Nov. 30 
Pinnacle
Horne Creek Farm State Historic Site 
Christmas Open House, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Join Horne Creek Farm for the simple beauty of the 1875 Hauser Farmhouse with its unpretentious décor, bathed in the warmth from its fireplaces, is an inviting setting for visitors to sit and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Cookies and hot chocolate will evoke memories of Christmases spent with loved ones and friends. Shop for handcrafted holiday gifts, vintage-style ornaments, old-timey children’s games, beautiful Christmas flags and pillow covers, and wonderful books for all ages. A unique item is Bountiful Red Acres: Two Farms, Two Families, and a Year on the Land. Telling the story of the Hausers and the Sawyers families in 1900, this very special children’s book is a wonderful way for children today to learn about farm life on a Surry County farm. Free, although donations are appreciated.

Dec. 1-8 
Troutman
Lake Norman State Park
Gingerbread House Competition, all day, Register now for the Lake Norman State Park Gingerbread House Competition! Entries must be dropped off at the visitor center by Dec. 1. Don't forget to turn in your completed registration form. Park visitors will vote for their favorite house from Dec. 1-8. The winner will receive a Lake Norman State Park prize pack and the winning house will be on display at the visitor center until Dec. 20.

Dec. 6-7
Pinnacle
Horne Creek Farm State Historic Site 
Christmas By Lamplight, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Experience the warmth of a rural turn-of-the-20th-century Christmas. Caroling, a make-and-take craft, and readings from the period will be featured. A light meal will be served. Reservations required; no walk-ins allowed. Fee: $30 per person. Please select from one of two time slots each evening: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. or 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. For further information, call 336-325-2298. Event sponsored by the NC Living Historical Farm Committee.