Wake Forest Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Wake Forest and surrounding areas
Wake Forest invites visitors to enjoy Christmas 2025 with charming Christmas markets and plenty of things to do around historic downtown and Joyner Park, where Holiday lights and seasonal decorations create a warm backdrop. Events like the Wake Forest Cares Holiday Kickoff and Downtown Holiday Open House bring festive events, markets, and family-friendly performances to the town center. Plan on lights walks, holiday activities, and community gatherings that combine shopping, music, and seasonal treats for a classic small-town celebration.
Find the best Wake Forest Christmas happenings this year!
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Christmas Markets
18 eventsOver 200 local vendors and diverse entertainment.
Christmas Lights
17 eventsFestive train ride through holiday lights and themed activities.
Christmas Shows
14 eventsLive performance of Handel's Messiah with renowned orchestra and choir
Christmas Activities
34 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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ABC11 Raleigh Christmas Parade
(Raleigh)
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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The Nutcracker by Cary Ballet Company
(Raleigh)
Multiple Nutcracker performances across three venues
Events Happening Soon (6)
Christmas Parties Near Wake Forest
Festive dining experiences, holiday parties, and Christmas-themed food and drink events in Wake Forest.
Christmas Prix-Fixe Dinner at The Carolina Inn
Celebrate the holiday season with an exquisite Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dining...
View full details →Wake Forest Christmas Events Map
See every Christmas event, light display, and market on one map.
Also Near Wake Forest
Christmas Events Road Trips & Weekend Getaways
Worth the drive for more holiday events near Wake Forest!
Wake Forest Christmas FAQ
The Lighting of Wake Forest at Centennial Plaza is the town’s biggest annual Christmas event, featuring the lighting of a large Christmas tree, Santa’s arrival, local performances, and festive food trucks.
Wake Forest’s tradition of a community tree lighting dates back to the 1930s, and the modern event includes a synthetic, pre-lit tree to preserve local greenery, along with a family portrayal of Santa Claus unique to the town.
Popular neighborhoods for Christmas lights include areas around Fixit Shop Road, where Piper Lights is located, and New Century Road, home to the Houston Family Lights display, both known for extensive and festive decorations.
Christmas markets and local artisan fairs are typically held in downtown Wake Forest and nearby community centers, offering vendor stalls with crafts, gifts, and seasonal food & drink.
Visiting free light displays like Piper Lights and attending the Lighting of Wake Forest event are excellent budget-friendly options, along with exploring neighborhood light displays and free community markets.
Family-friendly activities include the Lighting of Wake Forest event with Santa and performances, the free train ride at Piper Lights, and local markets featuring crafts and kid-friendly holiday treats.