Bass Pro Shops, at 801 Bass Pro Lane, Cary, NC, and 201 Cabela Drive, Garner, NC, are hosting Santa's Wonderland, with a FREE Santa experience. On November 7, 2026, officially kick off the Santa's Wonderland experience with Santa's grand entrance. Santa's Grand Entrance Santa will arrive on a boat at both stores on November 7, 2026, at 5 p.m. There will be a parade, tree lighting, and … [Read more...] about Santa arrives at Bass Pro Shops Nov. 7 — free photos start Nov. 8
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Big list of Holiday Markets in the Triangle 2026
Shop for gifts at these 2026 holiday markets in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and beyond. This is a growing list of Christmas markets, church bazaars, crafts markets, arts markets and more. Some of the markets are part of festivals, some include live music, Santa visits, or other family activities. Please scroll down for a day-by-day list that's growing every day. Know of more that should … [Read more...] about Big list of Holiday Markets in the Triangle 2026
Scandinavian Christmas Fair Dec. 5
The annual Scandinavian Christmas Fair takes place Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Kerr Scott Building at the NC State Fairgrounds, 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh. Admission is $10 for adults and free for children under 13 years old. The Scandinavian Christmas Fair is a celebration of the rich traditions of the Nordic countries: Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and … [Read more...] about Scandinavian Christmas Fair Dec. 5
Sparkle Night at Parkside Town Commons in Cary Nov 14: train rides, Santa, snow, more…
Parkside Town Commons, 7119 O’Kelly Chapel Road in Cary, is welcoming the season with Sparkle Night on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Rain date is November 15. This event is the start of the Parkside Town Commons holiday season. The event includes: … [Read more...] about Sparkle Night at Parkside Town Commons in Cary Nov 14: train rides, Santa, snow, more…
Light Up The Night Hillsborough Holiday Parade Dec. 6
The annual Light up the Night Hillsborough Holiday Parade will take place Sunday, December 6, 2026, from 4 to 6:30 p.m., in Downtown Hillsborough. The theme is "Classic Holiday Stories." The Hillsborough/Orange County Chamber of Commerce will host the Light Up The Night Hillsborough Holiday Parade on Sunday, December 6, 2026, beginning at 4:00 pm. Downtown Hillsborough will welcome thousands of … [Read more...] about Light Up The Night Hillsborough Holiday Parade Dec. 6
Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting Celebration and Holiday Market at Moore Square Nov. 20
The Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting will take place on Friday, November 20, 2026, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., at Moore Square, 201 S Blount Street, Raleigh, North Carolina. There will be entertainment, a large vendors market, food and more. Typically there are also free pictures with Santa! Check back soon for details. … [Read more...] about Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting Celebration and Holiday Market at Moore Square Nov. 20
Christmas Trains and Santa Trains in North Carolina – updated for 2026
We've put together a list of Christmas trains throughout North Carolina. For attractions outside of the Triangle, we've indicated the number of miles it is from Raleigh. Please adjust the distance from your own starting point. Caveat: Not all of these train rides are cheap. Some of these are pretty pricey. But we're including them anyway, because they are so popular. Also, please note … [Read more...] about Christmas Trains and Santa Trains in North Carolina – updated for 2026
Apex Tree Lighting and Christmas Parade Dec. 4-5
Celebrate the season in Apex, North Carolina with a full schedule of Christmas events. The tree lighting ceremony on December 4, 2026, features vendors, entertainment, pictures with Santa and more. Then, the next day, enjoy the Apex Rotary Christmas Parade. Apex Tree Lighting The Apex Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place Friday, December 4, 2026, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the Town Hall Campus, … [Read more...] about Apex Tree Lighting and Christmas Parade Dec. 4-5
19th Annual St. Nicholas European Christmas Market Dec 4-5
The 19th Annual St. Nicholas European Christmas Market takes place Friday, December 4, 2026, from 5 to 9 p.m., and Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Agri Supply Exposition Center at the NC State Fairgrounds, 4825 Trinity Road, Raleigh, North Carolina. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. The event is a fundraiser by Sts. Cyril and Methodius Byzantine … [Read more...] about 19th Annual St. Nicholas European Christmas Market Dec 4-5
Three Kings Day Parade in Cary Jan 10
The Annual Desfile de Día de Reyes, or Three Kings Day Parade, will take place on North Academy Street in Downtown Cary, NC. It takes place on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 1 p.m. Follow Diamante Arts & Culture Center on Facebook for announcements about the event. The parade is presented by Diamante Arts & Cultural Center, a community-grounded, arts and culture organization in North … [Read more...] about Three Kings Day Parade in Cary Jan 10
