Last updated: November 11, 2024
Explore the festive wonders of West Raleigh with our ultimate holiday guide. From West Raleigh die-hards to casual visitors, our guide illuminates the city's seasonal splendor.
One highlight of the holiday season is the Tanglewood Festival of Lights, a dazzling display that transforms the park into a magical wonderland of illuminated scenes. Featuring festive decorations and glowing displays, the Raleigh Christmas Parade adds to the holiday excitement with its lively floats and local performances. And the Charlotte Speedway Christmas Lights is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a spectacular drive-through experience filled with festive light displays. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Spectacular Chinese lantern displays with cultural performances.
The North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival features over 2,500 handcrafted lanterns and 15,000 LED lights, showcasing Chinese culture with nightly stage performances and interactive displays.
Where: Cary | More Info: North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival
Largest Christmas Parade between Washington, DC and Atlanta.
The Raleigh Christmas Parade is a beloved annual tradition featuring over 115 entries, including marching bands, specialty vehicles, and helium balloon characters, as it winds its way through downtown Raleigh for 1.4 miles.
Where: Raleigh | More Info: Raleigh Christmas Parade
50-year-old holiday tradition with a cast of over 100.
Ira David Wood III's musical comedy adaptation of A Christmas Carol is a joyous, family-friendly show celebrating 50 years of holiday tradition. With a cast of over 100, it brings Charles Dickens' classic to life with great songs and tremendous heart, featuring topical humor and satire.
Where: Raleigh | More Info: Raleigh Little Theatre's "A Christmas Carol"
Community groups and local bands celebrating the holiday season.
The Durham Holiday Parade features hometown bands, drill teams, schools, and community groups marching down Main Street, concluding with a guest appearance from Santa.
Where: Durham | More Info: Durham Christmas Parade
Non-vehicular parade with foot, bike, and scooter traffic.
The Chapel Hill-Carrboro Community Holiday Parade is a festive and entertaining event where arts, cultural, and community groups parade down Franklin Street in downtown Chapel Hill and Carrboro. This inclusive celebration features diverse cultural and community traditions, making it a highlight of the winter holiday season.
Where: Chapel Hill | More Info: Chapel Hill-Carrboro Holiday Parade
Community-driven holiday celebration with creative floats and festive lights.
The Pittsboro Holiday Parade features beautifully decorated floats built by local groups and businesses, filled with holiday cheer and fun costumes. Twinkling holiday lights add to the festive atmosphere as marching bands, dancers, and Santa Claus parade through downtown.
Where: Pittsboro | More Info: Pittsboro Holiday Parade
Unique parade with numerous floats and vehicles in Historic Downtown Fuquay District.
The Fuquay-Varina Christmas Parade is a vibrant celebration featuring over 80 floats and vehicles traveling through Historic Downtown Fuquay District, attracting a large crowd from surrounding municipalities.
Where: Fuquay-Varina | More Info: Fuquay-Varina Christmas Parade
Community-focused holiday celebration with safety measures.
The Garner Christmas Parade is a community-driven event featuring the Town of Garner's Holiday Block Party and Tree Lighting. It includes festive activities, a parade, and safety measures to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for all participants and spectators.
Where: Garner | More Info: Garner Christmas Parade
Variety of entertaining entries including floats and marching groups.
The Happy Holly Days Parade in Holly Springs, NC, features floats, bands, dancers, decorated vehicles, and marching groups traveling through downtown Main Street. Participants can create their own entries or rent pre-decorated floats.
Where: Holly Springs | More Info: Holly Springs Christmas Parade
Only nighttime holiday parade in Wake County.
The Apex Rotary Christmas Parade is a nighttime holiday event in Wake County, featuring over 100 floats, classic cars, and a special appearance from Santa. Proceeds benefit local charities, primarily Western Wake Crisis Ministry.
Where: Apex | More Info: Apex Christmas Parade
Santa-led tree lighting with local student performances and hot chocolate.
Join Santa Claus and the Town Council for the official tree lighting event in Morrisville, featuring music, local student performances, hot chocolate, and the unveiling of new tree ornaments.
Where: Morrisville | More Info: Morrisville Christmas Parade
Community-driven holiday parade with strict safety protocols.
The Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade is a joyful celebration featuring bands, mascots, local businesses, community groups, and churches. The parade starts on E. Chatham Street at Ward Street, proceeds down E. Chatham to S. Academy Street, and ends at Dry Avenue in front of the Cary Arts Center.
Where: Cary | More Info: Cary Christmas Parade
A showcase of winter-blooming plants in a picturesque arboretum setting.
The winter garden at JC Raulston Arboretum features a stunning array of winter-blooming plants. Visitors can stroll through beautifully landscaped areas, showcasing a variety of plants that thrive in colder months. Seasonal displays highlight the beauty of nature during winter, making it a captivating experience for all ages.
Where: Raleigh | More Info: JC Raulston Arboretum Winter Garden
