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.

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
raleighlittletheatre.org

December 6–22; ; 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.