With the holiday season in sight, now is the time to make festive plans right around the corner from your JSJ Builders’ home. Whether you are still unpacking those last boxes or fully settled into your home, community events are the perfect way to grab that “home for the holidays” feeling. Exploring locally is a wonderful way to get to know your neighbors and capture the magic of living exactly where you belong.

JSJ Builders has newly built homes in Clayton, Smithfield, Dunn, La Grange, Spring Lake, and Lillington, offering endless opportunities for loads of hometown holiday fun. From festive parades to sparkling gardens, the area’s 2026 events will inspire you to start brand new traditions, close to home.

Find Holiday Cheer in Johnston County!

If you're exploring new single-family homes in Johnston County, the holidays offer several reasons to fall in love with the area. Plan a downtown outing, browse a craft fair, or bundle up for an evening beneath the lights.

• Clayton Christmas Village & Tree Lighting: Downtown Main Street will become a festive gathering place with live performances, holiday treats, local business open houses, and family activities on December 3rd! Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus before gathering in Clayton’s town square for the tree lighting at 7:15 p.m. It’s the perfect reason to step away from your to-do list!
• Pace Family Farms Christmas Craft Fair: Pace Farm’s eighth annual Christmas Craft Fair returns on December 5th for a day of holiday shopping. Spend the day shopping with a friend to find gifts for family members that seem to have everything. You may even find some festive additions for your new home!
• Smithfield Christmas Tree Lighting: On December 5th, wrap up dinner early and head to Smithfield's courthouse area for music, children’s activities, and the town’s annual tree lighting. Stick around, and you may just meet a special guest from the North Pole!
• Smithfield Christmas Parade: Enjoy a second evening of Smithfield holiday cheer on December 10th with the annual Christmas Parade! The route will follow Market Street, flowing from Sixth Street toward Second Street. Hot chocolate and cookies will be available in Smithfield’s town hall throughout the evening.
• Clayton Christmas Parade: Clayton’s mid-day parade will start at 11:00 am on December 12th. Find a spot along Main Street for this annual celebration of Christmas. Take note: this year’s Clayton parade starts earlier than in years past, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the downtown area afterward. Why not grab lunch and do a little holiday shopping, post-parade?
• Merry Municipal Hot Cocoa with Santa: Clayton’s Municipal Park will welcome families for hot chocolate, holiday light displays, and a visit with Santa on December 17th! Come ready to relax and create new memories just in time for the holidays.

JSJ Builders has homes available in Clayton’s Cedardale and Earp Farm North neighborhoods, with Earp Farm East coming soon! In Smithfield, find your new home in the Lucas Park neighborhood.

Harnett County is Filled with Holiday Traditions!

There is something special about celebrating the holidays in the town you call home. For JSJ Builders’ homeowners in Dunn and Lillington, these gatherings offer opportunities to meet neighbors, explore charming downtown areas, and create traditions worth repeating.

• Dunn Christmas Extravaganza: The Dunn Area Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade and City of Dunn Tree Lighting bring seasonal excitement downtown! Arrive early to find your spot as the community gets ready to celebrate. The parade will begin at 5:30 pm on December 5th, with the tree lighting to follow.
• Lillington Christmas Tree Lighting & Santa’s Workshop: Set aside an evening for a local celebration that combines the glow of the Christmas tree with a visit to Santa’s Workshop. This event, scheduled for December 10th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, will serve as inspiration as you start decorating your new home for the holidays.
• Lillington Christmas Parade: On December 12, start your Saturday with a 10:00 am Christmas parade! This early start leaves plenty of post-parade time to keep seasonal spirit going with local shopping and lunch. It is a great way to discover your new Lillington community.

In Dunn, JSJ Builders has just two homes remaining in the Ila’s Way neighborhood. Lillington is home to Ducks Landing, a beautiful JSJ Builders’ community.

Spring Lake: Festive Fun near Fayetteville

Spring Lake homeowners can add nearby Fayetteville celebrations to their holiday plans! Whether your ideal outing involves shopping bags, twinkling lights or both, there is something to put you in a festive mood.

• Holly Day Fair: The 59th annual Holly Day Fair returns to the Crown Expo Center in Fayetteville from November 5th to the 8th. Hosted by the Junior League of Fayetteville, this holiday gift and craft show brings 150 vendors into one convenient spot. Get an early start on shopping, grab ideas for your own homemade crafts, or simply gather inspiration for your new home’s decor at the Holly Day Fair!
• A Dickens Holiday returns to downtown Fayetteville at noon on November 27th! Head downtown for this annual Victorian Christmas celebration with costumed characters, music, shopping, and carriage rides. Then, stay into the evening for the candlelight procession and fireworks. General admission is free, while carriage rides and the Royal Tea require tickets or reservations.
• Holiday Lights at Cape Fear Botanical Garden: On select nights from December 4th to 22nd, Cape Fear Botanical Garden guests can walk through sparkling displays and enjoy holiday music! Seasonal food, drinks, and a vendor market will add to the enjoyment. It is recommended to purchase tickets ahead of time to guarantee admission.

JSJ Builders has homes available in Spring Lake’s Anderson Creek Club community.

La Grange: Holiday Memories Just Around the Corner!

For homeowners of Lenoir County’s La Grange community, nearby Goldsboro offers a quaint holiday outing!

• The Goldsboro Christmas Parade will take place on December 5th, starting at 4:00 pm. The downtown streets will fill with floats, spectators, and seasonal excitement during this annual tradition presented by the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce. Gather your family, bundle up, and enjoy an afternoon celebrating together.

JSJ Builders has beautiful homes available in three La Grange neighborhoods: Ham Farm, Hudson Village, and Lyon Estates.

Find Your Home for Every Season

Imagine a chilly December day spent viewing a hometown parade before returning to your cozy, new home for hot chocolate by your twinkling holiday tree. Filling your new home with holiday decor will awaken the spirit of the season quickly as you spend time with those you love. JSJ Builders offers newly built homes perfect for creating memories, whether on ordinary days or on special occasions.

With new construction homes available across central North Carolina, JSJ Builders offers opportunities to find the perfect home in the perfect community filled with local activities all year long.

Reach out to the JSJ Builders team today to learn about current communities and available homes!