Experience the magic of the holiday season in Durham, NC, where a variety of festive events await. From the cherished tradition of the Durham Christmas Parade, showcasing local talent and community spirit, to the interactive activities of the Durham Holiday Fun Fest, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Don't miss the illuminating Festival of Lights, which celebrates diverse cultural traditions through captivating displays. Whether you're a local or visiting, Durham's holiday events promise unforgettable moments and festive cheer for all ages.
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The Top Christmas Events in Durham
See these and even more events listed below!Durham Holiday Markets and Shopping
Durham Art Walk Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Curated selection of locally-made art and crafts with live demonstrations
Description:
The Durham Art Walk Holiday Market showcases the city's vibrant creative community, offering a curated selection of locally-made art and crafts. This event stands out for its emphasis on live demonstrations, allowing visitors to witness the artistic process firsthand. The market takes place in historic downtown buildings, some dating back to the tobacco boom of the early 20th century. Engage with artists as they create pieces on-site, from glassblowing to textile weaving. The market reflects Durham's commitment to supporting local artists, a tradition that has helped revitalize the city's downtown area over the past decades.
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Durham Art Walk Holiday Market
Durham Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Durham Nutcracker
What to Expect:
Local adaptation of the classic ballet with Durham-specific elements
Description:
The Durham Nutcracker reimagines the classic ballet with a local twist, incorporating elements of the city's history and culture. This production features scenes set in iconic Durham locations, such as the American Tobacco Campus and Duke Gardens. The score blends Tchaikovsky's original music with jazz influences, honoring Durham's rich musical heritage. Local dancers of all ages grace the stage, showcasing the community's talent. Watch as the Sugar Plum Fairy performs a pas de deux with a partner dressed as the Durham Bull, a playful nod to the city's beloved baseball team.
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Durham Other Holiday Activities
Durham Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Community-driven parade with local performers and floats
Description:
Durham's streets come alive with the annual Christmas Parade, a cherished tradition since 1948. This community-driven spectacle showcases local talent, from high school marching bands to elaborately decorated floats crafted by neighborhood groups. As you watch, the aroma of roasted chestnuts wafts through the air. The parade reflects Durham's diverse culture, with performances ranging from traditional carols to modern dance routines. Bring a unwrapped toy to donate to the parade's toy drive, supporting local children in need during the holiday season.
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Durham Holiday Fun Fest
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday-themed games and activities for all ages
Description:
The Durham Holiday Fun Fest transforms the city center into a playground of winter-themed activities. This event stands out for its interactive approach to holiday celebrations, offering everything from snowball target practice to gingerbread house building competitions. Families can participate in a scavenger hunt that explores Durham's historic sites, blending education with entertainment. The Fun Fest originated as a small community gathering in the 1990s and has grown into a major attraction. Try your hand at ice sculpting under the guidance of professional artists, creating your own frozen masterpiece.
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Nearby Events
Festival of Lights (Raleigh)
What to Expect:
Multicultural celebration of light-themed holidays
Description:
Durham's Festival of Lights illuminates the city with a multicultural celebration of light-themed holidays from around the world. This unique event brings together traditions from Diwali, Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa, among others. Visitors can explore a series of themed areas, each dedicated to a different cultural celebration. The festival showcases Durham's commitment to diversity, a cornerstone of the city's identity since the civil rights movement. Participate in a lantern-making workshop and add your creation to the community display, symbolizing unity in diversity.
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Cameron Village Holiday Open House (Raleigh)
What to Expect:
Exclusive discounts and behind-the-scenes experiences at local shops
Description:
Cameron Village's Holiday Open House offers a unique shopping experience that goes beyond mere browsing. This event grants visitors exclusive access to special discounts and behind-the-scenes experiences at local shops. Established in 1949, Cameron Village is one of the oldest shopping centers in the Southeastern United States. Artisans demonstrate their crafts in-store, allowing you to witness the creation of potential gifts. The sound of carolers fills the air as they stroll through the village, adding a touch of nostalgia to your shopping adventure.
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Cameron Village Holiday Open House
Carolina Ballet's The Nutcracker (Raleigh)
What to Expect:
Incorporation of magic illusions into the ballet performance
Description:
Carolina Ballet's rendition of The Nutcracker elevates the classic tale with breathtaking magic illusions seamlessly woven into the choreography. This innovative approach, introduced in 2011, sets this production apart from traditional performances. Dancers appear to levitate and transform before your eyes, blurring the line between dance and illusion. The production pays homage to North Carolina's history by featuring set pieces inspired by the Biltmore Estate. Marvel at the growing Christmas tree, which reaches a towering height of 40 feet, thanks to clever stage design and lighting effects.
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Carolina Ballet's The Nutcracker
Nights of Lights (Raleigh)
What to Expect:
Interactive light installations controlled by visitor movements
Description:
Nights of Lights transforms Durham into a canvas of illumination, featuring cutting-edge interactive light installations. Unlike static displays, these light sculptures respond to visitor movements, creating a dynamic and ever-changing experience. The event showcases works by local and international light artists, positioning Durham at the forefront of this innovative art form. Visitors can manipulate giant light projections using motion sensors, becoming part of the art itself. This eco-conscious event utilizes energy-efficient LED technology, aligning with Durham's commitment to sustainability.
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North Carolina Holiday Flotilla (Wilmington)
What to Expect:
Parade of decorated boats on local waterways
Description:
The North Carolina Holiday Flotilla brings a unique aquatic twist to holiday celebrations. This parade of elaborately decorated boats illuminates local waterways, creating a spectacle of floating lights. The tradition began in 1983 as a small community event and has since grown into a major attraction. Spectators line the shores, enjoying the reflection of twinkling lights on the water's surface. Participate in the "Deck Your Dock" contest, decorating your waterfront property to complement the floating displays. The event concludes with a stunning fireworks display over the water, lighting up the night sky.
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North Carolina Holiday Flotilla
Christmas Carousel Holiday Festival (Raleigh)
What to Expect:
Vintage carousel rides combined with holiday activities
Description:
The Christmas Carousel Holiday Festival centers around a beautifully restored vintage carousel, combining nostalgic charm with modern holiday fun. This unique event allows visitors to experience the magic of a bygone era while enjoying contemporary festivities. The carousel, dating back to the early 1900s, has been lovingly maintained and adorned with holiday decorations. Children can participate in a carousel-themed art contest, with winning designs displayed on the ride. The festival also features artisanal hot chocolate tastings, showcasing flavors from around the world.
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Christmas Carousel Holiday Festival
Light Up the Night Hillsborough (Hillsborough)
What to Expect:
Community-wide synchronized light display
Description:
Light Up the Night Hillsborough orchestrates a community-wide synchronized light display, turning the entire town into a coordinated light show. This innovative event encourages residents and businesses to participate, creating a unified spectacle across Hillsborough. The tradition began in 2015 as a way to bring the community together during the holiday season. Visitors can tune their car radios to a dedicated station to hear the music accompanying the light show as they drive through town. Experience the charm of this historic town, founded in 1754, as it embraces modern technology to create a truly unique holiday display.
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Light Up the Night Hillsborough
Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour (Raleigh)
What to Expect:
Self-guided tour of historic homes decorated for the holidays
Description:
The Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour offers a glimpse into the past, allowing visitors to explore beautifully preserved Victorian-era homes adorned with holiday decorations. This self-guided walking tour showcases the architectural splendor of Raleigh's oldest intact neighborhood, established in the 1870s. The soft glow of candlelight illuminates the intricate details of these historic residences. Learn about the area's rich history from knowledgeable docents stationed in each home. The tour provides a unique opportunity to see how modern families have adapted these historic spaces while maintaining their original charm.
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Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour
Olde Fashioned Christmas (New Bern)
What to Expect:
Immersive 19th-century Christmas experience
Description:
Olde Fashioned Christmas transports visitors back in time, offering an immersive 19th-century holiday experience. This event recreates the sights, sounds, and traditions of a Victorian-era Christmas celebration. Costumed interpreters demonstrate period-appropriate crafts and customs, bringing history to life. The event takes place in a restored 19th-century village, providing an authentic backdrop for the festivities. Participate in traditional parlor games popular during the 1800s, such as charades or blind man's bluff. The air is filled with the aroma of roasting chestnuts and mulled cider, prepared using historic recipes.