- Triangle Area Christmas Activities for Toddlers + Little Kids - October 31, 2024
- Christmas Lights in Raleigh NC: Best Triangle Holiday Light Displays (2024) - October 29, 2024
- Raleigh Family Christmas Guide 2024 - October 25, 2024
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. You can also check out our lists of local tree lightings, Santa appearances, and parades.
A Small Town Family Holiday
Saturday November 30th | 3:00pm-6:00pm
Hillsborough Visitors Center, Hillsborough NC
This event in Hillsborough sounds like the most charming thing to do with your kids. There will be storytelling with Mrs. Claus, photos with Santa, games for all ages, and a tree lighting. And best of all, it’s free! More info
Calls from Santa
Thursday December 5th | 6:00pm-8:00pm
Here’s an adorable opportunity. Get a phone call from the man in red himself!
A phone call from Santa Claus is on every child’s wish list. The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department is making those wishes come true by offering “Calls from Santa” geared to kids ages 3-9 on Thursday, Dec. 5, from 6-8 p.m.
In November, registration forms will be available online and at Joyner Park Community Center, 701 Harris Road, and Wake Forest Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St. Completed forms must be submitted online or received at the JPCC or Town Hall by 5 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 4. Telephone registrations will not be accepted. There is no cost to participate, but all calls must be local. More information here
Santa Visits Bumble Brews Raleigh
December 14th and 15th | Times vary
Bumble Brews is one of the best spots in town to take a toddler, so it’s no surprise their Christmas event is a great option! Santa will be visiting Bumble Brews in Raleigh on two separate days this season, and there are 3 sessions available each day. Kids will enjoy open play and a visit with Santa.
Santa at Bumble Brews Cary
December 2nd, 13th, and 17th | Times vary
The Bumble Brews Cary location has a similar offering for open play and Santa visits! One of their dates is already sold out, so this is something you’ll want to book fast!
Winter Wonderland With Goats at Spring Haven Farm
November 13th – December 31st
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 30th-December 22nd
Piney Town Playhouse is one of the Triangle area’s cutest indoor playgrounds. They do a great holiday event featuring Santa Claus, and have multiple dates available for you to come meet him and even get some professional photos if you wish.
Of special note for toddler and baby parents, they offer one session that is Baby specific for kids just 2 and under. This year that session is Wednesday December 18th at 10:00am
Pullen Park Holiday Express
December 2nd – 18th, 2024 | 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 2024 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 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, and 21st
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 6th | 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 14th & 15th, 2024 | 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 30th-December 22nd, + Christmas Eve
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 29th | 10:00am-11:30am
401 N West St, 117, Raleigh, NC 27603
Join us for a morning of messy Holiday fun! We will have a variety of Holiday sensory bins and crafts. We may just have a visit from a special Holiday friend, with photos as well as some delcious treats. Don’t miss it! Ages 2-6
Downtown Cary Park Skating Rink Toddler Time
Tuesdays December 3rd, 10th, and 17th 10:00am-1:00pm
Downtown Cary Park
Experience the magic of the holidays at Downtown Cary Park’s winter skating rink! Head to Park Street Courts to find the arena transformed into a frosty weather destination, exclusively reserved for our tiniest, most enthusiastic skaters! Skating and skate rentals are absolutely free!
Toddlers aged 6 and under, this special day is just for YOU! Imagine a winter wonderland where the rink is all yours to explore and enjoy. It’s a magical opportunity for our youngest Park visitors. More info.
A Peter Rabbit Christmas
Friday December 6th | 5:00pm and 7:30pm
Sunday December 8th | 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 2024, 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
Reindeer Rodeo at Abbotts Creek
December 6th, 2024 | 10:00-111:30am
Abbotts Creek Park: 9950 Durant Rd. Raleigh, NC 27614
Here’s another fun, low cost activity that is great for older toddlers and preschoolers. The event is listed for ages 3-6.
Bring your little one for a fun-filled morning of crafts, games, and treats. Participants are free to drop in anytime during the event. Please allow 30-45 minutes to rotate through different craft stations. Pre-registration is required for each participant. See you at the Rodeo! Cost: $7