After Border Patrol arrests, downtown Durham group postpones holiday tree lighting
After U.S. Border Patrol arrests in the Triangle this week, a holiday tree lighting scheduled for Friday, Nov. 21, has been postponed until next month.
Downtown Durham Inc., a nonprofit that promotes the downtown area, said Thursday it will reschedule its annual tree lighting celebration to support those who may feel unsafe.
In a statement, the group said it based its decision on the “unexpected political activity in the area and our community’s reaction.”
“We have made the decision to postpone the downtown Durham Tree Lighting out of an abundance of caution for the safety and comfort of our vendors, staff, and attendees,” the statement read. “We understand this is a significant change, and we do not take it lightly. Our priority is ensuring that everyone involved feels safe and supported.”
Border Patrol agents arrested about a dozen people in Durham, Raleigh and Cary this week, sparking a series of protests and community resistance in the Bull City.
The announcement came a day after dozens of people gathered at CCB Plaza Wednesday night to protest the Border Patrol presence in the Triangle and state over the past week.
The tree lighting will now be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 6 in CCB Plaza. The event will include performances, festive treats and a visit from Santa.
Country music singer Rissi Palmer, local soul group The Lover Boyz and others were scheduled to perform at Friday’s event.
“We support our affected communities who want to hold downtown as a space where every one is welcome,” DDI said in its statement.
About the Durham holiday tree lighting ceremony
Each year, the tree lighting draws about 3,000 people to the plaza, DDI said.
The typically 50-foot Norway Spruce tree travels from Sugar Mountain Nursery, a family-owned farm, in Newland in the western part of the state.
The Durham Holiday Parade is still scheduled for Dec. 13 in downtown Durham.
This story was originally published November 20, 2025 at 4:27 PM.