Taylor Kirkland of Onslow County Parks & Recreation described the department's holiday lineup centered on Lights Over Onslow at Onslow Pines Park and family programs across county parks.

Kirkland said Lights Over Onslow will take place Dec. 7 at Onslow Pines Park from 2 to 6 p.m., featuring live entertainment, free hot chocolate, photos with Santa, food trucks and a Christmas market to promote small businesses. The event will culminate in a tree-lighting countdown paired with a music-synchronized drone show; Kirkland said the drone display will be larger this year.

Kirkland detailed additional programming: 'Santa in the Park' will visit three parks (Richland Steed, Hines Farm Park and Stump Sound Park) on consecutive dates for low-key Santa visits with hot chocolate and crafts, and the department is offering a holiday camp (registration at onslow.recdesk.com; phone (910) 347-5332) at Hines Farm Park social hall on selected dates between the holiday break.

Logistics: Onslow Pines Park is located off Onslow Pines Road at 1250 Onslow Pines Road; parking will use paved spots for handicap access and fields for overflow with park attendants directing traffic.

Why it matters: The event aims to provide free or low-cost family activities, support local vendors and provide supervised care opportunities for working families during the holidays.

Kirkland closed by wishing participants a safe holiday and encouraging residents to attend.