Culture

Top holiday events in the Triangle for 2025: tree lightings, parades and more

Top holiday events in the Triangle for 2025: tree lightings, parades and more

Check your town website for more events in your area!

The beloved walk-through festival returns to Cary's Koka
Booth Amphitheatre for eight weeks with more than 40 new displays with LED
lights. Date-specific tickets are already available online.

11/21 Raleigh Tree Lighting and Holiday Market (5:30p-8p)  –
Moore Square - FREE

Watch as the Raleigh Christmas Tree comes to light, get free
pictures with Santa Claus, shop for presents at the local vendor market, enjoy
festive performances by local artists and so much more—all in downtown's
historic Moore Square park.

11/22 WRAL Celebrates The Raleigh Christmas Parade (9:30a)
– FREE

The largest Christmas parade between Washington, DC, and Atlanta
will step off at 9:30 a.m.

The Raleigh Christmas Parade
has been a beloved community tradition since its inception in 1939.

Light the Square has something for the entire family. From
live music to ice skating to horse-drawn carriage rides and a special
appearance by Santa Claus himself, this is a night you won’t want to miss.

The Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration, located in
the heart of Midtown Raleigh, is a beloved holiday event. For over a decade,
North Hills has hosted thousands of guests for a fabulous holiday program
featuring live entertainment, kids crafts and a vendor village. As Santa Claus
arrives, the 41-foot Christmas Tree is lit amidst a joyous chorus of “Santa
Claus Is Coming to Town.

11/23 NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet (2p and 6p) –
DPAC Durham, NC