The nearby town of Franklinton, North Carolina, is hosting some great holiday events, and generally 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. Franklinton Tree Lighting and Christmas MarketSaturday, November 29, … [Read more...] about Franklinton Christmas Tree Lighting, Market and Parade
Even more free and cheap stuff to do
Sanford Christmas Parade Dec 1
The Sanford Christmas Parade will take place on Monday, December 1, 2025, at 7 p.m., in Downtown Sanford. The parade takes place the first Monday of December every year. This long-running night-time parade should get you into the Christmas spirit! Follow the Facebook event for updates. … [Read more...] about Sanford Christmas Parade Dec 1
Zebulon Christmas Parade Dec 14
The Zebulon Christmas Parade takes place Sunday, December 14, 2025, at 3 p.m., in Downtown Zebulon. Check back soon for more details, including the parade route. … [Read more...] about Zebulon Christmas Parade Dec 14
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
Siler City Christmas Parade Dec 4
The Siler City Christmas Parade takes place on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 7 p.m. Festive floats, marching bands, local groups and holiday lights will fill Downtown Siler City with holiday cheer. At the end of the parade, Santa will light the Christmas tree. … [Read more...] about Siler City Christmas Parade Dec 4
Winter Lantern Walk at N.C. Museum of Art Dec 13
The North Carolina Museum of Art is hosting a Winter Lantern Walk on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. It will take place in the Museum Park. The procession will gather at 5:30 p.m. at the Ellipse. Bring your own homemade lantern. See guidelines, below. The walk is on a paved trail, about 3/4 of a mile long. It's wheelchair-accessible. This is a free event. Look … [Read more...] about Winter Lantern Walk at N.C. Museum of Art Dec 13
Christmas in Smithfield: Tree Lighting, parade, Santa’s Workshop
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, parade, Santa’s Workshop
Happy Holly Days Parade in Holly Springs Dec 13
Holly Springs North Carolina, is in Southern Wake County, about 20 miles to the southwest of Raleigh. Happy Holly Days Parade will take place in Holly Springs on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 10 a.m. Floats, bands, dancers, decorated vehicles, marching groups and all sorts of entertaining entries travel on Main Street through downtown. … [Read more...] about Happy Holly Days Parade in Holly Springs Dec 13
Garner Holiday Block Party, Christmas Parade, and Tree Lighting Dec 6
The Town of Garner is celebrating the holidays with a Holiday Block Party, Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting, all on Saturday, December 6, 2025. The events are all free to enjoy and take place at the Garner Recreation Center, 215 W Main Street, Garner, North Carolina. Holiday Block Party The Garner Holiday Block Party will take place from 2 to 4:30 p.m. It will feature Holiday kids’ crafts, … [Read more...] about Garner Holiday Block Party, Christmas Parade, and Tree Lighting Dec 6
Youngsville Tree Lighting and Christmas Parade
The Town of Youngsville, North Carolina, will welcome the season with a Tree Lighting celebration and a Christmas Parade. Youngsville is 22 miles to the north of Raleigh, and just 4 miles from Wake Forest. Tree Lighting Friday, December 5, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the tree lighting ceremony will take place at Luddy Park, 200 Youngsville Blvd, Youngsville, North Carolina. Enjoy an … [Read more...] about Youngsville Tree Lighting and Christmas Parade
