Last updated: November 11, 2024
Experience the top holiday events in Apex! Our guide showcases all the must-see festive highlights. From Apex old-timers to newcomers, our guide is your key to unlocking seasonal delights.
Popular this season, the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival transforms Jaycee Park into a dazzling landscape filled with vibrant lanterns and cultural displays. The RINK presented by UNC Health invites families to enjoy ice skating, bringing a touch of winter magic to the heart of the city. And the enchanting Moonlight in the Garden is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring stunning light displays amid the serene beauty of the garden landscape. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Spectacular lantern displays crafted by Chinese artisans.
The North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival at Koka Booth Amphitheatre features over 40 handcrafted lantern displays, cultural performances, and interactive exhibits showcasing Chinese artistry and traditions.
Where: Cary | More Info: North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival
Artfully lit gardens with live music and food trucks.
The JC Raulston Arboretum's Moonlight in the Garden is a meticulously designed lighting exhibition showcasing the internationally acclaimed garden under the cover of darkness. The event features live music, food trucks, marshmallows, and fire pits, creating a delightful nighttime experience.
Where: Raleigh | More Info: Moonlight in the Garden
Extensive, community-supported holiday light display.
Holt Road Christmas Lights is a spectacular display of multi-colored lights surrounding a large home, featuring extensive driveway and trail displays, with a focus on supporting local animal rescue efforts.
Where: Apex | More Info: Holt Road Christmas Lights
Beautiful light displays by local homes and businesses.
Apex homes and businesses across town volunteer to spread holiday cheer with beautiful light displays each year. The event provides a map to see all the stops along the tour, making it easy to enjoy the lights.
Where: Apex | More Info: Holiday Tour of Lights
Synchronized light show with music and performances.
Lake Myra Christmas Lights features a spectacular display of lights synchronized to music, with singing and dancing performances. The event is held at Lake Myra in Wendell, NC, and admission is free.
Where: Wendell | More Info: Lake Myra Christmas light show
Holiday celebration with tree lighting and Santa's arrival.
The Lighting of Wake Forest is a holiday event featuring the lighting of the Christmas tree, Santa's arrival in a fire truck, children’s craft activities, local musical performances, and special guest appearances.
Where: Wake Forest | More Info: Lighting of Wake Forest
Holiday celebration with craft vendors and festive activities.
Wendell Wonderland is an annual holiday festival featuring craft vendors, food trucks, a cookie walk, and visits with Mr. and Mrs. Santa. Thousands gather to experience the small-town charm of Wendell during the holiday season.
Where: Wendell | More Info: Wendell Wonderland
Diverse outdoor art market featuring local artists.
The Boylan Heights ArtWalk is an annual event showcasing a diverse array of artistic expressions, including glasswork, jewelry, metalwork, woodwork, fiber art, ceramics, photography, and multimedia creations. Local artists set up their booths on porches, lawns, and studios, creating a vibrant and unique atmosphere.
Where: Raleigh | More Info: Boylan Heights ArtWalk
Family-friendly holiday celebration with live music and Santa's visit.
Light the Square in Fenton features live music, ice skating, horse-drawn carriage rides, and a special appearance by Santa Claus, making it a delightful event for the entire family.
Where: Cary | More Info: Light the Square in Fenton
Iconic Scrooge role passed to Ira David Wood IV after 50 years.
Theatre In The Park presents Ira David Wood III's musical comedy adaptation of A Christmas Carol, celebrating 50 years of holiday tradition with a cast of almost 100 and great songs.
Where: Raleigh | More Info: Theatre In The Park presents A Christmas Carol
Historical reenactment of a 19th-century Christmas.
Immerse yourself in a 19th-century North Carolina Christmas at Duke Homestead. Enjoy live music, dancing, singing, and holiday cookies as costumed interpreters bring the Duke family home to life as it might have been during Christmas in 1870.
Where: Durham | More Info: Christmas by Candlelight - Duke Homestead
Communal celebration honoring African-American heritage with diverse cultural performances.
The Kwanzaa Celebration at the Cary Arts Center features traditional Kwanzaa performers and presenters embracing African culture through dance, drumming, storytelling, and visual arts. It highlights Ujamaa Cooperative Economics and encourages community support, showcasing professionals who have developed into cultural icons and entrepreneurs. The event includes a STEM program, children's performances, and a vendor market.
Where: Cary | More Info: Kwanzaa Celebration
A vibrant procession featuring floats, bands, and community performances throughout Raleigh.
A longstanding tradition, the Raleigh Christmas Parade features vibrant floats, local marching bands, and community groups celebrating the holiday spirit. Spectators line the streets to witness an array of performances and colorful displays, creating an atmosphere of togetherness and cheer. Families gather to enjoy this lively procession that marks the start of the holiday season in the city.
Where: Raleigh | More Info: Raleigh Christmas Parade
Unique outdoor ice skating experience with private igloo lounges.
THE RINK presented by UNC Health is an outdoor ice skating rink in downtown Raleigh, featuring a Winter Wonderland theme, cozy stations, fire pits, and a 20ft decorated Christmas tree. Enjoy skating, holiday decorations, and festive music while taking part in special community partner nights and themed events.
Where: Raleigh | More Info: THE RINK presented by UNC Health
Interactive holiday experience with train rides and interactive activities.
Holiday Express at Pullen Park is an immersive holiday event featuring a train ride, life-size snow globe, Santa's mobile workshop, and various activities like crafting reindeer food and visiting a post office to write letters to Santa.
Where: Raleigh | More Info: Holiday Express at Pullen Park
Honoring Indigenous people's cultural heritage through traditional and contemporary artistic expressions.
The American Indian Heritage Celebration is a celebration of traditional and contemporary artistic, historical, and cultural contributions of American Indian communities in North Carolina. It features musicians, dancers, artists, storytellers, and authors from the state's eight state-recognized tribes.
Where: Raleigh | More Info: American Indian Heritage Celebration
Traditional holiday activities in a historic setting.
Celebrate an old-fashioned Christmas at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center with cookies, carolers, activities for kids, holiday stories, and maybe a special guest from the North Pole. Afterward, walk downtown for the Christmas Tree lighting event.
Where: Cary | More Info: Victorian Christmas at the Page-Walker
Only nighttime holiday parade in Wake County.
The Annual Apex Rotary Christmas Parade is a nighttime holiday event in Wake County, benefiting local charities, primarily Western Wake Crisis Ministry. It starts at Ambergate Station and The Peakway, proceeds down Salem Street, and ends at the Apex Public Works Building on Upchurch Street. The parade features floats, classic cars, and special appearances, including Santa.
Where: Apex | More Info: Rotary Christmas Parade
Celebratory event with games, crafts, and menorah lighting.
The Chanukah Festival, organized by Chabad of Cary, celebrates the beginning of the Jewish eight-day festival of lights, Chanukah. The event features games, crafts, and food, culminating in the lighting of a menorah at Town Campus.
Where: Apex | More Info: Chanukah Festival
