Heather's Dance Studio is holding a BBQ dinner fundraiser 5-9 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5 at Dickey's Barbecue Pit, 2001 Widewaters Parkway in Knightdale. A portion of the sales supports Heather's Dance's production, "The Nutcracker " a charity performance to raise money for the Raleigh Rescue Mission. "Nutcracker" tickets are on sale at Heather's Dance 905 McKnight Drive in Knightdale, or by calling 266-9900.

Trinity Faith Full Gospel Church is having a book and jewelry sale 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17. This sale offers last minute shopping opportunities while the shopper enjoys awesome prices on new and gently used books, luxurious jewelry, Christmas music and snacks. The ultimate shopping experience will be held in the Doctors I.V. and Bridget Hilliard Fellowship Hall on the TFFGC campus, 6600 Hallelujah Boulevard in Wendell.

Christmas in Zebulon

Win a free 19" TV and other prizes when Zebulon ushers in the Christmas season and celebrates "Christmas in Downtown Zebulon ," from 7-9 p.m. Friday Dec. 2. Santa rides into town on a tractor at 7 p.m. Register at participating stores for the 9 p.m. drawing at Santa's headquarters, 209 N. Arendell Ave. Free hot chocolate and cookies will beprovided by the Zebulon Woman's Club. Enjoy Christmas carols performed by several church choirs. Participants can stroll downtown and sample pastries and other goodies and pick up free gifts from the 20 participating stores.

Girl Scout Troop 3306 is having a fundraiser in downtown Zebulon 7-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2 and 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. The store is at 209 N. Arndell Ave. across from Sun Trust Bank. Children can pose for pictures with Santa at 7 p.m. The Brownie/Junior troop has a Gingerbread house where children can shop for homemade crafts and jewelry. There are also baked goods and hot beverages for sale, a stocking stuffer corner, adult crafts, gift wrapping and Christmas carolers.

Zebulon parade

Zebulon's Christmas parade will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4. The parade begins on Gannon Avenue and Pony Road in front of J&M Chevrolet and ends at Zebulon Community Park on North Arendell Avenue. Visit zebulonchamber.org for more information.

Christmas in Wendell

Christkindel Market offers fresh cut trees, wreathes and garlands starting Friday thru Dec. 23 at the Wendell Farmers Market on the corner of Cypress and Third Street.

Old Fashioned Candy Corner opens 4-8 p.m. Dec. 1 on the corner of Main and Third Street.

Candy Corner opens again from 4-8 p.m. at Christkindel Market followed by the Tree lighting ceremony in the Town Square and Santa and Mrs. Claus arrives at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2.

Have cookies and juice with Santa and Mrs. Claus 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Dec. 3 at the Wendell Public Library.

Christkindel Market and Candy Corner are open from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3.

Visit Santa at Candy Corner from 10 a.m.-noon at Christkindel Market, Saturday, Dec. 10.

Wendell Chamber of Commerce needs carolers and musician ages 2 to 99 to perform on Saturdays during business hours, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and at 6 p.m. Thursdays through December. Come be a part of "Christmas in Wendell." For more information contact, Brigitte Gros, membership/Marketing Director at the Wendell Chamber of Commerce, 365-6318 or .

Come tour some of the historic old homes in Wendell, on the Wendell Historical Society's Home tour, 3-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17. Advance tickets are on sale at Wit's End, The Chamber of Commerce, and Designs by Mike. Patrons can also call Jenny Melton at 365-8100 or 348-1085 or Lee Batson at 366-1242 for tickets. Buy tickets the day of the tour at the old post office on the corner of Oakwood Avenue and Fourth Street starting at 3 p.m.

Christmas at the libraries

Cookies and Story time with Santa will be held at the East Regional Library, 946 Steeple Square Court, Knightdale, 5:30 - 8p.m. Tuesday, Dec.13. There are cookies and surprises for kids of all sizes.

Christmas at Riley Hill

Riley Hill Baptist Church is hosting a Community Christmas get together Thursday, Dec. 8, and Friday, Dec. 9, with performances from area churches and schools. The Christmas Drama, "The Grand Announcement," will be presented on Saturday. This event is free and open to the public. There are also private tours of the art and nativity displays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9 for seniors or anyone who's not able to attend the nightly performances. The church address is 6101 Riley Hill Road in Wendell. Call 365-5277 for more details.

Food drive going on now

Knightdale Kiwanis Club members are collecting food for local needy families through Dec. 16. Bring food donations to any local elementary or middle school, the Knightdale Town Hall, Parks and Recreation, Crescent State Bank, or Knightdale Chamber of Commerce. Mail cash donations to Kiwanis Club of Knightdale, P. O. Box 493. Knightdale, NC 27545-0493.