FREE Christmas Fun in the Triangle (Kid Friendly Events + Activities)

Bass Pro Shops Santa’s Wonderland

When: Now through December 24th
Where: Bass Pro in Cary & Cabela’s in Garner

Bring your family to Bass Pro Shops for a free visit with Santa! You’ll get a complimentary 4×6 photo, and you can snap as many of your own as you like. The Cary location offers a warm, festive atmosphere, complete with charming holiday décor and a friendly Santa. Be sure to check out their seasonal events, like Christmas Tales with Santa and Mrs. Claus on Tuesday evenings. Reservations are required, so book your spot early to secure your place in Santa’s schedule!

2024 Wake Forest Cares Holiday Kick-Off

When: Saturday, November 16th, 2024 | Noon-4:00pm
Where: Downtown Wake Forest, NC

Celebrate the start of the holiday season with a fun-filled afternoon in downtown Wake Forest! This free, family-friendly event features tons of exciting activities, including the Carolina Hurricanes Storm Tour, Snow Axe Throwing, Curling, and more. Kids will love crafting, playing Zap-A-Penguin, and watching community performances. Don’t miss this perfect holiday kickoff

10th Annual Santa’s Christmas Bazaar

When: Saturday, November 16th | 9:00am-3:00pm
Where: Franklinton High School, Franklinton, NC

Enjoy a stress-free holiday shopping experience at Santa’s Christmas Bazaar! With over 100 vendors offering unique, affordable gifts, you’re sure to find something special. Plus, Santa will be on-site for festive photos. Best of all? It’s completely free to attend!

Lafayette Village Tree Lighting

When: Saturday, November 16th, 2024 | 3:00pm-6:00pm
Where: Lafayette Village, Raleigh, NC

Take a stroll through Lafayette Village and enjoy live music, holiday shopping, and horse and carriage rides. Meet festive characters, including Mr. & Mrs. Claus, and soak in the holiday atmosphere. More info

Salem Baptist Preschool Holiday Market

When: Saturday, November 16th | 9:00am-12:00pm
Where: Salem Baptist Church, Apex, NC

Start your holiday season at this cozy market. Santa will be there for professional photos, and you can shop local vendors for thoughtful gifts. A perfect morning out with the family!

Yuletide Breakfast at Bass Pro Shops

When: Saturday, November 16th, 23rd, & December 7th | 9:00am
Where: Bass Pro in Cary & Cabela’s in Garner

Treat your family to breakfast with Santa! This festive event is a great way to kick off your weekend. Don’t forget to register—it fills up fast, and registration opens one week before each date.

Sparkle Night at Parkside Town Commons

When: Saturday, November 16th, 2024 | 4:00pm-7:00pm
Where: Parkside Town Commons, Cary, NC

Join the fun as Parkside Town Commons kicks off the holiday season. Activities include face painting, train rides, games, and of course, the lighting of the Christmas tree with a visit from Santa.

Village District Holiday Open House

When: Thursday, November 21st | 5:00pm-8:00pm
Where: Village District, Raleigh, NC

Get in the holiday spirit at this open house event! Enjoy live music, carolers, and a Santa letter-making station while you shop. Professional Santa photos and Dewey’s Bakery treats add an extra sprinkle of holiday cheer.

Downtown Raleigh Christmas Tree Lighting

When: Friday, November 22nd, 2024 | 5:30pm-8:00pm
Where: Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts – Lichtin Plaza

Enjoy a magical evening with a vendor market, free photos with Santa, live music, and more at the Downtown Raleigh Christmas Tree Lighting.

Waverly Place Tree Lighting Celebration

When: Friday, November 22nd, 2024 | 5:30pm-8:30pm
Where: Waverly Place, Cary, NC

This celebration features live music by The Embers, kids’ activities, and a special appearance by Santa. Enjoy an evening of family-friendly fun as Waverly Place lights up for the holidays.

Park West Winter Wonderland

When: Friday-Sunday, November 22nd-24th
Where: Park West Village, Morrisville, NC

This festive weekend has it all—live music, Santa visits, a Polar Express screening, train rides, and even a giant inflatable slide. Each day offers something new, making it a can’t-miss holiday event!

Raleigh Christmas Parade

When: Saturday, November 23rd, 2024 | 9:30am
Where: Starts on Hillsborough Street at St. Mary’s Street

Celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Raleigh Christmas Parade, the largest Christmas parade between Washington, DC, and Atlanta. This 1.4-mile parade route will be packed with festive floats and performances. Arrive early for the best view, or catch the parade on ABC11, its streaming apps, or the ABC News Hulu channel.

Candy Cane Lane – Zebulon

When: Saturday, November 23rd | 4:00pm-8:00pm
Where: Downtown Zebulon

Take a stroll through Candy Cane Lane for an evening packed with holiday fun. Enjoy live entertainment, games, hot cocoa, and a meet-and-greet with Santa.

Christmas at North Hills Tree Lighting

When: Saturday, November 23rd, 2024 | 4:00pm-7:00pm
Where: North Hills Commons, Raleigh, NC

Celebrate the season at the heart of Midtown Raleigh. Enjoy live entertainment, kids’ crafts, and a vendor village. The highlight of the night? Watching the 41-foot Christmas tree light up as Santa arrives to a chorus of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.”

Holly Jolly Jamboree

When: Saturday, November 23rd | 3:00pm-6:00pm
Where: Crossroads Plaza, Cary, NC

Celebrate the season with live music, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and festive decorations. The Holly Jolly Jamboree is a fun-filled afternoon for the whole family.

Light the Square – Fenton

When: Saturday, November 23rd, 2024 | 3:00pm-7:00pm
Where: Fenton Square, Cary, NC

Celebrate the season with a magical evening of live music, ice skating, horse-drawn carriage rides, and a special appearance by Santa Claus.

Downtown Durham Holiday Tree Lighting

When: Saturday, November 23rd, 2024 | 1:00pm-7:00pm
Where: CCB Plaza, Durham, NC

Enjoy live performances, a kid zone, the Peppermint Place Pop-Up Market, and more at this festive event.

Sunday with Santa – Downtown Sanford

When: Sunday, November 24th | 3:00pm-6:00pm
Where: 229 Carthage St, Sanford, NC

Spend a magical afternoon in downtown Sanford. Meet Santa, enjoy holiday crafts, and snap photos with beloved characters like princesses and the Grinch.

Holly Days Pittsboro Tree Lighting

When: Sunday, November 24th, 2024 | 3:00pm
Where: Downtown Pittsboro, NC

Join the fun-filled tree lighting ceremony featuring Santa, food trucks, a vendor market, and entertainment for all ages.

Lake Myra Christmas Lights Show

When: November 27th – December 31st, 2024 | 5:30pm-10:00pm
Where: Corner of 3rd St and Cypress St, Wendell, NC

Experience a dazzling light show featuring over 400,000 lights synchronized to festive music. Created by the Williams family, this drive-in-style event offers both parking and standing areas for viewing the spectacular 30-45 minute display. Walk through the glowing pathways to get up close to the larger-than-life decorations. Bonus: Santa will be on-site Saturday nights from November 30th to December 21st, 7:00pm-9:00pm. Bring your family—and even your well-behaved, leashed pup—for a night of holiday magic.

Franklinton Christmas Tree Lighting + Market

When: Saturday, November 30th, 2024 | 5:00pm-9:00pm
Where: Downtown Franklinton, NC

Get into the holiday spirit with Santa visits, ornament-making, and shopping at the Christmas market.

Town of Hillsborough Annual Tree Lighting

When: Saturday, November 30th, 2024
Where: Old Orange County Courthouse, Hillsborough, NC

Enjoy storytime with Santa and Mrs. Claus, games, and live music, followed by the annual tree lighting.

A Small Town Family Holiday

When: Saturday, November 30th | 3:00pm-6:00pm
Where: Hillsborough Visitors Center, Hillsborough, NC

This charming event features storytelling with Mrs. Claus, photos with Santa, and a tree lighting. It’s a cozy and festive way to celebrate with your family.

Santa Stops at Piedmont

When: Saturday, November 30th | 11:00am-2:00pm
Where: Piedmont Feed & Garden Center, Chapel Hill, NC

Visit Santa in a beautifully decorated greenhouse and pick up unique gifts. Furry friends are welcome too! More info here.

Christmas Tree Lot Grand Opening: The Farm at Magnolia Acres

When: Saturday, November 30th | 3:00pm-5:00pm
Where: The Farm at Magnolia Acres, Fuquay-Varina, NC

Kick off the Christmas season with a festive tree lot opening. Enjoy sleigh rides with Santa, warm hot chocolate, and a DIY wreath-decorating bar.

Merry Municipal

When: All December long | Dark-10:00pm
Where: Municipal Park, Clayton, NC

Stop by Municipal Park and check out our outdoor walk-thru light display! Walk through our transformed park and see the magic of Christmas before your eyes. This event is free to the public and will be available for viewing from dark – 10:00PM every evening throughout the month of December. 

On December 12th, trackless train rides will also be offered at $2/person.

Siler City Christmas Market and Tree Lighting

When: Sunday, December 1st, 2024 | 12:00pm-6:00pm
Where: 106 W. Raleigh St., Siler City, NC

Shop the vendor market and enjoy food, crafts, and live entertainment before the tree lighting ceremony at 6:00pm.

Rolesville Christmas Parade

When: Sunday, December 1st, 2024 | 2:00pm
Where: Starts at Thales Academy

Watch festive floats and local groups parade through downtown Rolesville. The route ends at Rolesville Baptist Church, so bring the family and enjoy this community celebration.

Rolesville Tree Lighting

When: Monday, December 2nd, 2024 | 5:00pm-8:00pm
Where: Redford Place Park, Rolesville, NC

Kick off the holiday season with performances, Santa photos, and the lighting of Rolesville’s new 14-foot tree.

Fuquay-Varina Town Tree Lighting

When: Thursday, December 5th, 2024 | 6:00pm-9:00pm
Where: Downtown Fuquay, NC

Enjoy sleigh rides, live music, and the annual lighting of both the town tree and menorah.

Town of Clayton Downtown Village & Tree Lighting

When: Thursday, December 5th, 2024 | 5:00pm-8:00pm
Where: Main Street, Downtown Clayton, NC

Celebrate with Santa, a trackless train, food trucks, and holiday performances. Tree lighting takes place at 7:15pm.

Illuminate Art Walk

When: Friday, December 6th, 2024 – Monday, January 6th, 2025 | Best enjoyed after dark
Where: Downtown Raleigh/Fayetteville Street

Explore the magic of light and art in Downtown Raleigh with the Illuminate Art Walk. Featuring large-scale, interactive, and light-based installations, this self-guided experience is a winter favorite. Don’t miss the highlight of this year’s event: The TUNNEL by BIG ART, a mesmerizing 100-foot LED installation with vibrant colors and reflections. Perfect for an evening stroll filled with holiday wonder.

Apex Downtown Tree Lighting Ceremony

When: Friday, December 6th, 2024 | 4:30pm-6:00pm
Where: The Depot, Apex, NC

Enjoy seasonal treats, photos with Santa, and the festive atmosphere as Apex lights its tree.

Lighting of Wake Forest

When: Friday, December 6th, 2024 | 5:00pm-8:00pm
Where: Centennial Plaza, Wake Forest, NC

Experience a magical evening with Santa arriving on a fire truck and the town tree lighting.

Youngsville Christmas Tree Lighting

When: Friday, December 6th, 2024 | 5:30pm-8:00pm
Where: S. College Street, Youngsville, NC

Enjoy the community’s festive tree lighting ceremony with holiday cheer and more.

Angier Christmas on the Square

When: Friday, December 6th, 2024 | 6:00pm-8:30pm
Where: Angier Depot, Angier, NC

Enjoy children’s crafts, hayrides, and photos with Santa at this festive tree lighting event.

Christmas on First Avenue – Knightdale

When: Friday, December 6th, 2024 | 6:00pm-8:00pm
Where: Knightdale Station Park, Knightdale, NC

Kick off the season with tree lighting, hot chocolate, and letters to Santa.

Christmas in the Groves

When: December 6th, 7th, 20th, & 21st | 6:00pm-9:00pm
Where: 3510 NC 86 N, Hillsborough, NC

Visit a beautifully decorated Christmas barn, meet Santa, and take part in festive activities. For an extra fee, you can enjoy a hayride through the Lighted Forest or meet the Grinch in Whoville. Please note – visits with Santa in the barn are free, but the hayride and Whoville have an associated cost.

Town of Carrboro Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

When: Friday, December 6th, 2024 | 6:00pm
Where: Carrboro Town Hall, Carrboro, NC

Join the community for music and holiday cheer as Carrboro lights its Christmas tree.

Chapel Hill-Carrboro Community Holiday Parade

When: Saturday, December 7th, 2024 | 10:00am
Where: Franklin Street

Stake out your spot along Franklin Street for this inclusive community parade featuring arts, cultural, and local groups. Perfect for a morning of holiday cheer!

Fa La La Festival at Lafayette Village

When: Saturday, December 7th | 2:00pm-5:00pm
Where: Lafayette Village, Raleigh, NC

Celebrate the season with a free holiday festival featuring local vendors, activities for kids, hot cocoa, and visits from Santa and princesses.

Downtown Cary Park Tree Lighting Ceremony

When: Saturday, December 7th, 2024 | 2:00pm-7:00pm
Where: Downtown Cary Park, Cary, NC

Celebrate the season with Santa photos, crafts, and the official lighting of the park’s tree.

Morrisville Tree Lighting

When: Saturday, December 7th, 2024 | 3:00pm-6:00pm
Where: 101 Town Hall Drive, Morrisville, NC

Enjoy hot chocolate, live performances, and the lighting of the Morrisville Christmas tree.

Garner Holiday Parade & Christmas Tree Lighting

When: Saturday, December 7th, 2024 | 4:30pm
Where: Main Street, Downtown Garner, NC

Enjoy a festive holiday block party, a parade, and the annual tree lighting at 6:00pm.

Apex Rotary Christmas Parade

When: Saturday, December 7th, 2024 | 5:00pm
Where: Apex Peakway and Ambergate Station

The only nighttime parade in Wake County, this event lights up the streets with colorful floats and performances. Proceeds benefit local charities.

Light the Springs

When: Saturday, December 7th, 2024 | 5:00pm-8:00pm
Where: Holly Springs Cultural Center, Holly Springs, NC

Celebrate with crafts, festive food, and live music. The evening ends with the lighting of the town tree.

Zebulon Christmas Parade

When: Sunday, December 8th, 2024 | 2:00pm
Where: Downtown Zebulon

Enjoy festive floats, school groups, and performances in downtown Zebulon. A perfect family-friendly outing!

Milk and Cookies with Santa

When: Sunday, December 8th | 2:00pm-5:00pm
Where: Rich Burghgraef Realty, Apex, NC

Join Santa for an afternoon of cookies, crafts, and holiday fun. Kids can enjoy snowball fights and other festive activities, all for free!

Santa on The Willard Rooftop

When: Sunday December 8th | 1:00pm-4:00pm
Where: The Willard Rooftop Lounge

Want a photo with Santa with the Raleigh skyline in the background? Santa Claus will be at The Willard Rooftop on Sunday, December 8th, 1-4pm. Come by for family photos and stick around for festive drinks from the bar. This event is free and open to all; guests will take their own photos. More info

Fuquay-Varina Christmas Parade

When: Sunday, December 8th, 2024 | 4:00pm
Where: Historic Downtown Fuquay District

Celebrate with over 80 festive floats as this popular parade winds through downtown Fuquay.

Hillsborough Light Up the Night Holiday Parade

When: Sunday, December 8th, 2024 | 4:00pm
Where: Downtown Hillsborough

This charming parade features dignitaries, floats, marching bands, and of course, Santa Claus!

Scoops with Santa

When: Monday, December 9th | 6:00pm-9:00pm
Where: The Little Goat Soda Fountain, Angier, NC

Enjoy a sweet treat and a visit with Santa. It’s the perfect way to combine holiday fun with a delicious dessert!

Happy Holly Days Christmas Parade

When: Saturday, December 14th, 2024 | 10:00am
Where: Downtown Holly Springs

Join the fun as floats, bands, and dancers bring festive energy to the streets of Holly Springs.

Durham Holiday Parade

When: Saturday, December 14th, 2024 | 10:00am
Where: Main Street, Durham

Cheer on local bands, community groups, and festive floats, with a special appearance by Santa to close the parade.

Knightdale Christmas Parade

When: Saturday, December 14th, 2024 | 10:00am
Where: First Avenue, Knightdale

This small-town celebration is packed with festive charm. Stake out a spot along the route for a morning of holiday fun.

MAKRS Holiday Fest

When: Saturday, December 14th | 11:00am-6:00pm
Where: Fayetteville Street, Downtown Raleigh

Explore over 150 local vendors, enjoy live music, and let the kids participate in holiday-themed activities. This event promises plenty of festive fun for everyone!

Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade

When: Saturday, December 14th, 2024 | 2:00pm
Where: Downtown Cary

Bundle up and bring your loved ones to see colorful floats, marching bands, and Santa as the parade winds through Cary’s downtown streets.

Clayton Christmas Parade

When: Saturday, December 14th, 2024 | 3:00pm
Where: Main Street, Downtown Clayton

Enjoy the holiday magic as over 100 floats and bands fill Main Street. A small-town tradition not to be missed!

Merry Municipal – Santa Visit

When: Thursday, December 19th | 6:00pm-8:00pm
Where: Municipal Park, Clayton, NC

Experience the magic of Christmas as Municipal Park lights up with dazzling displays. Sip on free hot cocoa, play in the fake snow, and enjoy a visit from Santa himself.