Durham Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Durham and surrounding areas
This winter Durham hosts the Christmas season around Downtown and the American Tobacco Campus with festive events and holiday activities that highlight local culture. FestiBull of Lights, Wool E. Bull's Winter Wonderland, and Old Hillsborough Road Market provide seasonal entertainment, Santa visits, and family-friendly attractions near Brightleaf Square. From neighborhood light displays to community concerts, Durham’s mix of holiday activities and festive events offers something for every visitor during the season.
Find the best Durham Christmas happenings this year!
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Christmas Lights
21 eventsFestive train ride through holiday lights and themed activities.
Christmas Markets
20 eventsOver 200 local vendors and diverse entertainment.
Christmas Shows
17 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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FestiBull of Lights
Holiday light display at a baseball park
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ABC11 Raleigh Christmas Parade
(Raleigh)
Largest Christmas parade between Washington, D.C. and Atlanta.
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Handel's Messiah
(Chapel Hill)
Live performance of Handel's Messiah with renowned orchestra and choir
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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 Durham
Festive dining experiences, holiday parties, and Christmas-themed food and drink events in Durham.
Christmas Prix-Fixe Dinner at The Carolina Inn
Celebrate the holiday season with an exquisite Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dining...
View full details →Christmas Giving Opportunities Near Durham
Give back this holiday season with volunteering and charitable opportunities in Durham.
Mitzvah Day 2025
Mitzvah Day returns for its 20th year, offering a meaningful day of community...
View full details →Latest News & Updates
Stay informed about events and activities in Durham
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Also Near Durham
Chapel Hill
- Brunch with Santa at The Carolina Inn
- Holiday Afternoon Tea at The Carolina Inn
- Light Up The Night Holiday Parade
Cary
- Victorian Christmas at the Page-Walker
- Annual Gingerbread House Competition and Display
- Cary Kwanzaa Celebration
Apex
See all in Apex →West Raleigh
See all in West Raleigh →Raleigh
See all in Raleigh →Durham Christmas FAQ
The FestiBull of Lights at Durham Bulls Athletic Park and the Downtown Durham Holiday Tree Lighting are among the largest annual events, drawing crowds for lights, music, and holiday cheer.
Durham celebrates with events like the Holiday Tree Lighting in CCB Plaza and the Durham Art Walk Holiday Market, which highlight local culture and community spirit.
Downtown Durham and several residential neighborhoods are known for festive light displays, with many homes and streets decorated for the holidays.
The Durham Art Walk Holiday Market and downtown events are great places to find local makers and holiday markets in Durham.
Free activities include neighborhood light walks, the Holiday Tree Lighting, and browsing local markets. Many parks and public spaces also feature festive decorations.
FestiBull of Lights, the Holiday Tree Lighting, and the Durham Art Walk Holiday Market offer family-friendly fun with crafts, lights, and seasonal treats for all ages.