In an era when few things are absolutely free, High Point University is throwing another magical Christmas event that doesn't cost a dime. Now in its eighth year, this complimentary (yes, free!) event includes entertainment, hot food, nearly one hundred thousand lights, visits with Santa and his elves, and more - all for free! The holiday season is expensive enough, so get this one on the calendar and enjoy an evening of seasonal joy without spending a dime.
You won't want to miss the 8th Annual Community Christmas Celebration taking place December 13th and 14th (Thursday and Friday) from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. throughout the beautiful campus of HPU in High Point. Aside from the popular Polar Express Train rides, there are many activities planned campus-wide.
From nutcrackers to toy soldiers, the line up of Christmas characters is primed to bring a smile to the faces of people of all ages. Plus a packed schedule of live entertainment is slated.
Visits with Santa (in Slane Center) mean each child gets a photo made with Jolly Old Saint Nick — and a gift just for attending.
Each year, more than 25,000 people attend this huge community-wide free event on the HPU campus, and with so many activities and such a wide footprint for spreading out, it never really seems shoulder-to-shoulder crowded. The campus is 460 aces, and while not all of that is utilized for this annual event, it does mean you won't feel crowded even though tens of thousands may be on hand.
Be sure to pop over to Santa's Stable to check out the petting zoo. It's a thrilling adventure for the kiddos to see and pet the docile creatures.
You may even see a camel, or three. After, head over to the life size nativity scene where you're sure to find an ideal seat on bales of hay for everyone to pose for a group photo.
Plenty of activities are on tap for keeping the kids completely entertained. One of the favorites is the Crafty Elf Lego Workshop. Not only are there giant legos to play with, crafts for the kids, and Lego Robotics Paint by Robot opportunities... there are also big comfy seats on which mom and dad can rest.
Hungry? Head over to the Millis Center Gym to visit the Holly Jolly Hot Dog Shop for a bite to eat, and after (if it's not snowing naturally) go check out the falling snow made just for the occasion and grab a hot cocoa.
It's hard to believe it's all absolutely free, but it is. And what better way to bring a community together and make lasting family holiday memories than on the beautiful campus of HPU?!
File this one at the top of your list of free Christmas events and be sure to clear at least one of the dates so you can attend!
The 8th Annual Community Christmas Celebration takes place December 13-14, 2018 on the campus of High Point University in High Point, North Carolina. The address is 1 University Parkway, High Point, NC 27262. The times are daily from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Free parking is available at Oak Hollow Mall (HPU Community Center, formerly JCPenney, is the pickup & drop off location). Shuttles to and from the campus are provided. Please line up inside the mall to keep warm.
For more information, visit this link on the official HPU website.
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