keeping the festivities going!

Holidays in the Hills:

No, we are not referring to the Hollywood Hills, but the excitement at the Shakori Hills Community Arts Center is just beginning for 2021. You’ll be traveling through the hills just a tad slower than Rudolph and his team, at a safe speed of 3 mph, to see a light spectacle like no other. The Holidays in the Hills event begins on December 11 and ends on January 3. From the safety of your car, you’ll travel nearly a mile through a winter wonderland, full of holiday scenes, props, lighting and local performers. The duration of the drive-thru is 10 – 15 minutes, but don’t fret, you can always visit again!

Tickets are $30 per vehicle and are only available online. Purchase your tickets before they sell out! Time slots run every weekend evening from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Ugly Christmas Sweaters and Mead:

Sure, it’s socially acceptable to wear your ugly Christmas sweater until the first week of January! But, in order to get credit for its spectacularness, you will need to pay a visit to Starrlight Mead in Pittsboro on December 19. Beginning at noon, wear your favorite Christmas sweater in and receive a free glass of spiced apple mead – the spirit of Christmas in a glass! Time to start digging through that closet… It’s not New Year’s Eve champagne, but it tastes just as festive!

Firing 104 Holiday Kiln Openings:

Is there a better way to stay warm than firing up the kiln? The folks at Mark Hewitt Pottery in Pittsboro don’t seem to think so. Located at 424 Johnny Burke Road, join the Pittsboro community in shopping for that perfect piece to finish off your holiday shopping, or treat yourself to one of your own. Until December 23, appointments are available online for guests to explore the many pots, of all sizes and prices, from their recent firing – Firing 104. Safe social distancing guidelines will be enforced throughout the studio, allowing you and your group to shop with a greater peace of mind.

Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance:

Ring in the New Year back at Shakori Hills! That’s right, they have more in store for us this season, and this time, it’s all about the music. On December 19 from 7 – 11 p.m., pause your holiday wrapping, cooking and stressing to celebrate with live-streamed performances from the State Theater in Ithaca, NY. A fundraising campaign to support the GrassRoots arts community, this all-star lineup will turn your living room into a concert hall in no time. Save Your Roots GrassRoots Live will be a culmination of music, art and culture, encouraging communities to give back to the artists that live and work in them.

Suggested ticket prices are $10 or pay what you can. Reserve your ticket online now or simply make a donation! Every bit counts.

The Inn at Celebrity Dairy:

The Inn at Celebrity Dairy in Siler City is opening its barn doors on December 20 to welcome visitors for a festive Christmas celebration, or as they call it, Christmas at the Inn. Also known as the “Goat Hilton,” immerse yourself in dairy farm culture with a traditional English four-course meal. And no, the goats won’t be doing the cooking, but they will visit with you!

Dinner includes:

• Mulled cider with a Celebrity Dairy cheese board and chef’s choice appetizers
• Chestnut parsnip soup
• Caramelized shallot mashed potatoes, whole mustard Yorkshire pudding, roasted brussels sprouts and roasted root vegetables
• Prime rib with cranberry port and horseradish sauces
• Sticky toffee pudding
• Tea and coffee
• Cookies to bring home!

Tickets are available for $75 per person and are on sale now!

You see, there’s lots left to explore in 2020 and more to come in 2021! On behalf of our team, we wish you a happy and healthy New Year!