During the holidays, the Triangle area comes alive—with twinkling lights and colorful decor, with shop and restaurant specials, with friendly smiles and seasonal cheer, and with tons of fun events and celebrations. If you’re looking for some fun ways to get in the holiday spirit, you’ll find plenty of options throughout the area.
Here are some of the best upcoming Triangle holiday events.
NC Chinese Lantern Festival
When: Daily, Nov 22 – Jan 12
Where: Koka Booth Amphitheatre
What: Enjoy a breathtaking display of unique and authentic Chinese lanterns. The show is all new this year, so don’t miss out!
Learn more: Chinese Lantern Festival.
Small Business Saturday Holiday Markets
This year, shop local and support local businesses at one of the Triangle’s many holiday and artisan markets. Here are a few that’ll be running on Thanksgiving weekend.
- Pittsboro Holly Days: Small Business Saturday/First Sunday Artisan Fair
- Saxapahaw Holiday Market
- The Christmas Carousel Holiday Gift Market
- Makers Market at Fuquay-Varina Arts Center
- Handcrafted DURM
- A City Market Christmas
Tree and Town Lightings
Get outside and watch the lights go on in your hometown! Find a tree lighting near you to catch the show—and enjoy refreshments, music, and more, depending on your location.
Downtown Chapel Hill Community Tree Lighting
When: Sunday, Dec 1, 6pm
Where: University Baptist Church, Chapel Hill
Learn more: Chapel Hill Tree Lighting.
Tree Lighting and Christmas Village
When: Thursday, Dec 5, 5:30 – 8pm
Where: Downtown Clayton Town Square
Learn more: Clayton Tree Lighting
Fuquay Varina Town Tree Lighting
When: Thurs, Dec 5, 6pm
Where: Main/Vance Street
Learn more: Fuquay Varina Tree Lighting
Christmas on Salem Street
When: Friday, Dec 6, 5pm
Where: Downtown Apex
Learn more: Christmas on Salem Street
Lighting of Wake Forest
When: Friday, Dec 6, 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Where: Centennial Plaza, Wake Forest
Learn more: Lighting Wake Forest
Christmas Tree Garden & American Tobacco Tower Lighting
When: Friday, Dec 6, 5:30 – 11pm
Where: American Tobacco Campus
Learn more: American Tobacco Tower Lighting
Brier Creek Annual Tree Lighting Party
When: Friday, Dec 6, 6 – 8pm
Where: Brier Creek Commons, Raleigh
Learn more: Brier Creek Tree Lighting
Morrisville Tree Lighting
When: Friday, Dec 6, 7:00 – 8:30pm
Where: Indian Creek Park, Morrisville
Learn more: Morrisville Tree Lighting
Downtown Durham Tree Lighting
When: Friday, Dec 6, 7:00pm
Where: CCB Plaza, Durham
Learn more: Durham Tree Lighting
Knightdale Christmas on First Avenue
When: Saturday, Dec 7, 4:30pm
Where: Knightdale Station Park
What: Enjoy a fun evening of events, including the Knightdale Tree Lighting at 4:30, followed by the Knightdale Holiday Parade, which marches from Knightdale Station Park to Knightdale Elementary.
Learn more: Christmas on First Ave
Durham Holiday Parade & Fun Fest
When: Saturday, Dec 14, 10am – 4pm
Where: Durham
What: The day kicks off with a Holiday Parade at 10am at Main and Dillard near Duke University East Campus. Once the floats finish their march, the party gets started on Blackwell Street and features sledding, arts and crafts, refreshments, and more.
Learn more: Durham Fun Fest
Ready to Come Have Some Fun in the Triangle?
Are you looking for Triangle holiday events because you’re thinking of relocating to or buying a home in the Triangle? Carla Freund Realty is here to help! Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you find the perfect home in just the right location.