Chapel Hill Other Christmas Activities 2025

Discover 36 verified other christmas activities in Chapel Hill and nearby areas.

Map out 36 Chapel Hill Christmas events—outdoor ceremonies and indoor celebrations for all ages.

All Other Christmas Activities Around Chapel Hill

Santa Paws

Durham, NC 10 mi from Chapel Hill
$

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...

Santa VisitsFamily FriendlyPet Friendly

Durham Holiday Parade

Durham, NC 11 mi from Chapel Hill
Free

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...

ParadesSanta VisitsCommunity Celebration

Running of the Elves

Hillsborough, NC 11 mi from Chapel Hill
$

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...

Holiday TraditionFamily FriendlyCommunity Celebration

Light Up The Night Holiday Parade

Hillsborough, NC 12 mi from Chapel Hill
Free

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...

ParadesFamily FriendlyCommunity Celebration

Pittsboro Parade

Pittsboro, NC 15 mi from Chapel Hill
$

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...

ParadesCommunity CelebrationFamily Friendly

Apex Rotary Club Christmas Parade

Apex, NC 17 mi from Chapel Hill
Free

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...

ParadesSanta VisitsCommunity Celebration

Apex Rotary Christmas Parade

Apex, NC 17 mi from Chapel Hill
Free

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...

ParadesCommunity CelebrationHoliday Tradition

Apex Tree Lighting Ceremony

Apex, NC 17 mi from Chapel Hill
Free

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...

Tree LightingSanta VisitsFamily Friendly

Chanukah Festival

Apex, NC 17 mi from Chapel Hill
Free

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,...

Community CelebrationHoliday TraditionSanta Visits

Victorian Christmas at the Page-Walker

Cary, NC 18 mi from Chapel Hill
Free

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...

Holiday TraditionFamily FriendlyCommunity Celebration

Cary Kwanzaa Celebration

Cary, NC 18 mi from Chapel Hill
Free

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...

Cultural EventsFamily FriendlyCommunity Celebration

Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade

Cary, NC 18 mi from Chapel Hill
$$

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...

ParadeChristmasHoliday Activities

Skate the Square at Fenton

Cary, NC 19 mi from Chapel Hill
$$

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...

Ice SkatingWinter ActivitiesFamily Friendly

Happy Holly Days Parade

Holly Springs, NC 23 mi from Chapel Hill
Free

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...

ParadesCommunity CelebrationFamily Friendly

WRAL Tower Lighting

Raleigh, NC 23 mi from Chapel Hill
$

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 SeasonChristmasCommunity Celebration

Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration - North Hills

Raleigh, NC 24 mi from Chapel Hill
Free

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...

Tree LightingSanta VisitsFamily Friendly

Santa's Cottage

Burlington, IA 25 mi from Chapel Hill
Free

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.

Santa VisitsFamily FriendlyCommunity Celebration

Christmas in the Park

Burlington, NC 25 mi from Chapel Hill
Free

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...

Family FriendlyFree EventSanta Visits

The Rink at Red Hat Amphitheater

Raleigh, NC 25 mi from Chapel Hill
$$

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...

Ice SkatingSeasonal ActivitiesFamily Friendly

Santa's Trolley Tour

Raleigh, NC 25 mi from Chapel Hill
$$

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...

Holiday TraditionFamily FriendlySeasonal Activities

Joy of the Season Master Chorale

Raleigh, NC 25 mi from Chapel Hill
$$

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...

ConcertsClassical MusicFamily Friendly

Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour

Raleigh, NC 25 mi from Chapel Hill
$$

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...

Victorian ChristmasHoliday TraditionCommunity Celebration

ABC11 Raleigh Christmas Parade

Raleigh, NC 27 mi from Chapel Hill
Free

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...

ParadesFamily FriendlyCommunity Celebration

WRAL First Night Raleigh

Raleigh, NC 27 mi from Chapel Hill
$$

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 CelebrationNew Years EveFamily Friendly

Fuquay-Varina Holiday Happenings

Fuquay, NC 27 mi from Chapel Hill
$

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...

Tree LightingParadesLight Displays

Christmas Wreath Making Workshop at Millstone Creek Orchards

Ramseur, NC 32 mi from Chapel Hill
$$

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...

WorkshopsHoliday TraditionHandmade Crafts

Piedmont Winterfest

Greensboro, NC 42 mi from Chapel Hill
$$

Outdoor ice skating and curling in downtown Greensboro.

Experience the magic of Piedmont Winterfest, a vibrant winter wonderland located in the heart of Downtown Greensboro. This festive event invites visitors to enjoy ice skating, try their hand at curling, and soak in the joyful winter atmosphere. Warm up...

Ice SkatingCurlingFamily Friendly

Downtown in December

Greensboro, NC 42 mi from Chapel Hill
$$

Month-long holiday celebration with diverse events

Get ready for a magical holiday season in Downtown Greensboro with 'Downtown in December 2025'! This festive celebration brings together beloved traditions and exciting new experiences for all to enjoy. From the dazzling Festival of Lights to the energetic Jingle...

Community CelebrationFamily FriendlyHoliday Tradition

Cousin Eddie's Christmas Run 5K

Greensboro, NC 46 mi from Chapel Hill
$$

Iconic Cousin Eddie-themed 5K run

Get ready for the HAP HAP HAPPIEST Christmas run! This 5K event celebrates the legendary Cousin Eddie with a fun-filled race at Jaycee Park. Participants can choose to run in costume, wear a custom t-shirt, or go all out with...

Christmas MarketFamily FriendlySeasonal Activities

Smithfield Christmas Parade

Smithfield, NC 49 mi from Chapel Hill
Free

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...

ParadesSanta VisitsFamily Friendly

Selma Christmas Celebration

Selma, NC 51 mi from Chapel Hill
Free

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.

Community CelebrationHoliday EventsFamily Friendly

Fort Liberty Christmas Tree Lighting

Fort Bragg, NC 53 mi from Chapel Hill
Free

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...

Tree LightingSanta VisitsFamily Friendly

ASPIRE Christmas Dance

High Point, NC 54 mi from Chapel Hill
$$

Inclusive holiday dance event for all ages

Get ready for a magical evening at the ASPIRE Christmas Dance! This special event offers a festive and inclusive atmosphere for everyone to enjoy the holiday spirit. Dance the night away and create joyful memories at this delightful celebration.

Family FriendlyCommunity CelebrationHoliday Tradition

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can we keep phones alive on cold nights in Chapel Hill?

Start near full charge, keep the device in an inside pocket, lower screen brightness, close background apps, and carry a small battery pack.

How do we choose between free public events and paid pop-ups in Chapel Hill?

Free events offer atmosphere; paid pop-ups add amenities (photo spots, drinks, seating). Balance your evening with one of each for variety.

What should we pack for a full festive afternoon in Chapel Hill without overloading bags?

Layers you can shed, gloves, portable charger, water, wipes, a small snack, and a flat pouch for receipts/tickets. Keep hands free with a crossbody or inside pockets.

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