- Triangle Area Christmas Activities for Toddlers + Little Kids - November 17, 2025
- Christmas Tree Lightings in Raleigh + the Triangle (2025) - November 10, 2025
- Best Kids Christmas Activities in Raleigh + the Triangle (2025) - October 22, 2025
As a toddler mom, I know how hard it can be to sift through a list of local activities to figure out which ones are toddler-friendly. So I have simplified it for you here! Below, you’ll find the merriest Christmas and holiday events in Raleigh and the Triangle that are great for toddlers and younger kiddos.
Of course, what is considered “toddler-friendly” can often vary by child and family, and most local holiday events are definitely kid-focused. So don’t overlook the biggest Christmas events in the Raleigh area!
Calls from Santa
Wednesday December 3rd | 6:00pm-8:00pm
Santa Claus has contacted Morrisville Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources to let us know he and Mrs. Claus will be calling children ages 3-8 during the Christmas season. All calls will be made on December 3, from 6-8 p.m. (If your child is unavailable during this time, a message can be left on your answering machine. No make-up calls will be made). Let us know what “good” things they’ve done this year, what Santa might encourage them to work on, and one special item on their Christmas list. You can register your child for the 6-7 p.m. timeslot or the 7-8 p.m. timeslot.
Santa Visits Bumble Brews Raleigh
December 13th and 14th and 15th | Times vary
Experience the magic of the season as Santa visits Bumble Brews Raleigh! Choose a time slot during the dates above and come enjoy Open Play, festive holiday drinks, and the company of Kris Kringle himself!
*certain slots sold out*
Santa at Bumble Brews Cary
December 8th, 11th, and 12th | 4:30-7:30pm
Experience the magic of the season as Santa visits Bumble Brews Cary! Choose a time slot during the dates above and come enjoy Open Play, festive holiday drinks, and the company of Kris Kringle himself!
Winter Wonderland With Goats at Spring Haven Farm
November 26 – December 31, 2025 | 10 AM – 5 PM
5306 Homer Ruffin Road Chapel Hill, NC 27516
It’s no secret that we absolutely LOVE Spring Haven Farm in Chapel Hill. This is a paradise for animal lovers, especially fans of adorable goats. At Christmas time, you can enjoy hanging out with these sweet animals plus explore other Christmas activities. You can ride the farm train decked out in its holiday finery, try your hand at some Christmas crafts, and more. More info
Santa Visits the Playhouse – Piney Town Playhouse
November 29th-December 21st
Piney Town Playhouse, Fuquay-Varina
Don’t miss out on the merriest event of the year! Forget the crowds and skip the lines! Join us for a special Santa event at The Playhouse!!!
Admission for 1 child and 2 Adults.
Each family gets a special time to visit with Santa and take pictures. Each ticket provides an hour and a half of play time at Piney Town, a special visit with Santa, and Santa reading everyone a Christmas story. A special treat goes home with every child.
Some events have professional photo sessions–check listings for details.
December 17 event is for children under 2.
Pullen Park Holiday Express (SOLD OUT)
December 2nd – 18th, 2025 | 5:00pm-9:30pm
20 Ashe Ave Raleigh, NC 27606
Pullen Park’s annual Holiday Express is a perfect toddler Christmas activity. Unfortunately, tickets often sell out within hours of becoming available. If you’re lucky enough to snag tickets, you can expect a holiday train ride, Santa Clause, a Crafty Elves station, and beautiful Christmas lights all over the park.
While the 2025 Pullen Park Holiday Express is indeed sold out, keep an eye on social media as many of the event sponsors run ticket giveaways leading up to the event. More info
Santa’s Reindeer Roundup Express
December 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, and 20th, 2025
New Hope Valley Railway, 3900 Bonsal Rd. New Hill, NC
Didn’t get Pullen Park tickets? Here’s another Christmas event for those train-obsessed kiddos. And many have said they even prefer this event!
Located in New Hill, The Triangle Train is located just around half an hour from Raleigh. On Santa’s Reindeer Roundup Express, you’ll hop aboard a real locomotive, decked out in festive decorations, and enjoy a 50-minute journey filled with holiday fun. Santa Claus will be on hand in the rail yard for family photos (bring your own camera), and don’t forget to search for Santa’s nine missing reindeer while you ride!
Holidays in the Park – Museum of Life & Science
Select nights in December
433 W. Murray Avenue, Durham, NC
The Museum of Life & Science is always one of my favorite suggestions for things to do in the area with little kids. It has SO MUCH to enjoy at any time of year. Holidays in the Park is a lovely way to experience the museum grounds all lit up for the season.
You’ll “follow shimmering pathways and glowing trees from the gardens to the Dinosaur Trail.” Every admission includes a train ride on their Ellerbe Creek Railway, and you’ll be treated to other activities such as “sock” ice skating, photo ops, the Butterfly House, and more.
Evening With Elves at Marbles Kids Museum
December 5th, 2025| 6:00pm-8:30pm
201 East Hargett Street Raleigh, NC 27601
Any event at Marbles is going to be a hit with the littles. This is the hot spot in town for toddlers and their parents! At an Evening With Elves, you’ll immerse yourself into the magic of the holiday season with s’mores outdoors, arctic museum play, and a special visit from the Snowflake Fairy. You’ll also receive your own official elf name and dance the night away with the Marbles Elves. Doesn’t that sound fabulous?
Marbles Gingerbread Jamboree
December 13th & 14th, 2025 | 9:30am, 12:30pm, 3:30pm
201 East Hargett Street Raleigh, NC 27601
Here’s another awesome Marbles Christmas event. The Gingerbread Jamboree would probably be better for older toddlers, as there are lots of small candy pieces. If your toddler is still in the “putting-everything-in-their-mouth” phase, you may want to pass on this event.
Families and friends gather to create a festive gingerbread house (in fact, the houses are reusable, so you can bring it back next year for more holiday fun!
Great Raleigh Trolley Holiday Tours
Weekends November 29th-December 21st, December 22nd, + December 23rd
1610 Automotive Way, Raleigh NC
What toddler doesn’t love riding on a train or trolley? Hop onboard the Santa Express for a memorable time with family while taking a fun ride!
On The Santa Express, you’ll take a festive journey Downtown and have story time with Santa Claus. Santa will then make time to visit with each kid personally to review their wish list and pose for pictures. Surprises, refreshments, holiday music, and more await those riding The Santa Express. There’s also a professional photographer on board to grab complimentary snaps. More info
Holiday Sensory, Play and Create! – Hello Yellow Art Studio
Friday November 28th | 12:30pm-2:00pm
401 N West St, 117, Raleigh, NC 27603
Get ready to jingle and create! 🎅✨
Join us Friday, November 28th from 12:30–2:00 PM for a holiday kids’ art party full of creativity and cheer! Little artists ages 2 and up can make festive crafts, explore holiday-themed sensory bins, and enjoy yummy seasonal snacks.
And the best part? Santa himself will be stopping by for a visit! 🎁
Parents are required to stay and share in the holiday fun — because making memories together is the best gift of all!
A Peter Rabbit Christmas
Friday December 5th | 5:00pm and 7:30pm
Sunday December 7th | 2:00pm and 5:00pm
Downtown Cary Park
A theatre production might not seem like the ideal match for a toddler, but this production is created by kids, for kids! A co-production between Applause! Cary Youth Theatre and Seed Art Share, this show is a perfect way for the whole family to join in the magic with an immersive outdoor experience.
Christmas Light Displays
Thanksgiving thru New Years
All over the Triangle!
A super simple, fun, and FREE thing to do with toddlers during the holidays is to pack some cocoa and snacks, put on your Christmas PJ’s, and go for a drive to look at Christmas lights! There are SO MANY amazing Christmas light displays in the Triangle. While there are some fun paid options, there are even more free spots; families that decorate their own properties and invite the public to come share in the sights!
Christmas Farm at My Little Farmer, Durham
December 2025, Dates Vary
8794 NC-751, Durham, NC 27713
My Little Farmer is one of the best spots for toddlers. They offer farm classes and open play throughout the year, but have special seasonal events, too. Their Christmas Open Farm sounds absolutely magical.
This event is for all ages, and will feature the farm transformed into a festive wonderland. Meet “Reindeer” ponies, visit a snowy forest, read Christmas stories, make peppermint treats and create your own horseshoe ornament to take home. Limited to 12 kids per time slot. More info
Cookie Decorating with Santa at The Bunny Hive
Wednesday, December 17th | 11am-12pm
The Bunny Hive – 711 W Lane St, Raleigh, NC 27603
More info
The Bunny Hive is the cutest social club for littles and their parents. They host adorable events and Christmastime is no exception.
Get ready for a sweet and cozy holiday tradition at The Bunny Hive! Little ones can decorate festive cookies, sprinkling on magic (and lots of frosting!) while letting their creativity shine.
Santa will be stopping by for a special visit, and there will be plenty of opportunities to snap your own holiday photos with him—perfect for capturing those sugary, smile-filled memories! ♡
Can’t make this date? They have other Christmas events happening, too!
Christmas at the Farm – 1870 Farm
Saturdays & Sundays: 11/30-12/22, And 12/22-24
1870 Farm, Chapel Hill
More info
Join us for Christmas magic at the farm during our 9th annual Holiday at The Farm Event!
Enjoy access to the farm, transformed into a festive winter wonderland! Meet Santa (all children get a gift), pet festive animals, take a candy cane from our peppermint forest, have a snowball fight in our winter wonderland, pet pony reindeer, enjoy s’mores, make a toy in the Elf workshop, and experience endless Christmas magic!
This year features a festival of lights in the animal village, s’mores with Santa, and wreath-making in the apothecary!
Christmas Tales with Santa at Bass Pro Shops
Tuesdays until 12/16 | 5:00pm
Bass Pro Shops – Cary and Garner, NC
More info
You may already know that Bass Pro Shops is a great, free place to see Santa! But they now offer a story time on Tuesdays, too. Christmas Tales with Santa or Mrs. Claus happens every Tuesday at 5:00pm, from 11/4-12/16. Afterwards, grab your free photo with Santa.
This is a great way to get more “face time” with Santa. It’s free, but registration is highly recommended. Book your free Santa visit here.
PS: Check out our video of our experience with Christmas Tales. Story time with Santa is so fun!
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