The holiday season is here and Wake County is transforming into a winter wonderland of festive cheer! From dazzling tree lightings to cozy holiday markets and cheerful parades, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the season. Whether you’re looking to start a new family tradition or simply soak in the magic of twinkling lights and joyful gatherings, Wake County’s holiday events offer something for everyone. Get ready to bundle up, sip on hot cocoa, and experience the warmth and wonder of the holidays!
Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting 11/22
Kick-off the holiday season with Raleigh’s Annual Tree Lighting. Watch as the Christmas Tree shines cheer across the city, get free pictures with Santa Claus, start shopping for presents at the vendor market, enjoy performances by local artists, and more at Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts! 5:30pm-8pm More info.
Christmas Tree Lighting at North Hills 11/23
For over a decade, North Hills has hosted thousands of guests for a fabulous holiday program featuring live entertainment, kids crafts, and a vendor village. Enjoy live music from Craig Woolard and The Embers, a Vendor Village, children’s crafts, food trucks, and more! 4pm-7pm More info.
Tree Lighting at Candy Cane Lane – Downtown Zebulon 11/23
Enjoy Christmas activities, visits with Santa, free holiday crafts, letters to Santa, games, hot chocolate, food trucks, and so much more! Downtown Zebulon 4pm-8pm More info.
Rolesville Holiday Tree Lighting 12/2
Lighting of the tree, reading of The Night Before Christmas, a performance from the Rolesville Elementary chorus, pictures with Santa, family activities, snow flurries, and much more! @rolesvillenc Redford Place Park 5pm-8pm More info.
Fuquay-Varina Town Tree Lighting 12/5
Celebrate the joy of the holiday season at the annual Town Tree Lighting! The tree and a menorah will be lit at 6:00 pm.
Schedule of Events
4:00 to 8:00 pm | Ice Skating
5:00 to 8:00 pm | Artist Village
6:00 pm | Lighting of the Tree and Menorah (Vance Street Parking Lot)
6:00 to 8:00 pm | S’mores*
6:00 to 8:00 pm | Cookies and Hot Cocoa*
6:00 to 8:00 pm | Downtown Sleigh Ride (ticketed event)
6:15 to 8:00 pm | Choral Performances (Vance Street Parking Lot)
6:15 to 8:00 pm | Pictures with Santa (Fuquay Mineral Spring Park
Downtown Fuquay 6pm-9pm More info.
Lighting of Wake Forest 12/6
Lighting of the Christmas tree and Santa’s exciting arrival in a Wake Forest fire truck. Centennial Plaza 5pm-8pm More info.
Wendell Wonderland 12/6
Every year, Wendell Wonderland takes place in downtown Wendell! Music, trolley rides, the Wendell United Methodist Church cookie walk, Santa & Mrs. Claus, a holiday craft market, axe throwing, the Lake Myra Lights Show, a snow machine, and a Toys for Tots Drive! The Town of Wendell’s annual holiday festival includes craft vendors, food trucks, a cookie walk, and Mr. and Mrs. Santa. Every year thousands come to walk down Main Street and experience the small-town charm for the holiday season. 5pm-9pm More info.
Knightdale Christmas Tree Lighting 12/6
Write letters to Santa, watch local entertainment, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, then help countdown the lighting of the Christmas Tree. Knightdale Station Park 6pm-8pm More info.
Apex Tree Lighting Ceremony 12/6
Join community members and the Apex Town Council in downtown Apex as the tree at The Depot is lit! Southbound Santa and Mrs. Claus will join in on the fun for attendees to grab the season’s first photos and candy from Kilwins! Food truck vendor, Cream and Sugar, and Little Blue Bakehouse will be in the Depot parking lot serving seasonal treats for purchase.
This year’s event features:
The Poetry Fox
Reindeer Food Station
Letters to Santa Station
Holiday vendors from the Apex Farmers Market
Schedule of Events
4:30 pm: Middle School bands perform
5:00 pm: Apex High School Dance Program performs
5:25 pm: Apex Friendship Elementary Chorus performs
5:45 pm: Academy for the Performing Arts Show Choir performs
6:00 pm: Tree Lighting with Apex Town Council members
More info.
Cary Tree Lighting Ceremony 12/7
Kick off the holiday season with festive cheer at the Tree Lighting Ceremony in Downtown Cary Park. Gather around as they officially light up the Park’s towering tree, marking the start of a season filled with joy and wonder. Enjoy heartwarming activities like Photos with Santa, where children can share their holiday wishes and capture cherished memories. Engage in creative arts & crafts, indulge in seasonal treats, and embrace the spirit of togetherness with friends and family. Don’t miss this magical evening that promises to ignite your holiday spirit! The Tree Lighting Ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. Downtown Cary Park 2pm-10pm More info.
Garner Tree Lighting and Holiday Block Party 12/7
Holiday kids’ crafts, food trucks, games, music, and more. The Garner Express train ride will take guests on a trip around the outdoor walking trail, and when Santa Claus joins the party be ready for those family pictures! The Tree Lighting will take place immediately following the parade. Holiday Block Party 2pm-4pm, parade begins at 4:30 pm More info.
Light the Springs 12/7
Ring in the start of the holiday season with Light the Springs! Families and children of all ages can celebrate the season with live music, festive food and beverages options, and free holiday crafts. Kids can bring their letter to Santa at our mailbox before meeting him and Mrs. Claus. The festivities kickoff with the menorah lighting and end with Santa and the mayor lighting the Town tree. You won’t want to miss this fun filled community event! Holly Springs Cultural Center 5pm-8pm More info.
Morrisville Tree Lighting 12/7
Enjoy an evening of holiday fun with music, performances, hot chocolate, ornament making, letters to Santa, and photos with Santa and the Grinch! 3pm-6pm More info.
