Durham 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.

Step back in time to experience an authentic 1870s North Carolina Christmas at Duke Homestead. Follow a magical candlelit path through the historic area, where costumed interpreters will bring the Duke family home to life. Enjoy live Christmas music, dancing, and singing, all while savoring traditional holiday cookies. This beloved...

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...

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.

Join the community for the enchanting Lighting of Wake Forest event! This cherished holiday tradition features the magical illumination of the town's Christmas tree and a special visit from Santa Claus. It's a perfect evening to embrace the festive spirit and create lasting holiday memories.

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 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....

Prepare for a spectacular holiday show south of the North Pole! Award-winning drag icons BenDeLaCreme and Jinkx Monsoon return with their wildly successful 'The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show.' Expect a dazzling display of camp, gags, new songs, heartfelt stories, and stunning costumes. This celebrated performance is a moment of...

Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season with Black Nativity Durham, a powerful and soulful gospel celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. This beloved production, based on Langston Hughes' classic telling, features over 100 talented singers, dancers, and musicians. Experience a moving performance that combines original music with...

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.

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...

Discover unique, handmade treasures at The Patchwork Market's Holiday Market in Durham, North Carolina. This juried event showcases original crafts and designs from talented indie makers and artisans. Explore a diverse lineup of high-quality goods, perfect for finding unique gifts. The market is free to attend and open to all...

The Durham Art Walk Holiday Market is a vibrant celebration that officially launches the holiday season in downtown Durham. This festive event showcases a diverse array of local artists and their fine crafts, offering a perfect opportunity for holiday shopping. Visitors can enjoy live music, explore unique artisan goods, and...

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 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 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....

Join the Wake Forest Cares Holiday Kickoff to officially welcome the holiday season! This free, family-friendly event in downtown Wake Forest features a variety of activities, opportunities to learn about community initiatives, and the launch of the annual Holiday Donation Drive. Enjoy local food vendors and explore downtown shops.

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.

Mitzvah Day returns for its 20th year, offering a meaningful day of community service and connection. Participants can choose from over 25 volunteer projects, ranging from outdoor park cleanups and tree planting to indoor activities like crafting blankets and preparing meals for those in need. For those unable to attend...

Bring your furry friends for a special evening at Santa Paws! This unique event allows dogs to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus for festive photos. Participate in a hilarious canine holiday ugly sweater contest and browse the 'Pup-Up' Market for pet-themed goodies. Attendees are also encouraged to contribute to a...

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.

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...

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...

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 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.

Get ready for the Happy Holly Days Parade, a beloved community tradition! This festive event features a dazzling procession of floats, energetic marching bands, talented dancers, and creatively decorated vehicles. Experience the holiday cheer as the parade winds its way through downtown Holly Springs, bringing seasonal joy to all who...

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.

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...