Thanksgiving happens late this year, which means before the last leftovers are gobbled up, it’ll be December — time to jump into holiday festivities!

Here’s a sampling of the many family-friendly events taking place in and around town, from sleigh rides and live theater to real snow.

Try one or try them all, and remember, this is just the beginning of the holiday fun!

Dec. 1, 3 p.m.: The Brightest Light, Halle Cultural Arts Center, Apex
The Raleigh Symphony Orchestra presents this concert, featuring O Christmas Tree, Dreydl Song, and One Little Candle. Adults $12; Seniors/students $8; ages 5 to 11 $5. thehalle.org

Dec. 4, 4 to 8 p.m.: Jewish Cultural Festival, Cary Arts Center 
Enjoy traditional Jewish foods, crafts and hands-on activities for children, and lighting of a 9-foot menorah. townofcary.org

Dec. 5, 6 to 8 p.m.: Sleigh Rides & Tree Lighting, Fuquay-Varina
Christmas tree lghting features local choral and musical groups, and free sleigh rides start at Ashworth’s BP Station on Main Street. fuquay-varina.org

Dec. 5-9: A Christmas Story, The Cary Players
The holiday favorite featuring Ralphie’s quest for a genuine Red Ryder BB gun, at the Cary Arts Center. Tickets are $15-$18; caryplayers.org

Dec. 6, 6:30 to 8 p.m.: Holiday Tree Lighting, Morrisville Town Hall
An evening of musical entertainment, crafts and refreshments, plus the countdown to the lighting of the tree. ci.morrisville.nc.us   

Dec. 6, 6:30 p.m.: Arbolito de la Esperanza: Tree of Hope Lighting
The lighting of the Arbolito, preceded by a traditional Latin celebration complete with pot-luck dinner, at the Herbert C. Young Community Center in Cary. diamanteinc.org  

Dec. 6, 6 to 8 p.m.: Light Up Main, Downtown Garner
Real snow, and visitors from the North Pole! Enjoy local entertainment, food, children’s arts and crafts and the countdown to light the tree. downtowngarner.com

See more local events on the Cary Magazine Social Calendar!