Raleigh Other Christmas Activities 2026

Spectators gather along a 1.4-mile route through downtown to watch the community holiday procession. The route begins at Hillsborough Street, passes by the State Capitol, and travels down Fayetteville Street to Lenoir Street. Visitors can watch street-side or take in...

Guests gather in the heart of Midtown Raleigh for a festive holiday program featuring live entertainment, children's crafts, and a vendor village. The celebration culminates with the arrival of Santa Claus and the lighting of the 41-foot Christmas tree amidst...

Visitors tour the interiors of ten properties in Historic Oakwood showcasing Victorian, Queen Anne, and Craftsman architecture. Guests explore at their own pace in any order, with porch hosts greeting arrivals and docents sharing the history of each home. Complimentary...

Board the Historic Raleigh Trolley alongside Holly the Elf to help track down Santa across Raleigh in time for Christmas. Guests can also gather at the park before or after the ride to make a s’more.

This Halloween-meets-Christmas market features Krampus, over 40 themed vendors, food trucks, and special guests. Children can receive a treat from the check-in treasure chest, while visitors of all ages can join a scavenger hunt to track down holiday gambits for...

Guests gather for an evening of musical worship centered on the birth of Jesus Christ. The program features live performances by a choir and orchestra sharing musical selections focused on hope and redemption.

Players participate in a four-hour tabletop role-playing game session led by professional Dungeon Masters. The December campaign centers on a quest to stop Krampus after an attack on Santa's Workshop and the theft of the Naughty and Nice Lists. Tables...

Participants craft their own decorated holiday wreath to take home. The workshop supplies all necessary materials, including natural wreath forms, dried flowers, seasonal ribbons, pins, and wire. Each registered guest makes one wreath.

Visitors walk through larger-than-life illuminated lantern displays hand-crafted on silk fabric over steel frames, including a massive floating dragon display on Symphony Lake. In addition to the light sculptures, guests can watch live cultural arts performances on the main stage....

Visitors gather along downtown streets to watch a holiday procession featuring marching bands, mascots, local businesses, community groups, and churches. The route proceeds along East Chatham Street, turns onto South Academy Street, and finishes in front of the Cary Arts...

Spectators gather along Main Street to cheer on hometown bands, drill teams, schools, and community groups. The procession features colorful floats and mascots making their way through downtown. Festivities wrap up with a guest appearance from Santa.

The parade travels through downtown Apex, starting at Ambergate Station and The Peakway, continuing down Salem Street, and concluding on Upchurch Street. Spectators can watch registered floats, vehicles, walkers, and middle and high school marching bands. Candy is also handed...

Spectators can watch a holiday procession make its way through downtown. The parade features floats, marching bands, dancers, decorated vehicles, and marching groups.

Community members and the Apex Town Council gather for the annual lighting of the tree. Visitors can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus for seasonal photos, stop by interactive craft stations, and browse goods from local holiday vendors. Entertainment throughout the...

Visitors can explore the historic 1870s hotel decorated in holiday splendor while listening to carolers in Dickensian costume singing throughout the building. Children can work on a holiday craft while guests snack on festive cookies and cider. The gathering offers...

Visitors gather at the Great Lawn Pavilion to watch the lighting of the menorah in celebration of the third night of Hanukkah. The evening includes festive holiday music and sweet treats for attendees. Children can also take part in a...

Visitors can bring their dogs to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus for holiday pet photos. The evening features a canine holiday ugly sweater contest and a holiday pup-up market. Guests can also participate in a canine food and toy drive.

Organized by the Chabad of Cary, this community celebration marks the beginning of the Jewish eight-day festival of lights. Attendees can enjoy an afternoon filled with games, crafts, and food. The gathering concludes with a menorah lighting ceremony on Town...

Families with all types of special needs can experience the holiday tradition of visiting with Santa in a comforting setting. The event provides a supportive environment with accommodations tailored to sensory, physical, and developmental needs.

Participants craft hand-poured soy candles and artisan goat's milk soaps inside Fenton's decorated igloo workshop space. Guided step-by-step through approachable techniques, makers customize their items with selected fragrances, botanicals, exfoliants, and decorative elements. Everyone leaves with finished handmade candles and...

Spectators can stake out a curbside spot to watch local community groups and businesses parade through the streets. Participants walk, dance, bike, and scoot along the route. Afterward, visitors can spend time exploring the surrounding downtown shops and restaurants.

Spectators gather along Churton Street in downtown Hillsborough to watch an annual holiday procession. The parade showcases marching bands, cheerleaders, dance troupes, classic cars, local businesses, floats, and an appearance by Santa Claus. Attendees can also explore downtown shops and...

Guests gather along Raiford Street in the heart of downtown Selma to watch an evening parade featuring entries decorated with twinkling lights. The celebration also includes the annual community tree lighting and an appearance by Santa Claus to kick off...

The annual Pittsboro Parade showcases decorated floats built by local businesses and community groups. Spectators can enjoy festive costumes, vibrant floats, and twinkling lights.

Participants dress up in festive elf gear to run a fast, mostly downhill one-mile chip-timed course through town. The race follows the holiday parade route, allowing runners to speed past thousands of cheering spectators lining the streets. The course takes...

Storyteller Liz Z Pardue shares odd traditions and folklore from North Carolina's holiday history. The presentation takes place at the historic Colonial Inn.

Spectators gather in Downtown Wilson along Nash Street to watch a festive holiday procession featuring community floats, vehicles, marching bands, and dance groups. A dedicated Sensory Zone offers a calmer viewing environment where parade entries turn off flashing lights and...

Lace up your skates for a magical winter experience at The Rink at Red Hat Amphitheater! Glide across a festive, winter wonderland-themed ice rink, perfect for all ages. Warm up by the fire pits or in cozy lounge areas. Capture...

Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season with the Joy of the Season Master Chorale performance. This special event promises a heartwarming musical experience, perfect for ushering in holiday cheer. Join them for an evening of beautiful melodies and...

Experience an enchanted holiday evening designed for adults. This event offers a festive atmosphere with holiday cheer, perfect for a grown-up night out during the holiday season.

WRAL First Night Raleigh is the city's premier New Year's Eve destination, offering a full day of festivities for thousands of residents. The celebration kicks off in the early afternoon with outdoor musical performances and a dedicated Children's Celebration. As...

Join the 66th annual WRAL Tower Lighting, a cherished tradition illuminating the Raleigh, Durham, and Rocky Mount towers. This festive event features live music, holiday cheer, and special broadcasts, including a look at the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting. The...

Experience the festive spirit of the Smithfield Christmas Parade, a beloved community event that brings holiday cheer to downtown. This annual tradition features a vibrant procession of creative floats, local marching bands, and community participants, all coming together to celebrate...

Celebrate the festive season in Fuquay-Varina with a charming collection of holiday events. Witness the magical Town Tree Lighting Ceremony, enjoy the vibrant Christmas Parade, and be dazzled by the holiday lights at Mineral Spring Park. The Arts Center hosts...

Lace up your skates for the highly anticipated Skate the Square at Fenton, returning for the 2025-26 season. This outdoor ice rink offers a festive winter experience for all ages. Enjoy 75-minute skating sessions and take advantage of special discount...

Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Kwanzaa at this vibrant celebration. Curated by Darrell Stover, the event showcases the best of the Triangle's African cultural performers, including dancers, drummers, storytellers, and visual artists. Discover how scholarship and performance intertwine...

The Rocky Mount Christmas Parade is a cherished downtown tradition that draws crowds from across the city. Spectators can look forward to a dazzling display of floats, live animals, and festive sights, culminating in a special appearance by Santa Claus...

Get ready for the annual Goldsboro Christmas Parade, a cherished community tradition! This festive event brings together local businesses, organizations, and families to celebrate the holiday season with decorated floats and marching bands. It's a perfect opportunity to spread Christmas...

Kick off the holiday season with the enchanting Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at Fort Liberty's Main Post Parade Field. This beloved event features the ceremonial lighting of the Garrison Christmas Tree, a magical visit from Santa Claus, and thrilling performances...