Last updated: November 11, 2024
Experience the festive wonders of Raleigh with our comprehensive holiday guide. From hometown residents to holiday guests, this guide showcases the best of Raleigh's festive season.
A highlight of this season is the Raleigh Christmas Parade, featuring cheerful floats and local marching bands that bring holiday spirit to the streets. The Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting Celebration captures the magic of the season with its stunning display of lights and community camaraderie. And don't forget the Holiday Express at Pullen Park, a delightful train ride through a winter wonderland that delights visitors of all ages. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Interactive light-based art installations.
Illuminate Raleigh features large-scale, interactive, and light-based art pieces that transform downtown Raleigh into a vibrant holiday display. The event showcases a variety of installations, including the iconic Downtown Raleigh Christmas Tree and interactive light displays that celebrate the city's vibrant wildlife and cultural heritage.
Where: Raleigh | More Info: Illuminate Raleigh
Drive-through holiday lights with life-sized animated displays.
Magic of Lights is a dazzling drive-through holiday lights experience featuring over a mile of spectacular light displays that bring to life your favorite holiday scenes and characters. Highlights include the larger-than-life sparkling Holiday Barbie display, the supersized Bigfoot Monster Truck, and life-sized dinosaurs in Prehistoric Christmas.
Where: Raleigh | More Info: Magic of Lights
Live music and horse-drawn carriage rides.
Light the Square in Fenton offers live music, ice skating, horse-drawn carriage rides, and a special appearance by Santa Claus, making it a delightful event for the entire family.
Where: Cary | More Info: Light the Square in Fenton
Extensive multi-colored light display along a fence line.
Holt Road Christmas Lights is a spectacular display of multi-colored lights along a fence line, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
Where: Apex | More Info: Holt Road Christmas Lights
Spectacular, handcrafted lanterns with interactive features.
The North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival features over 40 handcrafted lanterns, each with thousands of LED lights, showcasing Chinese culture and artistry. Cultural performances, including martial arts and traditional dance, take place nightly on the main stage.
Where: Cary | More Info: North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival
Free Santa pictures and shopping opportunities.
Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting Celebration features a large vendor market, local artist performances, and a Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Lichtin Plaza.
Where: Raleigh | More Info: Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting Celebration
Annual holiday festival with craft vendors and food trucks.
Wendell Wonderland is an annual holiday festival featuring craft vendors, food trucks, a cookie walk, and visits with Mr. and Mrs. Santa. Thousands gather to experience the small-town charm of Wendell during the holiday season.
Where: Wendell | More Info: Wendell Wonderland
Largest Christmas Parade between Washington, DC and Atlanta.
The Raleigh Christmas Parade is a beloved annual tradition featuring marching bands, twirlers, and elaborately costumed performers, traveling approximately 1.4 miles through Downtown Raleigh.
Where: Raleigh | More Info: Raleigh Christmas Parade
Interactive holiday activities with a sensory-friendly option.
Holiday Express at Pullen Park is an outdoor holiday event featuring a festive train ride, Santa's Toy Shop, and various activities like the Smore Station and Candy Cane Lane. The event includes sensory-friendly sessions and offers a variety of holiday treats and merchandise.
Where: Raleigh | More Info: Holiday Express at Pullen Park
Self-guided tour of historic homes with docents.
Explore historic homes in downtown Raleigh, featuring Victorian, Queen Anne, and Craftsman architectural styles, during the 53rd Annual Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour. Each property is staffed with docents who share the rich history of the homes, allowing visitors to tour at their own pace.
Where: Raleigh | More Info: Annual Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour
Natural ice skating rink with skyline views.
Ice skating at THE RINK at Red Hat Amphitheater features a Winter Wonderland themed ice rink with stunning views of the Raleigh skyline. Enjoy cozy stations, fire pits, a decorated holiday tree, and snack bars offering hot cocoa, beer, wine, and sweet treats.
Where: Raleigh | More Info: Ice Skating at THE RINK at Red Hat
Horse-drawn carriage rides with specific time slots.
Take a leisurely horse-drawn carriage ride down Main Street Fenton during the holiday season. Each ticket purchase includes an entire carriage for a specified time slot, with seating limited to four riders. Children under four years old must be accompanied by an adult, and entry onto the carriage requires the ability to negotiate steps.
Where: Cary | More Info: Holiday Carriage Rides at Fenton
