The annual Christmas Carousel Holiday Gift Market takes place on Thanksgiving Weekend at NC State Fairgrounds. Specifically, it will be at the Jim Graham Building, 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh. This is the Triangle's largest marketplace for arts, crafts, and seasonal favorites. There will be over 200 exhibitors from all over the Southeast. Santa at The Christmas … [Read more...] about The Christmas Carousel Holiday Gift Market returns to Raleigh Thanksgiving weekend
Holiday
Bright Spirits Holiday Market Nov. 29
Bright Spirits Holiday Market is a local artisan market taking place behind MAX JR mini mini mart on Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 12 to 5 p.m. Celebrate Small Business Saturday and get a jump on your holiday shopping by shopping for hand-made crafts. Admission is free. … [Read more...] about Bright Spirits Holiday Market Nov. 29
Triangle restaurants open for Christmas 2025, including dine-in, takeout, and delivery
Diners in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill area can cross a stress-free Christmas dinner off their holiday wish list. A number of restaurants serve a special Christmas Eve or Christmas Day menu. Others are open with their regular menu. Most restaurants on this list also offer takeout and delivery. Here are some options at various price points. Make sure to note if the meal is just on … [Read more...] about Triangle restaurants open for Christmas 2025, including dine-in, takeout, and delivery
Bynum Front Porch Holiday Bazaar Nov. 29
Bynum Front Porch, at 950 Bynum Road, Pittsboro, North Carolina, is hosting the Bynum Front Porch Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Shop for local art, crafts, jewelry, handmade soaps and much more, while you enjoy music from the Bynum Front Porch Pickers. Also, snack on tasty treats, hot cider and chicken cracker stew. While you're there, enjoy Bynum's … [Read more...] about Bynum Front Porch Holiday Bazaar Nov. 29
Emancipation Day Trolley Tour: Oberlin Village Tour Jan. 3
A longstanding North Carolina tradition is to celebrate Emancipation Day, a commemoration of the Emancipation Proclamation. Traditionally this was celebrated on January 1st, and included a parade and program, followed by singing, poetry reading, and speeches by both black and white leaders. Located on the outskirts of Raleigh, Oberlin Village was a vibrant African American communityestablished … [Read more...] about Emancipation Day Trolley Tour: Oberlin Village Tour Jan. 3
Big list of things to do Thanksgiving Weekend 2025 with friends and family
Looking for something to do with friends and family Thanksgiving weekend, 2025? Here is a big list of things to do in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and beyond. More will be added! What do you think should be on the list? We've highlighted a few major attractions and fun ideas, but please scroll down for a more comprehensive day-by-day list. Or just jump to the day-by-day list. On Triangle on … [Read more...] about Big list of things to do Thanksgiving Weekend 2025 with friends and family
Piper Lights: Free Drive-thru Lights Display in Wake Forest opens Nov. 28
One of the most spectacular Christmas light displays in the Triangle is in Wake Forest. Piper Lights is the project of a family who really loves Christmas. They're at 5725 Fixit Shop Road, Wake Forest, North Carolina. The display includes 7 acres of lights. This is a free, dirve-thru attraction. Make sure to check Piper Lights' Facebook page for updates and schedule changes. Weather can … [Read more...] about Piper Lights: Free Drive-thru Lights Display in Wake Forest opens Nov. 28
Contentnea Fire Department’s Christmas Light Display in Wilson — Santa will be there many nights
The Contentnea Fire Department, at 4146 NC Highway 42 W, Wilson, North Carolina, presents one of the most impressive Christmas light displays every year, and it's free to visit! it boasts a 60-foot tall tree and over 25,000 lights. The schedule was announced on Contentnea Fire Department's Facebook page. There will be a soft opening for the annual Christmas light display on Saturday, … [Read more...] about Contentnea Fire Department’s Christmas Light Display in Wilson — Santa will be there many nights
Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Downtown Wendell
One of the largest and most spectacular Christmas light displays in North Carolina is at 10 S. Cypress St, Wendell, North Carolina, and it's free to visit. Lake Myra Christmas Lights features almost a quarter of a million lights that dance in a synchronized show, with special effects, to holiday music. Lake Myra Christmas Lights will run from November 26 to December 31, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. … [Read more...] about Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Downtown Wendell
Christmas in Smithfield: Tree Lighting and Holiday Market Nov. 28
Smithfield, North Carolina, is in Johnston County, about 31 miles to the southeast of Raleigh. Celebrate Christmas in Historic Downtown Smithfield, NC, at one of these events. While you're there, make sure to patronize the local businesses. Christmas Festival Kick Off to Christmas: Tree Lighting Festival and Holiday MarketFriday, November 28, 20253 to 8 p.m.Downtown … [Read more...] about Christmas in Smithfield: Tree Lighting and Holiday Market Nov. 28
