Holiday Express, the popular holiday train in Pullen Park, is back in December, 2025. Tickets will go on sale the morning of October 14, 2025, at 9 a.m. This year 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 … [Read more...] about Pullen Park’s Holiday Express tickets go on sale Oct 14 — learn about changes to the ticketing process
winter holiday
St. Thomas More Catholic School Christmas Holiday Shoppe Dec. 6
St. Thomas More Catholic School is holding their annual Christmas Holiday Shoppe on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will be held at St. Thomas More Friends and Family Hall, 940 Carmichael Street, Chapel Hill, NC. Admission is free. Enjoy one-stop shopping with 60 talented artisans and crafters. Find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Also enjoy holiday … [Read more...] about St. Thomas More Catholic School Christmas Holiday Shoppe Dec. 6
Holidays Around the World — A Hallmark Christmas Nov. 15
NC Vibes is hosting Holidays Around the World -- A Hallmark Christmas on Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Sweetwater, 2701 Lawnview Lane, Apex, North Carolina. This is a free event. The event features: … [Read more...] about Holidays Around the World — A Hallmark Christmas Nov. 15
Santa’s Trolley at Mordecai Historic Park Dec 12-14
Tickets are on sale now for the very popular Santa's Trolley in Raleigh. (But they're selling very quickly!) Santa is lost in Raleigh, and Holly the Elf needs your help to find him in time for Christmas. Do you know where he might be? Jump aboard the Raleigh Trolley at Mordecai Historic Park, 1 Mimosa Street, Raleigh, and help Holly track down Santa in time for Christmas. Arrive up to … [Read more...] about Santa’s Trolley at Mordecai Historic Park Dec 12-14
Jazz on the Roof of the Durham Hotel Sept. 18, and more…
The Durham Hotel, 315 East Chapel Hill Street in Durham, hosts events on its rooftop that are free for all, even if you're not staying at hotel. The hotel also features a coffee bar inside. You can see the upcoming events on their event page and Facebook page. Upcoming Events in 2025 Live Music: Alli J7:30 to 9 p.m. (Dates below)Free Jazz on the Roof with Al Strong and … [Read more...] about Jazz on the Roof of the Durham Hotel Sept. 18, and more…
Jingle Bell Express Craft Fair at Wendell Baptist Church Nov. 15
Wendell Baptist Church, 2651 Wendell Blvd, Wendell, North Carolina, is hosting Jingle Bell Express Craft Fair on Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. It's free to attend. Shop from 30+ vendors for a start on Christmas shopping. The event is indoors in the large fellowship hall. Enter off Pine Street, at the intersection of Mattox Street. Food and gift wrapping available. … [Read more...] about Jingle Bell Express Craft Fair at Wendell Baptist Church Nov. 15
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
Jolly Raleigh Holiday Market Dec 6
Shop Local Raleigh is hosting Jolly Raleigh Holiday Market on December 6, 2025, at Raleigh Iron Works, 1101 E Whitaker Mill Rd, Raleigh, North Carolina. The market will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can expect handcrafted treasures, artisanal treats, kids' activities, and unique gifts, all while sipping on your favorite festive beverages. Follow the Facebook event and Shop Local … [Read more...] about Jolly Raleigh Holiday Market Dec 6
Raleigh Christmas Parade Nov 22
Crossroads Ford Apex ABC11 Raleigh Christmas Parade by Shop Local Raleigh takes place Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. It lasts about 2.5 hours and is 1.4 miles long. Parade Route The parade route is approximately 1.4 miles long: How to Watch the Parade If you can't make it to the parade in person, you can also watch on ABC11, starting at 9:30 a.m. Pictures from past Raleigh … [Read more...] about Raleigh Christmas Parade Nov 22
Christmas Trains and Santa Trains in North Carolina – updated for 2025
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 2025
