The North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival is returning to Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary, in 2025, for the 10th time! The popular holiday event features dazzling displays made from thousands of handcrafted, illuminated lanterns showcasing various themes. There are many interactive elements. In addition, enjoy stage performances several times each night. The … [Read more...] about 10th Annual North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival
Holiday
MLK Day: Celebrating the Legacy Through the Arts in Durham
Durham Parks and Recreation is hosting a MLK Day event on Saturday, January 10, 2026. MLK: Celebrating the Legacy Through the Arts will take place from 2 to 5 p.m. at W.D. Hill Recreation Center, 1308 Fayetteville Street, Durham. Activities will celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's life, including: This event is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is not required. Look for updates … [Read more...] about MLK Day: Celebrating the Legacy Through the Arts in Durham
Fenton’s Skate the Square: Save $3 on Mondays
Fenton in Cary is once again hosting an outdoor ice skating rink in the winter of 2025. The skating rink will be in Fenton Square, 21 Fenton Gateway Drive, Cary, NC. Fenton also hosts many events throughout the week, including fitness, children's activities, live music, holiday events and more. Check out Fenton's event calendar. Tickets for Fenton Skate the Square are $18 per person. That … [Read more...] about Fenton’s Skate the Square: Save $3 on Mondays
Downtown Raleigh Illuminate Art Walk
Downtown Raleigh Alliance's Illuminate Art Walk returns to Downtown Raleigh on December 5, 2025. It will shine each night through January 6, 2026. Illuminate Art Walk will include 22 large-scale, interactive, light-based art pieces from local, regional and international artists. It will create a holiday light experience free to enjoy every night during the holiday season. Visit three … [Read more...] about Downtown Raleigh Illuminate Art Walk
2nd Annual Holiday Model Train Show at Durham Main Library
Durham County Library is hosting a Holiday Model Train Show on select dates in December, 2025. Watch as ten model trains travel through 400 square feet of layouts, including the NC State Fair, Dinosaur Land, Origami, Outer Space and more. The exhibit is brought to us by Little WORLD Charity, and is a 100% volunteer effort. Little World Charity brings joys to kids across the Triangle in … [Read more...] about 2nd Annual Holiday Model Train Show at Durham Main Library
Selma Three Kings Day Fiesta on Jan. 4
On January 4, 2026, the town of Selma is celebrating Three Kings Day with a free event for the whole community. Selma Three Kings Fiesta Selma Three Kings Day CelebrationSunday, January 4, 20262 to 5 p.m.Downtown Selma105 Raiford Street, Selma, NCFree Celebrate Three Kings Day in downtown Selma. A skit in both English and Spanish explaining Three Kings Day will be performed. The … [Read more...] about Selma Three Kings Day Fiesta on Jan. 4
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
Emancipation Day: Breakfast and Lecture at City of Raleigh Museum January 3
Emancipation Day, a long-standing North Carolina Tradition, is 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. The City of Raleigh Museum, 220 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, North Carolina, is hosting an Emancipation Day … [Read more...] about Emancipation Day: Breakfast and Lecture at City of Raleigh Museum January 3
How to recycle Christmas trees in the Triangle for mulch — or to share with goats and pigs
When the time comes that you have to let your Christmas tree go, it's easy and free to do, and even "pays it forward" -- as Christmas trees are turned into mulch. Dried out Christmas trees become increasingly flammable as days go by, so don't hold onto it for too long. Most towns and cities recycle Christmas trees for mulch, so recycling your tree is a way of "paying it forward." Read on for … [Read more...] about How to recycle Christmas trees in the Triangle for mulch — or to share with goats and pigs
Restaurants open for dine-in, takeout, and delivery on New Year’s Day 2026 — some with lucky New Year’s menus
Interested in not cooking on New Year's Day 2026? Check out this growing list of restaurants in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and the rest of the Triangle that are open on January 1st, 2026. Most listed will be available for take-out as well, and, in some cases, delivery. Most (if not all) will also be open on New Year's Eve. Some will serve a special New Year's Eve or Day meal, and some … [Read more...] about Restaurants open for dine-in, takeout, and delivery on New Year’s Day 2026 — some with lucky New Year’s menus
