From staff reports

CHAPEL HILL -- If you didn't already get the sense that the holidays are fast approaching from the yuletide stock popping up and filling out the store shelves everywhere, just wait. Some favorite seasonal traditions are in the offing, with Christmas trees, holiday plays and gingerbread houses taking center stage.

The holidays in Chapel Hill will kick off on Nov. 29 with the community tree lighting. The ceremony will be held at the University Baptist Church Memorial Garden on the corner of South Columbia and Franklin streets at 6 p.m. Choirs will sing carols. Bring your camera to take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. For details, visit the Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership.

The Carolina Inn's 12 Days of Christmas celebration of the holidays features many new treats this year (Christmas tree lighting ceremony on the Front Porch, "It's Snowing at The Carolina Inn" commissioned masterpiece, Antiques Roadshow and An Afternoon with Nicholas Nickleby). Also enjoy the 10-ton holiday sand sculpture, Teddy Bear Tea, Gingerbread House competition, luncheons, dinners and more. The five-week schedule from Nov. 29 to Jan. 3, opens with a free open house on Nov. 29 from noon to 5 p.m. The decorations will be on display daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. For a complete schedule, visit www.carolinainn.com.

The Chapel Hill-Carrboro Holiday Parade is Dec. 12 at 10 a.m. The route runs from East Franklin Street in Chapel Hill to West Main Street and the Town Commons in Carrboro, and is presented by the Chapel Hill Jaycees.

The Chapel Hill Holiday House Tour, titled "Spirit of Chapel Hill," is Dec. 12 and 13 from 1 to 5 p.m. both days. The doors of six of Chapel Hill's historic homes will be open for the public to explore. See a mix of elegant Colonial Revival homes and small kit homes. House tour tickets are $20 in advance or $25 the day of the event. Homemade cookies and punch will be served at the Horace Williams House. For information, call the Preservation Society of Chapel Hill at (919) 942-7818 or visit www.chapelhillpreservation.com.

Other Holiday events include the following:

- Star of Bethlehem beginning Nov. 27 at the Morehead Planetarium & Science Center.

- Carolina Performing Arts hosts the Carolina Ballet's Nutcracker on Dec. 5 and 6 at Memorial Hall.

A Child's Christmas in Wales Comes to Carrboro

- The Carrboro tree lighting is Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. at the Town Hall lawn.

- The ArtsCenter joins The Arc of Orange County with the Festival of Trees, a special celebration of the holiday season with 30 trees, 15 wreaths and more Dec. 3 to 6 at University Mall.

Other ArtsCenter Holiday events include:

- Transactors Improv: Holiday Extravaganza, Dec. 5 at 8 p.m.

- Dylan Thomas' A Child's Christmas in Wales, Dec. 11-13 and 18-20, with Friday and Saturday shows at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.

- ELF! The ArtsCenter Arts and Crafts Holiday Fair, Dec. 12. Visit The ArtsCenter for tickets and more information.