Cary Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

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...

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 '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...

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.

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.

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.

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...

Experience the magic of the holiday season with the Fuquay-Varina Chorale's annual 'Snow' show. This beloved event brings festive harmonies and dreams of winter to life at the Fuquay-Varina Arts Center. It's a perfect opportunity for the whole family to gather and enjoy the beautiful voices of the community.

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 holidays in Downtown Cary with the Annual Gingerbread House Competition and Display. Local businesses transform into festive galleries, showcasing an array of imaginative gingerbread creations. Whether you're a seasoned baker aiming for top prizes or simply want to spread some holiday cheer, this event offers...

Discover a cherished holiday tradition at the Christmas Carousel Holiday Gift Market. For over 37 years, this event has brought together over 250 exhibitors to showcase a dazzling array of arts, crafts, unique gifts, festive foods, floral arrangements, and holiday decorations. Held in the expansive Jim Graham Building at the...

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 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...

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.

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...

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 to honor cultural heritage.

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...

Experience the magic of the holiday season at the 46th annual Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade in downtown Cary. This joyful celebration features a vibrant procession of marching bands, community groups, local businesses, and festive floats. Bring your family and friends to witness the holiday cheer and catch a glimpse of...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.

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.

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...

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 community groups. Santa Claus himself will make an appearance, bringing...