New Hope Valley Railway's very popular holiday attraction, Santa Express, is returning for 2025, and tickets are on sale now. They are very much subject to selling out. Climb aboard the Santa Express for a 50-minute festive adventure through the twinkling, holiday-decorated woods! Play along with the Santa Express I Spy game as you spot cheerful decorations along the way. And of course, Santa … [Read more...] about Santa Express at New Hope Valley Railway
Even more free and cheap stuff to do
Walk Through Bethlehem at Wake Forest Presbyterian Church Dec 5-7
Wake Forest Presbyterian Church, at 12605 Capital Boulevard, Wake Forest, is presenting Walk Through Bethlehem, a free event December 5 to 7, 2025. Walk Through Bethlehem takes place: Begun in the year 2000 as a Christmas gift to the community, each year Wake Forest Presbyterian Church delivers the Christmas story in a stirring virtual "walk" through Bethlehem to the stable where Jesus was … [Read more...] about Walk Through Bethlehem at Wake Forest Presbyterian Church Dec 5-7
Rolesville Christmas Parade Dec 7
The Rolesville Christmas Parade will take place Sunday, December 7, 2025, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. The parade lineup begins at 12:30 p.m. at Thales Academy, behind the police station. The parade itself starts at 2 p.m. The parade will start at Thales Academy, will move up Storage Drive to Main St., turn left onto Main Street then right onto E. Young St., and ending at Rolesville Baptist … [Read more...] about Rolesville Christmas Parade Dec 7
Durham Medical Orchestra: 15 Years in Harmony Concert Dec. 7
The Durham Medical Orchestra, which is associated with Duke University, was founded in 2010 by volunteer musicians with the mission to unite health-related professionals, Duke University, and the surrounding community through musical performance and collaboration to foster health, wellness, and the cultural enrichment of its audiences and members. The orchestra now has more than 100 members, … [Read more...] about Durham Medical Orchestra: 15 Years in Harmony Concert Dec. 7
33rd Annual Boylan Heights ArtWalk Dec 7
The 33rd Annual Boylan Heights ArtWalk takes place Sunday, December 7, 2025, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. It takes place in the Boylan Heights neighborhood of Raleigh and is free to attend. Boylan Heights is located in Downtown Raleigh between Hillsborough Street and Western Boulevard along Boylan Avenue. The event is free and parking is available along the street. Artists and craftspeople … [Read more...] about 33rd Annual Boylan Heights ArtWalk Dec 7
Holiday Patchwork Market at Durham Armory Dec. 6-7
The Patchwork Market features makers and vintage vendors. This market gives the community a chance to meet the makers who create the unique, quality goods. Two large seasonal markets are held at Durham Armory, 220 Foster Street, Durham. Admission is free. Find information on their upcoming markets on The Patchwork Market's Facebook page. The Holiday Patchwork Market takes place Saturday, … [Read more...] about Holiday Patchwork Market at Durham Armory Dec. 6-7
Handmade Hanukkah Market at Temple Beth Or in Raleigh Dec 7
Temple Beth Or, 5315 Creedmoor Rd., Raleigh, is hosting Handmade Hanukkah Market on Sunday, December 7, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It's free to attend. Jewish artisans will be displaying and selling their work, ranging in style from textiles and photography to jewelry, pottery and much more. Work will be available in a wide range of prices. Shop local, support your community and find … [Read more...] about Handmade Hanukkah Market at Temple Beth Or in Raleigh Dec 7
Fuquay-Varina Tree Lighting Dec. 7
The town of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, in southern Wake County, is about 18 miles from Raleigh, and 12 miles from Apex. Read on to learn about some of the holiday festivities taking place in Fuquay-Varina in December, 2025. Fuquay-Varina Tree Lighting The official Fuquay-Varina Town Tree Lighting will take place Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 6 p.m., at the Main/Vance Street … [Read more...] about Fuquay-Varina Tree Lighting Dec. 7
The Bazaar Craft & Art Market in Carrboro Dec. 7
The Bazaar is a craft and art market that takes place several times a year in Carrboro, North Carolina. It's free to attend and also features music, food and drink. The Bazaar Craft and Art Market takes place from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m at Carrboro Town Commons, 301 W. Main Street, Carrboro. Follow The Bazaar on Facebook for updates. Here is the Facebook event for the 2025 … [Read more...] about The Bazaar Craft & Art Market in Carrboro Dec. 7
Toys From Teens: Free toys and a visit with Santa Dec. 6
The Raleigh Youth Council is hosting the annual Toys From Teens event for families with children from birth to 12 years old. This is a free event. This free event takes place on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., at Roberts Park Community Center, 1300 E Martin Street, Raleigh, North Carolina. No registration is required. The event features: Children must be present to … [Read more...] about Toys From Teens: Free toys and a visit with Santa Dec. 6
