The annual Christmas Carousel Holiday Gift Market takes place on Thanksgiving Weekend at NC State Fairgrounds. Specifically, it will be at the Jim Graham Building, 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh. This is the Triangle's largest marketplace for arts, crafts, and seasonal favorites. There will be over 200 exhibitors from all over the Southeast. Santa at The Christmas … [Read more...] about The Christmas Carousel Holiday Gift Market returns to Raleigh Thanksgiving weekend
winter holiday
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
Franklinton Christmas Tree Lighting and Market Nov. 29 (and Parade Dec. 4)
The nearby town of Franklinton, North Carolina, is hosting some great holiday events, and has a fantastic light display set up. Franklinton is in the northeast corner of the Triangle. It's about a 39 minute drive from Raleigh, but just a 15 minute drive from Wake Forest, and a 10 minute drive from Youngsville. The entire downtown is decorated for Christmas including 14 live Christmas trees, a … [Read more...] about Franklinton Christmas Tree Lighting and Market Nov. 29 (and Parade Dec. 4)
Bright Spirits Holiday Market Nov. 29
Bright Spirits Holiday Market is a local artisan market taking place behind MAX JR mini mini mart on Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 12 to 5 p.m. Celebrate Small Business Saturday and get a jump on your holiday shopping by shopping for hand-made crafts. Admission is free. … [Read more...] about Bright Spirits Holiday Market Nov. 29
Bynum Front Porch Holiday Bazaar Nov. 29
Bynum Front Porch, at 950 Bynum Road, Pittsboro, North Carolina, is hosting the Bynum Front Porch Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Shop for local art, crafts, jewelry, handmade soaps and much more, while you enjoy music from the Bynum Front Porch Pickers. Also, snack on tasty treats, hot cider and chicken cracker stew. While you're there, enjoy Bynum's … [Read more...] about Bynum Front Porch Holiday Bazaar Nov. 29
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
Lights on the Neuse — hayride through Christmas lights
Bring the family to Boyette Family Farms, 1620 Loop Road, Clayton, North Carolina, for Lights on the Neuse during the Christmas season. This attraction is on our list of the best Christmas light displays in the Triangle. Lights on the Neuse features a one-mile long Christmas hayride. This 20-minute long tractor-pulled hayride brings you through the light extravaganza, with Christmas … [Read more...] about Lights on the Neuse — hayride through Christmas lights
Letters to Santa with Raleigh Parks & Rec — free program
Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department is making it easier for kids to communicate directly with Santa Claus. From November 20 to December 17, 2025, the department is hosting a FREE Letters to Santa program. It's easy to participate! Can't make it a community center? No problem! Santa is on email! Just fill out the template and email it to … [Read more...] about Letters to Santa with Raleigh Parks & Rec — free program
Winter Wonderland at Park West Village: train rides, entertainment, Santa, more… Nov. 21-23
Experience holiday magic at Park West Village's Winter Wonderland from Friday, November 21, to Sunday, November 23, 2025. Park West Village is at 3400 Village Market Place, Morrisville, NC. The event takes place: This is a free event. The event features: … [Read more...] about Winter Wonderland at Park West Village: train rides, entertainment, Santa, more… Nov. 21-23
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
