EVENT CALENDAR
Skate the Square Fenton
Lace up and embrace the winter fun at Skate the Square in Fenton — an outdoor ice‑skating rink open from early November through February. Whether you’re gliding solo, with friends, or the whole family, it’s the perfect way to kick off the holiday season under the stars. Bring your own skates (or rent on site), pick a time slot, and get ready for a 75‑minute session of glides, laughs and festive vibes.
Cheapskate Day – Every Monday – $15.00 +Tax
Blades & Badges – Every Tuesday. Veterans, military, police, firefighters, EMS, Doctors & Nurses can enjoy discounted skating tickets every Tuesday – $15.00 +Tax.*
COST: $18.00 + Tax
North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival
Experience the Magic of the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival
Join us in Cary, North Carolina, for the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival, a spectacular holiday event perfect for the whole family. From November 15 through January 11, immerse yourself in a world of wonder with thousands of handcrafted, illuminated lanterns showcasing various themes. This walk-through experience also features captivating cultural performances, a variety of concessions, and interactive elements that delight both children and adults.
This year, we are thrilled to celebrate a decade of dazzling displays. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this enchanting tradition!
COST: Many options starting at $16.74
The North Hills Santa Experience
Santa is coming to North Hills for another season of holiday magic! Visit him in his new festive home in the Lassiter District (former lululemon space) for a memorable photo experience.
Book your visit online to reserve a personal time slot—your $20 deposit goes toward photo purchases. Walk-ins are welcome as space allows.
Create a new holiday tradition and capture the joy of the season with Santa at North Hills!
COST: $20 deposit required (pricing varies depending on packaging)
The RINK at Red Hat 2025
tep into a downtown winter wonderland at The Rink at Red Hat Amphitheater in Raleigh. From November 22 through January 4, glide across a natural-ice rink beneath the city skyline, cozy up around fire pits and lounge stations, and capture holiday memories by the 20-ft decorated tree. Whether you’re skating, sipping hot cocoa, or settling into one of the private “igloo” seats, this seasonal experience brings the festive magic to the heart of downtown.
COST:
Skater Admission: $15* includes skate rental
Non-Skater Admission: $6*
*taxes and fees may apply
Ages 2+ require a ticket to enter.
Happy Holly Days Parade
We look forward to seeing you Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 for our Happy Holly Days Parade! The Happy Holly Days Parade is held the second Saturday of December. Floats, bands, dancers, decorated vehicles, marching groups and all sorts of entertaining entries travel Main Street through downtown.
COST: Free to attend
54th Annual Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour
Get ready to take a walk through history this holiday season, as ten properties in the Historic Oakwood neighborhood open their doors to visitors during the Annual Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour®.
There's a feeling of a small town community right in the middle of Downtown Raleigh. Historic Oakwood is a community of homes mostly dated from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s. There's a continuing effort to preserve the Victorian, Queen Anne, and Craftsman architectural styles of these homes from a century ago. The immaculate care of the exteriors of the homes is only a prelude to the beauty and attention to detail given to the interiors.
COST: $43 regular, $40 groups
Jill M Taylor Dance Company's Nutcracker Show
Nutcracker 2025
Date:
December 14th, 2025 at 2PM & 6PM
Location:
Rolesville High School Auditorium, 1099 E Young St, Rolesville, NC 27571
Cost: $27-$29
Paws with Claus: Holiday Photos
Bring your furry friends for a jolly good time at our Paws with Claus event! Celebrate the holiday season by snapping adorable photos of your beloved dogs with Santa Claus. Our festive setup is perfect for capturing the cutest holiday moments with your four-legged family members. Enjoy a cheerful atmosphere, complete with holiday decorations, treats, and plenty of wagging tails!
In addition to complimentary photos with Santa, you can choose to have a holiday photo session with photographer Tara Lynn, fees apply.
Please note, due to Santa’s popularity, there may be a wait to meet him upon your arrival. Additionally, to ensure everyone gets their chance, the line to meet Santa may close approximately 30 minutes before 5 p.m., depending on the crowd. We appreciate your understanding as we strive to make this experience magical for all!
COST: Free to attend
Holiday Cookie Decorating Class
Join Tricia from Darlin’ Designs Baking Co. on Monday, December 15th at 6:30 pm to decorate showstopping holiday cookies. Enjoy a glass of sparkling wine and get hands-on instruction to decorate your cookies. Your ticket includes a glass of sparkling wine, 6 cookies to decorate, and icing.
COST: $65 per person
Silent Disco Night at Dix Park| Festive Fridays
Event Details
Celebrate the season with fun for all ages at Festive Fridays at Dix Park!
Tree Lighting - Friday, December 5
Enjoy holiday crafts, activities and a merry and bright tree lighting in Fountain Plaza.
Reindeer Ride - Friday, December 12
Decorate your bike or scooter, throw on your favorite holiday outfit, and join holly jolly group ride through Dix Park.
Silent Disco Night - Friday, December 19
Dance under the stars in your ugliest holiday sweater to celebrate the winter solstice.
COST: Free to attend
Handcrafted Holiday Market
Their biggest Holiday Market yet at the NC State Fairgrounds. Join us on Saturday and Sunday for shopping from over 200 local Makers, enjoy live music, food trucks, and meet Santa!
Event Times:
Saturday, December 20, 10:00am-5:00pm
Sunday, December 21, 10:00am-3:00pm
General Admission is $5 online or $7 at the door + Children 16 and under are free to attend. Admission grants you access for both days.
The NC State Fairgrounds has tons of FREE parking. It's your LAST chance to shop local before the Holidays!
Supper Club at Pimiento Tea Room
Join Chef Christy and Sommelier Matt Weiss for a one-of-a-kind dining experience at this month’s Supper Club. Each event features a 7-course tasting menu that highlights familiar ingredients in inventive ways, paired with 7 expertly selected wines for the ultimate food-and-wine lover’s night out.
All proceeds benefitting CureSearch for Children’s Cancer, you’re not just enjoying a great night out, but funding life-saving research so that more children can have their happily-ever-afters!
COST: Tickets are $90 each (gratuity not included).
Christmas with The Embers
One of the hottest tickets in town last December, for the second year in a row, was The Embers’ sold-out Christmas spectacular at The Rialto.
The beach music icons and their many special guests (think Rudolph, Frosty, and Santa of course) will be back at The Rialto this December 23rd and we expect no different!
Join us for the 3rd Annual Christmas with The Embers featuring Craig Woolard!
COST: $19+
Paint Your Pet Night
Join us for a fun self led painting event where we’ll be painting your pets from an image of your choice! Gray Duck Art will turn your photo into a paint-by-number canvas, making it easy and enjoyable for everyone. Don’t have a pet? No problem! Our artists can prepare a kit featuring nearly any subject—just reach out if you’re unsure and we’ll help you choose the perfect image.
After purchasing your ticket, please email us a photo of your pet following the directions at grayduckart.com/class. Photo submissions must be received 3 WEEKS prior to the event to ensure we have time to create your custom artwork.
Each ticket includes a hand-drawn paint-by-number canvas and a full set of custom-mixed paints, all created by local artists from the Twin Cities (learn more about our team at grayduckart.com/about).
No painting experience needed—just show up and have fun!
COST: $68-$99
WRAL First Night Raleigh
Festivities begin with the early afternoon City Plaza outdoor musical performances and the Children’s Celebration at 2pm. Performances and activities will continue throughout the evening across multiple indoor venues throughout Downtown Raleigh. The night is capped off with music on the outdoor Main Stage, the famous Raleigh Acorn Drop, and a spectacular fireworks show.
COST: TBD (visit link below for updates)
NYE at Heights House
Celebrate the arrival of 2026 with an ALL INCLUSIVE unforgettable night in Downtown Raleigh. Enjoy an Aperitivo hour and explore the historical landmark that is Heights House Hotel. Then, head outside to our heated, beautifully styled tent, featuring mixed metals-inspired décor that creates a warm, modern, and upscale atmosphere under the stars. Enjoy a thoughtfully curated multi-course dinner by Snap Pea Creative Dining, with wine service flowing throughout, this culinary experience will set the tone for the night ahead.
As the evening transitions into celebration, make your way inside for a sparkling countdown to midnight. Dance the night away as DJ Amha provides the soundtrack for the party, capture memories at the photo booth, and keep the night going with mixed drinks, wine, and beer from our Parlor bar. Champagne toast at Midnight along with late night snacks.
ABOUT SNAP PEA CREATIVE DINING:
Snap Pea is a small team of cooks who are passionate about creating magical dining experiences. They approach each event as an opportunity to surprise & delight, serving food that is not only creative and delicious, but deeply rooted in North Carolina’s incredible farming community. The food is whimsical, but approachable; inspired, yet deeply personal. Check them out at snappeanc.com
ATTIRE:
-Formal, Black Tie optional. Mixed metal accents is the theme for the evening, gold, silver, bronze, or metallic hues.
-Men may opt for a tuxedo or a sharp dark suit, while women are invited to wear floor-length gowns, or elevated cocktail dresses.
*Overnight stays at the Hotel are fully booked*
CANCELLATION: Ticket holders may cancel up to 14 days in advance for a full refund. Any cancellations made within two weekend will not receive a refund.
COST: $460 per ticket
Living in Y2K: An Early 2000s New Year's Eve Dance Party
Come celebrate the turn of the millenium all over again with Living in Y2K's extra special New Year's Eve dance party! Free Y2K Gifts, a costume contest, and a champagne toast at midnight! Sounds by SASHA, yourboyjarv and a special guest!
COST: $12
Winterfest
Join the Cary Town Band for our spectacular annual Winterfest concert, a joyous and uplifting musical celebration of the holiday season! This year’s event will light up the Cary Arts Center with festive music for the holidays, culminating in our cherished Christmas carol sing-along. Delight in unique and enchanting arrangements of classic seasonal tunes and let Winterfest ’25 be the unforgettable highlight that kicks off your holiday festivities!
COST: Free to attend
Reindeer Ride at Dix Park| Festive Fridays
Event Details
Celebrate the season with fun for all ages at Festive Fridays at Dix Park!
Tree Lighting - Friday, December 5
Enjoy holiday crafts, activities and a merry and bright tree lighting in Fountain Plaza.
Reindeer Ride - Friday, December 12
Decorate your bike or scooter, throw on your favorite holiday outfit, and join holly jolly group ride through Dix Park.
Silent Disco Night - Friday, December 19
Dance under the stars in your ugliest holiday sweater to celebrate the winter solstice.
COST: Free to attend
Pajamas & Prosecco
Celebrate the holiday season in style at Pajamas + Prosecco, a cozy evening hosted by Bubbly Plus at Haven. Slip into your favorite festive pajamas and unwind with friends as you enjoy laughter, conversation, and prosecco flights thoughtfully curated for the night. Set against Haven’s warm and inviting atmosphere, this intimate event is the perfect way to sip, socialize, and kick off the holidays in comfort and cheer.
Guests are invited to arrive between 6–8 PM on December 10th at 8521 Buffaloe Rd, Knightdale, NC.
Space is limited—reserve your bubbly flight early to secure your spot for this sparkling holiday experience!
COST: $18
33rd Annual Boylan Heights Artwalk
Kick off the holiday season at the 33rd Annual Boylan Heights ArtWalk. This beloved event features more than 150 talented artists and craftspeople showcasing an incredible variety of work, including glass, jewelry, metal, wood, fiber, clay and ceramics, photography, prints, multimedia, and painting. Explore unique creations displayed on the neighborhood’s porches, yards, and sidewalks, and immerse yourself in the local art scene.
Admission is free, and you can enjoy delicious food available for purchase from the Boylan Neighborhood Association and several food trucks. Spend the day discovering art, meeting makers, and celebrating creativity in the heart of the community!
COST: Free to attend
NCMA Gingerbread Tea
Join us in celebrating the holiday season at the Gingerbread Tea! We will offer a family-friendly and festive afternoon tea celebration in the NCMA Café (West Building). The tea will feature a festive variety of finger sandwiches, premium hot teas and cocoa, and savory and sweet treats. Add on a cookie decorating activity for bonus holiday fun!
COST: $75 per adult, $35 per child
Garner Christmas Parade
The Garner Optimist Club and the Town of Garner are partnering this year to combine the town’s holiday block party.
This makes for an afternoon of fun and a twilight parade!
2:00pm to 4:30pm Holiday Block Party (Town of Garner) - Garner Recreation Center Greenspace and Main Street
Food Vendors
Arepa Culture
Blackberry Creek Kettle Corn
Bolt Drinks and Coffee
Chick-N-Que
4:30pm Parade Start Time
5:30pm Parade End Time
Santa Paws Charity Event
Join them for the Santa Paws Charity Event, supporting local pets through Taylor's Team. Bring your dog to enjoy treats, pup cups, and a photo with Santa against a festive backdrop. Make a donation of dog food or blankets to receive free tokens, participate in a raffle with prizes, and sip on a special Tito's cocktail menu, which contributes to a $500 donation in support of Taylor's Team’s mission to provide resources and financial assistance for pet care.
COST: Free to attend
Jolly Raleigh Holiday Market
Sip, shop, and celebrate the season at the Jolly Raleigh Holiday Market!
Join us on December 6th at Raleigh Iron Works for the perfect opportunity to sip local drinks, shop for local gifts, and cherish the community coming together to celebrate the holiday season!
🎁 Vendor Market
🍾 Festive Drinks
🚛 Food Trucks
👩🎨 Kid’s Crafts
🎨 Face Painting
🎅 Pictures with Santa Claus
🎷 Triangle Sax Ensemble | 12:00 – 2:00
🎶 Carolina Harmony Chorus | 4:15 – 4:45
You can expect handcrafted treasures, artisanal treats, kids activities, and unique gifts, all while sipping on your favorite festive beverages! Help us capture the magic of the holidays, with every smile, sip, and thoughtful action!
COST: Free to attend
Holiday Artisans Market 2025
The annual Wake Forest Holiday Artisans Market, presented by ARTS Wake Forest and the Wake Forest Guild of Artists, will take place on December 6, 2025, from 10 AM to 4 PM. This outdoor event will be held in Centennial Plaza and the Wake Forest Town Hall parking lot, located at 301 S. Brooks Street in Downtown Wake Forest.
The Holiday Market will be held rain or shine and is presented the same day as the Town of Wake Forest’s Downtown Holiday Open House. Visitors will have the opportunity to shop a diverse selection of original, handcrafted items available at various price points. As a juried market, all participating artists and artisans are selected based on the quality of their work, and every item for sale is an original creation made by the artist.
Combined with the Downtown Holiday Open House, the Holiday Artisans Market provides the perfect occasion to enjoy a festive day in Downtown Wake Forest while supporting local artists and businesses.
COST: Free to attend
Arthritis Foundation: Jingle Bell Run 5K
Get ready for this year’s Jingle Bell Run, the original festive race for charity brought to you by the Arthritis Foundation. Wear your favorite holiday gear, and let's jingle all the way toward a cure!
Whether you're running, walking, or strolling, bring your friends, family, and coworkers along for the ride. Together, we're spreading joy and making strides towards a brighter future — saying "YES" to life, despite arthritis.
Don't miss out on this special occasion to make a real difference while celebrating four decades of impact with the Jingle Bell Run. Let's lace up, hit the pavement, and jingle our way toward victory over arthritis!
Holiday Terrarium Workshop
Build a holiday terrarium! A merry mix of plants, sparkle, and cheer—just in time for the season.
Get into the holiday spirit with this cozy, hands-on workshop where you’ll create your very own festive terrarium—a perfect addition to your seasonal décor or a thoughtful handmade gift!
We’ll walk you through the process of building a beautiful, winter-inspired terrarium using live plants, moss, and cheerful holiday accents like tiny trees, ornaments, pinecones, and sparkle. Whether you go classic and elegant or fun and whimsical, your terrarium will be uniquely yours.
This workshop is beginner-friendly and full of festive vibes, making it the perfect way to kick off the season with creativity, community, and greenery.
🎁 All materials included (glass container, plant, moss, and decor)
🌿 Learn how to care for your terrarium year-round
✨ No experience needed—just bring your holiday cheer!
🛍️ Includes a 10% off coupon to shop at Urban Pothos
COST: $53.49
Tree Lighting at Dix Park | Festive Fridays
Event Details
Celebrate the season with fun for all ages at Festive Fridays at Dix Park!
Tree Lighting - Friday, December 5
Enjoy holiday crafts, activities and a merry and bright tree lighting in Fountain Plaza.
Reindeer Ride - Friday, December 12
Decorate your bike or scooter, throw on your favorite holiday outfit, and join holly jolly group ride through Dix Park.
Silent Disco Night - Friday, December 19
Dance under the stars in your ugliest holiday sweater to celebrate the winter solstice.
COST: Free to attend
Downtown Fuquay-Varina Sleigh Rides
Every year, as part of the Town’s Tree Lighting event, the FVDA is thrilled to host Sleigh Rides for the community. As a friend of FVDA, you have priority access to Sleigh Ride tickets/Fast Passes. Once these are distributed, a limited number of tickets are made available for public sale. However, in previous years, demand has been high, and tickets have sold out quickly, leaving some community members disappointed.
To make ticket distribution fairer, any remaining tickets will be sold ($7 each sold in groups of 2) through a lottery system. If you’d like a chance to purchase tickets, please fill out the form below. We’ll notify participants on the Monday before the event. Each person selected in the lottery will be limited to a maximum of 4 tickets.
Thank you for being a part of this festive tradition, and good luck in the lottery!
Pottery + Plants - Holiday Edition| Adult Class (ages 16+)
Hand-build a ceramic plant pot and get a free plant from our partners at Copperline Plant Co. Instructor: Mary Parker
This is a two- part workshop that will meet on Thursdays December 4 + 11 (6-9pm both days). Participants will be asked to visit Copperline Plant Co. to claim their free plants!
Build a hand-crafted plant pot that you’ll be proud to gift or cherish for yourself. In partnership with Copperline Plant Co., students will create a 4-5 inch pot by applying basic pottery and glazing techniques and creating a one-of-a-kind ceramic piece. In the spirit of giving, Copperline Plant Co. will include a plant to all participants at no additional cost.
The first session will be focused on forming your clay and creating your pots. Artspace will fire the greenware during the week and have them ready for Session 2, at which point students will glaze their pieces. A final firing in the kiln will be required, and participants will be asked to visit Copperline Plant Co. within a few days to collect their pots along with their plants. This is an entry level class and no prior experience is required.
Instructor: Mary Parker
COST: $92.55
Pints & Pups
Do you love cute dogs? What about cold beer? Get the best of both worlds at Pints & Pups, every first Tuesday of the month from 6-8pm at our Raleigh Iron Works location! Join Hope Animal Rescue to pet adorable puppies & foster dogs up for adoption. Check our social media to keep up to date for the monthly event’s featured dogs & breeds!
COST: Free to attend
Merry and Bright: An Enchanted Holiday Evening for Grownups
Put on your ugliest holiday sweater and sleigh your way to Merry & Bright: An Enchanted Holiday Evening for Grownups at Pullen Park.
COST: $39.65 per ticket
Repticon
Repticon is a recognized leader in hosting reptile and exotic anima expos throughout the United States. Shows include an outstanding mixture of vendors, breeders, and educators. Family Friendly event.
COST: $12+
Supper Club at Pimiento Tea Room
Join Chef Christy and Sommelier Matt Weiss for a one-of-a-kind dining experience at this month’s Supper Club. Each event features a 7-course tasting menu that highlights familiar ingredients in inventive ways, paired with 7 expertly selected wines for the ultimate food-and-wine lover’s night out.
All proceeds benefitting CureSearch for Children’s Cancer, you’re not just enjoying a great night out, but funding life-saving research so that more children can have their happily-ever-afters!
COST: Tickets are $90 each (gratuity not included).
Friendsgiving at Transfer Co. Food Hall
It’s Friendsgiving time, and we’re all about celebrating the simple joy of being together! 💛 Come hang out at Transfer Co. Food Hall with A Great Good Space for a morning of crafting, laughter, and connection. We’ll have everything you need — beads, string, markers, and all the friendship bracelet magic you could ask for. Make a bracelet (or three), snap some silly print-out photos, and write a note to someone who makes your world brighter. Bring your bestie, your brunch crew, or come solo and make a new friend — everyone’s welcome!
COST: Free to attend
Tree Lighting Celebration at North Hills
Celebrate 21 years of North Hills and kick off the holiday season with this beloved tradition!
4:00 – 7:00pm
Face Painting
Vendor Village
Train Rides
Children's Crafts & Activities
Food Trucks
Ball Pit
Inflatable Slide
Balloon Artist
Photo Ops
Seasonal Beverages
4:00pm to 6:00pm
Live Music with The Embers in The Commons
Live Acoustic Music with Mary
Selvidge in The Plaza
Santa lights the tree at 6:15pm! Follow @VisitNorthHills on social for more details and updates!
COST: Free to attend
Holiday Cheese Board Shopping Tour and Workshop
Join us to learn how to make the perfect holiday cheese board – and personalize it to make it your own! We’ll take a tour of our store to find the most seasonal, local, and delicious items for your board and then learn a variety of ways to create the perfect arrangement. We’ll enjoy the board we create with some sparkling wine or a non-alcoholic sparkling beverage, and you’ll take home your own mini arrangement. Join us for a fabulous celebration of the season!
COST: $35 per person
Holiday Shop & Stroll at North Hills
Don’t miss the annual Holiday Shop & Stroll on Saturday, November 22rd from 12pm to 4pm! Enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season while you shop for everyone on your list. Spend $150 and receive a FREE $25 North Hills Gift Card – one per person, while supplies last.
COST: Free to attend
Annual Raleigh Christmas Parade
You won’t want to miss the pageantry and excitement of the 2025 Crossroads Ford ABC11 Raleigh Christmas Parade presented by Shop Local Raleigh on November 22, 2025 in Downtown Raleigh! The parade will kick off the holiday festivities at 9:30 am street side and on ABC11, the ABC11 streaming apps, and the ABC News Hulu channel.
COST: Free to attend
Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting Celebration
Kick-off the holiday season at our 17th Annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Market—this year, in a new location!
Watch as the Raleigh Christmas Tree comes to light, get free pictures with Santa Claus, shop for presents at the local vendor market, enjoy festive performances by local artists, and so much more all in downtown's historic Moore Square park.
COST: Free to attend
Moonlight in the Garden: Weekend 3
This isn't your typical lighting event. Moonlight in the Garden is meticulously designed to showcase our internationally acclaimed garden and all its splendor. You think our collection is spectacular by day? Wait until you see it under the cover of darkness artfully lit on a crisp November evening. It's a magical experience you don't want to miss.
COST:
Children 12 & Under: $7.13
General Admission: $33.77
College Student Ticket: $23.11
30th Annual American Indian Heritage Celebration
The AIHC—with support from its community partners, the North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs and the North Carolina American Indian Commission—has been the culminating event in honor of American Indian Heritage Month in North Carolina for more than 25 years.
The AIHC consists of a virtual education day on Friday and an in-person festival on Saturday. The celebration highlights traditional and contemporary artistic, historical, and cultural contributions of American Indian communities in North Carolina. The consistent theme and message of AIHC, as expressed by its advisory board, is visibility: Indigenous people are still here!
COST: Free to attend
Harvest Tea at NCMA
Enjoy Harvest Tea at the NCMA Café . This "Afternoon Tea" experience features a prix fixe menu including savory canapes, finger sandwiches and inspired patisserie. Premium teas or coffee included. Recommended party size 2, 4 or 6.
COST: $75 per person
Art Bash 2025
Join us Saturday, November 15, 2025 from 6-10pm for a spectacular night out on the town to celebrate the breadth of art and artists in North Carolina at Art Bash! Art Bash 2025 includes gallery exhibitions, private and live collecting opportunities, art experiences, and gourmet bites, and a curated live art bid.
You won’t want to miss this special evening celebrating the incredible artistic talent of our state!
COST: $175 per ticket
Raleigh Twilight Market
🛍️ 30+ local vendors
🎶 Live DJ + performances
🌆 Free to attend
⏰ 5:30–7:30 PM
It’s the perfect night to shop, sip, and soak up the energy of the hollow.
The Triangle Wedding Show - November 2025
Meet and book multiple Wedding Pros for your wedding and save money in the process. They’ve done the research and found the best vendors, so you can be confident that you will meet the best.
COST:
General Admission: $10 if purchased online
VIP: $35