Chapel Hill Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

Discover the enchanting FestiBull of Lights, a spectacular holiday illumination event set to dazzle visitors at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. This event promises a magical experience with vibrant light displays, creating a festive atmosphere perfect for all ages.

Step into a magical winter wonderland at Wool E. Bull's Winter Wonderland, transforming the Durham Bulls Athletic Park into a festive spectacle. Stroll through dazzling light installations, enjoy seasonal treats, and meet Santa. Experience thrilling sledding and train rides for an unforgettable holiday celebration.

Experience a magical Winter Wonderland at Park West Village, offering a FREE holiday celebration from November 21-23, 2025. Delight in train rides, storytime with Santa, festive food trucks, and creative holiday crafts. Enjoy a live performance, an outdoor movie screening, and an inflatable slide. It's the perfect destination for family...

Prepare to be mesmerized by the Christmas Lights on Holt Road, a breathtaking holiday light display designed to fill your evenings with festive cheer. This event offers a magical drive-through experience, perfect for families and individuals looking to immerse themselves in the spirit of the season. Witness a stunning collection...

Discover the enchanting Moonlight in the Garden event, where the JC Raulston Arboretum is transformed by stunning light installations. Wander through illuminated pathways, enjoy live music, and savor festive treats like hot apple cider and roasted marshmallows. It's a magical nighttime experience designed to showcase the garden's beauty in a...

Join the community for 'Light the Springs,' a festive celebration marking the start of the holiday season. This family-friendly event features live music, delicious food and beverages, and complimentary holiday crafts for children. Kids can mail letters to Santa and meet him and Mrs. Claus. The evening culminates with a...

Experience the enchantment of Holiday Express at Pullen Park, a beloved winter tradition. Ride the festive train through a wonderland of lights, explore themed holiday zones, and enjoy interactive activities. Visit Santa's Toy Shop, take a spin on the historic carousel, and create lasting memories with family and friends.

Experience the awe-inspiring performance of Handel's Messiah, brought to life by the North Carolina Symphony, the North Carolina Master Chorale, and exceptional soloists. This beloved masterpiece promises a passionate and beautiful celebration of the season, featuring the unforgettable 'Hallelujah' chorus.

Experience the joy of the holiday season with the Durham Symphony's beloved Holiday Pops concert. This festive event promises an evening filled with music celebrating Christmas, Kwanzaa, Chanukkah, New Year's, and Mardi Gras. Featuring the acclaimed soprano Jemeesa Yarborough, the concert includes a traditional sing-along and a delightful intermission buffet....

Cary Ballet Company presents the timeless holiday classic, The Nutcracker. Follow Clara's magical journey through a dreamworld filled with battles, snow, and the Land of Sweets, all set to Tchaikovsky's iconic score. Multiple performances include the full-length ballet, shorter narrated suites perfect for families, and a sensory-friendly option.

Experience the magic of The Nutcracker, presented by the Cary Ballet Company. This beloved holiday classic unfolds with Tchaikovsky's iconic score, following Clara's dreamlike adventure through a festive party, a battle with the Mouse Queen, and a journey to the enchanting Land of Sweets. Multiple performances include the full-length ballet,...

Carolina Ballet presents a dazzling holiday production of The Nutcracker, set to Tchaikovsky's iconic score. Audiences will be transported to a magical world filled with spellbinding choreography, exquisite costumes, and captivating storytelling. Experience the enchantment of Clara's adventure, from the spirited battle with the Rat King to the splendor of...

Experience the entrepreneurial spirit of the past at the Old Hillsborough Road Market. This event brings together local craft, retail, and food vendors, offering a unique shopping experience. Discover perfect holiday gifts and support small businesses in a festive atmosphere.

Experience the magic of the Solstice Lantern Walk & Market in Hillsborough, NC. This enchanting evening event invites attendees to carry handmade lanterns, creating a breathtaking procession through the town. Browse the Solstice Market for unique artisan crafts and enjoy a festive community atmosphere. Registration is required, with a suggested...

Experience the magic of the holidays with the Homes for the Holidays Gingerbread House Display in Hillsborough, NC. This delightful event transforms downtown businesses into a walking tour of confectionary creations. Aspiring artists and architects are invited to enter the contest, showcasing their festive spirit and edible masterpieces. Visitors can...

Get into the holiday spirit at Burlington's Downtown Holiday Open House. This festive event invites shoppers to explore local businesses, discover unique gifts, and register for a chance to win Downtown Dollars. It's the perfect way to kick off the holiday season and support local merchants.

Get into the holiday spirit at the MAKRS Holiday Fest, a premier event in downtown Raleigh. This vibrant festival brings together over 200 local vendors, offering a fantastic selection of unique gifts and artisanal goods. Attendees can savor delicious food from a variety of food trucks and enjoy festive beverages....

Experience a magical holiday tradition with Brunch with Santa at The Carolina Inn. This festive event offers a delightful brunch buffet filled with seasonal favorites, perfect for families. Guests can also enjoy special holiday activities and the chance to meet Santa Claus himself, creating cherished memories during the holiday season.

Celebrate the holiday season with an exquisite Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dining experience at The Carolina Inn. They are offering a special three-course prix-fixe dinner, perfect for creating cherished memories with loved ones. Savor expertly crafted dishes in a warm and festive atmosphere.

Experience the charm of The Carolina Inn with their festive Holiday Afternoon Tea. Offered Fridays through Sundays in December, this event is a delightful way to embrace the season. Guests can anticipate a curated selection of sweet and savory treats, served with a variety of teas in a warm and...

The Carolina Inn presents a delightful holiday event series, offering a range of festive activities. From a magical Brunch with Santa and a creative Gingerbread Build to a charming Wreath Making workshop and a traditional Hanukkah Dinner, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Experience the warmth of the season with...

Celebrate the magic of the holiday season at the Carrboro-Chapel Hill Community Holiday Parade. This festive and inclusive event brings together arts, cultural, and community groups for a vibrant procession. Stake out a curbside spot to watch the parade wind through downtown Carrboro and Chapel Hill, and plan to explore...

Kick off the holiday season with the vibrant Durham Holiday Parade! Cheer on hometown bands, drill teams, schools, and community groups as they march down Main Street. The festive procession culminates with a special appearance from Santa Claus, making it a joyous event for all.

Lace up your running shoes for the 'Running of the Elves,' a spirited 1-mile race that precedes the Hillsborough Holiday Parade. Participants are encouraged to don elf-themed attire, creating a festive spectacle as they dash downhill through town. This unique event offers a fast-paced, fun experience just before the main...

Get ready for the 'Candyland' themed Light Up The Night Holiday Parade in downtown Hillsborough! This beloved annual event, organized by the Hillsborough/Orange County Chamber of Commerce, will feature a dazzling procession of marching bands, creative floats, classic cars, and community groups. Santa Claus himself will make an appearance, bringing...

The annual Pittsboro Parade returns, bringing a vibrant display of community spirit. Local groups and businesses showcase their creativity with beautifully decorated floats, twinkling lights, and festive costumes. Spectators are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets to enjoy the cheerful procession.

The Annual Apex Rotary Christmas Parade lights up the night on Saturday, December 6, 2025. This beloved community event features over 100 entries and 11 marching bands, culminating in a special guest appearance. Experience the vibrant atmosphere and dazzling illuminated floats as the parade winds down Salem Street, offering a...

The Annual Apex Rotary Christmas Parade lights up Downtown Apex on Saturday, December 6, 2025. This unique nighttime parade, the only one of its kind in Wake County, kicks off at 5:00 pm on Salem Street. Organized by the Apex Rotary Club, the event benefits local charities, with proceeds supporting...

Unleash your creativity this holiday season at a unique candle-making workshop hosted at Gizmo Brew Works. Participants will craft their own soy wax candles, selecting from a variety of festive fragrances to bring warmth and cheer to their homes or to create thoughtful gifts. This hands-on experience is perfect for...

Step into a charming Victorian Christmas at the historic Page-Walker Arts & History Center. This delightful event offers a classic holiday atmosphere with cookies, caroling, and engaging activities for children. Enjoy heartwarming holiday stories and perhaps even a visit from a special guest from the North Pole. Extend your festive...

Join the 46th annual Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade in downtown Cary for a spectacular display of holiday spirit. This cherished event features a vibrant procession of marching bands, local businesses, community groups, and festive floats, all culminating in an appearance by Santa Claus himself. It's a perfect opportunity for families...

Lace up your skates for the highly anticipated Skate the Square at Fenton, returning for the 2025-26 season. This outdoor ice rink offers a festive winter experience for all ages. Enjoy 75-minute skating sessions and take advantage of special discount days, including Cheapskate Mondays and Blades & Badges Tuesdays for...

Join the 66th annual WRAL Tower Lighting, a cherished tradition illuminating the Raleigh, Durham, and Rocky Mount towers. This festive event features live music, holiday cheer, and special broadcasts, including a look at the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting. The Raleigh tower shines brightly through New Year's Eve, offering extended...

Join the beloved Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration in Midtown Raleigh's North Hills. For over a decade, this event has welcomed thousands for an afternoon of live entertainment, engaging kids' crafts, and a vibrant vendor village. The highlight is Santa's arrival, followed by the magical illumination of a towering 41-foot...

Experience the magic of Christmas in the Park, a cherished Burlington tradition! This completely free event transforms City Park into a winter wonderland. Enjoy complimentary carousel rides, a thrilling sledding hill, and fun activities like an inflatable snowball toss and snowboarding simulator. Kids can get creative with crafts and face...

Discover a unique, limited-edition Christmas ornament celebrating Fuquay-Varina. This special collectible is a perfect way to commemorate the holiday season and support the local community. Details on how to acquire this festive keepsake will be available soon.

Get ready for the spectacular 81st ABC11 Raleigh Christmas Parade, presented by Shop Local Raleigh! This grand event marks the official start of the holiday season in Downtown Raleigh. As the largest parade between Washington, D.C., and Atlanta, it promises a dazzling display of floats, marching bands, and community spirit.

WRAL First Night Raleigh is the city's premier New Year's Eve destination, offering a full day of festivities for thousands of residents. The celebration kicks off in the early afternoon with outdoor musical performances and a dedicated Children's Celebration. As the evening progresses, activities and performances move to multiple indoor...

Celebrate the festive season in Fuquay-Varina with a charming collection of holiday events. Witness the magical Town Tree Lighting Ceremony, enjoy the vibrant Christmas Parade, and be dazzled by the holiday lights at Mineral Spring Park. The Arts Center hosts a variety of performances, from jazz to tap, while opportunities...