Triangle on the Cheap

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

tree lighting

Wendell Wonderland Dec 5

Celebrate the beginning of the holiday season at Wendell Wonderland on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 5 to 9 p.m., in downtown Wendell. This event takes place on Main Street and Third Streret. Make sure to check out Lake Myra Lights while you're there! This is a free event. The event features: … [Read more...] about Wendell Wonderland Dec 5

Tree Lighting Celebrations in the Triangle in 2026

All throughout the Triangle, in Raleigh, Durham, and surrounding towns, tree lighting events are marking the beginning of the holiday season. Scroll down for a big day-by-day list of tree lighting events in the Triangle. We've just started updating this list for 2026, so keep checking back. You can expect to at least get a glimpse of Santa at most of these events, and, often, you can take … [Read more...] about Tree Lighting Celebrations in the Triangle in 2026

Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club Dec. 1

Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club, 3001 Cameron Boulevard, Durham, North Carolina, is hosting a holiday tree lighting ceremony on Monday, December 1, 2025, at 6 p.m. This is a free event open to both guests and locals. No RSVP is required. Embrace the magic of the season at the Inn's Holiday Tree Lighting. Step into the newly reimagined Lobby where every detail creates an enchanting yet … [Read more...] about Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club Dec. 1

Light Up Main in Garner: Main Street Wonderland and Tree Lighting Nov. 29

Head to Downtown Garner, North Carolina for Light Up Main: Main Street Wonderland and Tree Lighting on Friday, November 29, 2025, from 1 to 6 p.m. This is a free event. Highlights include: Santa will be dropping by these locations between 1 and 4 p.m. Bring your camera! Live performances: … [Read more...] about Light Up Main in Garner: Main Street Wonderland and Tree Lighting Nov. 29

North Hills Tree Lighting on Nov 22

The 2025 Tree Lighting at North Hills will take place Saturday, November 22, 2025, 4 to 7 p.m., at Main Street at North Hills, Raleigh, North Carolina. This is a free event. More details on the Facebook event. 4 to 7 p.m.: 4 to 6 p.m.: The Tree Lighting Ceremony kicks off at 6, led by WRAL News Personalities. Santa will light the tree at 6:15. … [Read more...] about North Hills Tree Lighting on Nov 22

Tree Lighting Celebration at Waverly Place Nov 21

Waverly Place's annual Tree Lighting Celebration takes place Friday, November 21, 2025, from 5 to 8 p.m. Waverly Place is at 317 Colonades Way, Cary. The free event includes: … [Read more...] about Tree Lighting Celebration at Waverly Place Nov 21

Tree Lighting Ceremony at William Peace University Nov 19: Free hot chocolate, cookies and photos

The community is invited to the William Peace University Tree Lighting event at 15 E Peace Street, Raleigh, North Carolina. It takes place on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The event includes performances by the Oakwood Waits carolers and members of the Broughton High School Marching Band. Enjoy free hot chocolate and cookies. University president Lynn Morton will … [Read more...] about Tree Lighting Ceremony at William Peace University Nov 19: Free hot chocolate, cookies and photos

Downtown Chapel Hill Community Tree Lighting Dec 8

The Chapel Hill community is invited to welcome the season at the Downtown Chapel Hill Community Tree Lighting on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at 6 p.m. It takes place at University Baptist Church Memorial Garden, 100 S Columbia Street, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The event includes: … [Read more...] about Downtown Chapel Hill Community Tree Lighting Dec 8

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