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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Santa Express at New Hope Valley Railway, including a sensory-friendly ride
New Hope Valley Railway's very popular holiday attraction, Santa Express, is returning for 2026, and tickets are on sale now. They are very much subject to selling out. Read on for all the details, including special sensory friendly rides. Climb aboard the Santa Express for a 50-minute festive adventure through the twinkling, holiday-decorated woods! Play along with the Santa Express I Spy game … [Read more...] about Santa Express at New Hope Valley Railway, including a sensory-friendly ride
Moore Square Winterfaire — 3-day European style Christmas Market and Festival
MAKRS and Raleigh Parks are presenting Moore Square Winterfaire from Friday, December 11, to Sunday, December 13, 2026. The Christmas festival and market takes place at Moore Square, 201 S Blount Street, Raleigh, North Carolina. Admission is free. This 3-day festival features: Live Music Schedule Check back soon! … [Read more...] about Moore Square Winterfaire — 3-day European style Christmas Market and Festival
The Sound of Giving: Musical Variety Show Fundraiser at The Woman’s Club of Raleigh Nov. 15
The Woman's Club of Raleigh, at 3300 Woman's Club Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina, is hosting The Sound of Giving: A Music Variety Show Fundraiser on Sunday, November 15, 2026, from 2 to 4 p.m., at 3300 Woman's Club Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina. This show is free, but donations are being collected for UNC Rex Hospital's Food Pantry. The concert features: Also, Santa will be there for … [Read more...] about The Sound of Giving: Musical Variety Show Fundraiser at The Woman’s Club of Raleigh Nov. 15
Annual Holiday Market and Santa Pictures at New Hill Community Center Dec. 12
The 6th Annual Holiday Market with Santa will take place Saturday, December 12, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the New Hill Community Center, 3101 New Hill Holleman Road in New Hill. It's free to attend. Guests can browse handmade goods, shop for unique holiday gifts from local artisans, take pictures with Santa. Food, warm drinks, sweet treats will be available for purchase. A raffle will … [Read more...] about Annual Holiday Market and Santa Pictures at New Hill Community Center Dec. 12
Downtown Durham Holiday Tree Lighting Nov. 21
Celebrate the beginning of the holiday season in Downtown Durham on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at the Downtown Durham Tree Lighting. This is a free event. It will take place at CCB Plaza, 201 Corcoran Street, Durham, North Carolina, from 4 to 8 p.m. What to Expect … [Read more...] about Downtown Durham Holiday Tree Lighting Nov. 21
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
Get ready! Pullen Park’s Holiday Express tickets go on sale Oct 15
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Pullen Park Holiday Express, presented by WRAL, is back in December, 2026. Tickets will go on sale the morning of October 15, 2026, at 9 a.m. The tickets are being sold on Ticketmaster. For your best chance at getting tickets, go to the Ticketmaster page 10 minutes before 9 a.m., and make sure you're signed in to your Ticketmaster account and that you have a valid form of payment. This is the … [Read more...] about Get ready! Pullen Park’s Holiday Express tickets go on sale Oct 15
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
