LUMBERTON — Lumberton’s annual tree lighting will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday at the plaza.

It is free to the public and entertainment will be provided by the DARE Band. There will be free horse and carriage rides and tractor hay rides, hot cocoa and cookies. A free movie will begin at 7:30 p.m.

For information, call (910) 671-3876.

FAIRMONT — Fairmont’s Holiday on Main Christmas event will be held on Friday in downtown Fairmont and the Community Park.

At 6 p.m., the twilight Christmas Parade will be held, followed by the lighting of the Christmas tree at 6:45 p.m. and the reading of a Christmas story and caroling. At 7 p.m., there will be music, singing, refreshments, and Santa Claus in the Heritage Center.

PEMBROKE — The sixth annual Christmas Ride for Needy Children will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday starting at the Pembroke Fire Department.

Registration will be from 10 to 11 a.m. The cost is $10 per rider and $15 for a couple. Proceeds will be used to purchase clothing for children in Robeson County. There will be a 50/50 drawing and dinner.

For information, call Ricky or Cindy Lowry at (910) 521-2284 or (910) 674-5402.

LUMBERTON — The fourth annual Gingerbread House Contest will be held at noon on Dec. 10 at Biggs Park Mall.

Registration forms can be picked up at the Bill Sapp Recreation Center, Biggs Park Mall or found on the city’s website, www.ci.lumberton.nc.us. Return them to Biggs Park Mall by Dec. 7.

LUMBERTON — World-renowned pianist Barbara McKenzie, originally of Lumberton, will play at 2 p.m. on Dec. 11 at Wesley Pines Retirement Community, where her father, M.G. McKenzie, is a resident.

For information, call (910) 738-9691.

MARIETTA — The Marietta/WHVFD Christmas Parade will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday.

There will be food, entertainment, a raffle and an auction after the parade at the Marietta Community Building.