Cary Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Cary and surrounding areas
Cary showcases the festive season across Fenton and Downtown with Holiday lights and a full calendar of festive events that welcome families and neighbors alike. The Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade, Skate the Square at Fenton, and Victorian Christmas at the Page-Walker bring seasonal entertainment, community markets, and family-friendly activities. From cozy neighborhood displays to larger holiday performances, Cary’s attractions and activities provide a warm, inviting atmosphere throughout the Christmas season.
Find the best Cary Christmas happenings this year!
Start Here
Christmas Markets
20 eventsOver 200 local vendors and diverse entertainment.
Christmas Lights
20 eventsFestive train ride through holiday lights and themed activities.
Christmas Shows
15 eventsLive performance of Handel's Messiah with renowned orchestra and choir
Other Christmas Activities
40 eventsLargest Christmas parade between Washington, D.C. and Atlanta.
Editor's Picks (6)
-
Holiday Express at Pullen Park
(Raleigh)
Festive train ride through holiday lights and themed activities.
-
ABC11 Raleigh Christmas Parade
(Raleigh)
Largest Christmas parade between Washington, D.C. and Atlanta.
-
FestiBull of Lights
(Durham)
Holiday light display at a baseball park
-
Handel's Messiah
(Chapel Hill)
Live performance of Handel's Messiah with renowned orchestra and choir
-
Goldsboro Christmas Parade
(Goldsboro)
Annual community Christmas parade
-
Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade
46th annual Christmas parade with community groups and Santa.
This Week / Coming Up (6)
Christmas Parties Near Cary
Festive dining experiences, holiday parties, and Christmas-themed food and drink events in Cary.
Christmas Prix-Fixe Dinner at The Carolina Inn
Celebrate the holiday season with an exquisite Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dining...
View full details →Latest News & Updates
Stay informed about events and activities in Cary
View Our Interactive Map for More Events Around Cary
Discover thousands of christmas events across the country
Also Near Cary
Morrisville
See all in Morrisville →Apex
See all in Apex →West Raleigh
See all in West Raleigh →Raleigh
See all in Raleigh →Cary Christmas FAQ
The North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival at Koka Booth Amphitheatre and the Heart of the Holidays celebration in Downtown Cary are the largest annual events, featuring lights, markets, and community activities.
Cary is known for its neighborhood light displays, synchronized music shows, and the Chinese Lantern Festival, which blends local and global holiday traditions. The sense of community and creativity in decorating is a hallmark of the season here.
Downtown Cary and surrounding neighborhoods like Waverly Hills are popular for their festive displays. Many residential areas also join in, creating a patchwork of holiday lights throughout the town.
Downtown Cary is the main hub for holiday markets, craft fairs, and local artisan stalls during the Heart of the Holidays. You’ll also find pop-up markets and vendor events at parks and community centers.
Walking tours of Downtown Cary’s holiday decorations, neighborhood light displays, and many community events are free. The Chinese Lantern Festival and some drive-through light shows have admission fees, but there are plenty of no-cost options to enjoy.
Families will enjoy the Chinese Lantern Festival’s walkable displays, Downtown Cary’s holiday markets with Santa visits and crafts, and neighborhood light shows with music. Many events are designed to be family-friendly and accessible.