Durham Community Concert Band is one of the largest community bands in North Carolina, with over 100 musicians. The band offers several free concerts every year. Upcoming Events Holiday ConcertFriday, December 12, 20257 p.m.Durham Armory212 Foster Street, Durham, NCFree Enjoy some holiday favorites (and perhaps a special guest conductor)! Featuring the Iglesia Bautista La Fe children's choir. … [Read more...] about Durham Community Concert Band: Holiday Concert Dec. 12
Even more free and cheap stuff to do
Free Cookies and Cider at Museum of Durham History every weekend through Dec. 21
Museum of Durham History, at 500 W. Main Street between Downtown Durham and Brightleaf Square, is free to visit. It's open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. It's open late for Durham Third Friday. Events at Museum of Durham History The museum will be offering FREE cookies and cider, every Friday through Sunday, through December 21, 2025. … [Read more...] about Free Cookies and Cider at Museum of Durham History every weekend through Dec. 21
Durham Holiday Parade Dec 13
Durham's Holiday Parade will take place on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 10 a.m. The Holiday Parade will feature floats, mascots, hometown bands, drill teams, schools and community groups, and, of course, Santa. The parade will travel down Main Street, and will conclude with a guest appearance from Santa. Seating is not provided. You're encouraged to bring your own. Check back more … [Read more...] about Durham Holiday Parade Dec 13
Krispy Kreme Day of the Dozens: Buy a dozen doughnuts, get a dozen for $1 on 12/12
Krispy Kreme is once again offering its annual Day of the Dozens deal on December 12, 2025. On 12/12 only, order any dozen doughnuts (or a 16-count Minis) at regular price, and get a dozen Original Glazed for $1. Valid in-shop, via drive-thru, or online for pick-up or delivery at participating U.S. shops. Limit: two $1 dozens per guest in-shop and via drive-thru, and one $1 dozen per guest … [Read more...] about Krispy Kreme Day of the Dozens: Buy a dozen doughnuts, get a dozen for $1 on 12/12
New tour at NC State Capitol in January — learn about the ancient Greek & Roman symbols
The North Carolina State Capitol is hosting a new tour, New Year, Ancient Ideas, in 2026. On four Saturdays in January, 2026, join a special tour and learn about the ancient Greek and Roman ideas, symbols and history that shaped modern America and North Carolina. Meet in the Capitol Rotunda 1 E Edenton Street, Raleigh, North Carolina, at noon on one of these days: The tours are free and no … [Read more...] about New tour at NC State Capitol in January — learn about the ancient Greek & Roman symbols
Contentnea Fire Department’s Christmas Light Display in Wilson — Santa will be there many nights
The Contentnea Fire Department, at 4146 NC Highway 42 W, Wilson, North Carolina, presents one of the most impressive Christmas light displays every year, and it's free to visit! it boasts a 60-foot tall tree and over 25,000 lights. The schedule was announced on Contentnea Fire Department's Facebook page. There will be a soft opening for the annual Christmas light display on Saturday, … [Read more...] about Contentnea Fire Department’s Christmas Light Display in Wilson — Santa will be there many nights
Live Nativity Events in the Triangle in 2025
With all the excitement over Santa, sometimes the more sacred or spiritual aspects of Christmas can be overshadowed. But several churches always plan wonderful drive-thru or walk-thru live Nativities that are open to the community. We are listing these below, as well as some related performances, which might not be free. Most of these events are free to the community. Some might … [Read more...] about Live Nativity Events in the Triangle in 2025
Family friendly New Year’s celebrations in the Triangle, including Noon Year’s Eve and early countdowns
Ring in 2026 with the kids at these family-friendly Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill area celebrations. These events are either free or very affordable. Make sure to follow the links to get the details. Also, have you subscribed to Triangle on the Cheap yet? You'll receive one email a day and be in the know. Start 2026 out the cheap way! Looking for a more comprehensive list of New Year's events? … [Read more...] about Family friendly New Year’s celebrations in the Triangle, including Noon Year’s Eve and early countdowns
40th Kwanzaa Fest in Durham Jan 1
The African American Dance Ensemble is hosting the 40th Kwanzaa Fest on Thursday, January 1, 2026, from 12 to 5:30 p.m., at Durham Armory, 212 Foster Street, Durham, North Carolina. The doors open at 12 p.m. and performances will start at 2 p.m. This is a free event. Enjoy performances, a marketplace, art, dance, music, poetry, food and more. In memory of Baba Chuck Davis, donated canned … [Read more...] about 40th Kwanzaa Fest in Durham Jan 1
Piper Lights: Free Drive-thru Lights Display in Wake Forest
One of the most spectacular Christmas light displays in the Triangle is in Wake Forest. Piper Lights is the project of a family who really loves Christmas. They're at 5725 Fixit Shop Road, Wake Forest, North Carolina. The display includes 7 acres of lights. This is a free, dirve-thru attraction. Make sure to check Piper Lights' Facebook page for updates and schedule changes. Weather can … [Read more...] about Piper Lights: Free Drive-thru Lights Display in Wake Forest
