Triangle on the Cheap

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

Light Up The Night Hillsborough Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting

POSTED BY
Jody Mace


The annual Light up the Night Hillsborough Holiday Parade will take place Sunday, December 3, 2023, from 4 to 6 p.m., in Downtown Hillsborough.

The parade will travel south on Churton Street from Corbin Street to Margaret Lane, and end at the intersection of Margaret Lane and Cameron Street.

We are putting 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!

Immediately after the parade, there will be a tree lighting ceremony on the Old Courthouse Square.

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.

 

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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:

Thursday, November 30, 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

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

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

Fuquay-Varina Town Tree Lighting

6:00 pm | FREE | Main/Vance Street Public Parking Lot Fuquay-Varina

Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary Christmas Concert

7:00 pm | FREE | Binkley Chapel, Wake Forest

Friday, December 1, 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

Family First Friday at Kidzu Children's Museum -- free admission and STEMonstrations -- plus visit from Santa

10:00 am to 5:00 pm | FREE | Kidzu Children’s Museum, Chapel Hill

Holiday Open House at Sunshine Lavender Farm

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

Apex Tree Lighting

4:30 pm to 6:00 pm | FREE | Apex Historic Depot

Youngsville Tree Lighting

4:30 pm to 7:00 pm | FREE | Downtown Youngsville

Illuminate Art Walk in Downtown Raleigh

4:45 pm | FREE | Downtown Raleigh

Lighting of Wake Forest

5:00 pm to 8:00 pm | FREE | Centennial Plaza, Wake Forest Town Hall

Franklinton Christmas Market

5:00 pm to 8:00 pm | FREE | Downtown Franklinton

Santa Paws

5:00 pm to 8:30 pm | FREE | Durham Armory

Contentnea Fire Department's Christmas Light Display

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

Wendell Wonderland

5:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Downtown Wendell

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

Brier Creek Tree Lighting Ceremony

6:00 pm to 8:00 pm | FREE | Brier Creek Commons

Christmas on the Square in Angier

6:00 pm to 8:30 pm | FREE | Angier Depot Square

Christmas Lights on the Farm

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

Knightdale Christmas Tree Lighting

6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Knightdale Station Park

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival

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

Mebane Christmas Parade

7:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Downtown Mebane

Saturday, December 2, 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

Save 10% on Target GiftCards

All Day

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

4th Annual Christmas Craft Fair at Pace Family Farms (and 50+ more holiday markets)

9:00 am to 3:00 pm | FREE | Pace Family Farms, Clayton

Youngsville Christmas Parade

10:00 am to 11:00 am | FREE | Downtown Youngsville

Santa's Workshop at Abbotts Creek

10:00 am to 12:00 pm | FREE | Abbotts Creek Community Center, Raleigh

Holiday Saturday Slowdown at RambleRill Farm in Hillsborough: shop at farmers' market, meet goats, have a picnic

10:00 am to 2:00 pm | FREE | RambleRill Farm, Hillsborough

Holidays with the Popes -- free, but event but there's a cost for Santa pictures

10:00 am to 4:00 pm | FREE | Pope House, Raleigh

Scandinavian Christmas Fair

10:00 am to 5:00 pm | $0-7.00 | NC State Fairgrounds

A Gift to Cary Celebration

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

Angier Christmas Parade

10:00 am | FREE | Angier Depot Square

Brier Creek "Letters to Santa" with free pictures with Santa

11:00 am to 2:00 pm | FREE | Brier Creek Commons

Brunch with Santa at Durham Food Hall

11:00 am to 2:00 pm | FREE | Durham Food Hall

Joel Lane Museum House: Colonial Christmas Open House

11:00 am to 4:00 pm | FREE | Joel Lane Museum House, Raleigh

MAKRS Holiday Fest -- vendors, Santa vs. Grinch wrestling match, inflatables, more...

11:00 am to 6:00 pm | FREE | Fayetteville Street, Downtown Raleigh

Make an ornament for the Capitol's Outdoor Tree

1:00 pm to 3:00 pm | FREE | North Carolina State Capitol, Raleigh

Petco: Free pet photos with Santa

1:00 pm to 3:00 pm | FREE | Various locations

Coats and Cocoa -- coat donation drive, free cocoa and Santa visit

1:00 pm to 6:00 pm | FREE | Shepherd’s Way Farms, Village District, Raleigh

Regal Holiday Classics

1:00 pm | $5.00 | Various locations

Garner Holiday Block Party

2:00 pm to 4:00 pm | FREE | Garner Recreation Center

Victorian Christmas at the Page-Walker

2:00 pm to 5:00 pm | FREE | Page-Walker Arts & History Center, Cary

Let It Snow in Apex

3:00 pm to 5:00 pm | FREE | Apex Historic Depot

Visit with Santa at Old North State Food Hall

3:00 pm to 5:00 pm | FREE | Old North State Food Hall, Selma

Morrisville Christmas Tree Lighting

3:00 pm to 6:00 pm | FREE | Indian Creek Park in Morrisville

Garner Christmas Parade

4:30 pm | FREE | Downtown Garner

Contentnea Fire Department's Christmas Light Display

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

Downtown Durham Tree Lighting Celebration

5:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | CCB Plaza, Durham

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

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

Apex Rotary Parade

5:00 pm | FREE | Downtown Apex

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

Garner Tree Lighting

6:00 pm to 6:30 pm | FREE | Garner Recreation Center

Celebration of Lights in Siler City -- music, luminaries, dance, more...

6:00 pm to 7:00 pm | FREE | First United Methodist Church, Siler City

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

Karaoke Ugly Sweater Contest

7:00 pm | FREE | Old North State Food Hall, Selma

Krampusnacht: Metal Music & Killer Beer (plus the launch of Books & Beers)

8:00 pm to 11:59 pm | FREE | Beer Study Durham

Sunday, December 3, 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

Save 10% on Target GiftCards

All Day

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

Handmade Hanukkah Market

11:00 am to 3:00 pm | FREE | Temple Beth Or

Christmas Fair and Market at Raleigh SDA Church

11:00 am to 3:00 pm | FREE | Raleigh SDA Church Campus

Winter Market at Durham Central Park

11:00 am to 3:00 pm | FREE | Durham Central Park

The Carolina Inn Holiday Market

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

First Sunday Artisan Fair in Pittsboro

12:00 pm to 4:00 pm | Downtown Pittsboro

Westend Holiday Bazaar

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

Holidays with the Popes -- free, but event but there's a cost for Santa pictures

1:00 pm to 4:00 pm | FREE | Pope House, Raleigh

Regal Holiday Classics

1:00 pm | $5.00 | Various locations

Rolesville Christmas Parade

2:00 pm to 3:00 pm | FREE | Main Street, Rolesville

Whoville Holiday Happening

2:00 pm to 3:30 pm | $10.00 | Old North State Food Hall, Selma

Chanukah Festival with Jewish for Good and Chabad

2:00 pm to 5:00 pm | FREE | Levin JCC, Durham

Holiday Movie Matinee

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

Light Up The Night Hillsborough Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting

4:00 pm to 6:00 pm | FREE | Old Courthouse–Hillsborough

Fuquay-Varina Christmas Parade

4:00 pm | FREE | Downtown Fuquay-Varina

The Music of Christmas Concert

4:00 pm | FREE | Soapstone 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

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 Chapel Hill Community Tree Lighting

6:00 pm | FREE | University Baptist Church, Chapel HIll

Cary Community Choir's Performance of Handel's Messiah

7:30 pm | FREE | Westwood Baptist Church, Cary

Monday, December 4, 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

Cary's Gingerbread House Competition

All Day | FREE | Downtown 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

Sanford Christmas Parade

7:00 pm | FREE | Downtown Sanford

Tuesday, December 5, 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

Cary's Gingerbread House Competition

All Day | FREE | Downtown Cary

Selma Tree Lighting (check back soon for time)

All Day | FREE | Downtown Selma

Selma Christmas Parade (check back soon for time)

All Day | FREE | Downtown Selma

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

Annual Tree Lighting at Southern Village

6:00 pm | FREE | Southern Village, Chapel Hill

Wednesday, December 6, 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

Cary's Gingerbread House Competition

All Day | FREE | Downtown Cary

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

Sensory Friendly Playtime and Movie at Marbles Kids Museum for kids with special needs: The Polar Express

5:00 pm to 7:30 pm | FREE | Marbles Kids Museum, Raleigh

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

Thursday, December 7, 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

Christmas at Oak View --reservations required

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

Lighting of 8-Foot Menorah

4:30 pm | FREE | Levin JCC, Durham

Contentnea Fire Department's Christmas Light Display

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

Durham Night Market

5:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | American Tobacco Campus

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

State Tree Lighting

5:30 pm | FREE | North Carolina State Capitol, Raleigh

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

Siler City Christmas Parade

7:00 pm | FREE | Downtown Siler City

Franklinton Christmas Parade

7:00 pm | FREE | Downtown Franklinton

Jazz 'n More for Joy 'n Toy: Concert with Body and Soul

7:00 pm | FREE | Kirk of Kildaire Church

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

Lighting of 8-Foot Menorah

4:30 pm | FREE | Levin JCC, Durham

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

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

Saturday, December 9, 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

Happy Holly Days Parade in Holly Springs (Time TBA)

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

Christmas at Oak View --reserve spots now

10:00 am | FREE | Historic Oak View County Park

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

Jolly Raleigh Holiday Market

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

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

Lighting of 8-Foot Menorah

4:30 pm | FREE | Levin JCC, Durham

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

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

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

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

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

Lighting of 8-Foot Menorah

4:30 pm | FREE | Levin JCC, Durham

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

Lighting of 8-Foot Menorah

4:30 pm | FREE | Levin JCC, 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

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

Menorah Lighting at Fenton

4:30 pm to 6:30 pm | FREE | Fenton, Cary

Lighting of 8-Foot Menorah

4:30 pm | FREE | Levin JCC, 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

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

Lighting of 8-Foot Menorah

4:30 pm | FREE | Levin JCC, Durham

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 | Cary Arts 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

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

Lighting of 8-Foot Menorah

4:30 pm | FREE | Levin JCC, Durham

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

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

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

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

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

Christmas at Oak View --reserve spots now

10:00 am | FREE | Historic Oak View County Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Light Up The Night Hillsborough Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting
When
December 3, 2023 @ 4:00 pm-6:00 pm
Cost
FREE
What
Light Up The Night Hillsborough Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting
Where
Old Courthouse–Hillsborough
Add to Calendar: Google Outlook/iCal

Old Courthouse–Hillsborough

104 E Kings Street
Hillsborough, NC

Get Directions

Who We Are

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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.