Holiday Events in Raleigh 

Are you searching for the best holiday events in Raleigh, NC, this season? Here are the biggest holiday events in Raleigh that are perfect for the whole family! 

The holiday season is the happiest time of year and is known for bringing friends and family together to celebrate. Raleigh, North Carolina, is one of the best places to be during the holidays because it hosts many festive light displays, holiday markets, parades, tree lightings, outdoor skating rinks, and other seasonal events. 

Most holiday events in Raleigh begin in November and end in the new year, meaning there is plenty of time to purchase tickets and plan for events you and your family want to attend. 

Whether you want to visit a pop-up cocktail bar with friends or attend a special holiday performance with a loved one, Raleigh offers both ticketed and free events. 

Check out these popular holiday events in Raleigh this year 

1. The Nutcracker, presented by the Carolina Ballet 

Performance Dates: December 12-24, 2024 

The Nutcracker is a classical ballet presented by the Carolina Ballet annually at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium. Considered Carolina Ballet's most attended performance, this beautiful ballet features stunning costumes and new choreography each year. 

Set on Christmas Eve in a child's imagination, there is no better way to celebrate the holiday season than by seeing The Nutcracker performed live. Tickets to this family-friendly performance can be bought online or at the box office. 

2. Skate the Square at Fenton 

Rink Dates: November 8th, 2024 through February 9th, 2025 

Skate the Square is a fun and family-friendly event at Fenton in Cary from the beginning of November through February. This outdoor ice skating rink in Fenton Square began in November 2022 and has become an event many Triangle residents look forward to each year. 

All skaters must be three years or older, and an adult must accompany any skater under the age of 12. Tickets are available online and are on a first-come-first-serve basis. Ticket purchases include skate rentals, but guests can bring their skates. 

3. A Christmas Carol, presented by Theatre in the Park 

Performance Dates: December 6-8, 2024 in Raleigh and December 18-22, 2024 in Durham 

A Christmas Carol, presented by Theatre in the Park, is a unique adaptation of Charles Dickens's classic novella, considered a timeless Christmas story. A Raleigh tradition, this performance will occur December 6-8, 2024, at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts in Downtown Raleigh and December 18-22, 2024, at the Durham Center of Performing Arts, which is known for its live music performances and comedy shows. 

4. Christmas Parades Throughout the Triangle  

There is no better way to celebrate the holiday season than with a parade. Raleigh and its many beautiful suburbs are known for hosting Christmas parades that spread joy and get everyone excited about the upcoming holidays. 

Check out these local favorite Christmas parades throughout the Triangle: 

Raleigh Christmas Parade: The 80th annual Raleigh Christmas Parade will occur on November 23rd, 2024, in Downtown Raleigh and is presented by Shop Local Raleigh.  

Cary Jaycee Christmas Parade: Occurring on December 14th, 2024, this Christmas parade begins on East Chatham Street, proceeds to South Academy Street, and ends at Dry Avenue in front of the Cary Arts Center. 

Apex Rotary Christmas Parade: Visit the Rotary Christmas Parade in Apex on December 7th, 2024, at 5 PM. It is known to be the only nighttime holiday parade in Wake County. The parade starts at Apex Peakway and ends at Moore Street. 

Fuquay-Varina Christmas Parade: On December 8th, 2024, at 4 PM, the parade will begin in Historic Downtown Fuquay Varina and will feature over 80 floats. 

Happy Holly Days Christmas Parade: This parade will be held on December 14th, 2024, at 10 AM and will feature floats, bands, dancers, and decorated vehicles. 

5. Tree Lightings Throughout the Triangle 

Tree lighting events mark the beginning of the holiday season, and there are many tree lightings throughout the Triangle this year to add to your calendar. If you are still looking for a Christmas tree for your home, check out a tree lighting. 

Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting Celebration: Located at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts in Downtown Raleigh, watch as the Christmas tree shines on November 22nd, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 8 PM. 

North Hills Christmas Lighting Event: This annual Christmas tree lighting celebration is a beloved event in the heart of Midtown on November 23rd, 2024, from 4 PM to 7 PM. 

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Cary: The Cary Tree Lighting Ceremony in Downtown Cary Park will be held on December 7th, 2024, at 6 PM. It is free and open to the public. 

Light the Square Fenton: This annual tree lighting ceremony, perfect for the whole family, will occur on November 23rd, 2024, from 3 PM to 7 PM. There will be ice skating, horse-drawn carriage rides, and an appearance by Santa Claus. 

6. North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival 

Dates: November 16, 2024 to January 12, 2025 

The North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival is a traditional Chinese festival that occurs annually in Cary, North Carolina, during the holiday season. Located at Koka Booth Amphitheatre, known for its live music, cultural festivals, and community events, the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival will return to the area for its ninth year. 

Attracting over 200,000 visitors each year, the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival is one of the most anticipated events in Cary. In 2023, it had a $7 million impact on the local economy, $1.8 million more than in 2022. 

All lanterns at the festival are handcrafted and made in China. LED lights light them, and new displays, lanterns, and routes are featured yearly, making it a new and unique experience for visitors. 

Tickets for any night can be bought online. The gates to the event open at 6 PM and close at 10 PM, and the gates for the Twilight experience open at 4:30 PM. A sensory-friendly night is scheduled for December 3, 2024, and is perfect for individuals who want lower decibel music, decreased crowds, no strobe or flashing lights, and access to a quiet area. 

7. Jolly Raleigh Holiday Market 

Date: December 7th, 2024 

Time: 11 AM to 5 PM 

Get your holiday shopping done at the Jolly Raleigh Holiday Market at Raleigh Iron Works. Hosted by Shop Local Raleigh and Beth's Christmas, this festive event on December 7th will feature a selection of local vendors selling unique holiday gifts, crafts, and seasonal treats. 

This is the perfect event to bring the whole family. It is a great way to support small businesses in the Triangle area and discover local vendors. Enjoy a variety of festive beverages while you get your shopping done. 

8. Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour 

Dates: December 14th and 15th, 2024 

Time: 1 PM to 7 PM each day 

Ticket Price: $40 for regular tickets and $38 for large groups 

If you want to learn about history this holiday season, attend the 53rd Annual Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour. Presented by The Society For the Preservation of Historic Oakwood, this event helps to preserve and protect the Historic Oakwood neighborhood since it is considered the largest intact 19th-century residential neighborhood in North Carolina. 

As one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Raleigh and most sought-after by young professionals, Historic Oakwood is located in the middle of Downtown Raleigh and is a community of homes that date from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s. 

This event features Victorian, Queen Anne, and Craftsman architectural styles. Visitors can tour the insides of ten historic properties in the community and learn the history of each home. Tickets are limited and are known to sell out. 

Check-in for the tour is required at The Tucker House on Person Street, and properties can be toured in any order at your own pace. It is reccommended to allow at least three hours for the tour. 

9. See a North Carolina Symphony Performance 

Enjoy a holiday performance by the North Carolina Symphony at Meymandi Concert Hall in Raleigh from the end of November through December.

Buy tickets for these upcoming events: 

Cirque Holiday Pops: On November 27th and 29th, listen to holiday music performed by the symphony while acrobatics and contortionists perform on stage. 

Classical Christmas with Carlos: On December 6th and 7th, celebrate the season with Music Director Carlos Miguel Prieto while he conducts selections from Bach's Christmas Oratorio and Handel's Messiah. 

Ugly Sweater Holiday Pops: On December 13th, wear your favorite Christmas sweater while listening to classic Holiday favorites. 

A Candlelight Christmas with the North Carolina Symphony Holiday Brass: On December 20th, 21st, and 22nd, enjoy the sounds of the season performed by the North Carolina Symphony. 

10. Visit a Holiday Pop-Up 

Many Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bars are opening up all over the Triangle, and they are a fun way to get festive this holiday season. They feature magical decorations, specialty holiday drinks, and plenty of holiday music.

Check out the over-the-top holiday-themed pop-ups in Raleigh: 

AVA Wonderland: Located in Fenton at AVA Rooftop Bar Cary, this holiday pop-up bar will feature gift card giveaways, holiday music bingo, and s'mores. Open November 14th through December 28th; reservations are required. 

St. Nick's Christmas House: Located in the heart of Downton Raleigh, this non-traditional Christmas experience features holiday drinks, decorations, and events. Reservations are required. 

Sippin' Santa at Wye Hill: Celebrate the holidays at Wye Hill between November 15th and December 31st for over-the-top decorations and a creative cocktail menu. 

Miracle at the Haymaker: This Christmas-themed cocktail bar will be open from November 24th through December 31st and will feature lots of holiday spirit, delicious cocktails, and fun decorations. 

FAQs 

How long is the Raleigh Christmas Parade route? 

The Raleigh Christmas Parade travels approximately 1.4 miles through Downtown Raleigh, beginning on Hillsborough Street and disbanding at Lenoir Street.

Why is the Raleigh Christmas Parade so early? 

Since 1939, The Raleigh Christmas Parade has been held the Saturday before Thanksgiving to kick off the holiday season, promote local businesses, and encourage residents to shop. The weather in November also tends to be sunny with beautiful fall foliage. 

When was the last White Christmas in Raleigh, NC? 

The last time a true White Christmas occurred in Raleigh was 88 years ago, in 1935, when it snowed 4.6 inches. In 2010, it only snowed 0.4 inches on Christmas Day. Unfortunately, there is a less than 10% chance that a White Christmas will occur in Raleigh. 

Methodology 

To determine the best holiday events in Raleigh, NC, data and information were sourced from ABC 11 Eyewitness News, WRAL, and the Raleigh News and Observer. 

Fun Holiday Events in Raleigh, NC - Final Thoughts 

No matter how you want to spend the holidays, there are plenty of ways to get involved and spread holiday cheer when living in Raleigh. If you are moving to the area and are ready to start your home search, contact the Real Estate specialists at Raleigh Realty. We are happy to help you find your dream home in the Triangle area.