Discover 40 verified other christmas activities in Cary and nearby areas.
Welcome to our guide to other Cary Christmas activities! Beyond the usual festivities, there's a unique collection of seasonal experiences waiting for you. We've gathered diverse holiday activities to help you make the most of your Christmas season in Cary.
Explore the festive atmosphere in areas like downtown Cary or discover seasonal events happening in local parks and public spaces. These locations often become hubs for unique Christmas celebrations and community gatherings throughout the holiday period.
This guide highlights a variety of festive experiences that don't fit neatly into other categories. From charming local traditions to special seasonal events, there's plenty of Christmas fun to be found. Dive in and discover the unique mix of holiday activities Cary has to offer!
Victorian-themed Christmas at a historic venue
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...
Celebration of African culture and Kwanzaa traditions
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...
46th annual Christmas parade with community groups and Santa.
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...
Outdoor ice skating in a vibrant town square.
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...
Town's first-ever tree lighting ceremony
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...
Community Chanukah celebration with menorah lighting
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,...
Wake County's only nighttime Christmas parade
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...
One of the few night parades in the area
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...
Annual lighting of three WRAL towers
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...
Holiday candle-making workshop with seasonal scents
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...
Winter wonderland ice rink with cozy stations and fire pits.
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 concert by the Master Chorale
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...
Holiday trolley tour to find Santa
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...
Annual tree lighting with Santa's arrival.
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...
Victorian Christmas home tour in Raleigh's historic Oakwood neighborhood.
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...
Largest Christmas parade between Washington, D.C. and Atlanta.
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...
Iconic Raleigh Acorn Drop and fireworks finale
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...
Community parade with floats, bands, and dancers.
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...
Limited edition Christmas ornament
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.
Community-wide holiday celebration with diverse events and giving opportunities.
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...
Community parade with Santa Claus appearance
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...
Holiday event for dogs with Santa photos and ugly sweater contest.
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...
Community parade through Carrboro and Chapel Hill
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...
Annual parade with decorated floats and community cheer.
The annual Pittsboro Parade returns, bringing a vibrant display of community spirit. Local groups and businesses showcase their creativity with beautifully decorated floats, twinkling lights, and festive costumes. Spectators are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets to enjoy...
A festive 1-mile race leading into the holiday parade.
Lace up your running shoes for the 'Running of the Elves,' a spirited 1-mile race that precedes the Hillsborough Holiday Parade. Participants are encouraged to don elf-themed attire, creating a festive spectacle as they dash downhill through town. This unique...
Annual 'Candyland' themed holiday parade
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...
Annual Christmas Parade with Santa visit
Join the Town of Smithfield for their annual Christmas Parade on December 11th at 7:00 PM. This festive event features dazzling floats and joyful music, culminating in a special visit from Santa Claus. Before the parade, enjoy complimentary hot chocolate...
Community Christmas celebration
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.
Meet Santa Claus in his downtown cottage
Experience the magic of the holiday season as Santa Claus himself greets visitors from his cozy cottage. Located in the heart of Downtown Burlington, this is a perfect opportunity for families to create lasting memories and share their Christmas wishes.
Free Christmas event with carousel rides and Santa visits
Experience the magic of Christmas in the Park, a cherished Burlington tradition! This completely free event transforms City Park into a winter wonderland. Enjoy complimentary carousel rides, a thrilling sledding hill, and fun activities like an inflatable snowball toss and...
Create your own holiday wreath.
Unleash your inner artist at Millstone Creek Orchards' Christmas Wreath Making Workshop. Participants will be guided through the creative process of designing and assembling a stunning holiday wreath, perfect for adorning their homes. All materials are provided, ensuring a fun...
Christmas tree lighting with Golden Knights performance
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...
Parade with a dedicated Sensory Zone
Get ready for the beloved Wilson Christmas Parade on December 6, 2025! This festive event kicks off at 11:00 AM in Historic Downtown Wilson along Nash Street. Experience a joyful procession featuring community groups, businesses, and marching bands. A special...
Over 125 entries in a traditional Christmas parade
Join the festive spirit at the Fayetteville Rotary Christmas Parade, a cherished holiday tradition since 1999. This spectacular event features over 125 entries, including lively bands, energetic dance groups, impressive motorcycles, and majestic horses. The highlight for many is the...
Annual community Christmas parade
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...
Festive ugly sweater themed painting party
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...
Themed game nights with post-game player skate opportunities.
Experience the excitement of professional hockey with the Fayetteville Marksmen at the Crown Complex Coliseum. They offer a dynamic game-day experience with a variety of themed nights, from 'Dia de los Muertos' to 'Star Wars Night', ensuring entertainment for the...
Annual downtown Christmas parade with Santa
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...
Community Christmas parade with a 'Parade of Lights' theme.
Experience the magic of the holiday season at the Hope Mills Christmas Parade. This beloved event transforms the town into a dazzling 'Parade of Lights' as participants showcase their festive spirit. Join the community to watch a vibrant procession of...
Santa's fire truck parade with sirens
Get ready for a festive surprise as Santa Claus makes his way through town, escorted by the Hope Mills Fire Department. Listen for the sirens to catch a glimpse of Santa and his firefighter companions as they bring holiday magic...
See the location of all other christmas activities around Cary and nearby areas
Open Map →While specific outdoor rinks can vary year to year, Cary often has seasonal ice skating opportunities, sometimes set up in public areas or as part of larger holiday events. Check local community calendars or park and recreation announcements for the most current information on winter sports.
Santa meet-and-greets are common at various locations throughout Cary during the holiday season. Look for events at local shopping centers, community centers, or special holiday festivals. Many of these offer opportunities for photos and to share Christmas wish lists.
Special holiday train rides or themed events might be available in the broader region surrounding Cary, often organized by historical societies or parks. It's worth checking event listings for nearby towns or specific attractions that might offer these unique seasonal experiences.
Many communities offer free activities like viewing holiday light displays in neighborhoods or attending free community tree-lighting ceremonies. Exploring public parks or checking for free admission events at local libraries or community centers can also reveal budget-friendly Christmas fun.