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Last updated: November 11, 2024

Excited for holiday fun in Cary? Our guide will lead you to all the festive activities! For Cary natives and visitors alike, this guide reveals the city's holiday magic.

One enchanting attraction this season is the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival, where vibrant, illuminated lanterns create a breathtaking display that spans the park. You can also enjoy the Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting Celebration, featuring live music and the illumination of a grand tree, fostering a sense of community warmth. And the Cary Christmas Parade is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing colorful floats and festive cheer. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!

Contact information and details below.

Cary Holiday Light Displays

What to Expect:

Spectacular handcrafted lanterns and cultural performances.

Description:

The North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival at Koka Booth Amphitheatre features over 40 handcrafted lantern displays, including a 200-foot-long dragon, and nightly cultural performances. The event showcases the artistry of Chinese lantern making, which dates back over 2,000 years, with each lantern composed of hundreds of parts and thousands of LED lights.

Where: Cary | More Info: North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival

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What to Expect:

Family-friendly holiday celebration with live music and Santa's visit.

Description:

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 holiday event for the entire family.

Where: Cary | More Info: Light the Square in Fenton

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What to Expect:

Interactive light-based art installations showcasing local and international artists.

Description:

Downtown Raleigh comes alive with Illuminate Art Walk, featuring large-scale, interactive, and light-based art pieces from local, regional, and international artists. This self-guided walk includes installations like Talking Heads, which react to each other and visitors with 4,000 individually controllable LEDs, and Firefly Footpath, bringing the wonder of the rare Blue Ghost Firefly to a festive light display.

Where: Raleigh | More Info: Illuminate Raleigh

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What to Expect:

Interactive light displays with life-sized holiday characters.

Description:

Magic Of Lights is a drive-through holiday light display featuring over 2 million sparkling lights, including larger-than-life displays of Holiday Barbie, Bigfoot Monster Truck, and life-sized dinosaurs. The event offers a variety of festive scenes and activities, making it a memorable experience for all ages.

Where: Raleigh | More Info: Magic Of Lights

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Cary Holiday Markets and Shopping

Cary Holiday Shows and Entertainment

What to Expect:

Largest Christmas Parade between Washington, DC and Atlanta.

Description:

The Raleigh Christmas Parade is a beloved annual tradition featuring over 115 entries, including marching bands, specialty vehicles, and decorated floats. It winds its way through downtown Raleigh, drawing nearly 80,000 visitors to see the pageantry and excitement of the holiday season.

Where: Raleigh | More Info: Raleigh Christmas Parade

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Cary Other Holiday Activities

What to Expect:

Joyful celebration with bands and community participation.

Description:

The Cary Christmas Parade is a joyful celebration featuring bands, mascots, local businesses, community groups, and churches. The parade starts on E. Chatham Street at Ward Street, proceeds down E. Chatham to S. Academy Street, and ends at Dry Avenue in front of the Cary Arts Center.

Where: Cary | More Info: Cary Christmas Parade

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What to Expect:

Community-driven event with live music and markets.

Description:

Skate the Square Fenton is an event where participants can enjoy a fun and lively atmosphere with various activities, including live music, markets, and community gatherings.

Where: Cary | More Info: Skate the Square Fenton

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