5 Faves: Best Triangle holiday traditions
The holiday season is in full swing, but in addition to the typical holiday merriment, Triangle residents can enjoy some unique traditions of their own. Here are our top five picks.
Posted — UpdatedThe holiday season is in full swing, but in addition to the typical holiday merriment, Triangle residents can enjoy some unique traditions of their own. Here are our top five picks:
WRAL Tower Lighting
A holiday tradition for almost six decades, the 300-foot transmission tower outside the WRAL-TV studio is set aglow each December as 2,800 multi-colored lights transform the structure into a giant Christmas tree.
The sight is sure to put anybody driving along Western Boulevard into the Christmas spirit, and for those who don’t make it to Raleigh, there’s always the Lucky Strike Tower Lighting in Durham on Dec. 2.
Ice skating downtown
Thousands of people flock to Rockefeller Center each year to skate on the iconic rink under the large tree, but you don’t need a plane ticket to get that experience.
There may not be a big Christmas tree, but you’ll get the chance to have some classic winter fun in the heart of the city.
Visit a large light display
You’ll want to be on your best behavior while visiting many of the displays, because Santa himself will be on hand to greet visitors- and you wouldn’t want to end up on the naughty list!
Ticket prices range from free for Meadow Lights in Benson to $15 for the Chinese Lantern Festival, but even for a large family those prices are cheaper than the bill you would run up creating a light show in your own front yard.
Take in a holiday show
It wouldn’t be Christmas without The Nutcracker and the Carolina Ballet is celebrating its 15th year of performing the holiday classic. Characters levitate, disappear and reappear while dancing to music that has become a permanent part of the holiday season.
The Dicken’s fans can venture to Theatre in the Park’s musical comedy adaptation of “A Christmas Carol,” which is currently in its 42nd year.
For the young kids, a new tradition may be emerging with “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical.” The stage performance of the classic Rankin-Bass TV special is currently in its third year.
Watch the Acorn drop downtown
By time New Year’s Eve rolls around, we may all be a little tired of the holiday festivities, but thousands will head out for one final celebration.
If you prefer staying home in your pajamas, you can always watch the acorn drop live on WRAL-TV and on wral.com.
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