If you are looking for a little festive cheer, join us the first weekend in December as we celebrate the merry and beary in Washington County this holiday season. Think cozy riverside view with a dash of sleigh bells and sweet hearth-roasted treats. Now that sounds festive.

With three signature events happening in Washington County the first weekend in December, it’s the perfect time to come for a visit.

Friday, December 1, 5:00 p.m., Plymouth Tree Lighting + First Friday’s Music Series

Start your weekend off with a First Friday Music Series holiday themed celebration. Christmas music by Community Choir and GRACED, Santa and Mrs. Claus, hayrides, classic car cruise-in, treats and more. At 5:30 the tree lighting ceremony at the mini-park in downtown Plymouth begins. Christmas caroling, hot cocoa with a dash of peppermint from Riverview Cafe and a romantic french dinner for two at Bistro 116 or pizza for the family at Mama’s Pizza, this is the perfect start to celebrating merry beary Bearolina-style.

Saturday, December 2, 6:00-8:00 p.m., Windy Acres Petting Zoo

Next up, Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus at beloved Windy Acres Petting Zoo. This holiday celebration includes face painting, music, puppets, hot dog cookout, hot cocoa and donkey cart rides. It’s $10 per person and the proceeds go to Windy Acres to pay for the animal feed and housing.

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Sunday, December 3, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m., Somerset Place Christmas Open House

See what life was like on this historic 1700s plantation during the holidays!! Be inspired by traditional holiday decorations and floral arrangements adorning the exterior and interior of site buildings. Sip hot spiced tea, and sample black-eyed peas, hearth-cooked cornbread, and delicious desserts. Enjoy period Christmas music while shopping at our Christmas Market. For younger audiences, jolly Saint Nicholas will mingle on the grounds.

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Check items off your gift list at the top places to shop in Bearolina, aka Washington County.

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For kids, young and old, Historical Folk Toys at Somerset Place Historic Site.

The one-stop shopper will find it all at Fields Five and Dime, Old and New Thrift Store in Downtown Plymouth.

For the arts and crafts lover, the Artisan Market in the front of Riverview Cafe.

For the garden lover, Askew Farm and Nursery.

For the local, the collector or the one who has it all, East Carolina Supply Papermaker Knife. Originally used in the paper making industry to cut large reams of paper. It’s a very solid knife with a nice big handle.