Parades, tree lightings and Scrooge: A 2021 guide to holiday events in the Triangle
We’ve put together a collection of fun holiday events taking place across the Triangle, from holiday light shows and parades to concerts, stage shows and much more.
We’ll update this list throughout the month, so bookmark it online and check back in. If you see something we missed that you think we should include, let us know by emailing ask@newsobserver.com.
Important: In all cases, please check the website for each event or venue prior to heading out to verify hours of operation (which can change) and to learn more about rain dates and COVID safety guidelines. Some venues do require proof of vaccination to attend.
Ongoing holiday events
These events take place over a span of several days, so they are not listed individually by date.
▪ N.C. Chinese Lantern Festival at Koka Booth Amphitheatre — This is one of the state’s most popular attractions each year, a monumental light show with acrobatic, martial arts and musical performances. Traditionally, the Chinese Lantern Festival marks the end of the Chinese New Year. The lanterns are handmade and assembled in China, then shipped to North Carolina. It takes about 45 minutes to walk through the park, and the paths are wheelchair accessible. Dates: Nov. 19-Jan. 9. Location: 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary. Tickets: Tickets are sold per person for everyone ages 3 and up. Ages 2 and under are free, no ticket required. There are a lot of different ticket packages depending on the date and time you choose and the level of access you want. Check the website for full info. Info: boothamphitheatre.com.
▪ Magic of Lights at Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek — A 1-mile drive-through holiday-themed light display using the latest LED technology and digital animations, including the all new drive-through Blizzard Tunnel as well as returning favorites 12 Days of Christmas, Winter Wonderland and The Night Before Christmas. Dates/Times: Nov. 19-Jan. 2 (5-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 5-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday). Location: 3801 Rock Quarry Road, Raleigh. Tickets: Online prices range $20-$32 per vehicle depending on date and are available to purchase through Ticketmaster.com and LiveNation.com. Tickets purchased at the gate will cost more. Info: See the complete schedule at magicoflights.com.
▪ WRAL Night of Lights at Dix Park — In addition to illuminated trees and festive light displays, you’ll see local art installations on this 1.3-mile trip through the park. This year there’s a special night for people to walk or run through the light show (Nov. 20) and two special nights for those on bicycles (Nov. 21, Dec. 13). There are some blackout dates (Nov. 22-25, Nov. 29, Dec. 6). Dates: Nov. 20-Dec. 24. Location: 75 Hunt Drive, Raleigh Tickets: Prices range from $20-$40 per vehicle depending on type of ticket/vehicle and the date you visit. Info: Get more info and purchase tickets at wral.com.
▪ Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell — This free light show, courtesy of the Don Williams family, runs about 25 minutes with a five-minute intermission between shows. You can enjoy it close-up (outside) or stay in your car and hear the music through 103.3 FM. Dates: Nov. 25-Dec. 31 (5:30-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 5:30-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday). Location: 10 S. Cypress St., Wendell. Tickets: Free. Info: facebook.com/LakeMyraChristmasLights
▪ Ira David Wood III’s “A Christmas Carol” — This musical comedy adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic story has been a Theatre In The Park tradition since 1974. In recent years, shows have moved to larger venues to accommodate bigger audiences. There are shows in both Raleigh and Durham. Raleigh: Dec. 9-12 at Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St.; tickets start at $35. Durham: Dec. 15-19 at DPAC; tickets start at $44. Info: theatreinthepark.com
▪ Carolina Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” — There are lots of “Nutcracker” performances over the holidays, but this one has magic performed live onstage. Dates: Dec. 17-24 (evening and matinee performances available). Location: Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St., Raleigh. Tickets: Prices start at $27. Info: carolinaballet.com.
▪ “Cinderella 2021” at Raleigh Little Theatre — After a year off due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cinderella is returning to RLT for its 37th year in 2021! This musical comedy is based on the fairy tale by Charles Perrault. Dates: Dec. 3-19. Location: Raleigh Little Theatre at 301 Pogue Street, Raleigh. Tickets: Prices range from $26 to $31. Info: raleighlittletheatre.org/shows/cinderella-2021/.
▪ It’s A Wonderful Life: The Radio Play — Playwright Joe Landry’s lively adaptation of the classic film is performed by only five actors, playing all the roles. A foley artist creates the sound effects live onstage, using unique props like a wind machine, a thunder sheet, and practical everyday items such as corn flakes and celery. Dates: Five performances, Dec. 3-6, including a special Monday night performance. Location: Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Avenue. Tickets: $18-20. Info: caryplayers.org.
▪ Illuminate Art Walk — Downtown Raleigh comes to light again this year with Illuminate Art Walk presented by Wake Tech. Parts of Downtown Raleigh’s Fayetteville Street and Glenwood South districts transform with large-scale, interactive and light-based art pieces that are unique and family-friendly. A highlight of this year’s month-long event is Chimes presented by Opendoor, an internationally recognized art piece that has traveled globally. Dates: Dec. 3-Jan. 7. Tickets: Free. Info: downtownraleigh.org/Illuminate.
▪ The Road to Mecca — Burning Coal Theater Company is the place to go for an alternative holiday experience. The Road to Mecca by Athol Fugard will take you to the South African desert and the real-life story of artist Helen Martins. Dates: Dec. 2-19 (Thursday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m.) Location: 224 Polk St., Raleigh Tickets: $15-25 Info: burningcoal.org.
Nov. 28
▪ Chanukah Wonderland and Concert — Celebrate Chanukah at this downtown Apex festival, which includes an Outdoor Chanukah Wonderland and a menorah lighting. Date: Nov 28 (3:30-6 p.m.) Location: Apex Nature Park, 2600 Evans Road, Apex. Tickets: Free. Info: facebook.com/chabadofcary.
▪ Community Chanukah Celebration — Celebrate the first night of Hanukkah at this outdoor Chanukah celebration at Streets at Southpoint. Date: Nov 28 (4:30 p.m.) Location: 8030 Renaissance Parkway, Durham. Tickets: Free. Info: facebook.com/events/1060413211438008.
Nov. 30
▪ Selma Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting — The parade starts at Selma Elementary School and proceeds through town, up Railroad Street and ending back at the school. Stay for fireworks after the parade. Entertainment starts at 6 p.m. with the tree lighting at 6:45, the parade at 7 and fireworks at approximately 7:45. Date: Nov. 30 (6-8 p.m.) Location: 114 N. Raiford St., Selma Tickets: Free Info: facebook.com.
▪ Menorah Lighting — A menorah lighting on the third night of Hanukkah. Treats, kids’ activities and holiday music. Date: Nov. 30 (5:30-6:30 p.m.) Location: Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Ave., Cary Tickets: Free. Info: shalomraleigh.org.
Dec. 1
▪ Tower Lighting at American Tobacco Campus — The 17th annual lighting of the Lucky Strike Water Tower at American Tobacco Campus will also have performances by local dance and singing groups, plus the Walltown Children’s Theater Group. There will be special appearances by Wool E. Bull, Rudolph, Frosty and Santa and Mrs. Claus. If you can’t make it in person, you can watch at 7 p.m. on TV on WRAL or online at wral.com. Date: Dec. 1 (6:30 p.m.) Location: American Tobacco Campus, 300 Blackwell St., Durham. Tickets: Free, no tickets required. Info: americantobacco.co
Dec. 2
▪ Clayton Christmas Village and Tree Lighting — The 31st annual Christmas Village and Tree Lighting will also have a visit from Santa (who arrives via firetruck). The Tree Lighting happens at 8 p.m. in Horne Square. Date: Dec. 2 (5:30-8:30 p.m.) Location: Main Street (from O’Neil to Smith), Clayton. Tickets: Free. Info: facebook.com
▪ Fuquay-Varina Tree Lighting — The town’s official tree lighting has choir performances and a visit from Santa. Date: Dec. 2 (6 p.m.) Location: Main Street/Vance Street Public Lot, 205 S. Main St., Fuquay-Varina. Tickets: Free. Info: fuquay-varina.org
▪ Durham Menorah Lighting — A candle lighting by new members of Beth El Synagogue, songs, donuts and celebrations. Date: Dec. 2 (5:30 p.m.) Location: Downtown Durham Plaza (near “The Bull”) Tickets: Free. Info: betheldurham.org/.
▪ Community Chanukah Glow Party — light up the night with glow sticks & neon to celebrate Chanukah 2021. Bring your friends and family for the community-wide glow party on the lower court at the David R. Kahn Community Campus. Enjoy free donuts, hot chocolate & apple cider, craft stations, neon art, music & dancing and food & adult beverages for purchase. Date: Dec. 2 (5:30-8 p.m.) Location: David R. Kahn Community Campus, 12804 Norwood Road, Raleigh Tickets: RSVP by Nov. 30. Info: shalomraleigh.org/jfed-events/2021/12/2/community-chanukah-glow-party.
Dec. 3
▪ Knightdale Christmas Tree Lighting — Date: Dec. 3 (6:30-9 p.m.) Location: Knightdale Station Park Tickets: Free. Info: knightdalenc.gov.
▪ Morrisville Christmas Tree Lighting — Santa Claus and the Morrisville Town Council will do the countdown to light up the tree. There will also be musical entertainment and refreshments. Date: Dec. 3 (6-8 p.m.) Location: Indian Creek Greenway and Trailhead, 101 Town Hall Drive, Morrisville. Tickets: Free. Info: townofmorrisville.org
▪ Youngsville Tree Lighting — Date: Dec. 3 (4:30-7 p.m.) Location: Near Benchmark Community Bank on South College Street, Youngsville. Tickets: Free. Info: townofyoungsville.org.
▪ Lighting of Wake Forest — The town lights its 20-foot Christmas tree, and Santa arrives by firetruck. Also, musical performances by local groups. Date: Dec. 3 (6-8:30 p.m.) Location: Centennial Plaza, Wake Forest Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St. Tickets: Free. Info: wakeforestnc.gov.
▪ Santa Paws — Bring your dog to meet Santa and get photos taken. There’s also a “canine ugly sweater contest,” a holiday pet market and a canine food drive. Date: Dec. 3 (6-8:30 p.m.) Location: Durham Armory, 212 Foster St., Durham. Tickets: Free. Info: dprplaymore.org/324/Santa-Paws
▪ Merry Moore Market, Raleigh — There will be 50 local vendors, live music, visits with Santa and carriage rides. Time: 5-9 p.m. Location: 200 N. Blount St., Raleigh Info: facebook.com.
▪ Storytime & Tot Shabbat — Join for books, songs, fingerplays, rhymes, outdoor storytime and bubbles! Great for babies through preschoolers. After storytime, all are welcome to stay for Tot Shabbat with songs, blessings, juice, and challah. Date: Dec. 3 (9:15-10:15 a.m.) Location: Levin JCC patio, 1937 W Cornwallis Rd, Durham Tickets: RSVP required. Info: jewishforgood.org/hanukkah.
Dec. 4
▪ Cary Tree Lighting — The official tree lighting ceremony will also include actors, singers and musicians from the community, who will be performing holiday-themed acts. Date: Dec. 4 (6 p.m.) Location: Cary Town Hall, 216 N. Academy St., Cary. Tickets: Free. Info: townofcary.org.
▪ Garner Holiday Block Party + Train Rides — This is the town’s inaugural Holiday Block Party, with music from local high school bands, holiday crafts, food trucks and games. The Garner Express, a 24-person train ride, will take its first trip around the Garner Rec Center outdoor walking trail. Santa Claus will be available for selfies. Date: Dec. 4 (3-5 p.m.) Location: Garner Recreation Center, 215 W. Main St., Garner. Tickets: Free. Info: facebook.com.
▪ Knightdale Christmas Parade — Date: Dec. 4 (2 p.m.) Location: Knightdale Station Park Tickets: Free. Info: knightdalenc.gov.
▪ Youngsville Christmas Parade — Date: Dec. 4 (10-11 a.m.) Location: Parade starts on South College Street, Youngsville Tickets: Free. Info: townofyoungsville.org
▪ Merry Moore Market, Raleigh — There will be 50 local vendors, live music, visits with Santa and carriage rides. Time: 5-9 p.m. Location: 200 N. Blount St., Raleigh Info: facebook.com.
▪ Wake Forest Downtown Holiday Open House — Date: Dec. 4. Location: Downtown Wake Forest. Tickets: Free. Info: wakeforestnc.gov.
▪ Holiday Magic Under the Stars — The charity event aims to raise funds to benefit the students of the Governor Morehead School for the Blind. The event will take place in the Governor Morehead School auditorium at Lineberry Hall and will feature live music, a magic show and a concert by Motown-themed band Johnnie White featuring Shirl & Allegra. There will also be a silent auction and raffle, all benefitting the Governor Morehead School. Date: Dec. 4 (7-9 p.m.) Location: Governor Morehead School – Lineberry Hall Auditorium. 301 Ashe Avenue, Raleigh. Tickets: $20. Special VIP tickets, which admit the ticket holder to an early reception, are $50. Info: holidaymagicunderstars.eventbrite.com.
Dec. 5
▪ Fuquay-Varina Christmas Parade — This annual parade features marching bands, floats, performers and Santa. (Leave pets at home.) Date: Dec. 5 (3 p.m.) Location: Historic Downtown Fuquay District. Tickets: Free. Info: fuquay-varina.com.
▪ Light Up the Night Hillsborough Holiday Parade — Chris Spatola, college basketball analyst for ESPN, is the parade’s grand marshal. A tree lighting and community sing take place after the tree lighting ceremony. Date: Dec. 5 (4 p.m.) Location: Downtown Hillsborough. Tickets: Free. Info: hillsboroughchamber.com
▪ Hanukkah Parade and Menorah Lighting — Congregational Sha’arei Israel / Chabad Center of Raleigh is celebrating Chanukah with a parade (which will pass by the Brookdale and Cardinal Senior Centers) followed by a Menorah Lighting at Lafayette Village with music, dancing and doughnuts. Date: Dec. 5 (4:30 p.m.) Location: Congregational Sha’arei Israel / Chabad Center of Raleigh-Jewish Life Center, 7400 Falls of Neuse Road, Raleigh Tickets: Free Info: jewishraleigh.org.
▪ ArtWalk — The 29th Annual Boylan Heights ArtWalk returns on Sunday, Dec. 5. Enjoy the works of 100 artists offering their works on porches and lawns in historic Boylan Heights, just west of downtown Raleigh. Date: Dec. 5 (12-5 p.m.) Location: Boylan Heights, Raleigh Tickets: Free Info: boylanheights.org/art-walk.
▪ Jewish for Good Adult Art Workshop — Paint and canvas will be provided for this virtual Hanukkah-themed adult art workshop. Date: Dec. 5 (2 p.m.) Location: Virtual Tickets: $25. Info: jccfed.wufoo.com/forms/s1y8mhud1nmkfcu/.
Dec. 7
▪ N.C. Master Chorale’s “Joy of the Season” — A filmed performance of this annual concert airs each year on UNC-TV/PBS N.C., but this is your chance to see it live. Date: Dec. 7 (7:30 p.m.) Location: Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St., Raleigh. Tickets: $27. Info: ncmasterchorale.org.
Dec. 9
▪ State Capitol Tree Lighting — The state tree is traditionally lit by the governor on the second Thursday evening of December. This event also ushers in a weekend of open houses at the decorated Capitol building and Executive Mansion. Exact time and details to be announced soon.
Dec. 10
▪ Merry Moore Market, Raleigh — There will be 50 local vendors, live music, visits with Santa and carriage rides. Time: 5-9 p.m. Location: 200 N. Blount St., Raleigh Info: facebook.com.
▪ “Carols of Christmas” by Raleigh Boychoir — Raleigh Boychoir is funded in part by the City of Raleigh based on recommendations of the Raleigh Arts Commission. Time: 7 p.m. Location: Edenton Street United Methodist at 228 West Edenton Street, Raleigh Info: raleighboychoir.org/concerts/.
▪ “Holiday Pops” at the North Carolina Symphony — Vocalist Yolanda Rabun joins the Symphony to spread cheer with traditional favorites including “White Christmas” and “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.” Enjoy Sleigh Ride, music from The Nutcracker and more. Time: 8 p.m. Tickets: Prices begin at $40. Location: Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts at 2 E South St., Raleigh. Info: ncsymphony.org/events/427/holiday-pops.
Dec. 11
▪ A Golden Celebration Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour — The historic neighborhood celebrates its 50th year of candlelight tours. See homes dating from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s decked out in their holiday best. Docents at each stop offer information about unique features of the homes, the family lineage and surrounding community. Ticket holders can tour the properties at their own pace, but allow three to four hours to view all featured homes. Date: Dec. 11-12 (1-7 p.m.) Location: Oakwood neighborhood, Raleigh Tickets: $30 in advance online. Info: historicoakwood.org.
▪ Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade — This 42nd annual parade will feature bands, mascots, local businesses, community groups and churches. Date: Dec. 11 (2-4 p.m.) Location: Starts on East Chatham Street at Ward Street, to South Academy Street, ending at Dry Avenue. Tickets: Free. Info: caryjaycees.org/parade.
▪ Durham Holiday Laser Light Show — This holiday themed laser light show is a drive-in-style event with music played through your car radio, synchronized with a light show. The event is free but you must pre-register. Canned goods will be collected as part of a holiday food drive, so bring donations if you can. Date: Dec. 11 (5:30, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m.) Rain date is Dec. 12. Location: Durham County Memorial Stadium, 750 Stadium Drive, Durham. Tickets: Free, but register. Info: dprplaymore.org/473/Bull-City-Holidayz.
▪ Merry Moore Market, Raleigh — There will be 50 local vendors, live music, visits with Santa and carriage rides. Time: 5-9 p.m. Location: 200 N. Blount St., Raleigh Info: facebook.com.
▪ “Holiday Pops” at the North Carolina Symphony — Vocalist Yolanda Rabun joins the Symphony to spread cheer with traditional favorites including “White Christmas” and “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.” Enjoy Sleigh Ride, music from The Nutcracker, and more. Time: 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets: Prices begin at $40. Location: Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts at 2 E South St., Raleigh. Info: ncsymphony.org/events/427/holiday-pops.
▪ Black Nativity In Concert — Artistic leaders Dr. Asabi (Stephanie Howard) and Ray Watkins bring this soaring 45-minute gospel concert to life featuring nine soloists, West African and contemporary dance, a live band, vibrant costumes, and a beautifully poignant narrative. This is an outdoor event. Bring a chair and a blanket. Time: 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Tickets: This is a free event, but reservations are required. Location: North Carolina Museum Of Art at 2110 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh. Info: thejusticetheaterproject.org/black-nativity-2021.
Dec. 12
▪ A Golden Celebration Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour — The historic neighborhood celebrates its 50th year of candlelight tours. See homes dating from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s decked out in their holiday best. Docents at each stop offer information about unique features of the homes, the family lineage and surrounding community. Ticket holders can tour the properties at their own pace, but allow three to four hours to view all featured homes. Date: Dec. 11-12 (1-7 p.m.) Location: Oakwood neighborhood, Raleigh Tickets: $30 in advance online. Info: historicoakwood.org.
▪ Raleigh Ringers Holiday Concert — This show, a long tradition in Raleigh, features unique interpretations of sacred, secular and popular holiday music. Date: Dec. 12 (4 p.m.) Location: Meymandi Concert Hall, Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St., Raleigh. Tickets: $20. Info: rr.org.
▪ Black Nativity In Concert — Artistic leaders Dr. Asabi (Stephanie Howard) and Ray Watkins bring this soaring 45-minute gospel concert to life featuring nine soloists, West African and contemporary dance, a live band, vibrant costumes, and a beautifully poignant narrative. This is an outdoor event. Bring a chair and a blanket. Time: 4 p.m. Tickets: This is a free event, but reservations are required. Location: North Carolina Museum Of Art at 2110 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh. Info: thejusticetheaterproject.org/black-nativity-2021.
Dec. 13
▪ Raleigh Ringers Holiday Concert — This show, a long tradition in Raleigh, features unique interpretations of sacred, secular and popular holiday music. Date: Dec. 13 (7:30 p.m.) Location: Meymandi Concert Hall, Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St., Raleigh. Tickets: $20. Info: rr.org.
Dec. 14
▪ Saint Francis UMC Live Nativity — The outside, walk-through event includes costumed Biblical characters with live animals from Winterpast Farms. Attendees will also enjoy Christmas music from the Saint Francis Brass Quintet and the Mosaic Girls’ Choir, hot chocolate and cookies. Date: Dec. 14 (6-8 p.m.) Location: 2965 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary. Tickets: Free. Info: saintfrancisumc.org/Christmas.
Dec. 15
▪ Saint Francis UMC Live Nativity — The outside, walk-through event includes costumed Biblical characters with live animals from Winterpast Farms. Attendees will also enjoy Christmas music from the Saint Francis Brass Quintet and the Mosaic Girls’ Choir, hot chocolate and cookies. Date: Dec. 15 (6-8 p.m.) Location: 2965 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary. Tickets: Free. Info: saintfrancisumc.org/Christmas.
Dec. 18
▪ Durham Holiday Parade — This annual parade will have floats, hometown bands, drill teams, mascots and other groups, concluding with Santa. Date: Dec. 18 (11 a.m.) Location: Main Street, downtown Durham (starting at Main and Dillard streets, ending near Duke East Campus at Main Street and Buchanan Boulevard) Tickets: Free. Info: dprplaymore.org.
▪ Garner Christmas Parade —This year’s parade travels down Main Street only. Date: Dec. 18 (9:30 a.m.) Location: Main Street (from New Rand Road to Benson Road/Hwy 50), downtown Garner. Tickets: Free. Info: garnerchristmasparade.com
Dec. 31
▪ First Night Raleigh — It’s been 30 years since the very first First Night Raleigh celebration, and this year’s event will once again span about two dozen blocks of Downtown Raleigh to celebrate the community, the arts and the New Year. Details are sparse at the moment, but the event always includes interactive arts activities (plus an early countdown) for the kids, art displays, performances food and more, culminating with a countdown to midnight and the dropping of Raleigh’s giant acorn. Date: Dec. 31 Location: Downtown Raleigh. Tickets: $12 in advance ($16 on-site) and free for kids 5 and under. Info: firstnightraleigh.com
This story was originally published November 24, 2021 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Parades, tree lightings and Scrooge: A 2021 guide to holiday events in the Triangle."
