Paradise Acres presents Christmas in Paradise Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings from Thursday, Nov. 30 through Saturday, Dec. 23, from 5-9 p.m.

“Christmas in Paradise is a 12-acre park, and we are going to have it decorated inside and outside,” said Shane Taylor, owner of Paradise Acres. “We have been out here for 33 years, and
for the last five years, we have been aiming to do something different like this so that we can invite the public to Paradise Acres.”

Taylor added that they have been doing private events, so it was decided to open to the public to be able to serve and allow people to come out and enjoy Christmas.

The event will include Santa Claus, a train ride, marshmallow roasting, a holiday buffet, local entertainment, a children’s playground, Christmas lights and inflatables. “A bonfire will be set up outside to roast marshmallows,” said Taylor. “We will have an outside section where we will sell fried moon pies, Oreos, Brunswick stew, hot chocolate and apple cider.”

Taylor added that Santa Claus will be onsite and it is free to take selfies with Santa. Every night there will be live entertainment featuring performances by two bands and local students.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association of North Carolina. “My mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease years ago, and we are taking care of her now,” said Taylor. “We will have a couple of boxes set up so that you can give directly to the Alzheimer’s Association, and we will also give back a percentage of the proceeds at the end of Christmas.

“We just want people to feel free to come out and enjoy our family-friendly venue during the holiday season.”

Admission is free. Reserved seating for large groups is available. The buffet dinner is from 5–9 p.m. The cost is $14 for adults and $8 for children 10 and under. The train ride is $2 and the in-
flatables are $1. Paradise Acres is located at 1965 John McMillan Road. For more information, call (910) 424-2779.