A live nativity is scheduled from 6 till 8 p.m. Dec. 11-12 and 5-7 p.m. Dec. 13 at Smithfield Advent Christian Church at the corner of Galilee Road and N.C. 210 west of Smithfield. Sip hot chocolate and ride through the scenes of Jesus' birth.

Parades

Smithfield -- 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10. The parade follows Market Street from Second Street to Sixth Street.

Clayton -- 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12. The parade follows Main Street through downtown.

Micro -- 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12.

Pine Level -- 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13. The parade follows Peedin Avenue.

Festival of Trees

The 2009 Festival of Trees continues through 9 p.m. today (Wednesday, Dec. 9) in the Johnston Health Medical Mall on North Bright Leaf Boulevard in Smithfield. The festival is an annual project of Keep Johnston County Beautiful.

4-H horse club

The High Riders 4-H Horse Club will hold its Christmas open house from noon till 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at 12490 Buffalo Road in the Archer Lodge community. The event will feature activities, refreshments and free horse rides. For more information, call 919-553-7750.

Bookstore Santa

Santa Claus is hearing Christmas wishes at Orchard House Booksellers and Coffee Shop, 117 N. 3rd St., Smithfield. Hours are 4 till 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10; 4 till 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11; and 10 a.m. till 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12.

Gingerbread houses

Gingerbread houses will be on display through Dec. 21 at River City Arts, 109 S. 3rd St., Smithfield. Admission is free.

Santa at McDonald's

The McDonald's restaurants in North Smithfield and Selma will welcome Santa Claus this month. Here's the schedule: 12:30-2:30 p.m. Dec. 19, Smithfield; and 5-7 p.m. Dec. 22, Selma. The Selma restaurant is at 335 U.S. 70 East. The North Smithfield restaurant is at 1209 N. Bright Leaf Blvd.

Winter Wonderland

The West Johnston High School Fine and Performing Arts Department will present its third Winter Wonderland on Friday, Dec. 18, at the school, 5935 Raleigh Road near N.C. 210. Heavy hors d'oeuvres will be served at 6 p.m. A concert and silent art auction will begin at 7 p.m. For tickets, which are $10, call the high school at 919-934-7333, Ext. 129, or send an e-mail to sarahphelps@johnston.k12.nc.us.

Santa's Workshop

The Clayton Youth Council will open a Santa's Workshop from 10 a.m. till noon Saturday, Dec. 12, at the Clayton Civitan Building. The workshop is a chance for children to make and wrap Christmas gifts for loved ones. Santa Claus will stop by to check on the work. To participate, children should bring two canned goods, which will go to a local food bank.