Cary Academy Holiday Shoppe 2012

The Shoppe has gifts for everyone on your shopping list. More than 100 vendors will be present at this free event that is open to the public. Proceeds support scholarships and community services. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday.

SEA Building, Cary Academy, 1500 N. Harrison Ave., Cary. 919-228-4504

Lighting the Town Tree

See it spring to glorious life at 6:30 p.m. Friday at the Old Courthouse, corner of King and Churton in Hillsborough. Plus, a holiday movie at the Masonic Lodge or a dance party at Daylight Studios for dads and kids. And it’s also the Last Friday Art Walk.

Events start at 6:30 p.m. Friday in downtown Hillsborough. hillsboroughchamber.com.

A Civil War Christmas

Costumed interpreters decorate the kitchen using natural materials such as holly branches, magnolia leaves, cotton stalks, fruit and cranberry strands during this free holiday open house. Enjoy cookies, cider and period music. Plus costumed military interpreters will discuss how the common solider spent his time on furlough with friends and family.

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Bentonville Battlefield, 5466 Harper House Road, Four Oaks, 910-594-0789

Christmas for the Birds

Help feed the birds and create handmade pinecone birdfeeder ornaments to hang in historic site trees or share with your neighborhood winged ones. Free program also includes warm refreshments.

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Town Creek Indian Mound, 509 Town Creek Mound Road, Mount Gilead. 910-439-6802

Toy Train Sale

Hey, Lionel, American Flyer, K-Line lovers, it’s time to get on the right track. Get used trains, find train parts, have minor repairs done on site, and indulge in some children’s activities.

Saturday and Sunday; 10 a.m.-3 p.m., N.C. State Fairgrounds, Kerr Scott Building. $6, children under 12 free. 919-847-5393 or 919-731-7027