Your festive roadmap to every holiday happening across JoCo — from Benson to Wilson’s Mills and everywhere in between.
The holidays hit a little differently in Johnston County. There’s something heartwarming about seeing small towns glow with lights, families gathering for parades, and long-standing traditions bringing neighbors together. As a team of local agents who spend their days helping folks discover what “home” really feels like, we can tell you — this season captures the spirit of JoCo beautifully.
Below is your full, county-wide guide to Christmas events and displays happening now through the rest of the 2025 holiday season.
Whether you’re new here or a long-time local, you’ll find something magical worth adding to your calendar.Explore the top 2025 Christmas events in downtown Clayton here:
👉 https://blog.riverwildrealestate.com/2025/11/27/christmas-in-clayton-2025-guide/
🎄 Archer Lodge Christmas Celebration
A hometown favorite full of warmth
📅 December 6
⏰ 3 PM – 8 PM
📍 Archer Lodge Community Center
This celebration radiates local charm — and if you want to show relocation buyers what true JoCo community looks like, Archer Lodge delivers:
- Community parade (~3:30 PM)
- Tree lighting (~6:00 PM)
- Santa photos
- Letters to Santa station
- Crafts, reindeer-food making
- Hayrides
- Face painting
- Hot chocolate, cookies, BBQ plates, Brunswick stew, and food trucks
This one feels like stepping inside a Hallmark movie minus the excessive decor and the bloated Hollywood budget.
✨ Meadow Lights – Benson / Meadow
The largest and oldest Christmas light display in Eastern North Carolina
📅 Through December 31
📍 4546 Godwin Lake Rd, Benson
A 30-acre, family-run light spectacle that’s been lighting up the Meadow community for decades. Expect thousands of lights, handmade displays, a candy store with 300+ varieties, a carousel, and the famous train ride through 10 glowing acres.
This is one of those “you’ve just got to go” JoCo traditions.
🎁 Tinsel Tree Lane – Wilson’s Mills
Community cheer wrapped in small-town charm
📅 December 6
⏰ 3 PM – 8 PM
📍 Wilson’s Mills Community Park
A free family festival packed with:
- Kids’ crafts
- Face painting
- Hayrides
- Food trucks
- Local vendors
- Visits with Santa
- Live music
And it all ends with the lighting of the official town Christmas tree at 7 PM.
If you love tight-knit communities, this event shows why Wilson’s Mills continues to grow.
🎅 Princeton Christmas Parade & Historic Bazaar
Small-town holiday at its finest
📅 December 6
⏰ Parade at 1 PM | Bazaar from 10:30 AM–2:30 PM
📍 Downtown Princeton
Floats, marching groups, classic small-town energy, plus a vendor bazaar before and after the parade. It’s the kind of holiday gathering where everybody knows everybody — and newcomers are welcomed with open arms.
🎄 Smithfield Christmas Tree Lighting & Holiday Market
Two nights of lights, vendors, and festive entertainment
📅 November 28–29
⏰ 3 PM – 8 PM
📍 350 E. Market St, Smithfield
A lively two-day market loaded with local artisans, Christmas décor, treats, entertainment, and plenty of holiday cheer. If you’re already here house-shopping, this is a great way to get a feel for historic downtown Smithfield.
🎄 Smithfield Christmas Parade
A nighttime parade under the lights
📅 December 11
⏰ Parade at 7 PM
Hot chocolate + cookies start at 6 PM — always a win.
🎅 Santa’s Workshop – Smithfield
A free meet-and-greet for kids with festive backdrops
📅 December 5, 12, 14, 19, 21
📍 Johnston County Courthouse, 3rd Street
Families line up early for this one. It’s simple, free, and full of photo-ready Christmas magic.
🎄 Festival of Trees – Johnston Medical Mall (Smithfield)
A warm indoor holiday display
📅 December 1–31
A forest of decorated trees sponsored by local businesses and organizations. It’s a perfect stop if you want something indoors, calm, and festive.
🏡 Thinking About Calling Johnston County Home?
Each of these events celebrates the friendly, connected lifestyle that makes JoCo such a wonderful place to buy a home. If you’re exploring the area, take a look at some of our top RiverWILD communities nearby:
- Benson: Stewart Farms
- Coats: Alton Fields
- Pine Level: Longleaf Village
- Smithfield Area: Marin Woods
- Middlesex Area: Archer’s Park
- Wendell Area: Maggie Way
- Zebulon Area: Eller Farms, Harvest Meadows and Riverside
And you can always view all Christmas events on our community page:
👉 https://www.riverwildrealestate.com/christmas-events
If you ever want a neighborhood tour, a list of quick-move-in homes, or just someone to help you navigate your next step with confidence, our RiverWILD Real Estate team is here for you.