Chapel Hill Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Chapel Hill and surrounding areas
Chapel Hill transforms for the Christmas season with iconic Christmas lights along Franklin Street and festive events centered near the UNC campus and downtown. Seasonal performances such as Handel's Messiah and Brunch with Santa at The Carolina Inn bring music, tradition, and family fun to the heart of town. Stroll through lit neighborhoods, enjoy holiday entertainment at local theaters, and take part in other holiday activities that highlight Chapel Hill’s warm community spirit and seasonal attractions.
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Christmas Markets
21 eventsOver 200 local vendors and diverse entertainment.
Christmas Lights
20 eventsFestive train ride through holiday lights and themed activities.
Christmas Shows
18 eventsLive performance of Handel's Messiah with renowned orchestra and choir
Other Christmas Activities
36 eventsLargest Christmas parade between Washington, D.C. and Atlanta.
Editor's Picks (6)
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Holiday Express at Pullen Park
(Raleigh)
Festive train ride through holiday lights and themed activities.
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Handel's Messiah
Live performance of Handel's Messiah with renowned orchestra and choir
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ABC11 Raleigh Christmas Parade
(Raleigh)
Largest Christmas parade between Washington, D.C. and Atlanta.
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FestiBull of Lights
(Durham)
Holiday light display at a baseball park
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The Nutcracker by Cary Ballet Company
(Raleigh)
Multiple Nutcracker performances across three venues
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MAKRS Holiday Fest
(Raleigh)
Over 200 local vendors and diverse entertainment.
This Week / Coming Up (6)
Christmas Parties Near Chapel Hill
Festive dining experiences, holiday parties, and Christmas-themed food and drink events in Chapel Hill.
Christmas Prix-Fixe Dinner at The Carolina Inn
Festive Christmas Eve and Christmas Day prix-fixe dinner
Brunch with Santa at The Carolina Inn
Brunch with Santa at a historic inn
Holiday Afternoon Tea at The Carolina Inn
Festive holiday afternoon tea tradition
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Also Near Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill Christmas FAQ
The Chapel Hill Tree Lighting, Carrboro Holiday Parade, and Carolina Inn Holiday Markets are among the largest annual Christmas events in the area.
Chapel Hill is known for its community tree lighting, holiday parades, and local markets that celebrate both regional and global traditions.
Several neighborhoods in Chapel Hill feature festive Christmas light displays, especially around the downtown and residential areas near University Baptist Church.
The Carolina Inn Holiday Markets and local vendor fairs are great places to find Christmas markets and local makers in Chapel Hill.
Free activities include the Chapel Hill Tree Lighting, holiday parades, and neighborhood Christmas light displays. Many local markets and events are also free to attend.
Families enjoy the tree lighting, holiday parades, local markets, and neighborhood light displays, all of which are welcoming for children and offer festive activities.