Raleigh Other Christmas Activities 2026

Get ready for the spectacular Raleigh Christmas Parade, a cherished tradition for over 75 years! This grand event kicks off the holiday season in Downtown Raleigh with a vibrant procession stretching 1.4 miles. Experience the excitement as floats, marching bands,...

Join the beloved Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration at North Hills Commons in Midtown Raleigh. This festive event features live entertainment, engaging kids' crafts, and a vibrant vendor village. The highlight is Santa Claus's grand arrival, followed by the magical...

Dungeons & Drafthouse presents 'The Clash Before Christmas' at Video Vortex, a holiday D&D adventure. Players embark on a four-hour quest to stop Krampus from stealing the Naughty and Nice Lists and taking over Christmas. Pre-generated characters and dice are...

Create a festive holiday wreath at Fifth Season Gardening in Raleigh. All materials, including dried flowers, ribbons, and natural wreath forms, are provided for attendees to assemble their own decoration.

Raleigh Geek and Grub Market's 'Holiday Nightmare' edition combines Halloween and Christmas themes with vendors and food trucks.

This Christmas celebration features an evening of music performed by a choir and orchestra, focusing on songs about the birth of Jesus Christ. This free event is open to all.

Martin Mortgage Group hosts a client appreciation event with free holiday family photos, a hot cocoa bar, and ornament making for clients, family, and pets.

Join the 47th annual Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade in downtown Cary for a joyful celebration. This beloved event features a vibrant procession of marching bands, creative floats from local businesses and community groups, and the much-anticipated arrival of Santa Claus....

Step back in time for a Victorian Christmas at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center. This charming event features the historic 1870s hotel adorned in festive holiday decor. Enjoy the sounds of carolers in period costumes, participate in a fun...

Fenton's Igloo in Cary, NC, hosts a workshop for creating handmade holiday gifts. Participants will craft soy candles and goat's milk soaps, personalizing them with fragrances and decorative elements.

Join the Selma Christmas Celebration for a magical start to the holiday season. Witness a vibrant parade with dazzling, light-adorned floats as it travels down Raiford Street. The event culminates with the beloved tree lighting ceremony, marking the official beginning...

Experience the magic of the holiday season at the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Community Holiday Parade. This free, inclusive event invites everyone to gather along the route in Downtown Chapel Hill and Carrboro to witness a festive procession. Community groups and local...

The annual Pittsboro Parade returns, bringing a wave of holiday cheer to the community. Local groups and businesses showcase their festive spirit with beautifully decorated floats, fun costumes, and twinkling lights. Spectators are encouraged to bring their own chairs and...

Lace up your festive spirit for the 7th annual Running of the Elves in Hillsborough! This unique 1-mile race takes place just before the Holiday Parade, sending participants on a fast, downhill course through downtown. Don an elf costume, hat,...

Storyteller Liz Z Pardue will share tales of North Carolina's unique holiday traditions and lore at the historic Colonial Inn. Attendees can learn about the region's holiday customs and stories.

Get ready for the annual Wilson Christmas Parade on December 5, 2026, kicking off at 11:00 a.m. in Downtown Wilson along Nash Street. This festive event features a colorful procession of floats, marching bands, and community participants. A special Sensory...

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...

Experience an enchanted holiday evening designed for adults. This event offers a festive atmosphere with holiday cheer, perfect for a grown-up night out during the holiday season.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Join the Apex community for a heartwarming Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 5th. This town-organized event features the ceremonial lighting of the first tree on the Town Hall Campus. Attendees can enjoy performances by local school bands and choirs, craft...

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.

Experience the festive spirit of the Smithfield Christmas Parade, a beloved community event that brings holiday cheer to downtown. This annual tradition features a vibrant procession of creative floats, local marching bands, and community participants, all coming together to celebrate...

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...

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...

Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Kwanzaa at this vibrant celebration. Curated by Darrell Stover, the event showcases the best of the Triangle's African cultural performers, including dancers, drummers, storytellers, and visual artists. Discover how scholarship and performance intertwine...

Celebrate the Festival of Lights at the Chanukah Festival, an event organized by Chabad of Cary. This vibrant community gathering features engaging games, creative crafts, and delicious food. The celebration culminates with a meaningful menorah lighting ceremony on Town Campus,...

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...

Get ready for the annual Goldsboro Christmas Parade, a cherished community tradition! This festive event brings together local businesses, organizations, and families to celebrate the holiday season with decorated floats and marching bands. It's a perfect opportunity to spread Christmas...

The Rocky Mount Christmas Parade is a cherished downtown tradition that draws crowds from across the city. Spectators can look forward to a dazzling display of floats, live animals, and festive sights, culminating in a special appearance by Santa Claus...

Kick off the holiday season with the enchanting Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at Fort Liberty's Main Post Parade Field. This beloved event features the ceremonial lighting of the Garrison Christmas Tree, a magical visit from Santa Claus, and thrilling performances...

Get into the holiday spirit with a unique 'Ugly Sweater Sip and Paint' event. This is a perfect opportunity to gather with friends, don a spectacularly festive (and perhaps gaudy) holiday sweater, and unleash your creativity on a canvas. Enjoy...