The holiday season is here and Wake County is transforming into a winter wonderland of festive cheer! From dazzling tree lightings to cheerful parades, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the season. Get ready to bundle up, sip on hot cocoa, and experience the warmth and wonder of the holidays!
Christmas Parades Around Wake County
Whether you’re cheering on festive floats or soaking up the joy with family and friends, these parades are a must-see this season. Mark your calendars!
🎅 Raleigh Christmas Parade 11/22
Join us at the 81st Annual Crossroads Ford Apex ABC11 Raleigh Christmas Parade brought to you by Shop Local Raleigh! The official kickoff to the holiday season showcases festive floats, giant balloons, marching bands, classic cars, Grand Marshal Dereck Whittenburg and the NC State Marching Band, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and SO much more! Coverage starts at 9:00 AM on ABC11 WTVD and the ABC11 streaming apps. Parade begins at 9:30 AM. Downtown Raleigh – Hillsborough St. to Fayetteville St. Follow @RaleighChristmasParade for sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes, and live coverage! More info.
🌲 Apex Rotary Christmas Parade 12/6
Christmas carols, a marching parade, shopping, and a visit from Santa! Downtown Apex, Salem St. 5pm – More info.
🎁 Garner Optimist Christmas Parade 12/6
Christmas parade, Holiday Block Party, and Tree Lighting. This year’s parade will include the Town of Garner’s Holiday Block Party at 2pm. Downtown Garner 4:30pm – More info.
🌲 Fuquay-Varina Christmas Parade 12/7
80+ floats and vehicles through the Historic Downtown Fuquay District. 4pm – More info.
🎁 Rolesville Christmas Parade 12/7
Floats, local talent, a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Main Street, Rolesville. 2pm More info.
🚂 Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade 12/13
Bands, mascots, local businesses, community groups, and more 2pm-4pm – More info.
🎁 Clayton Christmas Parade 12/13
Floats, music, and plenty of Christmas cheer. Main Street, Downtown Clayton 11am More info.
🎅 Happy Holly Days Parade 12/13
Floats, bands, dancers, decorated vehicles, marching groups, and more travel Main Street through downtown Holly Springs. 10am – More info.
🌲 Knightdale Christmas Parade 12/13
Floats, vehicles, marching groups, and more. First Avenue near Knightdale Station Run. 10am – More info.
🎁 Durham Holiday Parade 12/13
Cheer on hometown bands, drill teams, schools, and community groups as they make their way down Main Street at the Durham Holiday Parade. The procession will conclude with a guest appearance from Santa. Downtown Durham. 10am – More info.
☃️ Zebulon Christmas Parade 12/14
Watch floats, school groups, balloons, and performances stroll through Downtown Zebulon. 3pm – More info.
Tree Lightings Around Wake County
🌲 Raleigh Tree Lighting and Holiday Market 11/21
Kick-off the holiday season with Raleigh’s Annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Market. Watch as the Raleigh Christmas Tree comes to light, get free pictures with Santa Claus, shop for presents at the local vendor market, enjoy festive performances by local artists, and so much more all in downtown’s historic Moore Square park. 5:30pm-8pm More info.
🌲 Christmas Tree Lighting at North Hills 11/22
The Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration, located in the heart of Midtown Raleigh, is a beloved holiday event. 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. As Santa Claus arrives, the 41 foot Christmas Tree is lit amidst a joyous chorus of “Santa Clause Is Coming to Town! 4pm-7pm More info.
🌲 Tree Lighting at Candy Cane Lane – Downtown Zebulon 11/22
Celebrate the holiday season in Downtown Zebulon. Spend the evening strolling Arendell Avenue visiting downtown businesses, participating in Christmas activities, enjoying live performances, and celebrating with community members. Activities will include visits with Santa, free holiday crafts, Letters To Santa, games, hot chocolate, food trucks, and so much more! Downtown Zebulon. 4pm-8pm – More info.
🌲 Fuquay-Varina Town Tree Lighting 12/4
Celebrate the joy of the holiday season at the annual Town Tree Lighting! The tree and menorah will be lit at 6:00 pm in the Vance Street parking lot (205 S. Main Street).
Schedule:
4:00 to 8:00 pm | Ice Skating (E. Vance Street)
5:00 to 8:00 pm | Artist Night Market (S. Main Street and E. Vance Street)
6:00 pm | Lighting of the Tree and Menorah (Vance Street Parking Lot)
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.
🌲 Clayton’s Christmas Village and Tree Lighting 12/4
Main Street transforms into a winter wonderland filled with the sights, sounds, and tastes of the season. From 5:00 to 8:00 pm, enjoy a lively open house with local businesses, twinkling light displays, live performances, and holiday treats around every corner. Families can hop on a trackless train ride, snap photos in the giant inflatable snow globe, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, and watch the kids light up with glitter tattoos and seasonal crafts. Gather in Town Square for the main event, the lighting of the Town of Clayton Christmas Tree at 7:15 pm. Main Street, Clayton. 5pm – More info.
🌲 Lighting of Wake Forest 12/5
Experience the wonder and magic of the holiday season at the 2025 Lighting of Wake Forest. This year’s ceremony will feature the lighting of the Christmas tree and the arrival of Santa Claus.
Holiday Entertainment Lineup:
Story Time from 5:20–5:40 PM – “Have Yourself a Cheesy Little Christmas” read from Page 158!
Festive Musical Performances by: Endeavor Charter School Band, Wake Forest iSTEM Magnet Elementary Chorus, Envision Science Academy, School of Rock Wake Forest
Join Girl Scouts Troop #1734 in for a joyful community sing-along to wrap up the fun! Centennial Plaza in front of Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St. 5pm-8pm More info.
🌲 Wendell Wonderland 12/5
Wendell Wonderland is an incredible kickoff to the Christmas season. This free community event takes place in the evening and centers around both the lighting of the town Christmas tree and the arrival of Santa Claus not long after, courtesy of a free ride from the Wendell Fire Department. Enjoy a craft market and food trucks of all kinds and access to the Lake Myra Christmas Light Show and a festive trolley ride. Downtown Wendell. 5pm-9pm More info.
🌲 Christmas On First Avenue Tree Lighting 12/5
Kick off the Holiday season by lighting the tree at Knightdale Station Park. Take pictures with Santa, watch local entertainment, enjoy holiday treats and activities, and then help countdown the lighting of the Christmas Tree. Knightdale Station Park 6pm-8pm More info.
🌲 Apex Tree Lighting Ceremony 12/5
Join community members and the Apex Town Council as the tree is lit for the very first time on Town Hall Campus! Santa and Mrs. Claus will join in on the fun for attendees to grab the season’s first photos. This year’s event features:
Entertainers like Poetry Fox and Cirque de Vol
Free Photo with Santa where attendees can snap a photo with Santa and receive a 4×6 and digital copy that night!
Craft stations to make reindeer food and write your letter to Santa
Holiday vendors from the Apex Farmers Market
Food vendors such as Arepa Culture, Cafecito Coffee, Little Blue Bakehouse, and Mac Daddy’s Food Truck.
Schedule of Events
4:30 pm: Middle School bands performance
5:00 pm: Apex High School Dance Program performance
5:25 pm: Apex Friendship Elementary Chorus performance
5:45 pm: Academy for the Performing Arts Show Choir performance
6:10 pm: UNC’s The Tarpeggios performance
6:30 pm: Tree Lighting with Apex Town Council members
Town Hall Campus, 73 Hunter Street. 4:30pm-7:00pm. More info.
🌲 Tree Lighting Celebration at Downtown Cary Park 12/6
Kick off the holiday season with festive cheer at this FREE Tree Lighting Celebration in Downtown Cary Park. Throughout the day enjoy holiday activities, programs, and performances all leading to the official Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6 p.m. Don’t miss this magical evening that promises to ignite your holiday spirit! Downtown Cary Park 9am-8pm More info.
🌲 Garner Tree Lighting and Holiday Block Party 12/6
This free family-friendly event will feature 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! Holiday Block Party 2pm-4:30pm. Parade begins at 4:30 pm. 215 W Main St, Garner, NC. More info.
🌲 Light the Springs 12/6
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. 300 West Ballentine St. 5pm-8pm More info.
🌲 Morrisville Tree Lighting 12/6
Celebrate the joy and wonder of the season at our annual Christmas Tree Lighting — a beloved tradition that brings our community together in the spirit of faith, hope, and love. Join us for an evening filled with carols, prayers, fellowship, entertainment and the joyful anticipation of Christmas as we illuminate the tree! Let us come together to celebrate the blessings of the season. 3pm-6pm More info.
🌲 Rolesville Holiday Tree Lighting 12/8
Lighting the tall 14-foot tree, followed by the classic reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. Enjoy a charming performance by the Sandford Creek Songbirds, take photos with Santa, and join in fun family activities. Add in some magical snow flurries, and there’s even more to experience! Redford Place Park. 5pm-7pm More info.
