90+ things to do in December
Plan your December with our guide to the holidays! Christmas tree lightings, concerts, holiday markets and light displays are just a handful of the events on this list of festivals and happenings in and near the Triangle.
Drive-thru and walkable holiday lights
Here are some of our favorite light shows scheduled for the 2023 holiday season.
Wool E. Bull’s Winter Wonderland - This walk-through holiday light event transforms Durham Bulls Athletic Park into a winter wonderland. Enjoy igloos, a sledding hill, a Winterland Market, shows, the Jingle Bell Bistro and more. Open through Dec. 31.
NC Chinese Lantern Festival - Walk through 40 larger-than-life LED light displays by Chinese artists at Booth Amphitheatre in Cary. Open through Jan. 14.
Illuminate Art Walk Downtown Raleigh - Stroll through downtown Raleigh to see larger-than-life art installations from artists creating a holiday light experience that is eclectic, creative and inspiring. The Illuminate Art Walk is free to the public and self-guided. Open Dec. 1 to Jan. 5.
Fieldstream Farm Lights in Raleigh - Fieldstream Farm features a drive-through light show through Dec. 31 with 1 million lights decorating acres of farm land. It includes an LED-lit tunnel of lights with more than 200,000 lights. Advance tickets are required.
Christmas Lights on the Farm in Middlesex - Enjoy a field of lights display, music on stage and s’mores by the fire pit. Santa will be taking pictures, and there is a gift shop and concessions to enjoy. Open through Dec. 23.
Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell - This free event features a walkway around the lights and even through a tree. People can also bring chairs to sit and watch the lights. The event is donation-based, and lights will be programmed to music. Runs through Dec. 31.
Electric Light Fantasy at Wilson's Whirligig Park - The show runs Dec. 7-9 and Dec. 14-16. Shows are at 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. ELF will feature a full-color laser light show synchronized with Christmas music. Tickets must be purchased online ahead of time.
Hill Ridge Farms Festival of Lights in Youngsville - Enjoy over a million lights from the comfort of your vehicle. No advance tickets or reservations. $20 cash per vehicle. Open nightly Dec. 1 through Dec. 30.
Lights on the Neuse in Clayton - Open through Dec. 23, this is an old-fashioned 30-minute Christmas light hayride extravaganza with Christmas lights on the farm. Tickets are $10. Children under 2 are admitted for free.
Holiday Lights in the Garden in Fayetteville - Open Dec. 1 to Dec. 21, every weekend in December, and nightly Dec. 15-21. This holiday tradition and walking event features lights, decorations, Santa Claus, the Grinch, entertainment, s’mores for purchase, a vendor market and more.
Fayetteville Holiday Lights - Fayetteville Holiday Lights will run nightly from Dec. 8-23. The event will include tens of thousands of holiday lights around Segra Stadium with displays on the concourse and a path of walk-through lights on the warning track of the field.
Things to do all month long
The Rink at Red Hat Amphitheater - Go ice skating at Red Hat through Dec. 28! Buy tickets online.
Fenton Cary Ice Skating Rink - Enjoy Fenton’s outdoor ice rink through Jan. 16. Buy tickets online.
Holiday Pop-Up Cocktail Bars - WRAL has a list of cocktail bars with festive drinks and decked-out interiors! Some locations include Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing, Sports and Social Cary, Old North State Food Hall in Selma, Wonderland Tapas and Cocktails and others. Many are open through New Year's.
December events by date
Dec. 1: Lighting of Wake Forest - The Town of Wake Forest will light its tree from 5 to 8 p.m. on Centennial Plaza, 301 S. Brooks St.
Dec. 1: Brier Creek Christmas tree lighting - Ring in the holiday season with Brier Creek Commons' annual Christmas event on Dec. 1 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.! Santa himself will be there to light the tree and partake in holiday fun near the Brier Creek Commons Clock Tower.
Dec. 1: Knightdale tree lighting - Meet Santa during the tree lighting at Knightdale Station Park on Dec. 1 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Write letters to Santa, watch local entertainment, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies and countdown to the Christmas tree lighting.
Dec. 1: First Friday Movie Night - Moore Square will be home to food trucks, live entertainment, a local market, free games and a free outdoor movie night -- featuring "Home Alone."
Dec. 1-7: Raleigh Little Theatre presents: Cinderella - RLT’s holiday tradition returns for the 39th year. Kids of all ages will love this retelling of the beloved fairy tale, filled with music, laughs, and a sparkle of magic.
Dec. 1: Wendell Wonderland - With activities like the Lake Myra Light Show, trolley rides, a holiday market, dance and chorus performances, Santa Claus, a cookie walk, tree lighting ceremony, food trucks and more. Visitors are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys for children in need up to the age of 12 at multiple donation sites while enjoying the festivities.
Dec. 1: Santa Paws - Enjoy pictures with Santa, a holiday pet market and food vendors. This event also includes a canine ugly sweater contest, holiday pet market, and canine food and toy drive. It is happening from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at the Durham Armory.
Dec. 2: Scandinavian Christmas Fair - This shopping event at the Kerr Scott building runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Dec. 2: Cary tree lighting - Welcome the holiday season with the official Christmas tree lighting for Cary at the new Downtown Cary Park.
Dec. 2: Morrisville tree lighting - The 2023 Morrisville Tree Lighting is Saturday, Dec. 2, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Indian Creek playground. There will be music, local student performances, hot chocolate, Santa and the official tree and building lighting ceremony.
Dec. 2: Durham tree lighting - Downtown Durham, Inc. will host the annual Durham Tree Lighting in CCB Plaza from 5 to 9 p.m.
Dec. 2: Apex Rotary Christmas Parade - The Annual Apex Rotary Christmas Parade traditionally takes place at 5 p.m. on the first Saturday of December. The parade kicks off at Apex Peakway and Ambergate Station, turning down Salem Street, and ending at Moore Street.
Dec. 2: Garner Christmas Parade, Party and Tree Lighting - The Garner Optimist Club, Christmas Parade Committee and the Town of Garner are partnering this year to combine the town’s holiday block party and tree lighting with the Christmas Parade.
Dec. 2: Holly Spings 'Light the Springs’ - The event will have live music, games, food and letter writing to Santa. The festivities will begin with the lighting of the menorah with the Jewish Federation of Greater Raleigh at 5:30 p.m.
Dec. 2: Holiday Block Party - This free family-friendly event will feature holiday kids’ crafts, food trucks, games, music, and more. The Garner Express, a 24-person train ride, will take you on a trip around the outdoor walking trail, and when Santa Claus joins the party be ready for those family pictures. Stick around for the parade and tree lighting to follow.
Dec. 2: Holiday Market at NC Museum of Art - Browse the galleries, enjoy the museum park, and shop local for the holidays this year with Triangle Pop-Up.
Dec. 2: Candy Cane Stroll - The second annual Candy Cane Stroll will be held at Triangle Town Center and is sponsored by The Senior Network. Seniors and their family will enjoy entertainment and informational displays throughout the mall on both levels.
Dec. 2-3: Holidays with the Popes - Take a picture with Santa and ring in the holidays at the Pope House Museum. Registration is required. Includes five images.
Dec. 3: Rolesville Christmas Parade - Enjoy this annual parade starting at Thales Academy at 2 p.m. It will travel up Storage Drive to Main Street and then onto East Young Street, ending at Rolesville Baptist Church.
Dec. 2: Brunch with Santa - Meet Santa at Durham Food Hall from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Take photos with Santa, play reindeer games, enjoy festive face painting, and grab some brunch and lunch from the vendors throughout the hall.
Dec. 2: The Hip Hop Nutcracker - This show is a re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic, smashing hip hop dance and Tchaikovsky’s timeless music together.
Dec. 2 and Dec. 15-17: Cary Ballet Company presents: The Nutcracker - This holiday classic will be presented at AJ Fletcher Opera Theater on Dec. 2 and at Cary Arts Center from Dec. 15-17.
Dec. 2-3: Holly Days Shopping Extravaganza - This is Sanderson High School's annual shopping event and school fundraiser. Come see the school transformed into a winter wonderland with over 150 unique vendors and student groups and get all your holiday shopping done in one place.
Dec. 2-3, 9-10, 16: Santa's Reindeer Roundup Express - North Carolina Railway Museum & New Hope Valley Railway will host this event throughout December. Kids will be able to find Santa’s missing reindeer along the tracks as they ride on the historic train for four miles out-and-back for 50 minutes through the North Carolina countryside. Santa himself will be at the New Hope Valley Railway to greet all guests. Tickets need to be purchased in advance.
Dec. 3-10: Holidays Artist Market - Theatre Raleigh's market runs each day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a unique variety of artists and shops. The lobby bar will be open with special treats including mimosas, hot cider and pastries, and there will be special performances happening throughout the day on the Cabaret Theatre stage. You can also grab your picture with Santa!
Dec. 3-21: Christmas in the Park - Enjoy a leisurely drive through Arnette Park in Fayetteville while taking in the sights and sounds of the Christmas season. Dates: Dec. 3-7, 10-14 and 17-21. Admission is free.
Dec. 3: Fuquay-Varina Christmas Parade - This annual parade will be held in the Historic Downtown Fuquay District starting at 4 p.m.
Dec. 3: Willy Wonka Chocolate Making Class - Step into the enchanting world of chocolate at Rewind Retrobar in Knightdale as you discover the art of crafting your very own delectable confections. Tickets are $18.
Dec. 5-10: Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas - Discover the magic of Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday tale as it comes to life on stage at DPAC.
Dec. 6-10: Disney On Ice: Magic In The Stars - Disney On Ice presents Magic in the Stars, where every story begins with a wish. This all-new production features figure skating, high-flying acrobatics, stunts, special effects and more fun to PNC Arena.
Dec. 7: Durham Holiday Night Market - Shop at American Tobacco Campus between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. Take pictures with Santa while you shop.
Dec. 8: Evening with Elves - Marbles Kids Museum hosts this annual family holiday celebration with s'mores outdoors, arctic museum play and a special visit from the Snowflake Fairy. Receive an official elf name and dance the night away with the Marbles Elves. Kids, wear your pajamas. Tickets are $30.
Dec. 8-9: NC Symphony's Holiday Pops - A festive concert in Raleigh at Meymandi Concert Hall full of holiday favorites you know and love!
Dec. 8-9: St. Nichloas European Christmas Market - Shop, dine, and enjoy the entertainment in the European Christmas Market tradition at the State Fairgrounds! Free admission.
Dec. 8-10: A Christmas Carol Presented by Theatre in the Park - Ira David Wood III’s beloved musical comedy, A Christmas Carol Presented by Theatre in the Park, returns to Raleigh Memorial Auditorium for six performances.
Dec. 8-9: Mead and Macaron Tasting - Pair delicious macarons from with a flight of mead at Honeygirl Meadery.
Dec. 9: Durham Holiday Parade - Enjoy this holiday parade in downtown Durham on Main Street starting at 10 a.m.
Dec. 9: Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade - This annual parade starts at 2 p.m. in downtown Cary.
Dec. 9: Chapel Hill-Carrboro Community Holiday Parade - The parade will begin at 10 a.m. at Chapel Hill's 140 West Plaza and end at Carrboro Town Hall.
Dec. 9 - Clayton Christmas Parade - The parade begins at 3 p.m. in downtown Clayton.
Dec. 9-17: Elf- The Musical - This hilarious musical follows the smash-hit 2003 movie that’s now a Holiday classic – and is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf. See it at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts.
Dec. 9: Holiday Pops - The Concert Singers of Cary present a fun, family-friendly program of popular holiday tunes in collaboration with guest musicians in a variety of musical styles. Show is at 7:30 p.m. at the Cary Arts Center.
Dec. 9: Happy Holly Days Christmas 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.
Dec. 9: Winterfest - A family fun day of winter craft making for all ages, toddlers through adults -- everything from ornament decorating to garland creating. This is a free, drop-in program from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences' Prairie Ridge Ecostation outdoor classroom in Raleigh.
Dec. 9: Fenton Holiday Makers Market - Shop from your favorite Fenton stores and an additional 35 local artists booths curated by Triangle Pop-Up.
Dec. 9: Ugly Sweater and PJ Party - Rock your ugliest holiday sweaters, jammies, or onesies to score four free game tokens at the door at Boxcar. Snap a selfie with Santa. DJ Atlas will be spinning live on the patio from 8 to 11 p.m.
Dec. 9-10: Holiday Open House and Merry & Bright Market - See how the Mordecai House would have been decorated over the past 238 years and learn about different holiday traditions. Walk through the beautifully decorated house and enjoy music, discover historic artifacts, and more. On Dec. 9, do some holiday shopping. The market will have unique gifts, create festive crafts, sample food vendors and seasonal entertainment.
Dec. 9: Deck the Paws: Holiday Dog Pawty - Bring your pup to Deep River Brewing in Clayton for adorable portraits of your pup with Santa Paws.
Dec. 9: Knightdale Christmas Parade and Holiday Market - The Christmas parade begins at 10 a.m. Oak City Brewing will have a holiday market from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with live music by Sterling Scott.
Dec. 9: Sip and Shop at Wendell Falls - Browse unique gifts from local vendors all while sipping on festive drinks to get you in the holiday spirit.
Dec. 9: NCMA Lantern Walk - The museum hosts its annual handmade paper lantern walk through the Museum Park. Bring your own homemade lantern (no flames) or head over to the museum early to make one while supplies last.
Dec. 9-10: Jolly Raleigh Holiday Market - You can expect handcrafted treasures, artisanal treats, and unique gifts, all while sipping on your favorite festive beverages at Raleigh Iron Works.
Dec. 9-10: Black Nativity in Concert - The Justice Theater Project will present Black Nativity in Concert with three shows at the NC Museum of Art Amphitheater.
Dec. 10: Apex Chanukah Festival - This event features holiday crafts and games for children, a menorah lighting at 5 p.m., a DJ, donuts and hot drinks and the Yalla Kosher Food Truck.
Dec. 10: Menorah lighting at Lafayette Village - There will be a parade, petting zoo, face painting, crafts, food truck and more.
Dec. 10: Downtown Cary Food and Flea - This market in downtown Cary has creative gifts from local artists.
Dec. 10: S'mores and Hot Chocolate Festival - Haven Farm in Knightdale hosts NC Eat & Play’s S’mores & Hot Chocolate Festival. There will be visits with Santa, holiday hay rides, a petting zoo, lawn games and a bounce house.
Dec. 10: Santa on the Roof - The Durham will host this event on its rooftop from 1 to 4 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. Attendees will be responsible for taking their own photos.
Dec. 10: Santa at The Willard - On Dec. 10 take gorgeous photos of your family at The Willard with Santa with a backdrop of the downtown Raleigh skyline. Santa will be on hand for photo ops and holiday wishes between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Enjoy a warm cup of coffee, cocoa or an adult beverage from the bar.
Dec. 10: Who-Ville Holiday - This event will be held at Whitaker and Atlantic in Raleigh and will feature story time with the Grinch, cookie decorating, a pop up market, toy drive and music. Tickets are on sale now.
Dec. 12: NC Master Chorale's Joy of the Season - The Chorale’s 170-voice Symphonic Choir, Chamber Choir, and Youth Choir accompanied by brass ensemble, percussion, and piano return to Meymandi Concert Hall to sing the festive music of the season.
Dec. 12-13: Saint Francis UMC Live Nativity - This event is in its 25th year at Saint Francis United Methodist Church in Cary. The free event runs 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. both nights with costumed Biblical characters and live animals.
Dec. 13: Cary's Hanukkah Menorah Lighting - Gather outside the Cary Arts Center to light the menorah on the seventh night of Hanukkah. The special celebration will feature treats, fun for kids and holiday music for all to enjoy.
Dec. 13: Taylor Swift Karaoke Birthday Party - Tin Roof Raleigh hosts this event for Swifties.
Dec. 13-17: A Christmas Carol Presented by Theatre in the Park - Ira David Wood III’s beloved musical comedy, A Christmas Carol Presented by Theatre in the Park, returns to DPAC for six performances.
Dec. 13-24: The 1940s Radio Hour - The Radio Hour is a musical by Walton Jones. Using popular songs from the 1940s, it portrays the final holiday broadcast of the Mutual Manhattan Variety Cavalcade on the New York radio station WOV in December 1942.
Dec. 14-21: Carolina Ballet's The Nutcracker - Experience Carolina Ballet’s reimagined Nutcracker at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium.
Dec. 15: Frost and Flame Fest: A Night of Fire and Ice - An electrifying event blending fire and ice at the Downtown Cary Park. Experience mesmerizing performances, the Holiday Night Market, ice rink fun, delectable treats, and more.
Dec. 16: Jingle Paws at Hi-Wire Brewing - This event in Durham benefit K9s For Warriors! Not only will you be supporting a great cause, but you'll also have the chance to win amazing raffle prizes. There will be dog pictures with Santa, adoptable dogs, goodie bags and more.
Dec. 16: Grinch-mas Whoville Party - Dress in your Grinchiest attire (or come through as Cindy Lou or your favorite Who) and join Boxcar in Raleigh for some Grinch-style holiday hoobie whatty.
Dec. 16: Geek and Grub Market (Holiday Edition) - Dress up in your ugliest sweater and finest holiday party attire and enjoy some holiday antics, giant board games, yummy food and geeky Items from more than 50 local geek themed artisans. This market is at Fred Fletcher Park from noon to 4 p.m.
Dec. 16: Santa at Big Air Raleigh - Santa’s stopping his sleigh by Big Air Raleigh on Dec. 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.! There will be photos with Santa, music and more.
Dec. 16: Pop-Up Raleigh Market - Sip and shop at Trophy on Maywood. Each month, different vendors are handpicked with an emphasis on local art, vintage clothing & accessories, Raleigh swag and small batch goods.
Dec. 16-17: Marbles Gingerbread Jamboree - Create special memories this holiday season with your very own keepsake gingerbread house during this event at Marbles Kids Museum. Tickets are $20.
Dec. 19: Holiday Sip and Shop - Finish up on your last minute holiday shopping at Deep River Brewing Company! Enjoy Carolina Moes BBQ & Hollywood Taco shop and The Ridge Band.
Dec. 20: Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet - Experience the extraordinary international cast and Ukrainian Principal Artists performing this holiday classic at DPAC.
Dec. 20: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: Christmas Ballet Show - Head to the Carolina Theatre to see this show featuring the classic story of Snow White. Tickets start at $30.
Dec. 23: NC Symphony: A Candlelight Christmas - Immerse yourself in the magic of the season with music performed in the glow of candlelight. Experience this extraordinary performance by full orchestra and children's choir.
Dec. 22-23: 6th Annual Oakwood24 Run/Walk - The event benefits Healing Transitions and starts at Historic Oakwood Cemetery.
Dec. 29: Cary Kwanzaa - Join in Cary's Kwanzaa Celebration at the Cary Arts Center. Cary Kwanzaa is a communal, cultural celebration that honors African-American people and their heritage.
New Year's Eve
Dec. 31: New Year's Eve Gala - Rocky Top Catering is hosting the holiday bash of the year at the North Carolna Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh.
Dec. 31: Big Something New Year's Eve Run - This party at the Lincoln Theatre features three performances.
Dec. 31: New Year's Eve Bash - Party to the nines and ring in 2024 at Vidrio in Raleigh! Tickets include hors d'oeuvres, DJ and dancing, party favors and a bubbly toast.
Dec. 31: Masquerade Murder - Don your favorite cocktail party attire, grab a masquerade mask, and dust off your detective skills when you join us for murder, mystery, and mayhem as you count down to midnight.
Dec. 31: NYE Union Station - This venue features two levels, an outside terrace with views of the downtown Raleigh skyline and more.
