It sneaks up on us every year. The holidays are coming and communities around the Triangle are already celebrating in mid-November.
Here's our list of the area's biggest tree lightings, festivals and parades in order by date.
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Tree lighting festivals
Friday, Nov. 17: Waverly Place Tree Lighting - Santa and Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht will light the tree at 7 p.m. Afterwards, Santa will stay and visit with the children., DJ Gary Gibson will spin holiday tunes and a local team will dance. There will also be food, drink and in-store sales and specials from Waverly Place businesses.
Saturday, Nov. 18: North Hills Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration - This year’s event will feature snow slopes, trackless train rides, kids crafts and activities, a bounce house and a vendor village. As Santa Claus arrives at 6 p.m., the 41 foot Christmas tree is lit.
Saturday, Nov. 18: Lafayette Village Tree Lighting - Take a stroll through the village grounds, enjoy music or take a ride around the village by horse and carriage.
Thursday, Nov. 30: Fuquay-Varina Tree Lighting - There will be choirs, a tree lighting and other festivities downtown from 6 to 8 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 1: WRAL-TV Tower Lighting - Watch the300-foot tower at WRAL's campus on Western Bouelvard be lit and enjoy carols and Christmas stories.
Friday, Dec. 1: 13th Annual American Tobacco Tower Lighting - There will be performances by multiple schools and bands, Santa selfies and a 7 p.m. lighting
Friday, Dec. 1: Light Up Main - This annual downtown Garner Christmas tree lighting will feature great food, crafts and entertainment from Garner residents and businesses.
Friday, Dec. 1: Christmas on Salem Street - There will be horse drawn carriage rides, cookie decorating, face painting, sidewalk carolers and a bell ringing group.
Friday, Dec. 1: Morrisville Holiday Tree Lighting - Enjoy musical entertainment, crafts for the children, a visit from Santa and refreshments at Town Hall.
Saturday, Dec. 2: Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting Celebration - This year’s City Plaza celebration features a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, live entertainment, a 40-foot Snowzilla Slide, other amusements and activities, holiday refreshments, and gingerbread house and holiday hound costume contests. The mayor will then light the 35-foot Norway spruce tree brought in from the mountains of North Carolina.
Saturday, Dec. 2: Cary Christmas Tree Lighting - This festive night features actors, singers, and musicians from the community in front of Town Hall.
Sunday, Dec. 3: Carrboro Tree Lighting - Activities will take place at Carr Mill Mall.
Sunday, Dec. 3: Chapel Hill Community Tree Lighting - University Baptist Church hosts this lighting with choir music and photos with Santa.
Wednesday, Dec. 6: State Capitol Tree Lighting - Presented by Governor Roy Cooper and First Lady Kristin Cooper, the 5 to 7:30 p.m. event includes activities for the whole family and live music. Museums in the area will also be remaining open for extended hours.
Friday, Dec. 8: Main Street Christmas - Visit with Santa, enjoy hayrides and live entertainment, listen to Mrs. Claus read a story and see the annual town tree lighting in Holly Springs.
Monday, Dec. 11: Southern Village Tree Lighting - The lighting will take place at 5:30 p.m.
Parades
Nov. 18: 73rd Annual Raleigh Christmas Parade
Dec. 2: Durham Christmas Parade
Dec. 2: Garner Christmas Parade