The Raleigh area, with its vibrant community spirit, comes alive with holiday festivities that promise to spark joy and create cherished memories. Whether you're looking to glide gracefully on an outdoor skating rink or immerse yourself in the mesmerizing glow of lantern displays, Raleigh and some of the surrounding areas have something for everyone. Let's unwrap the holiday magic awaiting you this December!
- Skate the Square at Fenton: Nov. 5, 2023 - Feb. 5, 2024
Embark on a winter wonderland adventure at Fenton, Cary's live-work-play district. The outdoor skating rink, surrounded by trendy shops and festive cheer, welcomes skaters of all ages. Open every day, including Thanksgiving and Christmas, this icy escape is perfect for a joyful spin through Feb. 5.
- North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival-Cary: Nov. 17, 2023 - Jan. 14, 2024
Join the magical journey at the Koka Booth Amphitheatre with the eighth annual North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival. Marvel at 50 larger-than-life lantern displays, illuminating the skies with thousands of LED lights. Don't miss the nightly performances showcasing Chinese culture, from martial arts to traditional dance.
- The Dessertery: Nov. 17, 2023 - Dec. 23
Indulge your sweet tooth at the holiday-themed pop-up dessert café inside downtown Raleigh's Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts. Enjoy elaborate decor, all-you-can-eat treats, and live entertainment on select nights—an ideal family stop before or after a show!
- The Rink presented by UNC Health at Red Hat Amphitheater: Nov. 18, 2023 - Jan. 15, 2024
Experience the thrill of ice skating in downtown Raleigh's wintry village at THE RINK. With a natural ice skating rink, cozy lounging stations, and picturesque views of the skyline, this ticketed event promises a magical experience for all.
- Lake Myra Christmas Lights: Nov. 22, 2023 - Dec. 31
Drive into the holiday spirit with the Lake Myra Christmas Lights. Featuring over 400,000 lights synced to music, this dazzling display in Wendell is a festive treat for the whole family.
- North Carolina Symphony Performances
Don't miss the opportunity to experience the magic of the North Carolina Symphony with special performances this December. Choose from the following enchanting shows:
- Handel's Messiah Dec. 1 and 2
- Holiday Pops Dec. 8 and 9
- A Candlelight Christmas Dec. 22 and 23
Immerse yourself in the festive melodies and holiday spirit brought to life by the talented musicians of the North Carolina Symphony.
- Raleigh Little Theatre presents Cinderella: Dec. 1-17, 2023
Enjoy the 39th annual presentation of Cinderella at Raleigh Little Theatre. This visually stunning musical promises the perfect blend of comedy and romance for a magical holiday experience.
- Downtown Raleigh Illuminate Art Walk: Dec. 1, 2023 - Jan. 5, 2024
Watch downtown Raleigh come alive with Illuminate, a light-based art walk. Explore Fayetteville Street and Glenwood South districts, transformed with large-scale installations, light-based sculptures, and projection art.
- Santa’s Reindeer Roundup Express: Dec. 2, 3, 9, 10, and 16, 2023
All aboard the magical Santa’s Reindeer Roundup Express at the New Hope Valley Railway, just 30 minutes southwest of Raleigh! Festively decorated, this real locomotive promises a festive 50-minute ride. Santa Claus will be in the rail yard for photos, and young train fans can join in the search for Santa’s nine missing reindeer, including Rudolph. Children will also receive a sweet treat with one individually wrapped candy cane. Hurry, tickets for these rides sell out fast!
- State Capitol Tree Lighting Ceremony: Dec. 7, 2023
With luminaries lighting the Capitol grounds and local choral groups filling the air with seasonal songs, the lighting of the tree at the North Carolina State Capitol building is a sign for many that the holiday season is officially here. After the tree lighting, guests are invited to visit the North Carolina Executive Mansion, decked out for the holidays.
- Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade: Dec. 9, 2023 | 2pm
For over 40 years, the Cary Jaycees have sponsored the Cary Jaycee Christmas Parade in downtown Cary. The parade is a joyful celebration featuring bands, mascots, local businesses, community groups, and churches.
- Holiday Pops with the Concert Singers of Cary: Dec. 9, 2023 | 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Holiday Pops is an annual tradition sure to get you in the holiday spirit. A fun, family-friendly program of popular holiday tunes in collaboration with guest musicians in a variety of musical styles at Cary Arts Center.
- Happy Holly Days Christmas Parade: Dec. 9, 2023
Floats, bands, dancers, decorated vehicles, horses, marching groups, and other entertainment are ready to take to the streets in Holly Springs!
- 52nd Annual Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour: Dec. 9, 2023 (sold out) and Dec. 10, 2023
Historic Oakwood, one of Raleigh's prettiest and most historic neighborhoods, opens its doors for the Candlelight Tour. Elegantly decorated homes from the mid-1800s to early 1900s provide a small-town feel and a chance to step inside.
- The Justice Theater Projects presents Black Nativity in Concert: Dec. 9 and 10, 2023
This gospel music experience, a production of The Justice Theater Project, takes the audience on a journey back to the Bethlehem of Mary and Joseph, resplendent in African costumes and uplifting songs of worship at the outdoor amphitheater at the North Carolina Museum of Art!
- Downtown Raleigh Menorah Lighting: Dec. 11, 2023 | 6:00 PM
The eight-day Jewish holiday of Hanukkah begins on Dec. 7 this year, and the city of Raleigh’s annual menorah lighting happens Dec. 11 at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts.
- Holiday Makers Market: December 9, 2023 | 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Join the festive cheer at Fenton for the Holiday Makers Market hosted by Triangle Pop Up. Jingle, mingle, sip, and shop at your leisure, exploring your favorite Fenton stores and discovering unique treasures from over 40 local businesses. This merry market on December 9, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, is the perfect opportunity to find delightful holiday gifts and immerse yourself in the joyous spirit of the season. Don't miss out on this enchanting shopping experience!
- Hannukah Menorah Lighting: Dec. 13, 2023 | 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM - New Location: Old Library Site
Join the celebration at the Old Library Site on 310 S. Academy St. as Cary partners with Beth Shalom congregation, Jewish Federation of Greater Raleigh, and Chabad of Cary for a special Hanukkah Menorah Lighting on the seventh night of Hanukkah. Enjoy treats, fun for kids, and holiday music. Parking is available at the downtown parking deck on Walnut St, the Waldo St parking lot behind First United Methodist Church, and at Cary Elementary School. Note that S. Academy St between Dry Ave and Park St will be closed from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Parking on S. Academy St and at the Old Library Site will not be available.
- Theatre In The Park presents A Christmas Carol: Dec. 8-10, 2023
Experience the magic of Ira David Wood III's iconic production of "A Christmas Carol" at Theatre In The Park. Celebrating 50 years of enchantment, this beloved musical comedy, featuring Wood as Scrooge, is a cherished holiday tradition. This marks Wood's final year performing as Scrooge, making it a must-see event.
- North Carolina Theatre presents Elf: The Musical: Dec. 9-17, 2023
Get ready for a hilarious journey as Buddy, played by Max Chernin, sets out from the North Pole to win over his new family and remind New York of the true meaning of Christmas in "Elf: The Musical." Based on the hit 2003 movie, this heartwarming and joyful musical is a holiday classic.
- North Carolina Master Chorale presents Joy of the Season: Dec. 12, 2023
Let the North Carolina Master Chorale fill Meymandi Concert Hall with holiday spirit during "Joy of the Season." This enchanting performance, featuring nearly 200 voices, guest choirs, a brass ensemble, percussion, and piano, is sure to be a highlight of your festive season.
- Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: Dec. 13, 2023
Experience the magic of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra's highly anticipated winter tour at PNC Arena. Celebrating over 25 years of rock holiday tradition, this multi-platinum progressive rock group brings "The Ghosts of Christmas Eve" to life for fans across the nation.
- Carolina Ballet presents The Nutcracker: Dec. 14-24, 2023
Step into a world of grace, grandeur, and mysterious illusions with Carolina Ballet's holiday classic, "The Nutcracker." Artistic director Zalman Raffael's updated version, featuring new choreography, sets, costumes, and more, promises to dazzle audiences in 17 performances at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts.
24. Stonehenge Neighborhood Lights Display - Raleigh: Thanksgiving - December 26th, 5pm - 10pm (weather permitting)
If you're hoping to check out some of the area's most incredible lighting displays to the tune of your favorite holiday music (and reminiscent of the favorite holiday classic 'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation'), load up the car and head over to 2216 Abbey Lane in Raleigh's Stonehenge Community. Trust us, this one is worth checking out - and it's free!
25. Meet Santa! December 1st - December 24th
If you need ideas of where you can meet Santa before Christmas, you can find him at Crabtree Mall, Southpoint Mall in Durham, and Bass Pro Shop in Cary.
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These are some of our favorites, but for a comprehensive list of Raleigh events, check out https://www.visitraleigh.com/events/holiday-events/ for an updated list every season!