Raleigh Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

Experience the magic of Illuminate Art Walk as downtown Raleigh transforms into a dazzling wonderland of light and art. Discover a variety of illuminated installations, from towering sculptures to interactive displays, created by talented artists. This event offers a unique opportunity to explore the city's vibrant art scene 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.

Downtown Raleigh illuminates the holiday season with the captivating Illuminate Art Walk. This event transforms the city into a vibrant wonderland of large-scale, light-based art installations, perfect for all ages. Explore streets, plazas, and hidden corners bathed in a new light, offering a magical backdrop for creating holiday memories and...

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...

Fieldstream Farm presents a dazzling drive-thru Christmas light show, illuminating the night with over 2 million lights. Prepare to be mesmerized by the Tunnel of Lights, a spectacular display featuring more than 200,000 LED lights, promising a truly unforgettable holiday experience.

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...

Clayton, NC invites you to a magical Christmas Village and Tree Lighting event on Main Street. Experience a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, live performances, and festive treats. Families can enjoy a trackless train ride, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, and participate in crafts before the spectacular tree lighting ceremony.

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...

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.

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.

Join The Raleigh Ringers for their beloved annual holiday concerts at the Meymandi Concert Hall. This cherished tradition showcases the ensemble's extraordinary talent with unique renditions of sacred, secular, and popular music, even venturing into rock 'n' roll. Prepare to be captivated by their dazzling performances.

Kick off the festive season with a spellbinding performance that blends the magic of the circus with the grandeur of a live orchestra. This unique holiday show features daring acrobats, graceful contortionists, and thrilling aerialists performing on stage and high above, all accompanied by the enchanting sounds of the North...

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...

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,...

Experience the magic of the holiday season with Jim Brickman's 'Comfort & Joy' concert. This enchanting performance features the acclaimed singer-songwriter's beloved piano melodies and festive holiday tunes, creating a heartwarming atmosphere perfect for all.

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...

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 magic of the holiday season at the 17th Annual Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting and Holiday Market. This beloved event kicks off the festive season with the spectacular illumination of the Raleigh Christmas Tree. Visitors can capture cherished memories with free photos alongside Santa Claus, discover unique gifts and...

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....

Discover a delightful holiday shopping experience at City Club Raleigh's 4th Annual Holiday Sip & Shop. This event offers a wonderful opportunity to browse unique gifts and artisanal products from local vendors, all while enjoying festive beverages and seasonal treats. It's the perfect occasion to connect with local businesses and...

Experience the charm of the historic Boylan Heights neighborhood transformed into a vibrant outdoor art market. Discover a diverse array of unique creations from over 100 juried local artists, showcasing everything from intricate jewelry and woodwork to stunning paintings and ceramics. It's the perfect opportunity to find one-of-a-kind holiday gifts...

Discover the Jolly Raleigh Holiday Market at Raleigh Ironworks, a festive celebration of local small businesses. Sip on seasonal drinks as you shop for unique gifts and handcrafted items from over 100 vendors. It's the perfect opportunity to find one-of-a-kind presents and immerse yourself in the holiday spirit.

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 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 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.

Lace up your skates for a magical winter experience at The Rink at Red Hat Amphitheater! Glide across a festive, winter wonderland-themed ice rink, perfect for all ages. Warm up by the fire pits or in cozy lounge areas. Capture holiday memories with a giant lighted bulb display and a...

Step into a bygone era at the Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour, a cherished holiday tradition in Raleigh. This event invites visitors to explore ten magnificent homes, showcasing stunning Victorian, Queen Anne, and Craftsman architecture. Docents within each property share fascinating historical details, offering a glimpse into the lives of past...

Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season with the Joy of the Season Master Chorale performance. This special event promises a heartwarming musical experience, perfect for ushering in holiday cheer. Join them for an evening of beautiful melodies and festive sounds at a renowned performing arts center.

Join Holly the Elf on a whimsical adventure aboard the Historic Raleigh Trolley to help find Santa before Christmas. This enchanting experience departs from Mordecai Historic Park and offers a delightful way to embrace the holiday spirit. Guests can arrive early or stay after their tour to enjoy a complimentary...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.

Join the Selma Christmas Celebration for a heartwarming start to the holiday season. This festive event brings the community together to usher in the most wonderful time of the year with local charm and holiday spirit.