UPDATE: The contest has ended and the two winners have been emailed. The winners are (names obscured for privacy): The hugely popular attraction, Holiday Express, transforms Pullen Park into a holiday wonderland from December 2 to December 18, 2025. Guests go on a train ride, enjoy unlimited rides on the carousel, play at the Arctic Avenue, go on the Enchanted Elevator, enjoy complimentary … [Read more...] about Winners announced for 4 tickets to Pullen Park’s Sold Out Holiday Express
Kids
Sundaes with Santa at The Scoop at Willow Oak Farms, Fuquay-Varina
The Scoop at Willow Oak Farms, 1530 Lafayette Road, Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, is hosting Sundaes with Santa on Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. You pay for your food and drink, and can take pictures with Santa. Please bring an unwrapped toy for Santa and Mrs. Claus' toy drive. There will also be a Santa letter station. Enjoy Bubbles Hotdogs and BBQ, as well as hot … [Read more...] about Sundaes with Santa at The Scoop at Willow Oak Farms, Fuquay-Varina
The Christmas Carousel Holiday Gift Market returns to Raleigh Thanksgiving weekend
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
Light Up Main in Garner: Main Street Wonderland and Tree Lighting Nov. 29
Head to Downtown Garner, North Carolina for Light Up Main: Main Street Wonderland and Tree Lighting on Friday, November 29, 2025, from 1 to 6 p.m. This is a free event. Highlights include: Santa will be dropping by these locations between 1 and 4 p.m. Bring your camera! Live performances: … [Read more...] about Light Up Main in Garner: Main Street Wonderland and Tree Lighting Nov. 29
Franklinton Christmas Tree Lighting and Market Nov. 29 (and Parade Dec. 4)
The nearby town of Franklinton, North Carolina, is hosting some great holiday events, and has a fantastic light display set up. Franklinton is in the northeast corner of the Triangle. It's about a 39 minute drive from Raleigh, but just a 15 minute drive from Wake Forest, and a 10 minute drive from Youngsville. The entire downtown is decorated for Christmas including 14 live Christmas trees, a … [Read more...] about Franklinton Christmas Tree Lighting and Market Nov. 29 (and Parade Dec. 4)
Smashfest returns to The Scrap Exchange Nov 28 — smash stuff, listen to live bands, more…
Do you ever feel like smashing things? Or do you NEED to smash things? Head to The Scrap Exchange, 2050 Chapel Hill Road, Durham, for SmashFest on Friday, November 28, 2025, from 2 to 6 p.m. At this event you[ll be able to let out your frustrations by throwing various breakables against a wall. Enjoy a fun, carnival atmosphere with a large crowd, music, food and other … [Read more...] about Smashfest returns to The Scrap Exchange Nov 28 — smash stuff, listen to live bands, more…
Hillsborough Last Fridays Art Walk Nov. 28
The last Friday of every month, from February to November, 2025, rain or shine, Downtown Hillsborough showcases its art scene with the Last Fridays Art Walk from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Starting in March, Hillsborough Arts Council will present special programming each month. Explore art galleries, artist studios, fine jewelers, boutique shops and award winning restaurants. There will also be live … [Read more...] about Hillsborough Last Fridays Art Walk Nov. 28
Holidays with the Popes — Celebrate at the Pope House Museum Dec. 20
Experience the holidays at the Pope House Museum, 511 South Wilmington Street, Raleigh, North Carolina, on December 20, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Holidays with the Popes is a free event, and no registration is required. Enjoy period-accurate Christmas decorations, music, and games. Relax with the Popes as you learn about 20th-century Christmas traditions. This guided tour will also … [Read more...] about Holidays with the Popes — Celebrate at the Pope House Museum Dec. 20
Bull City Kids Closet — shop for FREE clothes Nov. 25
Durham Parks and Recreation is presenting Bull City Kids Closet. They're collecting clean, cold-weather clothing for kids newborn to 18 years old. Read to to learn how to donate clothing and how to receive clothing. Donate to Bull City Kids Closet Please consider donating your gently used kids' clothing, all sizes. The clothing drive is taking place November 12 to 22, 2025, Monday to … [Read more...] about Bull City Kids Closet — shop for FREE clothes Nov. 25
37th Annual Sculpture in the Garden at North Carolina Botanical Garden
The 37th Annual Sculpture in the Garden show is taking place at North Carolina Botanical Garden, 100 Mason Farm Road (on the UNC Chapel Hill campus) from September 14 to December 7, 2025. You can come by and see the sculptures in the outdoor garden setting during the Garden's normal hours: The Garden is closed on Mondays and University holidays, including Thanksgiving. It's free to … [Read more...] about 37th Annual Sculpture in the Garden at North Carolina Botanical Garden
