Fenton, at 21 Fenton Main Street, Cary, North Carolina, is presenting Light the Square on Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 3 to 7 p.m. This is a free event, but some of the activities have a fee. The event includes: … [Read more...] about Light the Square at Fenton Nov 21
winter holiday
Scandinavian Christmas Fair Dec. 5
The annual Scandinavian Christmas Fair takes place Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Kerr Scott Building at the NC State Fairgrounds, 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh. Admission is $10 for adults and free for children under 13 years old. The Scandinavian Christmas Fair is a celebration of the rich traditions of the Nordic countries: Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and … [Read more...] about Scandinavian Christmas Fair Dec. 5
Get ready to win tickets to Pullen Park’s Sold Out Holiday Express!
Alert! You're going to want to subscribe to Triangle on the Cheap! The hugely popular attraction, Holiday Express, transforms Pullen Park into a holiday wonderland from December 1 to December 17, 2026. Guests go on a train ride, enjoy unlimited rides on the carousel, play at the Arctic Avenue, go on the Enchanted Elevator, enjoy s'mores, visit Santa's Toy Shop, and so much more. The only … [Read more...] about Get ready to win tickets to Pullen Park’s Sold Out Holiday Express!
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
Christmas Open House at Collected Treasures in Garner on Nov. 7
Collected Treasures, 5533 Veterans Parkway, Garner, North Carolina, is hosting a Christmas Open House on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Explore a winter wonderland throughout the store with trees, garlands, wreaths and arrangements. Shop for vintage items inside and outside the store. Refreshments will be served all ay in every booth, and Ruby's Rise Food Truck will be … [Read more...] about Christmas Open House at Collected Treasures in Garner on Nov. 7
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
Thanksgiving: Culinary & Cultural History program at Bennett Place State Historic Site Nov. 21
Bennett Place, 4409 Bennett Memorial Road, Durham, North Carolina, invites you to attend Thanksgiving: Culinary & Cultural History and join in celebrating and learning more about Thanksgiving. This special event takes place on Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bennett Place requests a $10 donation for entrance to support the site. However, visitors may attend for … [Read more...] about Thanksgiving: Culinary & Cultural History program at Bennett Place State Historic Site Nov. 21
Christmas Trains and Santa Trains in North Carolina – updated for 2026
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 2026
