Wake County's Happy Trails Program is still accepting live Christmas trees for mulching. There are also four drop-off locations available in Durham on Saturdays only.
Durham News & Updates
Stay informed about the latest events and activities in Durham
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Saturday, December 27, 2025
The Hayti community in Durham celebrated the start of Kwanzaa with a gathering focused on African heritage and cultural traditions. This event marked the beginning of a weeklong celebration.
The Hayti center in Durham hosted a celebration for the first day of Kwanzaa. The event highlighted African heritage, cultural traditions, and shared values during the weeklong observance.
Information is available on where and how to recycle Christmas items, including trees and decorations, across various counties in the Triangle area. This includes specific drop-off locations for items like Christmas trees.
Friday, December 26, 2025
New residents in Raleigh are experiencing their first Southern Christmas, finding it different from what they are used to. The article also mentions options for donating Christmas trees in Wake and Durham counties.
Information is provided on how residents in Wake and Durham counties can recycle or dispose of their Christmas trees. This offers a way to utilize the trees after the holiday season.
Churches and volunteers are working together to spread Christmas joy and provide meals for those in need. The Durham Rescue Mission is highlighted for its annual Christmas celebration.
This article details what Duke fans are hoping for on their Christmas wish lists this year. The lists include desires for the Duke basketball and football teams.
Travelers in central North Carolina experienced minimal traffic on Christmas Eve. This provided a smoother journey for those heading to their holiday destinations.
Thursday, December 25, 2025
NICU babies at UNC Health in Chapel Hill are celebrating the Christmas season by wearing festive costumes. This heartwarming display brings holiday cheer to the youngest patients and their families.
A pediatric patient at Duke Children's Hospital in Durham had their Christmas wish to see a real reindeer fulfilled. This special moment brought joy to the young patient during the holiday season.
Families across central North Carolina gathered for Christmas Eve mass to celebrate the birth of Jesus and pray. This tradition marks a significant part of the holiday for many in the region.
The Durham Rescue Mission provided a Christmas brunch to serve those in need. This event is part of their ongoing efforts to spread holiday cheer and support the community.
The Durham Rescue Mission celebrated Christmas Eve by serving mothers and children at their facility. This event highlights the mission's commitment to providing holiday support and comfort to vulnerable individuals.
A pediatric patient at Duke Children's Hospital in Durham had their Christmas wish to see a live reindeer come true. This heartwarming event was facilitated by a local sheriff, bringing holiday magic to the child.
Wednesday, December 24, 2025
The Durham Rescue Mission is hosting its 48th annual Christmas Community Dinner and Toy Giveaway. Volunteers will help distribute food and toys to spread holiday cheer.
The Durham Rescue Mission is preparing for its nearly 50th year of hosting a Christmas community dinner and toy giveaway. Cooking has begun to feed people ahead of the holiday.
The Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC is working diligently to ensure people have food for the upcoming Christmas holiday. This effort supports community needs during this festive time.
Several restaurants across Raleigh and Durham are offering dining options for those looking to eat out on Christmas Day. Whether seeking an upscale or casual experience, there are choices available.
Durham County ABC stores will close at 6 p.m. on December 24th. Information on finding a specific store's hours is available.
The Walters family is celebrating a Christmas miracle after the community stepped in to help a Chick-fil-A employee. This heartwarming event highlights the generosity of the community.
A Fayetteville bakery is experiencing a rush for pan dulce as many Latino and Hispanic families prepare for Noche Buena, the main Christmas Eve celebration. This tradition brings extra business to the bakery.
Filming is set to begin soon in North Carolina for a follow-up movie to Hallmark's 'A Biltmore Christmas.' This indicates continued production of holiday-themed films in the state.
A Wendell woman, Fatima Velasquez-Antonio, has returned to North Carolina in time for the holidays after being detained by Border Patrol. She landed at Raleigh-Durham International Airport and expressed excitement to be home.
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Durham County Animal Services anticipates a busy holiday season due to an expected increase in pet surrenders and animal bites. They are preparing for the potential surge in calls during this festive period.
Staff at UNC Health Rex in Raleigh are bringing joy to patients during Christmas week with a festive photoshoot for the tiniest patients. This initiative aims to brighten the holiday season for those spending it in the hospital.
The annual Toys to Kids toy drive in Durham is ensuring that local children have gifts to open this Christmas. Families have been picking up toy donations to make sure kids have a merry holiday.
Durham is providing a free Christmas tree recycling program to support the 'Keep Durham Beautiful' initiative. This service helps residents dispose of their trees responsibly after the holiday season.
This article lists which grocery and retail stores in the Triangle area, including Durham, will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It provides essential information for holiday shoppers.
This article details changes to trash pickup schedules for various Triangle towns, including Durham, during the Christmas and New Year's holidays. Residents can find information on adjusted collection days.
Monday, December 22, 2025
Raleigh fire stations are decking their halls for a Christmas decoration showdown as the holiday approaches. Residents will have the chance to vote for their favorite decorated firehouse.
Several restaurants in the Triangle area, including one in Durham, NC, will be open to serve patrons on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. This offers dining options for those looking to celebrate.
Sunday, December 21, 2025
Dozens of children in Durham will receive bikes for Christmas thanks to a generous donation from the Secretary of NC and her staff. This initiative ensures many local children can enjoy the holiday season with a new gift.
A North Carolina native has turned her passion into a national business creating custom wood and acrylic gifts. Among her popular items are delicate wooden Christmas ornaments featuring the state bird.
Raleigh-Durham International Airport is experiencing a surge in holiday travel as AAA predicts over 200,000 passengers in the coming weeks. This marks the final weekend before Christmas, with many travelers heading home or to destinations.
An event titled 'Christmas Joe' will feature a one-man biblical play and a concert. This free event is scheduled for 10 am and is part of the holiday festivities.
Saturday, December 20, 2025
The Durham Bulls Athletic Park has been transformed into a winter wonderland for the FestiBull of Lights. This holiday light display is open to the public and runs through January 3rd.
Friday, December 19, 2025
North Carolina musicians are rallying fans to support Toys for Tots in Lee County, aiming to ensure children have a Merry Christmas. This community effort highlights the spirit of giving during the holiday season.
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Residents of central North Carolina may be disappointed as the odds of a White Christmas are historically low. Since records began in 1887, snow on Christmas Day has been rare in the region.
Several restaurants in the Triangle area, including The Marketplace at the JB Duke in Durham, will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Options for dining in or ordering ahead meals are available.
The city of Durham, North Carolina, has withdrawn its ban on church advertisements displayed on public buses. This decision follows a previous barring of a church advertisement.
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
This article discusses navigating the madness of being at a mall two Saturdays before Christmas. It mentions Durham, NC 27702 as a location.
Monday, December 15, 2025
A weather alert has been issued for North Carolina regarding Christmas travel from December 19th to December 23rd. Travelers are advised to prepare for potential disruptions, especially at major airports like Raleigh-Durham International Airport.
Sunday, December 14, 2025
WRAL provided coverage of the 2025 Durham Holiday Parade, featuring scenes from the event. This parade is a key part of the holiday festivities in the area.
The Durham Salvation Army successfully met its Angel Tree needs, thanks in part to a viral TikTok campaign. This effort ensures many children in Durham receive Christmas gifts.
Saturday, December 13, 2025
The Pinkerton Raid is celebrating their latest release of winter-themed cover songs with a Christmas(ish) vinyl release and singalong event. The band will perform Americana-UK acclaimed songs in Durham, NC.
Friday, December 12, 2025
Durham has announced changes to its holiday schedule, including delayed trash collection. Free Christmas tree disposal will also be available downtown.
Thursday, December 11, 2025
The 2025 Durham Holiday Parade is scheduled for this Saturday at 10 am. This event is a key part of the local holiday celebrations.
Barbara Meeks was seen enjoying the giant Christmas tree at CCB Plaza in Durham. The area is decorated with bright lights and festive elements like tacky sweaters.
Durham musician Chessa Rich is featured with her "sometimes-annual" Christmas band lineup. This event is part of the local holiday entertainment offerings.
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
The 11th annual Bull City Foodraiser is currently underway to support Durham Public Schools students. This event aims to address food insecurity as students prepare for Christmas break.
North Carolina Christmas tree farms are experiencing a comeback after losing thousands of trees to Hurricane Helene in 2024. Despite past challenges, farms across the state are reporting a strong year for Christmas trees in 2025.
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Lynne Rothrock is celebrating 25 years of Christmas concerts at Opus Concert Café in Durham, North Carolina. Performances are scheduled for December 11th and 12th at 7:30 p.m., with an additional matinee on December 12th at 2:30 p.m.
Monday, December 8, 2025
The Christmas tree in Durham's CCB Plaza has finally been lit after a two-week delay. The lighting ceremony was postponed earlier due to protests.
Hundreds gathered in the Triangle area to watch Christmas trees light up the night sky during recent ceremonies. Both Cary and Durham held tree lighting events to welcome the holiday season.
The Christmas lights show at Rose of Sharon Baptist Church in Durham, NC is on display nightly starting at 5:30 p.m. This display offers a festive holiday experience for the community.
Sunday, December 7, 2025
The Durham Bulls Athletic Park is set to become a magical winter wonderland. This event will feature dazzling Christmas lights and festive displays for all to enjoy.
Saturday, December 6, 2025
The Triangle Nonprofit and Volunteer Leadership Center in Durham has issued an urgent call for community support. They are seeking sponsors for nearly 200 families to ensure they have a Christmas.
North Carolina Christmas tree farms are anticipating a stable supply and consistent prices for the 2025 holiday season. This outlook provides reassurance for consumers looking for their perfect tree.
Friday, December 5, 2025
FestiBull of Lights is turning the Durham Bulls Athletic Park into a dazzling winter wonderland. Visitors can stroll through thousands of twinkling lights during this festive event.
A Christmas pop-up bar has opened in Cary, offering a festive experience for the holiday season. The Assembly NC also mentions a guide to tree lightings and Christmas parades in the area.
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Fort Bragg officially launched its holiday season with its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. The event brought together thousands of families to celebrate the start of the festive period.
A guide to holiday events in Cary, Apex, and Morrisville has been released, featuring Christmas parades, holiday lights, festivals, and tree lightings. The Assembly NC provided this comprehensive list for the local area.
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Discover the best holiday light displays in the Triangle area, including the dog-friendly Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell. These festive illuminations are open to the public for all to enjoy.
Monday, December 1, 2025
Discover a variety of holiday festivities in the Raleigh and Durham area. Highlights include Holiday Express at Pullen Park and the NC Chinese Lantern Festival.