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
Kids
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
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
Lights on the Neuse — hayride through Christmas lights
Bring the family to Boyette Family Farms, 1620 Loop Road, Clayton, North Carolina, for Lights on the Neuse during the Christmas season. This attraction is on our list of the best Christmas light displays in the Triangle. Lights on the Neuse features a one-mile long Christmas hayride. This 20-minute long tractor-pulled hayride brings you through the light extravaganza, with Christmas … [Read more...] about Lights on the Neuse — hayride through Christmas lights
Letters to Santa with Raleigh Parks & Rec — free program
Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department is making it easier for kids to communicate directly with Santa Claus. From November 20 to December 17, 2025, the department is hosting a FREE Letters to Santa program. It's easy to participate! Can't make it a community center? No problem! Santa is on email! Just fill out the template and email it to … [Read more...] about Letters to Santa with Raleigh Parks & Rec — free program
Winter Wonderland at Park West Village: train rides, entertainment, Santa, more… Nov. 21-23
Experience holiday magic at Park West Village's Winter Wonderland from Friday, November 21, to Sunday, November 23, 2025. Park West Village is at 3400 Village Market Place, Morrisville, NC. The event takes place: This is a free event. The event features: … [Read more...] about Winter Wonderland at Park West Village: train rides, entertainment, Santa, more… Nov. 21-23
Raleigh Christmas Parade Nov 22
Crossroads Ford Apex ABC11 Raleigh Christmas Parade by Shop Local Raleigh takes place Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. It lasts about 2.5 hours and is 1.4 miles long. Read on for the essential details about attending the Raleigh Christmas parade. Parade Route The parade route is approximately 1.4 miles long: How to Watch the Parade on TV If you can't make it to the parade in … [Read more...] about Raleigh Christmas Parade Nov 22
