Fuquay-Varina is getting ready to welcome the Christmas season with the Christmas tree lighting and the annual Christmas parade. Local Fuquay-Varina officials encourage residents not to miss the fun and come out to support all the various holiday events.

On Thursday, Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. residents are encouraged to join the Town of Fuquay-Varina in celebrating the lighting. The event will be held in the large municipal parking lot at the corner of East Vance Street and Main Street.

Residents will be entertained by the music of the Gerald Parker Jazz band and musical performances from local schools. Santa Claus will also be on hand and yummy hot chocolate and cookies will be served.

The fun does not stop there. Residents will also be able to enjoy free sleigh rides by the Fuquay-Varina Downtown Revitalization Association. The rides will start at T.R. Ashworth’s B.P. Station at 120 S. Main Street from 6-8 pm. Make sure to be in line by 7:30 p.m. because rides end at 8 p.m. sharp!

Fuquay-Varina Mayor John Byrne encourages residents to participate.

“This (the Christmas tree lighting) has always marked the beginning for the Christmas Season for Fuquay-Varina and we try to make it special for everyone,” Byrne said. “The singing of Christmas carols helps make this is a very special event. Our Village atmosphere, shops being open, watching the youth in our town come together and enjoy this Magical Time of Year. What a wonderful event in our Historic Town.”

Chamber Official Barb Hance would also encourage residents to come out and participate in this event.

“The tree lighting is also a historic event in town and as the lights are lit, (it) once again brings in Christmas and the celebration of the true meaning of love towards mankind. Each time you ride by during the season and see the tree, it is a reminder of all things good in the world and hope for a happy future.”

However, the Christmas tree lighting is not the only holiday event offered this week in Fuquay-Varina. Residents are also reminded to come out and enjoy the Fuquay-Varina Christmas Parade. The event will be held Sunday, Dec. 4 downtown Fuquay-Varina. The parade begins at 3 p.m.

Hance said she has enjoyed the Fuquay-Varina Christmas Parade since she moved to the community six years ago. She said she loves the event and would also encourage residents to enjoy the magical experience.

“It is a historic event and kind of makes me feel like I am watching ‘Miracle on 34th Street”, renamed ‘Miracle on downtown Main Street Fuquay-Varina,’” Hance said. “The parade is the one time of the year that local and out of town businesses, families, individuals, civic organizations, churches, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, military organizations, and many more parade participants can say hello to the residents and visitors.”

“Decorated floats, vehicles, people, furry friends, and wonderful music get the Christmas season off to a happy start,” says Hance.

Hance said the man in the big red suit is the main attraction of the parade and she said she would encourage everyone to come out and enjoy the event.

“The little children look forward to seeing Santa arrive and the look in their eyes as they see him ride by, the cheering and clapping to welcome him is so very special. I encourage everyone who has a couple of hours to bring a chair, blanket and get a seat along the parade route to be amazed at all the excitement and entertainment the parade has to offer.”