Holiday Shows, Concerts, + Performances in the Triangle (2024)

Michael W. Smith: Every Christmas

Saturday November 16th | 7:00pm
Fletcher Hall at The Carolina Theatre, Durham
More info

Multi-Platinum singer-songwriter, Michael W. Smith, is excited to come to Durham, NC with his “EVERY CHRISTMAS” concert tour. Concert audiences will be engulfed in the joy and true meaning of the season as Michael W. Smith and, his award-winning very special guest, Riley Clemmons as they perform his most popular Christmas classics.

Mariah Carey’s Christmas Time

Monday December 9th | 7:30pm
Lenovo Center, Raleigh
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The queen of Christmas and best-selling female artist of all time with over 200 million records sold, Mariah Carey announces her highly-anticipated annual Christmas extravaganza is back and going national! Mariah Carey’s Christmas Time will visit 20 cities across the country, including a stop at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, NC, on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024.

Produced by Live Nation, this tour marks Carey’s grandest holiday spectacle to date and is the first of many surprises she has in store to celebrate the 30th anniversary of her legendary album ‘Merry Christmas’ and its record-shattering single “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” The show will feature the global superstar’s timeless holiday classics alongside fan-favorite chart-toppers, promising an unforgettable festive experience.

Pentatonix: Hallelujah! It’s A Christmas Tour

Saturday November 30th | 7:30pm
Lenovo Center, Raleigh
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Embers Christmas Show

Wednesday, November 27th | 7:30pm
Fuquay Varina Arts Center
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Enjoy the heart-and-soul, rhythm-and-blues, feel-good music of The Embers. Featuring lead singer and frontman Craig Woolard, The Embers are known as the pre-eminent beach music band in the Carolinas. Having performed all over the world, they are bringing their beloved Christmas show back to Fuquay-Varina for a special kickoff to the holiday season. They will put JOY in your step, LOVE in your heart and BEACH MUSIC in your soul!

The Fuquay Varina Chorale Holiday Concert

Friday December 6th | 7:30pm
Saturday December 7th | 2:00pm AND 7:30pm
Fuquay-Varina Arts Center
More info

Tis the season of holiday harmonies! Join the Fuquay-Varina Chorale for their annual holiday show this year at the Fuquay-Varina Arts Center. Having performed at Carnegie Hall just over a year ago, you can expect an evening of beautiful music, holiday favorites, and fabulous fun! A favorite every year, the Chorale is a great opportunity for the whole family to get out and listen to the beautiful voices that make up Fuquay-Varina.

Handel’s Messiah – Duke University Chapel Choir

December 6, 2024, at 7:30pm | December 7 at 3:00pm | December 8 at 4:00pm
Duke Chapel, Durham
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Since 1933, Duke University Chapel has welcomed the holiday season with the sublime music of Messiah. From the haunting strains of “The people that walked in darkness” to the exuberant triumph of “Hallelujah” and “Worthy is the Lamb,” George Frideric Handel’s masterwork weaves a musical tapestry that recounts the story of Christ’s life, from birth through death and resurrection.

This year’s Messiah performances will be presented on period instruments with Baroque-era tuning. Each performance will include selections from Parts I, II, and III, and will last approximately two hours and fifteen minutes with intermission.

Gerald Parker Jazz Orchestra Holiday Concert

Saturday, December 21st | 7:30pm
Fuquay-Varina Arts Center
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Time to get your jingle on as holiday favorites are brought to the stage as only the Gerald Parker Jazz Orchestra can do it! The GPJO delights with their special brand of swinging holiday tunes. The evening promises to be a great night of holiday music and merriment!

North Carolina Symphony Cirque Holiday Pops

Wednesday November 27th | 4:00pm
Friday November 29th | 3:00pm AND 7:30pm
Saturday November 30th | 3:00pm AND 7:30pm
Meymandi Concert Hall at Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, Raleigh
More info

You’ll be amazed by spellbinding grace and daredevil feats, with contortionists and acrobats performing on stage—and 40 feet above it—all while the Symphony spreads holiday cheer!

North Carolina Symphony Presents Messiah & More

Thursday December 5th | 7:30pm
Memorial Hall, Chapel Hill
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Celebrate the season as Music Director Carlos Miguel Prieto conducts selections from Bach’s Christmas Oratorio and Handel’s Messiah, including the Hallelujah Chorus, with your North Carolina Symphony and the North Carolina Master Chorale.

Ugly Sweater Holiday Pops

Friday December 13th | 8:00pm
Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, Raleigh
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’Tis the season to break out your most festively heinous knitwear—your ugly Christmas sweater! Don your favorite Christmas sweater (ugly or not) for an unforgettable evening filled with the orchestral beauty of Holiday Pops favorites including Sleigh Ride, Jingle Bells, music from Frozen, and so much more. You might even win the Ugly Sweater contest!

Come early to visit Santa in the lobby!

A Candlelight Christmas with the North Carolina Symphony Holiday Brass

Friday December 20th | 8:00pm
Saturday December 21st | 3:00pm
Sunday December 22nd | 3:00pm
Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, Raleigh
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Immerse yourself in the sounds of the season performed in the glow of candlelight by your North Carolina Symphony. Secure your seats early for these special sure-to-sell-out concerts.

Come early to visit Santa and enjoy carols in the lobby with The Oakwood Waits.

Raleigh Ringers: 2024 Holiday Concert

Saturday December 14th and Sunday December 15th | 4:00pm
Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, Raleigh
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There’s no better way to ring in the holidays than by joining The Raleigh Ringers for their annual holiday concerts at the Meymandi Concert Hall in downtown Raleigh. This Raleigh holiday tradition will feature the music of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra along with the group’s unique interpretations of sacred, secular, and popular music, including rock ‘n’ roll

Friday December 13th | 8:00pm
Cary Arts Center, Cary
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‘Tis the season…for Holiday Pops with the Concert Singers of Cary! This beloved annual tradition at the bedecked Cary Arts Center is sure to get you in the holiday spirit. A family-friendly fun program of popular holiday tunes with a band, and guest soloist Martha Cecka, this performance will have something for everyone including holiday movie classics you will recognize. Come enjoy downtown Cary and spend some time with Concert Singers and some of your favorite holiday tunes.

Holiday Springs Community Band Presents “A Festive Christmas”

Sunday December 8th | 4:00pm
Holly Springs Cultural Center, Holly Springs
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Experience the magic of the season at our upcoming concert “A Festive Christmas!” Hold on to your toboggan as we take you on a lively sleigh ride through all of your holiday music favorites. With beloved carols, holiday show tunes and timeless classics, this event promises to delight music lovers of all ages. We may even have a good old fashioned yuletide sing-along. Bring your friends and family to celebrate with us and enjoy a musical journey to fill your heart with holiday cheer.

Bell Durham Holiday Concert: Longing for Light

Saturday December 14th | 7:00pm
Yates Baptist Church, Durham
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Tuesday December 17th | 6:00pm
Durham Public Library-Main
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Bring your friends and loved ones to enjoy seasonal handbell music performed by community musicians! Our theme this year is “Longing for Light.” There is no charge for admission.

Figgy Pudding: Caroling Competition and Fundraiser

Saturday December 7th | 11:00am-2:30pm
Moore Square, Raleigh
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Figgy Pudding is an annual caroling celebration and competition fundraiser hosted by Partnerships for Transformation. The event will support Wake Tech Community College Foundation’s student success scholarships.

It will benefit Wake Technical Community College’s “Fostering Bright Futures” program, which is designed to help former foster youth achieve their educational goals at Wake Tech by covering tuition and other expenses​ and providing a support structure, including mentoring and life skills development.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Lost Christmas Eve

Wednesday December 18th | 7:00pm
Lenovo Center, Raleigh
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Mannheim Steamroller Christmas

Friday November 22nd | 8:00pm
DPAC, Durham
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America’s favorite holiday tradition for more than 35 years!

Derek Hough: Dance for the Holidays

Monday November 25th | 8:00pm
DPAC, Durham
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Derek Hough’s Dance for the Holidays Tour is an all new joyous celebration of the most festive time of the year! With jingle bells and sleigh bells, holiday carols and cheer, Hough’s latest dance spectacular is a show stopping event for the whole family.

‘Twas the Night Before…By Cirque du Soleil

December 5th-15th | Times vary, see website
DPAC, Durham
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‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE… is Cirque du Soleil’s first holiday show, based on the classic poem “A Visit from Saint Nicolas” by Clement Clarke Moore. Memorable lines from this cherished classic inspired Cirque’s story about a jaded young girl who rediscovers the magic of the holidays.

A festive flurry of love and cheer created especially for families, ‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE… features thrilling acrobatics, lovable characters – and a soundtrack including holiday classics re-invented by Cirque du Soleil. The show was conceived and is directed by Cirque du Soleil Senior Artistic Director James Hadley, a 25-year veteran of circus productions and live theater.

A Celtic Christmas by a Taste of Ireland

Wednesday December 18th | 7:30pm
Carolina Theatre, Durham
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Direct from its Off-Broadway season, “A Taste of Ireland – The Irish Music & Dance Sensation,” presents its holiday spectacular, “A Celtic Christmas.” Prepare to be enchanted with some of the world’s finest Irish dancers and musicians bringing the spirit of Christmas to life, in a show that will make you laugh, cry, and sing into the night.

Duke Chapel by Candlelight: Christmas Open House

Wednesday December 18th | 12:00pm-2:00pm
Duke Chapel, Durham
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Welcome the splendor of the season at the annual candlelight open house at Duke Chapel. All are invited to see the Chapel fully decorated for the Christmas season and listen to familiar Christmas music. There is no cost to attend and no tickets or reservations are required. The event starts at 12-noon and ends at 2:00 p.m.; drop in and stay for as little or as long as you’d like! Parking is available on a first-come-first-served basis in the Bryan Center Garage at 125 Science Dr. with ADA parking in the surface lot at the same address.

Carolina Ballet’s The Nutcracker

December 12th-24th | Times vary
Raleigh Memorial Auditorium
More info

This holiday season, rediscover the wonder with Carolina Ballet’s enchanting celebration of The Nutcracker.

Our most-attended production ever, this beautiful ballet marries the charm of the original with fresh choreography, vibrant sets, and stunning costumes.

Carolina Youth Ballet’s Magical Nutcracker (Raleigh)

Friday November 15th | 7:00pm, Saturday November 16th | 1:30pm
Martin Marietta Center, Raleigh
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Infinity Ballet Presents Favorite Dances of the Nutcracker (Apex)

Friday December 6th: 8:00pm, Saturday December 7th: 3:00pm, Sunday December 8th: 1:30pm and 3:30pm.
Halle Cultural Arts Center, Apex
More info

This favorite holiday story creates a family hour of entertainment suitable for all ages. Includes favorite characters of the “Nutcracker Ballet Suite” with Clara preparing for her holiday party taking us through her dream to the Land of the Sweets. Enjoy one of the many Holiday events in Downtown, grab a sweet treat from the bake sale upstairs, then find your seat for a classic holiday favorite.

Cary Ballet Company Presents the Nutcracker

The Nutcracker is a holiday classic, featuring the magical tale of Clara as she journeys from her home to the Land of Sweets with her Nutcracker Prince. The Nutcracker truly is the event of the holiday season, and we hope you join us! There are multiple options to see this production.

Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts Raleigh, NC
Saturday, Dec 7, 2024 –  Shows are 11 AM*, 1:30 PM and 5:30 PM
More info

The traditional full length Nutcracker ballet performs at 1:30 PM and 5:30 PM

*The Nutcracker Suite (11 AM) is an excellent introduction for kids of all ages. This narrated one-hour show begins with a bare stage, allowing the audience to watch how the stage is set with lights, music, props, and dancers — how dancers go from the studio to the theater.

Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Ave, Cary, NC
Friday, Dec 20 – Sunday, Dec 22, 2024
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• Sensory Friendly Nutcracker Suite at – Friday, Dec 20, 2024, 11 AM –  is an excellent introduction for kids of all ages. This narrated one-hour show begins with a bare stage, allowing the audience to watch how the stage is set with lights, music, props, and dancers — how dancers go from the studio to the theater. A one hour show with these modifications: House lights dimmed, softer music and a quiet room is available in the lobby if needed.
• The Nutcracker Suite – Saturday, Dec 21, 2024, 11 AM – is an excellent introduction for kids of all ages. This narrated one-hour show begins with a bare stage, allowing the audience to watch how the stage is set with lights, music, props, and dancers — how dancers go from the studio to the theater.
• Company Sponsored VIP Photo Op – This will be a special opportunity to meet Sugarplum Fairy, her Prince and Clara for a Photo Op. A sweet treat and signed flyer will be available after both Nutcracker Suites in Principal’s Hall. Suggested donation. This is a cashless fundraiser.
• The traditional full length Nutcracker ballet performs at the Cary Arts Center – Friday, Dec 20, 2024, 7 PM, Saturday, Dec 21, 2024, 2 PM and 7PM and Sunday, Dec 22, 2024, 1:30 PM and 5:30 PM. 

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet at DPAC

December 24th | 1:00pm AND 5:00pm
Durham Performing Arts Center, Durham
More info

The beloved family tradition is back: NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet! Gather your loved ones for the warm-glow-nostalgia of America’s favorite Christmas celebration. Experience the extraordinary international cast and Ukrainian Principal Artists performing at the peak of classical European Ballet.

Be transported by the magic of jaw-dropping acrobatics, larger than life puppets, and stunning hand-crafted sets and costumes. Don’t miss this chance to experience the wonder of NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet.

Jill M. Taylor Dance Company’s The Nutcracker

Sunday December 15th | 2:00pm and 6:00pm
Rolesville High School Auditorium
More info

Come see a full length production of this holiday classic; The Nutcracker! Enjoy a spectacular show on Sunday, December 15th at 2pm and 6pm!

Clara’s Trip: A Cirque & Dance Nutcracker Story

Saturday December 21st | 7:00pm
Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, Raleigh
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A contemporary twist on a holiday classic. Clara’s Trip is an entertaining fusion of gravity-defying cirque, athletic dancing and a timeless story that is a treat for the entire family. Clara has grown up to be a kind and energic young lady who loves to dance but is a little clumsy. While dancing at Mr. and Mrs. Flowers’ holiday party, she trips over her own feet and is whisked off to the hospital to learn that her ankle is broken. That night Clara dreams that her foot is healed allowing her to dance like she has never before with surprises from her friends.

The Nutcracker at Carolina Theatre by Classical Arts Entertainment

Thursday December 19th | 7:30pm
Carolina Theatre of Durham
More info

Step into a magical winter wonderland and let the charm of the holiday season unfold before your eyes! Join us for a mesmerizing “Nutcracker” from the esteemed State Ballet Theater of Ukraine, presented by Classical Arts Entertainment. Prepare to be immersed in a creative world created by talented choreographer Andrei Litvinov, where toy soldiers come to life, and colorful characters fill the stage with joy.

The Nutcracker at Fuquay-Varina Arts Center

Friday December 13th | 7:00pm
Saturday December 14th | 11:00am, 2:30pm, and 5:00pm
Fuquay-Varina Arts Center
More info

Join Lady Thistledown as she guides us through the magical dream that is The Nutcracker. The Fuquay-Varina Arts Center is proud to present its fifth annual production, loosely based on the E.T.A. Hoffman fantasy story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” . The Arts Center’s production always offers a new twist to the classic tale. Tickets only $6 each.

PS: Consider the special add-on of “Tea With the Sugar Plum Fairy” on Saturday 12/14 and 12:00pm.

The Triangle Youth Ballet: The Nutcracker

Thursday December 12th | 7:00pm
Friday December 13th | 7:00pm
Saturday December 14th | 2:00pm and 7:00pm
The Carolina Theatre, Durham
More info

A hometown tradition since 1995, the Triangle Youth Ballet presents “The Nutcracker.” With a cast of over 100 and live music by the Tchaikovsky Virtuosi, Triangle Youth Ballet invites you to experience this joyful holiday classic.

The Hip Hop Nutcracker

Saturday December 28th | 7:30pm
DPAC, Durham
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A holiday mash-up for the whole family, The Hip Hop Nutcracker returns for another spectacular tour. Directed and choreographed by Tony and Olivier Award-nominated Jennifer Weber, this contemporary dance spectacleis a re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic, smashing hip hop dance and Tchaikovsky’s timeless music together into a heart-stirring and inspirational holiday event. The Hip Hop Nutcracker is brought to life by a powerhouse cast of a dozen all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and MC Kurtis Blow, one of hip hop’s founding fathers, who opens the show with a short set.

International Ballet Company Presents The Nutcracker

Saturday December 7th | 1pm-3pm AND 6pm-8pm
Cary Academy Berger Hall, Cary
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Make your holiday season complete with the International Ballet Company’s presentation of the beloved ballet “The Nutcracker.” Children of all ages will be mesmerized as Clara helps her Nutcracker Prince defeat the Rat Queen and travels to the enchanted Land of Sweets where she meets the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Cavalier, Ginger Cookies and many other delicious characters. These performances promise to be one of the best presents you’ll open this holiday season!

Amahl and the Night Visitors – Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle

Saturday December 7th | 7:30pm
Sunday December 8th | 3:00pm
Carolina Theatre, Durham
More info

The COT is excited to bring the magic of “Amahl and the Night Visitors” to the Carolina Theatre for two performances this holiday season. Celebrate the power of kindness, curiosity, and sacrifice, as little Amahl and his mother receive a visit from three mysterious travelers who are being guided by a very bright star. This show is perfect for the whole family, and is sure to bring about a few joyful tears. So don’t forget those tissues.

Theatre in the Park’s A Christmas Carol

December 6th-8th, 2024
Martin Marietta Center for the Arts, Raleigh
 $30+
 More info + tickets

December 18th-22nd, 2024
DPAC, Durham
 $28.50+
 More info + tickets

Attending a production of A Christmas Carol is always a holiday bucket list item, and especially so here in the Triangle, where Theatre in the Park has been presenting the show for more than 50 years.

Show creator Ira David Wood III performed the iconic character of Scrooge for 5 decades, ending his run last year. This year, the show is directed by him and will star his son Ira David Wood IV as Ebenezer Scrooge.

There will be two venues where you can catch this production: at the Martin Marietta Center in Raleigh December 6-8, 2024, and then at Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) December 18-22, 2024.

Cary Players Presents A Sherlock Carol

December 5th-December 9th
Cary Arts Center, Cary
More info

Moriarty is dead, to begin with. And Sherlock Holmes is a haunted man. But, when a grown-up Tiny Tim asks Holmes to investigate the death of Ebenezer Scrooge, the Great Detective must use his gifts to solve a Dickens of a Christmas mystery! Six actors take on the beloved characters of Arthur Conan Doyle and Charles Dickens in this heartwarming and highly theatrical holiday treat for all ages!

Sola Coffee Christmas Sing-a-Long

Friday December 13th | 6:00pm
Sola Coffee, Raleigh
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Join us on Friday, Dec. 13th @ 6 PM on the back patio for Christmas carols ✨ Our very own Colin Leonard and some friends will lead us in some holiday cheer! Popcorn & hot cider on the house and beer & wine will be available for purchase! The rest of Sola is closed!

Grab your pals, bundle up, bring a blanket & join the fun!!! SEE YOU THERE.