Weekend best bets: Tree lightings, parades and markets
This first weekend of December is filled with parades, tree lightings and performances!
Where to see holiday lights this weekend
Nov. 17-Jan. 14: NC Chinese Lantern Festival - Walk through 40 larger-than-life LED light displays by Chinese artists at Booth Amphitheatre in Cary.
Nov. 22- Dec. 31: Wool E. Bull’s Winter Wonderland - A walk-through holiday light event transforms Durham Bulls Athletic Park into a winter wonderland.
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. 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. 3-21: 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.
Tree lightings and parades
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. 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: 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. 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: A Gift to Cary Celebration - Enjoy a visit with Santa, skating, snowball fights and more amongst the sights and sounds of the holidays at Downtown Cary Park. The event will also include special live performances, Cary’s official tree lighting ceremony, a drone light show and a skating rink.
Dec. 2: Downtown Durham Tree Lighting - Enjoy music, shopping and dining from 5 to 9 p..m. in CCB Plaza for this annual event.
Dec. 3: Fuquay-Varina Christmas Parade - This annual parade will be held in the Historic Downtown Fuquay District starting at 4 p.m.
Performances
Dec. 1-7: Raleigh Little Theatre presents: Cinderella 2023 - 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: Hasan Minhaj - Hasan Minhaj is a two-time Peabody Award-Winning comedian best known for his breakout Netflix special, "Homecoming King." He will be performing two shows at Durham Performing Arts Center.
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.
Nov. 30-Dec. 3: Jon Lovitz at Raleigh Improv - See the comedian on stage at Raleigh Improv all weekend.
Dec. 2: North Carolina Songwriters in the Round - Jason Adamo hosts eight North Carolina singer-songwriters as they perform in the round at The Rialto. Tickets are $16 in advance and $20 at the door.
Dec. 3: The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show - Join the sugary DeLa and spicy Jinkx for an evening the New York Times says is “sure to lift your spirits and make you howl with laughter.” See them on stage at DPAC.
Santa, markets and more
Dec. 1: First Friday Market and Free Movie Night - Head to Moore Square on Friday night for entertainment, food trucks, a vendor market and a free screening of the movie "Home Alone." The market starts at 5 p.m. Admission is free.
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. 1: Liberty Arts Holiday Hoopla - Sweets and treats and locally made unique and beautiful gifts will be available at this market at Liberty Arts in Durham from 5 to 9 p.m.
Dec. 1: Sip 'n Shop - The City of Raleigh Museum will host this event from 6 to 9 p.m. It will include local vendors, live music and a raffle.
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. 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: Scandinavian Christmas Fair - The Scandinavian Christmas Fair is a celebration of the rich traditions of the Nordic countries: Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland. Enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of Scandinavia with homemade Scandinavian food, live Nordic entertainment all day, craft items and imports for sale, a spectacular Lucia Procession and more. The event is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Kerr Scott Building at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds. Admission is $7.
Dec. 2: Holiday Extravaganza - The Glass Jug RTP will host this event from 4 to 7 p.m. featuring free face painting, balloon animals, tree ornament decorating and more fun.
Dec. 2: MAKRS Holiday Fest - This holiday market will be held on Fayetteville Street between Davie and Hargett streets from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be more than 100 vendors, food trucks, live music and a holiday wrestling ring.
Dec. 2: 2023 Christmas Open House - Enjoy a free day at the Joel Lane Museum House. This event will have costumed volunteers, information about life in the 1700s and kids crafts. The historic Joel Lane house will be open to walk through.
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: Durham Patchwork Holiday Market - There will be over 70 vendors at this market from noon to 4 p.m. at Durham Armory. Admission is free.
Dec. 3: Local Holiday Market - Enjoy an afternoon of shopping with local vendors and food trucks from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Barn at King Hill Farm in Knightdale.
Dec. 3: Boylan Heights Artwalk - Celebrate the 31st annual Boylan Heights ArtWalk from noon to 5 p.m. in the historic neighborhood.
Dec. 3: 2023 Handmade Hanukkah Market - Artisans will be selling their work including: jewelry, baked goods, paintings, drawings, pottery, textiles & clothing, woodwork, photography, glass and soap at this market from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Temple Beth Or in Raleigh.
