Local Happenings: Lots of activities starting the day after Thanksgiving

THIS WEEK

Mall’s Christmas activities begin on Black Friday

ASHEBORO — The holiday season, Asheboro Mall is inviting shoppers and families to experience the joy of Christmas through a lineup of festive activities, seasonal décor and family-friendly fun.

Holiday Activities at Asheboro Mall:

■ Santa’s Arrival & Photos: Nov. 28 through Dec. 24.

■ Gift Wrapping Station:

— Girl Scouts Service Unit 146, Nov. 29, Dec. 6, 13, 20, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

— Happy Hills Animal Foundation, Dec. 12, noon to 7 p.m.; Dec. 13, 4 to 6 p.m., Dec. 14, 1 to 5 p.m.; Dec. 19, noon to 7 p.m.; Dec. 20, 4 to 6 p.m., Dec. 21, 1 to 5 p.m., Dec. 22 through 24, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.

■ Holly Jolly Giveaway: Dec. 1 to 23. n Joy at the Mall: Dec. 8 to 24.

“It’s a time to come together, make memories, and share in the joy of the sea to son,” Rosanna Frisch, Senior Marketing Manager, said. “We’ve planned something special for everyone to enjoy.”

For more information, email mallevents@hullpg.com or visit Asheboro Mall’s website.

Country Christmas Train starts blowing whistle Friday

DENTON — The Country Christmas Train may be the star but the annual event at Denton FarmPark is so much more.

Beginning on Friday and open for 16 days between then and Dec. 23 (see today’s calendar in the printed Randolph Hub for exact dates), the annual festival celebrating the holiday and the season runs from 4:30 to 9:30 each of those days, which include all of the weekends before Christmas.

Admissions includes a train ride on the park’s railroad with a movie playing on board and Christmas tree lights and a nativity scene in full display of train passengers.

Before or after, patrons can tour the park to for more entertainment, craft vendors, purchase baked goods and other food and enjoy a petting zoo.

Also, take a trip back in time with a walk through a village with various museums and retro stores and shops.

Admission is $25 for adults with discounts for children, seniors and military. 

The park suggests visitors have cash for backup for times when card readers don’t work properly.

Linbrook offers Home for the Holidays Christmas Tours

TRINITY — Beginning on Friday, Nov. 28, visitors can step into the magic of the season at Linbrook Hall, 5297 Snyder Country Road, Trinity. 

During a two-hour guided tour, each room of the estate comes alive with elegant Christmas décor, glowing lights and festive displays that celebrate the beauty of the holidays.

However, early events are already sold out, with Dec. 2 the first date available on the website (as of Nov. 20). Tickets range from $20 to $30, with guided tour times varying according to the day and what’s available. (As of Nov. 20, tickets were available on Dec. 2, 4, 6, 9,. 12, 13, 18, 23, 27, 30 and Jan. 2).

Visit www.linbrook.org for more information or to make reservations.

UPCOMING

The Embers bring holiday magic to Randleman Dec. 1

RANDLEMAN — The Embers are set to make their annual appearance in Randleman on Monday, Dec. 1, at 7 p.m. at the Randleman Elementary School auditorium, 100 Swaim St., Randleman.

The Embers annually help the area kick off the Christmas season on the first Monday after Thanksgiving. A well-known beach music ensemble, their performance is more holiday-oriented for the Randleman appearance, with guests like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman and Santa Claus helping out.

At the event, the Randleman Chamber of Commerce gives away bicycles to children and door prizes donated from local businesses. 

Also, nonperishable food items are being collected and will be distributed to local pantries.

Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door, and $8 for children 10 and under. Advance tickets can be purchased at more than a dozen locales. Contact the Randleman Chamber for more info at 336-495-1100.

True Grass performs concert at Asheboro library on Dec. 2

ASHEBORO — On Tuesday, Dec. 2, it’s another annual local concert, this time True Grass playing at the Asheboro Public Library, 201 Worth St. Asheboro.

Admission is free. The concert begins at 7 p.m.

True Grass is composed of local bluegrass musicians and is well-known in the area, having played at many local venues, including Sunset Theatre, the NC Zoo, Randolph Community College, among others.

Group founders Tim Moon, a well-known performer and music teacher for mroe than 30 years, plays mandolin and sings lead vocals, and Gary Callicutt plays bass and sings tenor vocals.

Filling out the group, Matthew Nance plays banjo and sings baritone vocals. William Britt plays guitar and sings most lead vocals. Moon’s son Nolan plays blistering fast solos as well as beautiful waltz styles on fiddle. 

For more information, call 336-318-6803.