Celebrate the holiday season at the North Carolina State Capitol at the State Tree Lighting and a three-day Holiday Open House. Both are free events, and no RSVP is required. State Tree Lighting and Holiday Open House State Tree Lighting and Holiday Open HouseThursday, December 11, 20255:30 p.m.1 E Edenton Street, Raleigh, NCFree Join the State Capitol and Gov. Josh Stein for the annual … [Read more...] about Holiday Open House at Capitol Dec. 11 – 13
Kids
18th Annual St. Nicholas European Christmas Market Dec 12-13
The 18th Annual St. Nicholas European Christmas Market takes place Friday, December 12, 2025, from 5 to 9 p.m., and Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Kerr Scott Building at the NC State Fairgrounds, 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, North Carolina. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. The event is a fundraiser by Sts. Cyril and Methodius Byzantine … [Read more...] about 18th Annual St. Nicholas European Christmas Market Dec 12-13
Clayton Christmas Parade Dec 13
Clayton, North Carolina, is in Johnston County, about 18 miles to the southeast of Raleigh. The Clayton Christmas Parade takes place on on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 11 a.m. The Parade Route will also change from prior years in response to the construction start for the new Clayton High School. The Parade assembly area will be on all of Atkinson Street and Main Street from Atkinson to … [Read more...] about Clayton Christmas Parade Dec 13
Soulful Holiday Open House at John Chavis Memorial Park Dec 12 — Inflatables, crafts, photo ops, more…
Soulful Holiday Open House is a fun, free holiday event on Friday, December 12, 2025, from 5:30 to 9 p.m., at John Chavis Memorial Park, 505 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Raleigh, North Carolina. This event is for all ages. Enjoy: … [Read more...] about Soulful Holiday Open House at John Chavis Memorial Park Dec 12 — Inflatables, crafts, photo ops, more…
Christmas by Candlelight at Duke Homestead Dec. 5 and 12
Duke Homestead State Historic Site, 2828 Duke Homestead Road, Durham, North Carolina, is hosting Christmas by Candlelight on Friday, December 5, and Friday, December 12, 2025, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Tickets will be available on November 4, 2025. Tickets are $8 per person (plus fees) and can be purchased on Eventbrite. Tickets are free for ages 3 and under. Celebrate an old-fashioned … [Read more...] about Christmas by Candlelight at Duke Homestead Dec. 5 and 12
Live Nativity Scene at CSHC Raleigh with free refreshments and petting zoo on Dec. 12
Christ's Sanctified Holy Church, at 9050 Strickland Road, Raleigh, is hosting a live nativity scene on Friday, December 12, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. You can drive through the scene of Bethlehem or get out and check it out! There will be a petting zoo, as well, and free refreshments. … [Read more...] about Live Nativity Scene at CSHC Raleigh with free refreshments and petting zoo on Dec. 12
Kids, Cookies & Candy Canes at Carrboro Century Center
Kids, Cookies & Candy Canes is a free holiday event for kids on Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., at Carrboro Century Center, 100 N Greensboro Street, Carrboro, North Carolina. For kids of all ages! Enjoy some holiday fun, with cookies, crafts, and a children's show. … [Read more...] about Kids, Cookies & Candy Canes at Carrboro Century Center
A Night with Santa — free events with Raleigh Police and Raleigh Parks
Raleigh Police and Raleigh Parks are hosting A Night with Santa. These free events celebrate the magic of the season at Raleigh Parks Recreation Centers. Kids can get pictures with Santa, create crafts, play games, enjoy sweet treats, and more. These events are for children newborn to 12 years old. Holiday pajamas are encouraged but not required! Registration is encouraged: A Night … [Read more...] about A Night with Santa — free events with Raleigh Police and Raleigh Parks
Smithfield Christmas Parade Dec. 11
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 Smithfield Christmas Parade Dec. 11
Winner announced for 4 Tickets to Phillips Farms of Cary’s Walk-Through Christmas Light Show
UPDATE: The contest has ended. The winner is Emily Nel***an. Name obscured for privacy. I've emailed you! Phillips Farms of Cary, 6800 Good Hope Church Road, Cary, North Carolina, is presenting one of the best holiday events in the Triangle, and the price is great, too! We're giving away four free tickets to one lucky newsletter subscriber, so keep reading! The Christmas Walk Through takes … [Read more...] about Winner announced for 4 Tickets to Phillips Farms of Cary’s Walk-Through Christmas Light Show
