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 are adding to this list all the time, so keep checking back. There are a few that haven't been announced yet. You can expect to at least get a glimpse of Santa at most … [Read more...] about Tree Lighting Celebrations in the Triangle in 2025
winter holiday
Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting Celebration and Holiday Market moves to Moore Square Nov. 21
The Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting will take place on Friday, November 21, 2025, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., at a new location: Moore Square, 201 S Blount Street, Raleigh, North Carolina. There will be entertainment, a large vendors market, food and more. There will even be free pictures with Santa! Tree Lighting Festivities Look for updates on the Facebook event. … [Read more...] about Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting Celebration and Holiday Market moves to Moore Square Nov. 21
Wake Forest Diwali Festival Nov. 1
The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department will host its annual Diwali Festival on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., at E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road, Wake Forest, North Carolina. The festival is free and open to everyone. Diwali is known as the "Festival of Lights," and it celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over … [Read more...] about Wake Forest Diwali Festival Nov. 1
Santa arrives at Bass Pro Shops Nov. 1 — with free pictures starting the next day!
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 1, 2025, 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 1, 2025, at 5 p.m. There will be a parade, tree lighting, … [Read more...] about Santa arrives at Bass Pro Shops Nov. 1 — with free pictures starting the next day!
Restaurants open for Thanksgiving dinner in the Triangle for 2025
If cooking dinner doesn't sound like a holiday to you here's a list of Triangle restaurants open on Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 27, 2025. Most of these restaurants have special Thanksgiving meals. Many will fill up early, so make sure to make reservations right away. There are a few takeout options included in this list as well. These restaurants are in all price ranges. We abandoned our … [Read more...] about Restaurants open for Thanksgiving dinner in the Triangle for 2025
Brier Creek Tree Lighting and Letters to Santa Dec. 5
Brier Creek Commons, at 8311 Brier Creek Parkway, Raleigh, is hosting their annual tree lighting ceremony on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. This event will include: This is a free event that takes place at the Brier Creek Commons Clock Tower by Men's Wearhouse. … [Read more...] about Brier Creek Tree Lighting and Letters to Santa Dec. 5
7 productions of Nutcracker in the Triangle in 2025
Many people love to see the ballet, The Nutcracker, during the Christmas season, and the Triangle always affords several chances to do so. Performances are presented by youth and adult groups, and include both traditional presentations and performances with innovative twists. Included this list are The Nutcracker, which is the full ballet, and The Nutcracker Suite, which is a selection of … [Read more...] about 7 productions of Nutcracker in the Triangle in 2025
Where to get free Santa pictures in the Triangle in 2025
Would you like your child to get a chance to meet Santa without having to pay for an expensive photo package? Make sure to bring your camera. At most of these, you take your own pictures, but at some, professional photographers take the pictures. Note: You have to sign up ahead of time for some of these events. Know of other free photo ops with Santa? Email me at … [Read more...] about Where to get free Santa pictures in the Triangle in 2025
Durham Art Walk Holiday Market Nov 22-23
Shop for holiday gifts and art for yourself at Durham Art Walk Holiday Market on Saturday, November 22, and Sunday, November 23, 2025. The event features tons of artists, as well as live music and some special features. Art lovers can shop local artists, enjoy live music, and dine at great restaurants, all within Durham's city center. There will be both indoor and outdoor … [Read more...] about Durham Art Walk Holiday Market Nov 22-23
Paws with Claus: Photos of your dog with Santa at Downtown Cary Park Dec. 14
Bring your dog to Paws with Claus for a FREE picture with Santa at Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy Street, Cary, North Carolina. The event takes place on Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 2 to 5 p.m., at Downtown Cary Park's Bark Bar. Enjoy a festive setting while your dogs meet Santa. In addition to complimentary photos with Santa, you can choose to have a holiday photo session with … [Read more...] about Paws with Claus: Photos of your dog with Santa at Downtown Cary Park Dec. 14
