Holiday events kick off this weekend in Raleigh area

RALEIGH, N.C. — Thanksgiving isn't even here yet, but we have a list of holiday events kicking off this weekend!

Nov. 18: Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting - The annual Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting will be held Friday, Nov. 18 from 5:30 to 8 p.m., in front of Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts.

Nov. 19: Raleigh Christmas Parade - This annual parade will roll through Raleigh on Nov. 19.

Nov. 19: Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration at North Hills - There will be food trucks, a vendor village, Santa, face painting and more fun during this event at North Hills from 4 to 7 p.m.

Nov. 19: Light the Square - This event is happening in the new Fenton development in Cary. There will be carriage rides, Santa, a laser light show and the lighting of a 40-foot Christmas Tree.

Nov. 19: Lighting of the Trees at Lafayette Village - Enjoy live music, horse and carriage rides and more fun at this annual tree lighting on Saturday. The fun runs from 3 to 6 p.m.

Nov. 19-20: Winter Wonderland - Park West Village hosts this event on Nov. 19 and 20. Kids of all ages will enjoy a variety of activities including train rides around the district, story time with Santa, food trucks and hot beverages, Snowzilla toboggan slide, face painting, holiday crafts and more.

Nov. 18-Jan. 8: North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival - This annual event is back at Koka Booth Amphitheatre starting Friday, Nov. 18. It features more than 40 all new displays, each one comprised of hundreds of parts, and thousands of LED lights.