Plan your holiday adventure in Chapel Hill with our comprehensive event guide. Discover all the festive activities waiting for you this season.
Experience the magic of the Chapel Hill Christmas Parade, where floats, marching bands, and Santa himself bring the streets to life. Revel in the intricate decorations and themed festivities at the Carolina Inn Twelve Days of Christmas. And the Carrboro Holiday Craft Fair is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring unique handcrafted gifts and local artisan treats. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Chapel Hill
- Chapel Hill Christmas Parade
- Carolina Inn Twelve Days of Christmas
- United Church of Chapel Hill Advent Festival
- A Christmas Carol at PlayMakers Repertory Company
- Holiday Pops in the Hill Concert
Chapel Hill Holiday Light Displays
Carolina Inn Twelve Days of Christmas
What to Expect:
Themed decorations based on the classic carol
Description:
The Carolina Inn transforms into a living embodiment of the "Twelve Days of Christmas" carol. Each day unfolds with intricate decorations and displays representing the song's verses. Guests can embark on a self-guided tour, discovering hidden details in each themed area. The inn, built in 1924, infuses its rich history into the event, blending tradition with creativity. Visitors marvel at the artistry of hand-crafted ornaments and elaborate tableaus. This immersive experience brings a beloved holiday tune to life in unexpected ways.
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Carolina Inn Twelve Days of Christmas
Chapel Hill Holiday Shows and Entertainment
A Christmas Carol at PlayMakers Repertory Company
What to Expect:
Innovative staging and local adaptation of the classic tale
Description:
PlayMakers Repertory Company breathes new life into "A Christmas Carol" with innovative staging and a local twist. This adaptation incorporates elements of North Carolina history, weaving regional folklore into Dickens' classic. The production utilizes cutting-edge theatrical techniques, blending traditional storytelling with modern technology. Audience members may find themselves part of the action as the story unfolds around them. The company, founded in 1976, continues its tradition of pushing artistic boundaries with this fresh take on a holiday favorite.
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A Christmas Carol at PlayMakers Repertory Company
Holiday Pops in the Hill Concert
What to Expect:
Blend of classical and contemporary holiday music in an intimate setting
Description:
The Holiday Pops in the Hill Concert presents a dynamic mix of classical favorites and contemporary arrangements. Held in the intimate Memorial Hall, the concert showcases local musicians alongside rising stars. The program includes lesser-known holiday pieces from diverse cultural traditions. Audience members may be invited to join in for a surprise sing-along. This event continues Chapel Hill's rich musical tradition, dating back to the town's early days as a cultural hub. The acoustics of the historic venue enhance the vibrant performances, creating an unforgettable auditory experience.
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Holiday Pops in the Hill Concert
Chapel Hill Other Holiday Activities
Chapel Hill Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Community-driven parade with local performers and floats
Description:
Chapel Hill's streets come alive with the annual Christmas Parade, a cherished tradition since 1972. This community-driven spectacle showcases local talent, from high school marching bands to elaborately decorated floats. You'll spot familiar faces as neighbors and businesses join the procession. The parade route winds through historic Franklin Street, offering glimpses of the town's colonial architecture. Children delight in collecting candy tossed from passing floats, creating sweet memories of this small-town celebration.
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United Church of Chapel Hill Advent Festival
What to Expect:
Interfaith approach to Advent celebrations
Description:
The United Church of Chapel Hill's Advent Festival embraces an inclusive, interfaith approach to the season. Participants explore diverse cultural traditions surrounding light and hope. The event features a labyrinth walk, encouraging quiet reflection amidst the holiday bustle. Visitors can create their own Advent wreaths using sustainable materials. This festival draws inspiration from the church's progressive history, dating back to its founding in 1910. The celebration fosters community connections while honoring various spiritual practices.
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United Church of Chapel Hill Advent Festival
Nearby Events
Carrboro Holiday Craft Fair (Carrboro)
What to Expect:
Emphasis on locally-made, sustainable crafts
Description:
Carrboro's Holiday Craft Fair celebrates the town's artistic spirit and commitment to sustainability. Local artisans showcase handmade goods, from upcycled jewelry to eco-friendly home decor. The fair, held in the historic Carrboro Century Center, reflects the community's progressive values. Visitors can chat with makers about their creative processes and materials. The aroma of locally-roasted coffee fills the air as shoppers browse. This event highlights Carrboro's reputation as the "Paris of the Piedmont," showcasing its vibrant arts scene.
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Holiday Circle of Lights (Hillsborough)
What to Expect:
Interactive light displays in a historic town setting
Description:
Hillsborough's Holiday Circle of Lights illuminates the town's colonial charm. Interactive light displays dot the historic district, inviting visitors to engage with illuminated art pieces. The event pays homage to Hillsborough's Native American heritage with themed installations. Stroll along candlelit paths, discovering hidden light sculptures in unexpected corners. You can activate motion-sensor displays, creating a personalized light show. This innovative approach to holiday lighting transforms Hillsborough's streets into an ever-changing canvas of color and light.
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Holiday Sip & Shop (Carrboro)
What to Expect:
Focus on local, artisanal beverages paired with shopping
Description:
Carrboro's Holiday Sip & Shop elevates the shopping experience with a curated selection of local, artisanal beverages. Visitors sample craft beers, small-batch wines, and innovative non-alcoholic concoctions while browsing unique gifts. The event showcases Carrboro's thriving microbrewery scene, a point of local pride. Artisans demonstrate their crafts, offering insights into their creative processes. You can create a custom gift basket, pairing local treats with handmade items. This event captures Carrboro's laid-back vibe and commitment to supporting independent businesses.
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Christmas Candlelight Tour (Hillsborough)
What to Expect:
Candlelit tours of historic homes with period-specific decorations
Description:
Hillsborough's Christmas Candlelight Tour transports visitors to holidays past. Historic homes open their doors, showcasing period-specific decorations illuminated by flickering candlelight. Costumed interpreters share stories of Christmases long ago, bringing history to life. Visitors can try their hand at traditional crafts like pomander making. The tour highlights Hillsborough's significant role in the American Revolution, weaving historical facts into the holiday narrative. This immersive experience offers a glimpse into the evolution of Christmas celebrations over the centuries.