Holiday Happenings

Nov 2, 2026

Skate the Square

November 6 through February 7
Fenton Square, Cary

$18 gets you skate rental and 75 minutes of time on Fenton’s outdoor rink. Sessions run Monday through Friday 3–9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Cheapskate Mondays, students with ID, and Blazes & Badges on Tuesday (veterans, military, police, firefighters, EMS, doctors, and nurses) drop the price to $15. Season passes and toddler skating aids available.

Letters to Santa

November 16 through December 6
Downtown Cary Park

Drop letters in the special mailbox on Academy Plaza, and they’ll be delivered straight to Mr. Claus. Be sure to include your child’s name and return address so he can write back!

Harvest Fest

November 21, noon to 4 p.m.
Good Hope Farm, Cary

Shop eco-friendly holiday gifts, tour the working organic farm, and learn about regenerative agriculture. Live music sets the fall vibe, and food trucks, craft beverages, and free kids’ activities ensure fun for all. Note: Onsite parking is not available. A free shuttle runs from Green Hope High School’s student parking lot (2500 Carpenter Upchurch Road).

NC Chinese Lantern Festival

November 21 to January 10 (closed Christmas Day)
Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary
boothamphitheatre.com

Each larger-than-life handcrafted lantern is illuminated by thousands of LED lights. Cultural performances on the main stage set the backdrop for visitors to walk through at their own pace. See website for hours and ticket pricing.

Raleigh Christmas Parade

November 21, 9:30 a.m.
Downtown Raleigh
grma.org/christmas-parade

The largest Christmas parade between Atlanta and Washington, DC, going strong for more than 80 years! Set up along the 1.4-mile route and join the tradition.

The Embers Holiday Show

November 25, 7:30 p.m.
Fuquay-Varina Arts Center
fuquay-varina.org/911/Theater

Icons of Carolina beach music take the stage with a holiday show full of feel-good vibes, rhythm & blues, and the spirit of the season. $22.

Trophy Trot

November 26, 9 a.m.
Dix Park, Raleigh
trophybrewing.com/trophy-trot

Set out Thanksgiving morning for a 5k trot through Dix Park benefiting Healing Transitions, followed by an after party at Trophy Brewing. New this year: pace corrals! Kids can also tag along for a 400-meter fun run. $50 individual, $175 family of four.

Kids’ Holiday Craft Fair

November 29, 2:30–5 p.m.
Halle Cultural Arts Center, Apex

Shop for gifts, spread holiday cheer, and support entrepreneurs ages 6–17 as they sell handmade arts and crafts.

Santa Paws

December 1 & 8, 5–7 p.m.
The Backyard, Fenton, Cary

Bring your furry friends to Fenton’s decorated igloo for a free photo op with the big guy. No reservations required, but bring your own device to snap the photos.

It’s a Wonderful Life

December 3–6
Cary Arts Center
caryplayers.org

Frank Capra’s classic film, reimagined by the Cary Players as a live radio show with all the heart and holiday spirit. Adults $29, seniors/military $27, students $15 (add $2 if purchased online).

Apex Tree Lighting Ceremony

December 4, 4:30–7 p.m.
Apex Town Hall Campus (73 Hunter St.)

Choral and dance performances from local schools lead up to the lighting of the tree. Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday vendors, and food trucks will be on hand, plus craft stations, Poetry Fox, and more fun.

Apex Rotary Christmas Parade

December 5, 5–8 p.m.
Downtown Apex

The only nighttime holiday parade in Wake County, benefiting multiple local charities. The route runs along Salem Street from Ambergate Station to the Apex Public Works Building on Moore Street.

Morrisville Christmas Tree Lighting

December 4, 6–8 p.m.
Indian Creek Trailhead (101 Town Hall Drive)

Members of the community come together to celebrate the blessings of the season with carols, prayers, and fellowship. A shuttle service will run from the Cedar Fork Community Center.

Cary Tree Lighting Celebration

December 5, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Downtown Cary Park

The Town of Cary built a whole day of festive activities around its annual tree lighting, beginning with a holiday farmers market and photos with Santa. A vendor market begins at noon. Enjoy activities like reindeer games, snowball fights, and face painting in the afternoon, along with community performances at the Great Lawn Pavilion. The tree lighting ceremony begins at 6 p.m.

Victorian Christmas

December 5, 2–5 p.m.
Page-Walker Arts & History Center, Cary

Step into an 1870s hotel decked out in holiday splendor and listen to costumed carolers. Enjoy cookies and cider while the kids make a holiday craft.

Gingerbread House Competition

December 5–13
Downtown Cary

Stroll local businesses and admire the all-edible creations of 50-plus local makers in adult, teen, youth, and family/group categories. Vote on your favorites to determine the People’s Choice winner.

Holiday Pops

December 8, 7:30 p.m.
Cary Arts Center
concertsingers.org

The Concert Singers of Cary and the Hillsborough Street Jazz Trio bring the soundtrack to the beloved film A Charlie Brown Christmas to life, along with other holiday favorites.

Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade

December 12, 2–4 p.m.
Downtown Cary
caryjaycees.org/parade

Bands, mascots, local businesses, community groups, and churches join forces for this beloved annual spectacle that runs from E. Chatham Street to the Cary Arts Center, now in its 47th year. Stop by Santa’s Workshop in the Downtown Cary Park from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to make a personalized holiday craft.

Christmas Play & Musical

December 11 & 12, 7:30 p.m.
December 12 & 13, 3 p.m.
Halle Cultural Arts Center, Apex

This holiday twofer is an annual tradition. In The Toys Take Over Christmas, a toymaker’s dolls turn real … and set their sights on escape! Eccentric guests have to decipher clues that lead them to traditional holiday songs in Christmas Carol Quest. Adults $18, seniors $15, children 16 and under $12.

Apex Chanukah Festival

December 6, 4 p.m.
Apex Senior Center (63 Hunter St.)
chabadofcary.org

Stop by early to enjoy children’s crafts and games in Chanukah Wonderland. The menorah lighting and concert with Aron Nasser kick off at 5:30 p.m. Don’t miss the gelt drop with the Apex Fire Department, plus a fire show and the Yalla kosher food truck. Organized by Chabad of Cary.

Cary Menorah Lighting

December 7, 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Downtown Cary Park

Held on the third night of Hanukkah, this community celebration features kids’ activities, holiday music, sweet treats, and lighting of the menorah.

Fenton Menorah Lighting

December 9, 5–7 p.m.
Fenton Square, Cary

This unique menorah is made of ice! Hosted by Chabad of Cary.

Morrisville Menorah Lighting

December 10, 5:30 p.m.
Indian Creek Trailhead (101 Town Hall Drive)

Live music accompanies the annual tradition of lighting the menorah, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.

The Nutcracker

December 17–20
Cary Arts Center
caryballetcompany.org/nutcracker

Opt for The Nutcracker Suite, a kid-friendly one-hour narrated show, or the traditional full-length ballet, presented by the Cary Ballet Company. Certain performances offer a VIP photo op with the Sugar Plum Fairy, Prince, and Clara. Suite $32, full performance $42–$50.