The City of Darlington Will Celebrate the Christmas Holiday with a Host of Events in December

The City of Darlington will celebrate the Christmas holiday with a host of events in December.

Tour Bethlehem on foot or by car as Bethea Baptist Retirement Community and localchurches present Come To Bethlehemon Friday, Dec. 6,and Saturday Dec. 7, from6:30 to 9 p.m. at 157 Home Ave. This free event welcomes all to experience the sights and sounds of the first Christmas with actors, angels, live camels, shepherds, and villagers. The show also includesHerod's court, the wise men, Mary, Joseph, and the Christ Child in the true meaning of Christmas.

Then, on Sunday, Dec. 8, gather on Pearl Street and at the Public Square for the annual Darlington Fire Rescue Squad Christmas Paradefeaturing area bands, churches, civic groups, fire trucks, and of course Santa Claus.

Following the parade at 5:30 p.m., stay downtown for the Darlington Kiwanis Club’s 31st annual Carolighting ceremony at the Public Square. The free event in cooperation with the Darlington Ministerial Association includes words and songs focused on the true meaning of the season. At the conclusion, Mayor Tony Watkins and the club’s coloring contest winner will light the City Christmas tree.

As the big day draws near, residents worried about finding those perfect, last-minute gifts should head to the City’s first Christmas Arts Fair from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12; from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13; and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 at Darlington YMCA, 123 Exchange St. The event, sponsored in part by the Darlington Downtown Revitalization Association, features unique and hand-made gifts from artists and craftsmen from Darlington, Hartsville, Charleston, Florence, Cheraw, Lake City, and Shelby, N.C. There will be oil paintings, photography, prints, cards, wreaths, hand-carved wooden toys, candles, scarves, embroidered items, fleece, homemade breads, hand-made jewelry, clothing, shoes, and more.

That Saturday morning, Dec. 14, burn off those holiday calories at the annual Reindeer Run 5K at 8 a.m. beginning and ending at the Darlington Family YMCA. Registration begins at 7 o’clock.

Take a moment to hear a message of hope as Central Baptist Church plays host to the Children of the World International Children's Choir at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18 at the church, 512 Spring St. The choir, comprised of orphans and disadvantaged children from several countries, represents a rich and culturally diverse group, each with an urgent story to tell about their diverse backgrounds. This year's Rescue Tour focuses attention on the impact that poverty, malnutrition and dirty water have on millions of children worldwide.

Throughout the holiday season, from Nov. 24 through Dec. 24, the City continues to promote shopping in town with its Shop Darlington Challenge. The 30-day event, hosted on Facebook, encourages residents to spend their hard-earned dollars in the City and challenge their friends, neighbors, coworkers, and church family to do the same. Photos of gift ideas from local businesses are posted every weekday with an album of all the photos kept on the City Facebook page as well.

For moreinformation about Come to Bethlehem, call Bethea Baptist Retirement Community at 843-393-2867.

For details about the Carolighting, Christmas Arts Fair, or Shop Darlington Challenge, call 843-398-4000 ext. 103.

For moreinformation or to reserve seating for groups at the Children of the World concert, call 843-393-8581.