The Town of Cary is celebrating the season at their Heart of the Holidays Celebration events.
Here are just a few of Cary’s holiday events.
Photos with Santa
Step into a winter wonderland at Downtown Cary Park, and meet Santa. He will be at the Downtown Cary Park Gathering House on December 6, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bring your camera. This is a free event. Please keep in mind that there will be a wait! This is not a drop-off event. Please stay with your child. The tree lighting follows.
There will be other opportunities for a photo with Santa at Downtown Cary Park as well. See Santa’s schedule at Downtown Cary Park.
We’ve put together a huge list of holiday events in the Triangle, including parades, festivals, markets, Santa visits, and more. Check out our growing day by day list of holiday events in the Triangle!
Christmas Tree Lighting
Cary’s Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 2 to 10 p.m., at Downtown Cary Park. Enjoy photos with Santa, arts and crafts, performances and more. The tree lighting ceremony will start at 6 p.m.
Victorian Christmas at the Page-Walker
Enjoy a Victorian Christmas at the Page-Walker, 119 Ambassador Loop, Cary, on Saturday, December 6, 2025. Check back soon for the time. In 2024, it was from 2 to 5 p.m. This is a free event.
Enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas atmosphere at the old hotel this winter! There will be cookies, carolers, an activity for kids, holiday stories, and maybe a visit from a special guest from the North Pole. Afterwards walk downtown for the Christmas Tree lighting event.
Cary’s Gingerbread House Competition
Visit downtown Cary businesses from December 6 to 14, 2025, for Cary’s Gingerbread House Competition. You can vote on your favorite. New in 2025, there’s a “display” division, without voting.
Competition Entry (Judged)
Ready to compete? Submit a gingerbread house that meets our competition rules to be eligible for prizes.
This year’s grand prize package includes a stay at The Mayton and four any-night tickets to the NC Chinese Lantern Festival. All seven winners will take home an award ribbon and Cary goodies to celebrate their holiday handiwork!
- Drop-off deadline: Thursday, December 4
- Strict construction and decoration rules apply
- Eligible for judged awards and People’s Choice
- Winners will be displayed at the Cary Arts Center December 16 – 31
- 2025 Competition entry rules can be found here.
Display Entry (Just for Fun)
Want to join the fun without the pressure? Submit a gingerbread house to be part of our festive display – no judging, just joy!
- Drop-off deadline: Friday, December 5
- Flexible decoration rules
- Eligible for People’s Choice only
- People’s Choice winner will be displayed at the Cary Arts Center December 16 – 31
- 2025 Display entry rules can be found here.
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Triangle on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and it’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
You might also be interested in:
- Signing up for Triangle on the Cheap’s daily email
- Free events this week
- Day by Day list of holiday events
- Best Christmas Lights in the Triangle
- Christmas tree farms and lots near the Triangle
- Free pictures with Santa in the Triangle
- Holiday Markets in the Triangle
- Christmas Trains in North Carolina
More Holiday Events in the Triangle
Check out our big list of holiday events in the Triangle.
