Leave the hustle and bustle of modern holidays behind and travel back to a simpler place and time at Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site's Civil War Christmas at Four Oaks, North Carolina.
On Saturday, December 1, drop by and help decorate an 1860s style Christmas tree, spend time with Confederate soldiers around the campfire, sip cider with civilian living historians and tour the circa 1855 Harper House. This holiday program will take place from 10am to 4pm, and is free and open to the public.
Members of the 27th N.C. Troops will demonstrate how the common Civil War-era North Carolina soldier and civilian marked the holidays by presenting musket demonstrations, mail call and discussions about uniforms and what soldiers did while home on a Christmas furlough. A small military camp will also be set up for visitors to wander through.
Bentonville Battlefield is located at 5466 Harper House Road in Four Oaks, three miles north of Newton Grove on S.R. 1008, about one hour from Raleigh and about 45 minutes from Fayetteville.
And in Halifax, North Carolina, Colonial Christmas traditions along with a lively Christmas Parade will combine to create a festive atmosphere for all at the Christmas in Halifax festivities on Saturday, December 8 from 10am to 4pm.
Costumed re-enactors of the 5th North Carolina Regiment of the Continental Line will depict the life of Revolutionary War-era through military drills, campfire cooking and more at Halifax's Tap Room, an 18th century tavern. Highlights will include firings of 18th century muskets and a hands-on recruitment and drill activity.
The North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources annually serves more than 19 million people through its 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, the nation's first state-supported Symphony Orchestra, the State Library, the N.C. Arts Council, and the State Archives. To learn more, visit www.ncdcr.gov.
For more information about top events in North Carolina take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in North Carolina