Triangle on the Cheap

Live well in the Triangle on a budget. Find fun, free things to do in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, NC

Fuquay-Varina Tree Lighting and Christmas Parade

POSTED BY
Jody Mace

Fuquay-Varina Tree Lighting

The official Fuquay-Varina Town Tree Lighting will take place Thursday, November 30, 2023,  at 6 p.m., at the Main/Vance Street Public Parking Lot, 205 South Main Street, Fuquay-Varina.

Enjoy choirs, the tree lighting and a visit from Santa. 

We’ve put together a huge list of holiday events in the Triangle, including parades, festivals, markets, Santa visits, and more. Check out our growing day by day list of holiday events in the Triangle!

This is a free event.

Sleigh rides will also be available, hosted by Fuquay-Varina Downtown Association.

Fuquay-Varina Christmas Parade

The annual Fuquay-Varina Christmas Parade will take place Sunday, December 3, 2023, at 4 p.m. in the Historic Downtown Fuquay District.

Double-Check Before You Head Out!

We make every effort to make sure that everything on Triangle on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and it's also possible that we can make a mistake. 
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.

 

Subscribe to Triangle on the Cheap

More Holiday Events in the Triangle

Check out our big list of holiday events in the Triangle, or look at a few of them here:

Friday, December 8, 2023

Free Santa photos and more at Bass Pro Shops Santa's Wonderland

All Day | FREE | Bass Pro Shops

Free Santa photos and more at Cabela's Santa's Wonderland

All Day | FREE | Cabela’s

Wool E's Winter Wonderland (time and price varies)

All Day | $11.00-16.50 | Durham Bulls Athletic Park

Cary's Gingerbread House Competition

All Day | FREE | Downtown Cary

The RINK: Outdoor skating at Red Hat Amphitheater (click for times)

All Day | $6.00-15.00 | Red Hat Amphitheater

Holiday Open House at Sunshine Lavender Farm

11:00 am to 4:00 pm | $1.00 | Sunshine Lavender Farm

Christmas at Oak View --reservations required

2:00 pm | FREE | Historic Oak View County Park

Contentnea Fire Department's Christmas Light Display

5:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Contentnea Fire Department, Wilson

16th Annual St. Nicholas European Christmas Market

5:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | NC State Fairgrounds

Santa at Contentnea Fire Department's Christmas Light Display (check for time)

5:00 pm | FREE | Contentnea Fire Department, Wilson

Christmas by Candlelight

5:30 pm to 9:00 pm | $8.00 | Duke Homestead

Hill Ridge Farms' Drive-Through Festival of Lights (price is per vehicle)

5:30 pm to 9:00 pm | $20.00-23.00 | Hill Ridge Farms, Youngsville

Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell

5:30 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell

Town of Carrboro Holiday Tree Lighting

6:00 pm to 7:00 pm | FREE | Carrboro Town Commons

Live music: The Goodloves

6:00 pm to 8:00 pm | Der Nachbar Bottleshop & Taps, Durham

Free drive-thru nativity at Penny Road Church of the Nazarene

6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Penny Road Church of the Nazarene

Electric Light Fantasy (ELF) at Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park in Wilson (price is per car; 3 shows per night)

6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | $30.00 | Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, Wilson

Christmas Lights on the Farm

6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | $12.00 | Big Daddy’s Farms, Middlesex

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival

6:00 pm to 10:00 pm | $11.00-25.00 | Koka Booth Amphitheatre

Vocal Arts Ensemble of Durham Holiday Concert: O Holy Night

7:30 pm | FREE | First Presbyterian Church, Durham

Cary Town Band: Winterfest '23

7:30 pm | FREE | Cary Arts Center

Saturday, December 9, 2023

Art-n-Soul Market

12:00 pm to 4:00 pm | FREE | Mystic Farm and Distillery, Durham

Free Santa photos and more at Bass Pro Shops Santa's Wonderland

All Day | FREE | Bass Pro Shops

Free Santa photos and more at Cabela's Santa's Wonderland

All Day | FREE | Cabela’s

Wool E's Winter Wonderland (time and price varies)

All Day | $11.00-16.50 | Durham Bulls Athletic Park

Cary's Gingerbread House Competition

All Day | FREE | Downtown Cary

The RINK: Outdoor skating at Red Hat Amphitheater (click for times)

All Day | $6.00-15.00 | Red Hat Amphitheater

Happy Holly Days Parade in Holly Springs

10:00 am to 12:00 pm | FREE | Downtown Holly Springs

Winterfest at Prairie Ridge

10:00 am to 1:00 pm | FREE | Prairie Ridge Ecostation (North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences), Raleigh

Knightdale Christmas Parade

10:00 am | FREE | Knightdale Station Park

Chapel Hill-Carrboro Community Parade

10:00 am | FREE | Carrboro Town Hall

Durham Holiday Parade

10:00 am | FREE | Main Street and Mangum Street, Durham

Black Nativity in Concert

11:30 am | $5.00 | North Carolina Museum of Art, Raleigh

Visit with Santa at Old North State Food Hall

12:00 pm to 2:00 pm | FREE | Old North State Food Hall, Selma

Merry Christmas Ya Filthy Animal: Small Business Market and Ugly Sweater Party

12:00 pm to 4:00 pm | FREE | Gizmo Brew Works, Raleigh

Jolly Raleigh Holiday Market

12:00 pm to 6:00 pm | FREE | Raleigh Iron Works

Parade to Park Festivities

12:00 pm to 8:00 pm | FREE | Downtown Cary Park

Ugly Sweater & PJ Party

12:00 pm to 11:59 pm | FREE | Boxcar Bar and Arcade, Raleigh

Holiday Sip and Shop in Wendell Falls

1:00 pm to 4:00 pm | FREE | Wendell Falls

Regal Holiday Classics

1:00 pm | $5.00 | Various locations

42th Annual Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade

2:00 pm to 4:00 pm | FREE | Downtown Cary

Christmas at Oak View --reservations required

2:00 pm | FREE | Historic Oak View County Park

Black Nativity in Concert

2:30 pm | $5.00 | North Carolina Museum of Art, Raleigh

Snow Much Fun -- Winter Carnival at Dix Park (free, but tickets are required)

3:00 pm to 8:00 pm | FREE | The Chapel at Dix Park

Jonkonnu at Stagville -- celebrate an African American holiday tradition

4:30 pm to 6:00 pm | $5.00 | Stagville State Historic Site

Winter Lantern Walk

4:30 pm to 6:30 pm | FREE | North Carolina Museum of Art, Raleigh

Live Nativity at St. Mark's, with live animals, a choir and more...

5:00 pm to 7:00 pm | FREE | St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, Raleigh

Contentnea Fire Department's Christmas Light Display

5:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Contentnea Fire Department, Wilson

2nd Annual Blue Hawaiian Christmas

5:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Crank Arm Brewing Company, Raleigh

Santa at Contentnea Fire Department's Christmas Light Display (check for time)

5:00 pm | FREE | Contentnea Fire Department, Wilson

Drive-Thru Nativity Scene at CSHC Raleigh, with free refreshments

5:30 pm to 7:30 pm | FREE | CSHC — Christ’s Sanctified Holy Church Raleigh

Hill Ridge Farms' Drive-Through Festival of Lights (price is per vehicle)

5:30 pm to 9:00 pm | $20.00-23.00 | Hill Ridge Farms, Youngsville

Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell

5:30 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell

Free drive-thru nativity at Penny Road Church of the Nazarene

6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Penny Road Church of the Nazarene

Electric Light Fantasy (ELF) at Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park in Wilson (price is per car; 3 shows per night)

6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | $30.00 | Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, Wilson

Christmas Lights on the Farm

6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | $12.00 | Big Daddy’s Farms, Middlesex

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival

6:00 pm to 10:00 pm | $11.00-25.00 | Koka Booth Amphitheatre

Santa at Lake Myra (Downtown Wendell) Christmas Lights

7:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell

Live music: The Beautiful People Club

7:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Der Nachbar Bottleshop & Taps, Durham

Sunday, December 10, 2023

Free Santa photos and more at Bass Pro Shops Santa's Wonderland

All Day | FREE | Bass Pro Shops

Free Santa photos and more at Cabela's Santa's Wonderland

All Day | FREE | Cabela’s

Wool E's Winter Wonderland (time and price varies)

All Day | $11.00-16.50 | Durham Bulls Athletic Park

The RINK: Outdoor skating at Red Hat Amphitheater (click for times)

All Day | $6.00-15.00 | Red Hat Amphitheater

Hanukkah 8K and 1-mile Fun Run/Walk

9:00 am | $20.00-25.00 | Levin JCC, Durham

Durham Craft Market: Holiday Craft Market

10:00 am to 4:00 pm | Durham Central Park

The Carolina Inn Holiday Market

12:00 pm to 4:00 pm | FREE | Carolina Inn, Chapel Hill

Downtown Cary Food & Flea Market

12:00 pm to 4:00 pm | FREE | Fidelity Bank Plaza, Cary

Westend Holiday Bazaar

12:00 pm to 5:00 pm | FREE | Parking at 427 West Franklin Street, Chapel Hill

Family Day: Lights Celebrate

1:00 pm to 3:00 pm | FREE | Nasher Museum of Art, Durham

Free Pictures with Santa at The Willard Rooftop

1:00 pm to 4:00 pm | FREE | The Willard Rooftop Lounge, Raleigh

Santa on the Roof of The Durham Hotel

1:00 pm to 4:00 pm | FREE | The Durham Hotel

Holiday Open House at West Point on the Eno

1:00 pm to 5:00 pm | FREE | West Point on the Eno, Durham

Regal Holiday Classics

1:00 pm | $5.00 | Various locations

Food Truck Block Party

2:00 pm to 5:00 pm | FREE | Bull City Ciderworks, Durham

Christmas at Oak View --reservations required

2:00 pm | FREE | Historic Oak View County Park

Holiday Movie Matinee

2:00 pm | FREE | Back lawn of Garner Performing Arts Center

Black Nativity in Concert

2:30 pm | $5.00 | North Carolina Museum of Art, Raleigh

Pittsboro Christmas Parade

3:00 pm to 4:00 pm | FREE | Downtown Pittsboro

Chanukah Wonderland

3:00 pm to 5:00 pm | FREE | Apex Senior Center

Free concert by Triangle Jewish Chorale: A Feast of Old Favorites

3:00 pm | FREE | Levin JCC, Durham

Bells of Christmas Concert

3:00 pm | FREE | First United Methodist Church, Cary

Menorah Lighting and Gelt Drop at Lafayette Village in Raleigh -- with petting zoo, food, more...

3:45 pm | FREE | Lafayette Village Raleigh

Pittsboro Holiday Parade After Party

4:00 pm to 8:30 pm | FREE | The Plant, Pittsboro

Journey to Bethlehem Living Nativity at Highland UMC

5:00 pm to 6:00 pm | FREE | Highland United Methodist Church, Raleigh

Contentnea Fire Department's Christmas Light Display

5:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Contentnea Fire Department, Wilson

Santa at Contentnea Fire Department's Christmas Light Display (check for time)

5:00 pm | FREE | Contentnea Fire Department, Wilson

Grand Menorah Lighting in Downtown Apex, with Gelt Drop, Fire Show, and more...

5:00 pm | FREE | Apex Senior Center

Piper Lights in Wake Forest

5:30 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Piper Lights, Wake Forest

Hill Ridge Farms' Drive-Through Festival of Lights (price is per vehicle)

5:30 pm to 9:00 pm | $20.00-23.00 | Hill Ridge Farms, Youngsville

Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell

5:30 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell

Free drive-thru nativity at Penny Road Church of the Nazarene

6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Penny Road Church of the Nazarene

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival

6:00 pm to 10:00 pm | $11.00-25.00 | Koka Booth Amphitheatre

Monday, December 11, 2023

Free Santa photos and more at Bass Pro Shops Santa's Wonderland

All Day | FREE | Bass Pro Shops

Free Santa photos and more at Cabela's Santa's Wonderland

All Day | FREE | Cabela’s

Discount Monday at Fenton Skate the Square -- get $3 off (check for times)

All Day | $14.00 | Fenton, Cary

Christmas at Oak View --reservations required

2:00 pm | FREE | Historic Oak View County Park

Arts and Drafts: Gay Nutcracker Edition

5:00 pm to 8:00 pm | FREE | Fullsteam Brewery, Durham

Contentnea Fire Department's Christmas Light Display

5:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Contentnea Fire Department, Wilson

Piper Lights in Wake Forest

5:30 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Piper Lights, Wake Forest

Hill Ridge Farms' Drive-Through Festival of Lights (price is per vehicle)

5:30 pm to 9:00 pm | $20.00-23.00 | Hill Ridge Farms, Youngsville

Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell

5:30 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival

6:00 pm to 10:00 pm | $11.00-25.00 | Koka Booth Amphitheatre

Downtown Raleigh Public Menorah Lighting

6:00 pm | FREE | Duke Energy Center for The Performing Arts, Raleigh

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

Free Santa photos and more at Bass Pro Shops Santa's Wonderland

All Day | FREE | Bass Pro Shops

Free Santa photos and more at Cabela's Santa's Wonderland

All Day | FREE | Cabela’s

Christmas at Oak View --reservations required

2:00 pm | FREE | Historic Oak View County Park

Contentnea Fire Department's Christmas Light Display

5:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Contentnea Fire Department, Wilson

Piper Lights in Wake Forest

5:30 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Piper Lights, Wake Forest

Hill Ridge Farms' Drive-Through Festival of Lights (price is per vehicle)

5:30 pm to 9:00 pm | $20.00-23.00 | Hill Ridge Farms, Youngsville

Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell

5:30 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival

6:00 pm to 10:00 pm | $11.00-25.00 | Koka Booth Amphitheatre

Holiday Concert with North Carolina Boys Choir and North Carolina Girls Choir

6:30 pm to 8:00 pm | FREE | University United Methodist Church, Chapel Hill

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Free Santa photos and more at Bass Pro Shops Santa's Wonderland

All Day | FREE | Bass Pro Shops

Free Santa photos and more at Cabela's Santa's Wonderland

All Day | FREE | Cabela’s

Wool E's Winter Wonderland (time and price varies)

All Day | $11.00-16.50 | Durham Bulls Athletic Park

Duke Chapel by Candlelight: Christmas Open House

12:00 pm to 2:00 pm | FREE | Duke University Chapel

Sounds of Christmas Concert

12:00 pm | FREE | First United Methodist Church, Cary

Christmas at Oak View --reservations required

2:00 pm | FREE | Historic Oak View County Park

Contentnea Fire Department's Christmas Light Display

5:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Contentnea Fire Department, Wilson

Menorah Lighting at Cary Arts Center

5:30 pm to 6:30 pm | FREE | Old Cary Library Site

Piper Lights in Wake Forest

5:30 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Piper Lights, Wake Forest

Hill Ridge Farms' Drive-Through Festival of Lights (price is per vehicle)

5:30 pm to 9:00 pm | $20.00-23.00 | Hill Ridge Farms, Youngsville

Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell

5:30 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival

6:00 pm to 10:00 pm | $11.00-25.00 | Koka Booth Amphitheatre

Holiday Music on the Rooftop: Ally J

7:30 pm to 7:30 pm | FREE | The Durham Hotel

Christmas Trivia Night

8:00 pm | FREE | Boxcar Bar and Arcade, Raleigh

Thursday, December 14, 2023

Free Santa photos and more at Bass Pro Shops Santa's Wonderland

All Day | FREE | Bass Pro Shops

Free Santa photos and more at Cabela's Santa's Wonderland

All Day | FREE | Cabela’s

The RINK: Outdoor skating at Red Hat Amphitheater (click for times)

All Day | $6.00-15.00 | Red Hat Amphitheater

Christmas at Oak View --reservations required

2:00 pm | FREE | Historic Oak View County Park

Pittsboro by Luminaria

3:00 pm to 7:00 pm | FREE | Downtown Pittsboro

Contentnea Fire Department's Christmas Light Display

5:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Contentnea Fire Department, Wilson

Santa at Contentnea Fire Department's Christmas Light Display (check for time)

5:00 pm | FREE | Contentnea Fire Department, Wilson

Piper Lights in Wake Forest

5:30 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Piper Lights, Wake Forest

Hill Ridge Farms' Drive-Through Festival of Lights (price is per vehicle)

5:30 pm to 9:00 pm | $20.00-23.00 | Hill Ridge Farms, Youngsville

Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell

5:30 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell

Live music: Eric Giffen

6:00 pm to 8:00 pm | FREE | Der Nachbar Bottleshop & Taps, Durham

Electric Light Fantasy (ELF) at Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park in Wilson (price is per car; 3 shows per night)

6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | $30.00 | Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, Wilson

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival

6:00 pm to 10:00 pm | $11.00-25.00 | Koka Booth Amphitheatre

Morrisville Chanukah: An Evening of Song & Spirit

6:00 pm | FREE | Town Hall Drive, Morrisville

Friday, December 15, 2023

Free Santa photos and more at Bass Pro Shops Santa's Wonderland

All Day | FREE | Bass Pro Shops

Free Santa photos and more at Cabela's Santa's Wonderland

All Day | FREE | Cabela’s

Wool E's Winter Wonderland (time and price varies)

All Day | $11.00-16.50 | Durham Bulls Athletic Park

The RINK: Outdoor skating at Red Hat Amphitheater (click for times)

All Day | $6.00-15.00 | Red Hat Amphitheater

Christmas at Oak View --reservations required

2:00 pm | FREE | Historic Oak View County Park

Frost and Flame Fest: A Night of Fire and Ice at Downtown Cary Park

4:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Downtown Cary Park

Weihnachtsmarkt (Holiday Market)

5:00 pm to 8:00 pm | FREE | Der Nachbar Bottleshop & Taps, Durham

Art Market @ Atlas Durham Apartments

5:00 pm to 8:00 pm | FREE | Atlas Apartments, Durham

Contentnea Fire Department's Christmas Light Display

5:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Contentnea Fire Department, Wilson

Cary Night Market

5:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Old Cary Library Site

Santa at Contentnea Fire Department's Christmas Light Display (check for time)

5:00 pm | FREE | Contentnea Fire Department, Wilson

Hill Ridge Farms' Drive-Through Festival of Lights (price is per vehicle)

5:30 pm to 9:00 pm | $20.00-23.00 | Hill Ridge Farms, Youngsville

Soulful Holiday Open House

5:30 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | John Chavis Memorial Park (Raleigh)

Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell

5:30 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell

Electric Light Fantasy (ELF) at Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park in Wilson (price is per car; 3 shows per night)

6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | $30.00 | Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, Wilson

Christmas Lights on the Farm

6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | $12.00 | Big Daddy’s Farms, Middlesex

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival

6:00 pm to 10:00 pm | $11.00-25.00 | Koka Booth Amphitheatre

Ugly Sweater Party

6:00 pm | FREE | Lonerider Brewing Company

Saturday, December 16, 2023

Art-n-Soul Market

12:00 pm to 4:00 pm | FREE | Waverly Place, Cary

Free Santa photos and more at Bass Pro Shops Santa's Wonderland

All Day | FREE | Bass Pro Shops

Free Santa photos and more at Cabela's Santa's Wonderland

All Day | FREE | Cabela’s

Wool E's Winter Wonderland (time and price varies)

All Day | $11.00-16.50 | Durham Bulls Athletic Park

The RINK: Outdoor skating at Red Hat Amphitheater (click for times)

All Day | $6.00-15.00 | Red Hat Amphitheater

Christmas in the Piedmont at Bennett Place

10:00 am to 4:00 pm | FREE | Bennett Place State Historic Site

Geek and Grub Market -- Christmas Nightmare Edition

11:00 am to 3:00 pm | FREE | Fred Fletcher Park, Raleigh

Visit with Santa at Old North State Food Hall

12:00 pm to 2:00 pm | FREE | Old North State Food Hall, Selma

Brunch with Santa at Metro Diner

12:00 pm to 2:00 pm | FREE | Metro Diner, Raleigh

Pets get free picture with Santa at PetSmart (reservations required)

12:00 pm to 3:00 pm | FREE | PetSmart (multiple locations)

Christmas and Anniversary Party (with Santa visit)

12:00 pm to 11:59 pm | FREE | Boxcar Bar and Arcade, Raleigh

Regal Holiday Classics

1:00 pm | $5.00 | Various locations

Weihnachtsmarkt (Holiday Market)

2:00 pm to 6:00 pm | FREE | Der Nachbar Bottleshop & Taps, Durham

Holiday Party at Bottles & Cans

2:00 pm to 11:00 pm | FREE | Bottles & Cans, Cary

Christmas at Oak View --reservations required

2:00 pm | FREE | Historic Oak View County Park

Contentnea Fire Department's Christmas Light Display

5:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Contentnea Fire Department, Wilson

Santa at Contentnea Fire Department's Christmas Light Display (check for time)

5:00 pm | FREE | Contentnea Fire Department, Wilson

Hill Ridge Farms' Drive-Through Festival of Lights (price is per vehicle)

5:30 pm to 9:00 pm | $20.00-23.00 | Hill Ridge Farms, Youngsville

Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell

5:30 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell

Electric Light Fantasy (ELF) at Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park in Wilson (price is per car; 3 shows per night)

6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | $30.00 | Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, Wilson

Christmas Lights on the Farm

6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | $12.00 | Big Daddy’s Farms, Middlesex

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival

6:00 pm to 10:00 pm | $11.00-25.00 | Koka Booth Amphitheatre

Santa at Lake Myra (Downtown Wendell) Christmas Lights

7:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell

Ugly Sweater Silent Disco

7:00 pm to 11:00 pm | FREE | Hi-Wire Brewing at Golden Belt

Ugly Sweater Party

7:00 pm | FREE | Sneaky Penguin Brewing Company, Raleigh

Live music: Mike Poole

7:30 pm | FREE | Sacred Grounds Coffeehouse, Durham

Naughty Santa Party

8:00 pm | FREE | Boxcar Bar + Arcade, Durham

Sunday, December 17, 2023

Free Santa photos and more at Bass Pro Shops Santa's Wonderland

All Day | FREE | Bass Pro Shops

Free Santa photos and more at Cabela's Santa's Wonderland

All Day | FREE | Cabela’s

Wool E's Winter Wonderland (time and price varies)

All Day | $11.00-16.50 | Durham Bulls Athletic Park

The RINK: Outdoor skating at Red Hat Amphitheater (click for times)

All Day | $6.00-15.00 | Red Hat Amphitheater

Photos with Santa at Downtown Cary Park

10:00 am to 2:00 pm | FREE | Downtown Cary Park

Winter Market at North Hills

11:00 am to 3:00 pm | FREE | Coastal Credit Union Midtown Park

Pets get free picture with Santa at PetSmart (reservations required)

12:00 pm to 3:00 pm | FREE | PetSmart (multiple locations)

The Carolina Inn Holiday Market

12:00 pm to 4:00 pm | FREE | Carolina Inn, Chapel Hill

7th Annual Chocolatada de Luisito -- Luisito’s Chocolatada -- for Three Kings Day

1:00 pm to 3:00 pm | FREE | City of Raleigh Museum

Holiday Festival at Capital Marketplace, including pictures with Santa

1:00 pm to 4:00 pm | FREE | Capital Marketplace, Raleigh

Regal Holiday Classics

1:00 pm | $5.00 | Various locations

Christmas Music with Josh Colton

2:00 pm to 4:00 pm | FREE | The Plant, Pittsboro

Weihnachtsmarkt (Holiday Market)

2:00 pm to 6:00 pm | FREE | Der Nachbar Bottleshop & Taps, Durham

Christmas at Oak View --reservations required

2:00 pm | FREE | Historic Oak View County Park

The Cary Christmas Celebration Concert

3:00 pm | FREE | First United Methodist Church, Cary

Free TubaChristmas concert

4:00 pm | FREE | St. Andrew The Apostle Catholic Church

Contentnea Fire Department's Christmas Light Display

5:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Contentnea Fire Department, Wilson

Santa at Contentnea Fire Department's Christmas Light Display (check for time)

5:00 pm | FREE | Contentnea Fire Department, Wilson

Piper Lights in Wake Forest

5:30 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Piper Lights, Wake Forest

Hill Ridge Farms' Drive-Through Festival of Lights (price is per vehicle)

5:30 pm to 9:00 pm | $20.00-23.00 | Hill Ridge Farms, Youngsville

Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell

5:30 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival

6:00 pm to 10:00 pm | $11.00-25.00 | Koka Booth Amphitheatre

Winter Holiday Singalong

6:30 pm | FREE | Fullsteam Brewery, Durham

Songs and Carols for the Holiday Season by The Oakwood Waits

7:30 pm | FREE | St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, Raleigh

Monday, December 18, 2023

Free Santa photos and more at Bass Pro Shops Santa's Wonderland

All Day | FREE | Bass Pro Shops

Free Santa photos and more at Cabela's Santa's Wonderland

All Day | FREE | Cabela’s

Discount Monday at Fenton Skate the Square -- get $3 off (check for times)

All Day | $14.00 | Fenton, Cary

Christmas at Oak View --reservations required

2:00 pm | FREE | Historic Oak View County Park

Contentnea Fire Department's Christmas Light Display

5:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Contentnea Fire Department, Wilson

Piper Lights in Wake Forest

5:30 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Piper Lights, Wake Forest

Hill Ridge Farms' Drive-Through Festival of Lights (price is per vehicle)

5:30 pm to 9:00 pm | $20.00-23.00 | Hill Ridge Farms, Youngsville

Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell

5:30 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival

6:00 pm to 10:00 pm | $11.00-25.00 | Koka Booth Amphitheatre

Live Drive-Through Nativity

6:30 pm to 7:30 pm | FREE | Soapstone United Methodist Church, Raleigh

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Free Santa photos and more at Bass Pro Shops Santa's Wonderland

All Day | FREE | Bass Pro Shops

Free Santa photos and more at Cabela's Santa's Wonderland

All Day | FREE | Cabela’s

Wool E's Winter Wonderland (time and price varies)

All Day | $11.00-16.50 | Durham Bulls Athletic Park

Christmas at Oak View --reservations required

2:00 pm | FREE | Historic Oak View County Park

Contentnea Fire Department's Christmas Light Display

5:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Contentnea Fire Department, Wilson

Piper Lights in Wake Forest

5:30 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Piper Lights, Wake Forest

Hill Ridge Farms' Drive-Through Festival of Lights (price is per vehicle)

5:30 pm to 9:00 pm | $20.00-23.00 | Hill Ridge Farms, Youngsville

Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell

5:30 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival

6:00 pm to 10:00 pm | $11.00-25.00 | Koka Booth Amphitheatre

Live Drive-Through Nativity

6:30 pm to 7:30 pm | FREE | Soapstone United Methodist Church, Raleigh

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Free Santa photos and more at Bass Pro Shops Santa's Wonderland

All Day | FREE | Bass Pro Shops

Free Santa photos and more at Cabela's Santa's Wonderland

All Day | FREE | Cabela’s

Wool E's Winter Wonderland (time and price varies)

All Day | $11.00-16.50 | Durham Bulls Athletic Park

The RINK: Outdoor skating at Red Hat Amphitheater (click for times)

All Day | $6.00-15.00 | Red Hat Amphitheater

Christmas at Oak View --reservations required

2:00 pm | FREE | Historic Oak View County Park

Contentnea Fire Department's Christmas Light Display

5:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Contentnea Fire Department, Wilson

Piper Lights in Wake Forest

5:30 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Piper Lights, Wake Forest

Hill Ridge Farms' Drive-Through Festival of Lights (price is per vehicle)

5:30 pm to 9:00 pm | $20.00-23.00 | Hill Ridge Farms, Youngsville

Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell

5:30 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival

6:00 pm to 10:00 pm | $11.00-25.00 | Koka Booth Amphitheatre

Holiday Music on the Rooftop: Triangle Gay Men's Chorus

7:30 pm to 8:30 pm | FREE | The Durham Hotel

Thursday, December 21, 2023

Free Santa photos and more at Bass Pro Shops Santa's Wonderland

All Day | FREE | Bass Pro Shops

Free Santa photos and more at Cabela's Santa's Wonderland

All Day | FREE | Cabela’s

Wool E's Winter Wonderland (time and price varies)

All Day | $11.00-16.50 | Durham Bulls Athletic Park

The RINK: Outdoor skating at Red Hat Amphitheater (click for times)

All Day | $6.00-15.00 | Red Hat Amphitheater

Christmas at Oak View --reservations required

2:00 pm | FREE | Historic Oak View County Park

The Magick Makers Winter Solstice Market

4:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | The Rickhouse

Solstice Celebration Lantern Walk ($5 donation suggested)

4:30 pm | Eno River Farmers Market, Hillsborough

Contentnea Fire Department's Christmas Light Display

5:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Contentnea Fire Department, Wilson

Santa at Contentnea Fire Department's Christmas Light Display (check for time)

5:00 pm | FREE | Contentnea Fire Department, Wilson

Piper Lights in Wake Forest

5:30 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Piper Lights, Wake Forest

Hill Ridge Farms' Drive-Through Festival of Lights (price is per vehicle)

5:30 pm to 9:00 pm | $20.00-23.00 | Hill Ridge Farms, Youngsville

Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell

5:30 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell

Winter Solstice Labyrinth Walk

5:30 pm | FREE | St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Smithfield

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival

6:00 pm to 10:00 pm | $11.00-25.00 | Koka Booth Amphitheatre

Five Points Christmas Concert at Emmanuel Baptist Church

6:00 pm | FREE | Emmanuel Baptist Church, Raleigh

Durham Community Concert Band's Holiday Concert

7:30 pm | FREE | Durham Armory

Friday, December 22, 2023

Free Santa photos and more at Bass Pro Shops Santa's Wonderland

All Day | FREE | Bass Pro Shops

Free Santa photos and more at Cabela's Santa's Wonderland

All Day | FREE | Cabela’s

Wool E's Winter Wonderland (time and price varies)

All Day | $11.00-16.50 | Durham Bulls Athletic Park

The RINK: Outdoor skating at Red Hat Amphitheater (click for times)

All Day | $6.00-15.00 | Red Hat Amphitheater

Christmas at Oak View --reservations required

2:00 pm | FREE | Historic Oak View County Park

Contentnea Fire Department's Christmas Light Display

5:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Contentnea Fire Department, Wilson

Santa at Contentnea Fire Department's Christmas Light Display (check for time)

5:00 pm | FREE | Contentnea Fire Department, Wilson

Hill Ridge Farms' Drive-Through Festival of Lights (price is per vehicle)

5:30 pm to 9:00 pm | $20.00-23.00 | Hill Ridge Farms, Youngsville

Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell

5:30 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell

Christmas Lights on the Farm

6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | $12.00 | Big Daddy’s Farms, Middlesex

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival

6:00 pm to 10:00 pm | $11.00-25.00 | Koka Booth Amphitheatre

Saturday, December 23, 2023

Free Santa photos and more at Bass Pro Shops Santa's Wonderland

All Day | FREE | Bass Pro Shops

Free Santa photos and more at Cabela's Santa's Wonderland

All Day | FREE | Cabela’s

Wool E's Winter Wonderland (time and price varies)

All Day | $11.00-16.50 | Durham Bulls Athletic Park

The RINK: Outdoor skating at Red Hat Amphitheater (click for times)

All Day | $6.00-15.00 | Red Hat Amphitheater

Last Minute Holiday Market

1:00 pm to 6:00 pm | FREE | Boxcar Bar + Arcade, Durham

Regal Holiday Classics

1:00 pm | $5.00 | Various locations

Contentnea Fire Department's Christmas Light Display

5:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Contentnea Fire Department, Wilson

Santa at Contentnea Fire Department's Christmas Light Display (check for time)

5:00 pm | FREE | Contentnea Fire Department, Wilson

Hill Ridge Farms' Drive-Through Festival of Lights (price is per vehicle)

5:30 pm to 9:00 pm | $20.00-23.00 | Hill Ridge Farms, Youngsville

Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell

5:30 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell

Christmas Lights on the Farm

6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | $12.00 | Big Daddy’s Farms, Middlesex

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival

6:00 pm to 10:00 pm | $11.00-25.00 | Koka Booth Amphitheatre

Santa at Lake Myra (Downtown Wendell) Christmas Lights

7:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell

Sunday, December 24, 2023

Free Santa photos and more at Bass Pro Shops Santa's Wonderland

All Day | FREE | Bass Pro Shops

Free Santa photos and more at Cabela's Santa's Wonderland

All Day | FREE | Cabela’s

The RINK: Outdoor skating at Red Hat Amphitheater (click for times)

All Day | $6.00-15.00 | Red Hat Amphitheater

Piper Lights in Wake Forest

5:30 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Piper Lights, Wake Forest

Hill Ridge Farms' Drive-Through Festival of Lights (price is per vehicle)

5:30 pm to 9:00 pm | $20.00-23.00 | Hill Ridge Farms, Youngsville

Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell

5:30 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival

6:00 pm to 10:00 pm | $11.00-25.00 | Koka Booth Amphitheatre

Monday, December 25, 2023

Fenton Skate the Square (check for times)

All Day | $17.00 | Fenton, Cary

Piper Lights in Wake Forest

5:30 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Piper Lights, Wake Forest

Hill Ridge Farms' Drive-Through Festival of Lights (price is per vehicle)

5:30 pm to 9:00 pm | $20.00-23.00 | Hill Ridge Farms, Youngsville

Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell

5:30 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival

6:00 pm to 10:00 pm | $11.00-25.00 | Koka Booth Amphitheatre

Tuesday, December 26, 2023

Wool E's Winter Wonderland (time and price varies)

All Day | $11.00-16.50 | Durham Bulls Athletic Park

The RINK: Outdoor skating at Red Hat Amphitheater (click for times)

All Day | $6.00-15.00 | Red Hat Amphitheater

Piper Lights in Wake Forest

5:30 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Piper Lights, Wake Forest

Hill Ridge Farms' Drive-Through Festival of Lights (price is per vehicle)

5:30 pm to 9:00 pm | $20.00-23.00 | Hill Ridge Farms, Youngsville

Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell

5:30 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival

6:00 pm to 10:00 pm | $11.00-25.00 | Koka Booth Amphitheatre

Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Wool E's Winter Wonderland (time and price varies)

All Day | $11.00-16.50 | Durham Bulls Athletic Park

The RINK: Outdoor skating at Red Hat Amphitheater (click for times)

All Day | $6.00-15.00 | Red Hat Amphitheater

Piper Lights in Wake Forest

5:30 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Piper Lights, Wake Forest

Hill Ridge Farms' Drive-Through Festival of Lights (price is per vehicle)

5:30 pm to 9:00 pm | $20.00-23.00 | Hill Ridge Farms, Youngsville

Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell

5:30 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival

6:00 pm to 10:00 pm | $11.00-25.00 | Koka Booth Amphitheatre

Thursday, December 28, 2023

Wool E's Winter Wonderland (time and price varies)

All Day | $11.00-16.50 | Durham Bulls Athletic Park

The RINK: Outdoor skating at Red Hat Amphitheater (click for times)

All Day | $6.00-15.00 | Red Hat Amphitheater

Piper Lights in Wake Forest

5:30 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Piper Lights, Wake Forest

Hill Ridge Farms' Drive-Through Festival of Lights (price is per vehicle)

5:30 pm to 9:00 pm | $20.00-23.00 | Hill Ridge Farms, Youngsville

Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell

5:30 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival

6:00 pm to 10:00 pm | $11.00-25.00 | Koka Booth Amphitheatre

Friday, December 29, 2023

Wool E's Winter Wonderland (time and price varies)

All Day | $11.00-16.50 | Durham Bulls Athletic Park

The RINK: Outdoor skating at Red Hat Amphitheater (click for times)

All Day | $6.00-15.00 | Red Hat Amphitheater

Town of Cary's 29th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration (Time TBA)

11:00 am to 5:00 pm | FREE | Cary Arts Center

Hill Ridge Farms' Drive-Through Festival of Lights (price is per vehicle)

5:30 pm to 9:00 pm | $20.00-23.00 | Hill Ridge Farms, Youngsville

Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell

5:30 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival

6:00 pm to 10:00 pm | $11.00-25.00 | Koka Booth Amphitheatre

Saturday, December 30, 2023

Wool E's Winter Wonderland (time and price varies)

All Day | $11.00-16.50 | Durham Bulls Athletic Park

The RINK: Outdoor skating at Red Hat Amphitheater (click for times)

All Day | $6.00-15.00 | Red Hat Amphitheater

Hill Ridge Farms' Drive-Through Festival of Lights (price is per vehicle)

5:30 pm to 9:00 pm | $20.00-23.00 | Hill Ridge Farms, Youngsville

Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell

5:30 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival

6:00 pm to 10:00 pm | $11.00-25.00 | Koka Booth Amphitheatre

Sunday, December 31, 2023

Wool E's Winter Wonderland (time and price varies)

All Day | $11.00-16.50 | Durham Bulls Athletic Park

The RINK: Outdoor skating at Red Hat Amphitheater (click for times)

All Day | $6.00-15.00 | Red Hat Amphitheater

NYE Party, Fuss & Frills Free Fun

12:00 pm | FREE | Boxcar Bar + Arcade, Durham

Children's Celebration at First Night Raleigh

2:00 pm to 6:00 pm | $12.00-16.00 | 100 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh

Christmas Plugged -- Synchronized Light Show

5:00 pm to 11:59 pm | FREE | Rose of Sharon Baptist Church, Durham

Piper Lights in Wake Forest

5:30 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Piper Lights, Wake Forest

Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell

5:30 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell

Family UK New Year

6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Fortnight Brewing, Cary

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival

6:00 pm to 10:00 pm | $11.00-25.00 | Koka Booth Amphitheatre

New Year's Eve at The Plant

6:00 pm to 11:59 pm | FREE | The Plant, Pittsboro

New Year's Eve Party at Tapp That Ash Cigar Bar & Lounge

6:00 pm | FREE | Tapp That Ash, Franklinton

Fuss and Frills Free NYE Party

8:00 pm | FREE | Boxcar Bar and Arcade, Raleigh

Monday, January 1, 2024

Fenton Skate the Square (check for times)

All Day | $17.00 | Fenton, Cary

First Day Hike at Jordan Lake Recreation Area

10:00 am to 12:00 pm | FREE | Ebenezer Church Recreation Area at Jordan Lake, Apex

Kwanzaa Fest with the African American Dance Ensemble

12:00 pm to 6:00 pm | FREE | Durham Armory

Christmas Plugged -- Synchronized Light Show

5:00 pm to 11:59 pm | FREE | Rose of Sharon Baptist Church, Durham

Piper Lights in Wake Forest

5:30 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Piper Lights, Wake Forest

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival

6:00 pm to 10:00 pm | $11.00-25.00 | Koka Booth Amphitheatre

Tuesday, January 2, 2024

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival

6:00 pm to 10:00 pm | $11.00-25.00 | Koka Booth Amphitheatre

Wednesday, January 3, 2024

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival

6:00 pm to 10:00 pm | $11.00-25.00 | Koka Booth Amphitheatre

Thursday, January 4, 2024

The RINK: Outdoor skating at Red Hat Amphitheater (click for times)

All Day | $6.00-15.00 | Red Hat Amphitheater

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival

6:00 pm to 10:00 pm | $11.00-25.00 | Koka Booth Amphitheatre

Friday, January 5, 2024

The RINK: Outdoor skating at Red Hat Amphitheater (click for times)

All Day | $6.00-15.00 | Red Hat Amphitheater

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival

6:00 pm to 10:00 pm | $11.00-25.00 | Koka Booth Amphitheatre

Saturday, January 6, 2024

The RINK: Outdoor skating at Red Hat Amphitheater (click for times)

All Day | $6.00-15.00 | Red Hat Amphitheater

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival

6:00 pm to 10:00 pm | $11.00-25.00 | Koka Booth Amphitheatre

Downtown Fuquay-Varina

202 South Main Street
Fuquay-Varina, NC

Get Directions

Main/Vance Street Public Parking Lot Fuquay-Varina

205 South Main Street
Fuquay-Varina, NC

Get Directions

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Who We Are

lotc_logo_100_gray_bglogos
Triangle on the Cheap is a member of Living on the Cheap, a network of websites published by frugalistas, journalists and consumer advocates. Find practical advice on saving money on groceries, travel and shopping, plus tips from our experts on how to live the good life for less at Living on the Cheap.