| By Kyle Marie McMahon |
The holiday season is here, and towns across the Triangle are sparkling! From spectacular light shows and festive parades to jubilant performances and charming markets, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. With our ample selection of holiday offerings, your family is sure to make heartwarming memories. Here is just a small selection to look forward to!
Season-Long Sparkle
North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival
8003 Regency Parkway, Cary
boothamphitheatre.com
November 15, 2025–January 11, 2026
Koka Booth Amphitheatre transforms into a magical wonderland with dozens of larger-than-life, handcrafted LED lantern displays. Enjoy mesmerizing cultural performances held nightly.
The Rink at Red Hat Amphitheater
500 S. McDowell Street, Raleigh
redhatamphitheater.com
November 22, 2025–January 2026
Enjoy outdoor ice skating in the heart of downtown Raleigh. The experience includes firepits, a snack bar, and a festive atmosphere.
Lights on the Neuse
1620 Loop Road, Clayton
lightsontheneuse.com
Weekends and select days beginning November 28
Take a festive, tractor-pulled hayride through a spectacular display of holiday lights. The fun continues with s’mores and photos with Santa. Visit the website for specific dates, hours, and rates.
Festival of Lights at Hill Ridge Farms
703 Tarboro Road, Youngsville
hillridgefarms.com
November 2–December 28
Immerse yourself in magical lights on a milelong trail from the comfort of your vehicle. Check the website for hours.
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 most popular outdoor spaces, including the Dinosaur Trail, all decked out in bright and festive lights. Take a ride on the Ellerbe Creek Railway for a magical view of the displays.
Tree Lightings & Parades
Lafayette Village Lighting of the Tree
8450 Honeycutt Road, Raleigh
lafayettevillageraleigh.com
November 15; 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 magical courtyard.
81st Annual Raleigh Christmas Parade
Downtown Raleigh
grma.org/christmas-parade
November 22; 9:30 a.m.
A beloved Raleigh tradition, this parade features marching bands, festive floats, performers, and more traveling down Hillsborough and Fayetteville streets.
Skate the Square at Fenton
201 Fenton Gateway Drive, Cary
fentonnc.com
November 7, 2025–February 8, 2026
Fenton kicks off the season with ice skating. The Light the Square event will take place November 22 from 3–7 p.m., featuring carriage rides. Santa will be there in his very own igloo for photos with the family.
North Hills Tree Lighting
4191 Main at North Hills Street, Raleigh
visitnorthhills.com
November 22; 4–7 p.m.
Enjoy live music, kids’ crafts, food trucks, and a vendor village before Santa Claus arrives at 6 p.m. to light the 41-foot tree.
Happy Holly Days Parade
Downtown Holly Springs
hollyspringsnc.us
December 13; 10 a.m.–noon
Floats, bands, horses, and marching groups travel Main Street in this festive morning parade.
Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade
Downtown Cary
caryjaycees.org
December 13; 2–4 p.m.
The annual procession features marching bands, mascots, floats, and local businesses, creating a joyful atmosphere in the heart of Cary.
Festive Performances
Ira David Wood III’s A Christmas Carol
Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, Raleigh; Durham Performing Arts Center, Durham
theatreinthepark.com
Martin Marietta Center: December 5–7
DPAC: December 10–14
A Raleigh holiday institution, this musical comedy adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic returns with Ira David Wood IV reprising his role as Scrooge.
Carolina Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
2 E. South Street, Raleigh
carolinaballet.com
December 11–24
This cherished holiday ballet marries the charm of the original with fresh choreography, vibrant sets, and stunning costumes at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium.
The Raleigh Ringers’ Holiday Concert
2 E. South Street, Raleigh
rr.org
December 14–15
Hear The Raleigh Ringers present their beautiful and intricate interpretations of sacred, secular, and popular music arranged for handbells.
New Year’s Eve
First Night Raleigh
Downtown Raleigh
firstnightraleigh.com
December 31; 2 p.m.–midnight
Ring in 2026 with a full day of live entertainment, roving street performers, arts and crafts, the famous Acorn
Drop at midnight, and a spectacular fireworks display.
No matter how you choose to celebrate, the Triangle offers a wonderful variety of events to make your holiday season bright.
