BY KYLE MARIE McMAHON
The holiday season is here, and towns across the Triangle are sparkling! From spectacular light shows to festive parades and jubilant performances, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. With our ample selection of holiday offerings, your family is sure to make heartwarming memories.
Lafayette Village Lighting of the Tree 8450 Honeycutt Road, Raleigh lafayettevillageraleigh.com November 16, 3–6 p.m. Enjoy horse and carriage rides, face painting, visits with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and a tree lighting at
6 p.m. in the courtyard.
North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary boothamphitheatre.com November 16–January 12. See over 50 handcrafted LED lantern displays at Koka Booth Amphitheatre. Cultural performances are featured nightly between 5:30 and 8:30 p.m.
“Mannheim Steamroller Christmas” 123 Vivian Street, Durham dpacnc.com November 22, 8 p.m. The show features 15 musicians playing 20 different instruments, all with the group’s distinctive sound.
The Dessertery 2 E. South Street, Raleigh martinmariettacenter.com/dessertery November 22–December 23; days and hours vary. Indulge yourself in a holiday-themed dessert cafe featuring live entertainment and Santa on select nights at Kennedy Theater. Tickets are $29 for ages 7 and up, $15 for ages 2–6.
80th Annual Raleigh Christmas Parade Downtown Raleigh grma.org/christmas-parade November 23, 9:30 a.m. See marching bands, performing groups and more travel down Hillsborough and Fayetteville streets.
Light the Square at Fenton 201 Fenton Gateway Drive, Cary fentonnc.com/events November 23, 3–7 p.m. Fenton lights its tree square with ice skating and old-fashioned carriage rides around the property. Santa will be there, too, in his very own igloo—ready for family photos.
Kids Holiday Craft Fair 237 N. Salem Street, Apex apexnc.org November 23, 3–5 p.m. Young entrepreneurs ages 3–18 offer handmade items at the Halle Cultural Arts Center.
Candy Cane Lane Downtown Zebulon zebulonchamber.org November 23, 4–8 p.m. Zebulon turns on the holiday charm with live entertainment, holiday displays, food trucks and more.
North Hills Tree Lighting 4191 Main at North Hills Street, Raleigh visitnorthhills.com November 23, 4–7 p.m. Enjoy live music, kids crafts and activities, food trucks and a vendor village. Soon after Santa Claus arrives at 6 p.m., the 41-foot tree is lit amidst a joyous chorus of “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town.”
“The Illusionists: Magic of the Holidays” 123 Vivian Street, Durham dpacnc.com November 23, 7:30 p.m. Talented illusionists deliver a jaw-dropping, holiday-themed magic show.
The Rink 500 S. McDowell Street, Raleigh redhatamphitheater.com/the-rink November 23–January 20. Enjoy ice skating, fire pits, a snack bar and more at Red Hat Amphitheater. Tickets are $15 for skaters ages 2 and older, which includes skate rental, and $6 for nonskaters.
North Carolina Symphony Presents “Cirque Holiday Pops” 2. E. South Street, Raleigh ncsymphony.org November 27–30; dates and times vary. Contortionists and acrobats perform 40 feet above the stage as the North Carolina Symphony performs holiday music in Meymandi Concert Hall.
Festival of Lights 703 Tarboro Road, Youngsville hillridgefarms.com November 28–December 29, 5:30–9 p.m. Immerse yourself in magical lights on a mile-long trail from the comfort of your vehicle. Tickets per vehicle are $20 cash, $23 credit/debit; pay upon arrival.
Lights on the Neuse 1620 Loop Road, Clayton lightsontheneuse.com Weekends and select days beginning November 29; visit the website for dates, hours and rates. Take a tractor-pulled hayride through a holiday light spectacular featuring s’mores and photos with Santa.
Santa in Wonderland 201 Fenton Gateway Drive, Cary fentonnc.com November 29–December 24, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Visit Santa’s Igloo and capture the season with a picture alongside Santa Claus. Pets can take part every Monday from 5–7 p.m. Reserve a session online. Package prices vary.
Holidays in the Park Museum of Life and Science 433 W. Murray Avenue, Durham lifeandscience.org Select nights in December. Stroll through some of the museum’s outdoor and indoor spaces, including the Dinosaur Trail and Magic Wings Butterfly House. Take a train ride on the Ellerbe Creek Railway, passing colorful light displays along the way.
Rolesville Christmas Parade Main Street, Rolesville business.rolesvillechamber.org December 1, 2 p.m. Festive floats and marching bands highlight this
annual event in downtown Rolesville.
Downtown Cary Park Skating Rink 327 S. Academy Street, Cary downtowncarypark.com December 2–January 12. Enjoy ice skating in Cary’s newest park. Skate rentals are free. Most skate sessions are available on a first-come, first-served basis but some skating events require registration. See website for details.
Fuquay-Varina Tree Lighting, Sleigh Rides and Santa Downtown Fuquay-Varina fuquay-varina.org December 5, 6–9 p.m. This highly anticipated event on Main Street features
a tree-lighting ceremony, ticketed sleigh rides and a visit from St. Nicholas.
Cary Players Present “A Sherlock Carol” 101 Dry Avenue, Cary caryplayers.org December 5, 6 and 9, 7:30 p.m.; December 8, 3 and 7:30 p.m. Tiny Tim asks Sherlock Holmes to investigate the death of Ebenezer Scrooge in this heartwarming holiday play. Shows take place at the Cary Arts Center.
Cirque du Soleil Presents “Twas the Night Before…” 123 Vivian Street, Durham dpacnc.com December 5–15; see website for times. See acrobats bring to life the classic poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” including a reinvented holiday classics soundtrack.
Town of Apex Tree Lighting Ceremony 220 N. Salem Street, Apex apexnc.org December 6, 4:30–6 p.m. This annual
event at The Depot features live entertainment, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and holiday-themed activities.
Lighting of Wake Forest 301 S. Brooks Street, Wake Forest wakeforestnc.gov December 6, 5–8 p.m. This year’s ceremony in Centennial Plaza features the lighting of the Christmas tree at 6:15 p.m., musical performances and Santa’s arrival in a Wake Forest fire truck.
Santa Paws 212 Foster Street, Durham dprplaymore.org/324/santa-paws December 6, 5–8:30 p.m. Take your canine friend to meet Santa at the Durham Armory. Enjoy a canine ugly sweater contest, holiday pet market and more.
Applause! Cary Youth Theatre Presents “A Peter Rabbit Christmas” 327 S. Academy Street, Cary carync.gov/applause December 6, 5 and 7:30 p.m.; December 8, 2 and 5 p.m. Enjoy this holiday story based on the classic characters of Beatrix Potter in an immersive outdoor performance at Downtown Cary Park. Tickets are required to access performance areas.
17th Annual Apex Holiday Tree and Wreath Exhibit and Auction 237 N. Salem Street, Apex apexnc.org December 6, 6–8 p.m. View holiday- themed greenery created by Apex area businesses, schools and organizations. Make a bid on a favorite display in the silent auction.
Evening With Elves 201 E. Hargett Street, Raleigh marbleskidsmuseum.org/evening-with-elves December 6, 6–8:30 p.m.; see website for pricing. Enjoy s’mores outdoors, arctic museum play and a special visit from the Snowflake Fairy at Marbles Kids Museum. Wear pajamas.
The Fuquay-Varina Chorale Holiday Concert 123 E. Vance Street, Fuquay-Varina fuquay-varina.org/1111/arts-center December 6, 7:30 p.m.; December 7, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Join the Fuquay-Varina Chorale for holiday favorites.
Infinity Ballet Presents “Favorite Dances of the Nutcracker” 237 N. Salem Street, Apex etix.com December 6–8; see website for times and pricing. Talented dance students present a holiday production at the Halle Cultural Arts Center.
Christmas by Candlelight 2828 Duke Homestead Road, Durham dukehomestead.org December 6 and 13, 5:30–9 p.m. Enjoy live Christmas music, holiday cookies and costumed interpreters who bring the Duke family home to life by candlelight as it might have been for Christmas in 1870. Purchase tickets online.
“Cinderella” 301 Pogue Street, Raleigh December 6–22; raleighlittletheatre.org; see website for times and pricing. Raleigh Little Theatre’s beloved holiday musical returns for its 40th year. Be sure to read our story on Raleigh Little Theatre’s 40th year of “Cinderella”
Jingle Bell Run 201 Fenton Gateway Drive, Cary fentonnc.com December 7, 9 a.m. Dress in holiday attire and raise money for the Arthritis Foundation by running or walking a 5K or participating in the kids’ 1-mile Reindeer Dash. Register online.
Chapel Hill–Carrboro Community Holiday Parade Downtown Chapel Hill and Carrboro chapelhillarts.org December 7, 10 a.m. The towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro host a festive parade that celebrates community and diversity. The procession begins on Franklin Street in Chapel Hill and ends on Main Street in Carrboro.
Downtown Cary Park Tree-Lighting Ceremony downtowncarypark.com December 7, 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Enjoy holiday festivities, photos with Santa and the lighting of the park’s towering holiday tree.
Cary Ballet Company Presents “The Nutcracker” 2 E. South Street, Raleigh caryballetcompany.org/nutcracker December 7, 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Travel with Clara to a magical world at A.J. Fletcher Opera Theater. The 11 a.m. performance is a one-hour narrated mini show for all ages.
Victorian Christmas at the Page-Walker 119 Ambassador Loop Road, Cary carync.gov December 7, 2–5 p.m. Enjoy old-fashioned holiday fun featuring storytelling, carolers and refreshments.
Town of Morrisville Tree Lighting 101 Town Hall Drive, Morrisville morrisvillenc.gov December 7, 3–6 p.m. Enjoy holiday entertainment as Santa makes an appearance at the Town of Morrisville’s tree lighting at the Indian Creek Trailhead.
Garner Optimist Christmas Parade and Tree-Lighting Main Street, Garner garnerchristmasparade.com December 7, 4:30 p.m. See the town’s annual parade on Main Street, followed by a holiday block party and tree-lighting ceremony at 6 p.m.
Apex Rotary Christmas Parade Downtown Apex apexnc.org/1710/rotary-christmas-parade December 7, 5–8 p.m. Enjoy a festive evening Christmas parade on Salem Street.
Light the Springs 300 W. Ballentine Street, Holly Springs hollyspringsnc.us December 7, 5–8 p.m. Enjoy games, live music, festive food, face painting and holiday crafts before Santa and the mayor light the town tree at the Holly Springs Cultural Center.
Santa’s Reindeer Roundup Express 3900 Bonsal Road, New Hill triangletrain.com December 7–8, 14–15 and 21; departure times are 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m.,
2:15 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. Travel on the New Hope Valley Railway to search for Santa’s nine missing reindeer. Purchase tickets online.
Gingerbread House Competition & Display Downtown Cary carync.gov December 7–15. Visit select downtown businesses displaying gingerbread houses created by local participants. The winning houses will be displayed through December at the Cary Arts Center.
Apex Holiday Tour of Lights apexnc.org December 7–26, 6–9 p.m. View holiday light displays of 32 homes and businesses across Apex. See website for a route map.
Fuquay-Varina Christmas Parade Downtown Fuquay-Varina fuquay-varina.org December 8, 4 p.m. Floats, marching bands and Santa highlight this annual parade.
Hillsborough Light Up the Night Holiday Parade Downtown Hillsborough hillsboroughchamber.com December 8, 4–6:30 p.m. Hillsborough turns on the holiday charm with a festive parade on Churton Street.
“Mariah Carey’s Christmas Time” 1400 Edwards Mill Road, Raleigh ticketmaster.com December 9, 7:30 p.m. The “Queen of Christmas” brings her Yuletide extravaganza to the Lenovo Center.
Carolina Ballet Presents “The Nutcracker” 2 E. South Street, Raleigh carolinaballet.com December 12–24; visit the website for showtimes. This holiday ballet marries the charm of the original with fresh choreography, vibrant sets and stunning costumes at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium.
Snowball Dance 2024 133 W. Owen Avenue, Wake Forest wakeforestnc.gov December 13, 6:30–8:30 p.m.; visit website for registration and fees. Individuals ages 10–30 with disabilities can dance in a Winter Wonderland at the Wake Forest Community House. Chaperones will be available.
Concert Singers of Cary Presents “Holiday Pops” 101 Dry Avenue, Cary etix.com December 13, 8 p.m. The Concert Singers of Cary and guest musicians present this family-friendly program of popular holiday tunes at the Cary Arts Center.
St. Nicholas European Christmas Market North Carolina State Fairgrounds, Kerr Scott Building
1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh
saintnicholasmarketnc.com December 13, 5–9 p.m.; December 14, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Shop at a holiday market with decorative and gift items from European countries, traditional cuisine, a local artisan vendor village, carolers and live music from The Little German Band. Admission and parking are free, but donations are appreciated.
“Can Mrs. Claus Save Christmas?” and “How to Become an Elf (In Six Simple Steps)” 237 N. Salem Street, Apex etix.com December 13–15, visit website for showtimes. Get in the holiday spirit with a play followed by a musical at the Halle Cultural Arts Center.
Happy Holly Days Parade Downtown Holly Springs hollyspringsnc.gov December 14, 10 a.m.–noon. Floats, bands, horses and marching groups travel Main Street on an expanded route, starting near Oakhall Drive and ending at Oak Avenue.
Durham Holiday Parade Main Street, Durham dprplaymore.org December 14, 10 a.m.–noon. Cheer on floats, bands, drill teams, schools and community groups as they make their way down Main Street. The procession concludes with an appearance from Santa.
The MAKRS Holiday Fest Downtown Raleigh makrs.com/makrs-holiday-fest December 14, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Get into the holiday spirit with 150+ local vendors, a food truck rodeo, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a kids zone and more. The petting zoo requires a $2 entry fee.
Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade Downtown Cary caryjaycees.org December 14, 2–4 p.m. The Cary Jaycees’ procession features marching bands, mascots, floats and local businesses. Parade to Park Festivities will take place from 3–9 p.m. at Downtown Cary Park.
Gingerbread Jamboree 201 E. Hargett Street, Raleigh marbleskidsmuseum.org December 14–15; 9:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Decorate a keepsake gingerbread house at Marbles Kids Museum. See website for tickets and pricing.
Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour Downtown Raleigh historicoakwood.org December 14–15, 1–7 p.m. The self-guided tour features 10 properties dating from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s. Tickets are $38–$40 online.
The Raleigh Ringers’ Holiday Concert 2 E. South Street, Raleigh rr.org December 14–15, 4 p.m. Hear The Raleigh Ringers present interpretations of sacred, secular and popular music arranged for handbells.
“Christmas with C.S. Lewis” 2 E. South Street, Raleigh martinmariettacenter.com December 18, 7:30 p.m. Relive
the Yuletide experiences of writer
C.S. Lewis as he hosts a group of
Americans in his home at A.J. Fletcher Opera Theater.
“The Nutcracker” 309 W. Morgan Street, Durham carolinatheatre.org December 19, 7:30 p.m. Classical Arts Entertainment presents the classic ballet with staging by the State Ballet Theater of Ukraine.
North Carolina Symphony Presents “A Candlelight Christmas with the North Carolina Symphony Holiday Brass” 2 E. South Street, Raleigh ncsymphony.org December 20, 8 p.m.; December 21–22, 3 p.m. Hear seasonal selections in Meymandi Concert Hall.
“Clara’s Trip: A Cirque & Dance Nutcracker Story” 2 E. South Street, Raleigh cirquedevol.com/clarastrip December 20–22; see the website for showtimes. Enjoy a contemporary twist on a holiday classic at A.J. Fletcher Opera Theater.
Solstice Lantern Walk + Market 144 E. Margaret Lane, Hillsborough hillsboroughartscouncil.org/solstice December 21, 5–8 p.m. A procession of battery-lit lanterns honors the solstice at the Eno River Farmers Market Pavilion.
“Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet” 123 Vivian Street, Durham dpacnc.com December 24, 1 and 5 p.m. Experience the exquisite artistry of Ukraine performers in this dazzling holiday ballet.
Town of Morrisville Menorah Lighting 101 Town Hall Drive, Morrisville morrisvillenc.gov December 27, 5–7 p.m. Enjoy a live flame lighting of the town’s menorah on the third night of Hanukkah at the Indian Creek Trailhead.
“The Hip Hop Nutcracker” 123 Vivian Street, Durham dpacnc.com December 28, 7:30 p.m. This reimagining and remix of the classic story features Tchaikovsky’s music blended with hip-hop dance.
Apex Chanukah Festival 53 Hunter Street, Apex apexnc.org December 29, 3–7 p.m. Enjoy a Chanukah Wonderland organized by Chabad of Cary featuring crafts and games at the Apex Senior Center followed by a menorah lighting, fire show, kosher food truck and gelt drop.
Cary Hanukkah Menorah Lighting 310 S. Academy Street, Cary carync.gov December 30, 5:30–6:15 p.m. Join Chabad of Cary as it lights a menorah on the sixth night of Hanukkah. Enjoy treats, kids activities and holiday music.
First Night Raleigh Downtown Raleigh firstnightraleigh.com December 31, 2 p.m.–midnight; visit the website for ticket information. Ring in the new year with live entertainment, roving street performers, arts and crafts, the Acorn Drop at midnight and a spectacular fireworks display.
Kwanzaa Fest 212 Foster Street, Durham aadekwanzaafest.com January 1, noon. The 39th annual Kwanzaa Fest feaures live performances, a vendor market and more.
A New Era Begins for “A Christmas Carol”
BY ELIZABETH BRIGNAC
This year, Ira David Wood IV (who goes by Ira) takes over the role of Scrooge in Theatre in the Park’s “A Christmas Carol,” which first opened in 1974. His father, Ira David Wood III (who goes by David) played Scrooge from 1974 until last year. Ira gave us some time to talk about how he’s feeling as he prepares to take on the role.
First, we asked about David’s health. David had a mild heart attack in September and required surgery. As of mid-October, Ira reports that his father is recovering well. We then turned to the subject of “A Christmas Carol.”
How does it feel to be fully taking on the role of Scrooge?
Well, I’ve been in the show since 1984. My mother was a dancer in the show and brought me out on stage wrapped in a blanket as a baby. I played Tiny Tim and Peter Cratchit. Scrooge used to throw an old lady into the orchestra pit—that old lady used to be me. Over the years I’ve lived and breathed this show three months out of the year. So I had better be ready.
Did you always assume that you were going to play Scrooge eventually?
Yes, I guess that was always the finish line that we talked about. We said “maybe one day, maybe one day”—and now “maybe one day” is here. And that is something to celebrate, because it wasn’t something I was pushed into; it was something that I fell in love with. So it’s a natural progression as Dad steps down, to fill that role.
Are you going to do anything different with the role?
That’s something I talked about with my dad. I don’t want to reinvent the wheel. But now there’s a new generation of audience members coming in, and they’re my age with families and children. So we may be updating some of the humor a little bit for this new generation. But it’s still the same show with the same message. What message would you like to convey?
Charles Dickens wrote this back in 1843. One hundred and eighty‑one years later, we’re still hungry for its message. Despite our divisions of color and creed, nationality and political persuasion, we’re still one family on this globe, and that globe grows smaller every day. The powers that be have us focused on our differences instead of our commonalities. I think “A Christmas Carol” is a great chance, when your heart’s a little more open, to [focus on] our commonalities—which I think essentially is the message of Christmas.
Ira David Wood III’s “A Christmas Carol” theatreinthepark.com Performances take place December 6–8 at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium (2 E. South Street, Raleigh) and December 18–22 at the Durham Performing Arts Center (123 Vivian Street, Durham); see website for times. Ira David Wood III’s “A Christmas Carol” is a musical comedy adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic.
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