The Triangle is welcoming in the holidays with tons of family fun, from Santa sightings and tree lightings to festivals, caroling and parades.

Head to downtown Raleigh Friday for the debut of AT&T Raleigh Winterfest, which features a large outdoor skating rink with natural ice and family activities through Jan. 31. Youngsters can skate with Santa and beloved Disney characters on Tuesday evenings; Wednesdays nights showcase live bands and other musical talent performing outdoors; and Date and Skate Nights on Thursdays offer couples free carriage rides, dinner specials at nearby restaurants and discounts on rink admission, according to Carolina Parent staffer Janice Levine, who tracks Triangle family-friendly events.

On Friday, don’t miss Winterfest’s grand celebration 5-11 p.m. at Raleigh’s City Plaza when Grammy-Award winner Michelle Branch performs and Mayor Charles Meeker lights a Christmas tree. The kickoff event also features talented figure skaters; local choirs and bands; a visit by Santa; a reading by Ira David Wood III, star of Theatre in the Park’s A Christmas Carol; food and drink; and sledding ramps with real snow, according to Lewine, who tracks Triangle family fun. Admission to Raleigh Winterfest is free, but there is a charge of $6 to skate, which includes skate rental.

Towns across the Triangle from Apex to Zebulon will be kicking off holiday festivities, Lewine reports. On Friday, Apex hosts a Christmas on Salem Street. Enjoy carolers at the Apex Depot at 5 p.m., followed by the town’s tree lighting ceremony and sleigh rides at 6 p.m. The next morning, from 7 to 11 a.m., the Salem Street firehouse hosts a pancake breakfast for families. Pictures with Santa are available from 9 a.m. to noon. A Christmas parade featuring area bands, floats, antique cars and St. Nicholas takes place at 5 p.m., according to Lewine.

Also Friday, Benson is ringing in the holidays with a Christmas on Main event from 6 to 9 p.m. Enjoy a Christmas parade, entertainment, hot cider and cookies. Families in Cary can enjoy a full day of holiday events Saturday beginning with an Ole Time Winter Festival downtown from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event features arts and crafts, entertainment, kid’s activities and a visit with St. Nicholas, according to Lewine.

On Friday, Holiday festivities on First Avenue in Knightdale include a tree-lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. and Santa’s Magical Workshop, where youngsters can have their pictures taken with Santa and peek inside his workshop in the caboose, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. On Saturday, downtown Knightdale will have it s Christmas parade takes place at 2 p.m.

The Lighting of Wake Forest features entertainment, refreshments and Santa’s arrival on a carriage Friday at 6 p.m. And in Wendell on Friday, Santa arrives with Mrs. Claus at the Town Square for a tree-lighting ceremony at 6 p.m.

In Garner, the mayor is hosting the town’s tree lighting ceremony Friday at 7 p.m. at the Garner Recreational Park. Over in Zebulon, families can watch the town’s annual parade Sunday at 2 p.m. Holiday festivities in Hillsborough include a Christmas parade on Churton Street Saturday at 3 p.m. The town lights its community tree after the parade.

In Pittsboro and Fuquay-Varina, holiday parades unroll at 3 p.m. on Sunday. Check CarolinaParent.com’s A-to-Z City Guide to Welcoming the Holidays for details on these events and more on what’s happening in your town for the holidays.

There’s also a slew of holiday performances and traveling exhibits, ranging from Cirque Dreams Holidaze to Visions of Sugar Plums and A Christmas Carol.

If you’re thinking of heading out for a day trip or quick getaway to celebrate the holidays, see Carolina Parent’s editor’s picks in Highlights from the Mountains to the Sea. And you’ll find more upcoming events and answer to tricky Santa Questions in CarolinaParent.com’s Triangle Holiday Guide.