Raleigh Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Raleigh and surrounding areas
Raleigh unveils Christmas 2025 with Christmas markets and plenty of things to do centered around Downtown and Fayetteville Street where civic lights and local traditions glow. Catch the ABC11 Raleigh Christmas Parade, The Nutcracker by Carolina Ballet, or the Cary Ballet Company’s performances while exploring holiday attractions near the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. Between seasonal markets, festive events, and neighborhood displays, Raleigh’s holiday activities serve up warm, family-friendly entertainment throughout the season.
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Christmas Markets
20 eventsOver 200 local vendors and diverse entertainment.
Christmas Lights
20 eventsFestive train ride through holiday lights and themed activities.
Christmas Shows
16 eventsLive performance of Handel's Messiah with renowned orchestra and choir
Other Christmas Activities
39 eventsLargest Christmas parade between Washington, D.C. and Atlanta.
Editor's Picks (6)
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Holiday Express at Pullen Park
Festive train ride through holiday lights and themed activities.
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ABC11 Raleigh Christmas Parade
Largest Christmas parade between Washington, D.C. and Atlanta.
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FestiBull of Lights
(Durham)
Holiday light display at a baseball park
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Handel's Messiah
(Chapel Hill)
Live performance of Handel's Messiah with renowned orchestra and choir
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Rocky Mount Christmas Parade
(Rocky Mount)
Annual downtown Christmas parade with Santa
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MAKRS Holiday Fest
Over 200 local vendors and diverse entertainment.
This Week / Coming Up (6)
Christmas Parties Near Raleigh
Festive dining experiences, holiday parties, and Christmas-themed food and drink events in Raleigh.
Christmas Prix-Fixe Dinner at The Carolina Inn
Festive Christmas Eve and Christmas Day prix-fixe dinner
View Our Interactive Map for More Events Around Raleigh
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Raleigh Christmas FAQ
Raleigh’s biggest annual Christmas events include the North Hills Tree Lighting, Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting, and the Holly Springs Happy Holly Days Christmas Parade.
Raleigh’s holiday traditions include the Illuminate Art Walk, neighborhood light displays, and community tree lighting ceremonies that bring families together each year.
Winter Song Road and Bedford are known for their festive neighborhood displays, but many Raleigh neighborhoods feature holiday lights each season.
Christmas markets and local makers can be found at North Hills, downtown Raleigh, and various community centers throughout the city.
Free holiday activities in Raleigh include visiting Christmas light displays, attending tree lighting ceremonies, and exploring seasonal markets and walking trails.
Families with kids enjoy the Raleigh Christmas Lights, Winter Song Road displays, tree lighting events, and seasonal markets with crafts and Santa visits.