The city of Roanoke Rapids kicks off its Christmas celebrations tonight with the annual tree-lighting ceremony at Centennial Park.

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The event begins at 6 p.m. and Wayland and William Newsome, sons of canal museum Cultural Resources Leader Ryan Newsome, will light the tree.

On Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., the parks and recreation department and Main Street Roanoke Rapids will host a Christmas event at the 1026 urban greenspace on Roanoke Avenue.

Santa Claus and sleigh will be at the event for photo opportunities for children; there will be tractor and hayrides; refreshments and crafts.

On Sunday at 2 p.m., the annual Christmas parade gets underway on Roanoke Avenue.

The Jo Story Center for Active Adults will hold its annual Christmas social from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. December 12.

There will be hot chocolate, snacks, games, and Christmas music.

The center will also unveil its custom-painted rockfish at 5 p.m. beside the flagpole.

On December 13 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., the Roanoke Canal Museum will host Christmas at the Canal.

There will be Christmas carols, games, crafts and snacks, along with visits from the Grinch, Santa and Ms. Claus.

Christmas for Kids will be held December 14 starting with breakfast at 10 a.m. at Chick-fil-A. At 11 a.m. the shopping spree begins at Walmart.

Calling Angels

Calling Angels will host its 17th annual Broadway play on December 19 at 6 p.m. at Mystique Multipurpose Center on Highway 125.

The presentation A Dickens Tale based on his Christmas Carol.

Tickets in advance are $12 and can be purchased by calling 252-535-2508. At the door they are $15 each.

Proceeds benefit foster children.

Halifax

Christmas traditions will be rekindled during Christmas in Halifax on December 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There will be tours of several of the site’s historic buildings, festively decorated with natural materials. 

Other buildings and churches not regularly open to the public can also be toured. Stop by the visitor center for a complete event schedule and map.

Historic Halifax will host A Colonial Holiday in the Tap Room Tavern from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., where visitors may encounter various citizens one would find in a typical colonial tavern during the holiday season.  

Christmas traditions will be discussed in the festively decorated building, and a warm cup of hot chocolate will be available.

Businesses along King Street will open for shopping and discovery of holiday gifts. 

The Halifax County Library will host activities for children including crafts, music, trivia, and refreshments from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Santa will make an appearance at 11 a.m. 

The attention of the town at 2 p.m. will turn to the annual Halifax Christmas Parade which will proceed along King Street.

A soup and sandwich luncheon will be served at the Halifax United Methodist Church from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., for a fee.  

Lakeland

Lakeland will present Christmas Belles for two weekends starting Friday night.

The performance centers on the Futrelle sisters at the Tabernacle of the Lamb Church in Fayro, Texas. 

It occurs on Christmas Eve and everyone is working hard to make the Christmas program something to remember. 

Dates are Friday, Saturday, December 13 and 14 with a special matinee on December 15. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. for regular shows and at 1:45 p.m. for the matinee. 

Visit the center’s website for tickets or call 252-586-3124.