Nothing says the holidays in the Triangle quite like marching bands on main streets, town squares glowing, and Santa making a few public appearances. From Raleigh and Wake County to neighboring communities, here’s your guide to the 2026 parades, tree lightings, and holiday festivities worth adding to the calendar.
Be sure to make time for a nearby independently owned restaurant, café, or shop before or after your holiday outing!
Dates and times reflect published information as of November 12, 2026. Check with the organizer for changes before attending.
Christmas & Holiday Parades Around Raleigh and the Triangle
From giant balloons in Raleigh to hometown processions in the surrounding counties, here’s where to catch the holiday parades this season.
🎅 Raleigh Christmas Parade
📅 Saturday, November 21 · 9:30 AM
📍 Hillsborough St to Fayetteville St · Raleigh
The 82nd Annual ABC11 Crossroads Ford Raleigh Christmas Parade, presented by Shop Local Raleigh, brings marching bands, giant balloons, dancers, costumed characters and Santa to a 1.4-mile route through downtown. Watch from the sidewalk or catch the live ABC11 broadcast.
🛷 Selma Christmas Parade
📅 Tuesday, December 1 · 7 PM
📍 Downtown Selma
Make an evening of it in Selma: the town lights its Christmas tree at 6 PM, the parade begins at 7 PM, and fireworks round out the celebration.
🎄 Franklinton Christmas Parade
📅 Thursday, December 3 · 7 PM
📍 10 S Main St. Franklinton, NC 27525
Franklinton’s Main Street is the setting for an after-dark community Christmas parade.
🎁 Siler City Christmas Parade
📅 Thursday, December 3 · 7 PM
📍 Downtown Siler City, W Raleigh St · Siler City
Celebrate in downtown Siler City with a nighttime procession along West Raleigh Street.
❄️ Oxford Hometown Christmas Parade
📅 Friday, December 4 · 6:30 PM
📍 Downtown Oxford, Main St · Oxford
Oxford brings its hometown Christmas tradition to Main Street after dark. Head downtown for the evening parade and explore the historic district while you’re there.
🎅 Benson Christmas Parade
📅 Friday, December 4 · 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Downtown Benson, Main St
This parade is part of Benson’s larger Christmas on Main celebration, with seasonal shopping, live entertainment, visits with Santa and holiday treats.
🛷 Angier Christmas Parade
📅 Saturday, December 5 · 10 AM
📍 Downtown Angier · Angier
Kick off the first Saturday in December with Angier’s morning parade in the heart of town.
🎄 Chapel Hill–Carrboro Holiday Parade
📅 Saturday, December 5 · 10 AM
📍 Franklin St, Chapel Hill to Carrboro Town Commons · Chapel Hill / Carrboro
A festive, entertaining, safe, and inclusive community parade. Stake out your curbside spot and watch community groups and local businesses parade through Chapel Hill and Carrboro.
🎁 Creedmoor Christmas Parade
📅 Saturday, December 5 · 11 AM
📍 Downtown Creedmoor, Main St · Creedmoor
Creedmoor gathers along Main Street for its Christmas parade. The daytime schedule makes it an easy holiday outing for families visiting downtown Granville County.
❄️ Princeton Christmas Parade
📅 Saturday, December 5 · 1 PM
📍 Downtown Princeton · Princeton
Princeton’s Christmas parade gives Johnston County families a hometown celebration right in the center of town.
🎅 Garner Optimist Christmas Parade
📅 Saturday, December 5 · 4:30 PM
📍 Downtown Garner, Main St · Garner
Garner’s celebration continues straight from the afternoon Holiday Block Party into the 4:30 PM parade on Main Street. This year’s parade theme is “Tradition, Community, Home.”
🛷 Apex Rotary Christmas Parade
📅 Saturday, December 5, 2026 · 5 PM
📍 Downtown Apex, Salem St · Apex
Historic Salem Street becomes a nighttime parade route, with the Apex Rotary Club bringing the community together after dark. The parade also supports local charities, including Western Wake Crisis Ministry.
🎄 Rolesville Christmas Parade
📅 Sunday, December 6 · 2–3 PM
📍 Main St, Rolesville · Rolesville
Expect music, whimsical floats and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus as families, businesses, and organizations make their way down Main Street.
🎁 Fuquay-Varina Christmas Parade
📅 Sunday, December 6 · 4 PM
📍 Historic Downtown Fuquay · Fuquay-Varina
The Writing, Music and Film Society brings Fuquay-Varina’s holiday parade to Historic Downtown Fuquay. The procession is part of a busy weekend of seasonal celebrations in town.
❄️ Hillsborough Holiday Parade
📅 Sunday, December 6 · 4 PM (floats 4:20)
📍 Downtown Hillsborough · Hillsborough
The theme is “Classic Holiday Stories,” with marching bands, dancers, classic cars, floats and Santa making their way down Churton Street. The Running of the Elves begins at 4 PM; parade floats follow at approximately 4:20 PM.
🎅 Smithfield Christmas Parade
📅 Thursday, December 10 · 7 PM
📍 Market St, 6th St to 2nd St · Smithfield
Historic Market Street becomes the route for Smithfield’s evening Christmas parade.
🛷 Durham Holiday Parade
📅 Saturday, December 12 · 10 AM
📍 Main St, Downtown Durham · Durham
Hometown bands, drill teams, school groups, floats and mascots take over Main Street before Santa makes his grand appearance.
🎄 Happy Holly Days Parade
📅 Saturday, December 12 · 10 AM
📍 Main St, Downtown Holly Springs · Holly Springs
Main Street fills with decorated floats and vehicles, marching bands, dancers and community groups.
🎁 Knightdale Christmas Parade
📅 Saturday, December 12 · 10 AM
📍 First Ave, Knightdale · Knightdale
Festive floats, marching bands, local performers, and Santa make their way along First Avenue.
❄️ Clayton Christmas Parade
📅 Saturday, December 12 · 11 AM
📍 Main St, Downtown Clayton · Clayton
The Clayton Rotary Club brings the town’s Christmas parade to historic Main Street.
🎅 Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade
📅 Saturday, December 12 · 2–4 PM
📍 Downtown Cary, E Chatham / S Academy · Cary
The Cary Jaycees’ 47th annual parade features bands, mascots, local businesses and community groups.
🛷 Lillington Christmas Parade
📅 Saturday, December 12 · 10 AM – 12 PM
📍 Downtown Lillington · Lillington
Downtown Lillington welcomes its annual Christmas parade.
🎄 Pittsboro Christmas Parade
📅 Sunday, December 13 · 3 PM
📍 Downtown Pittsboro · Pittsboro
Look for decorated floats built by local businesses and community groups, festive costumes and holiday lights.
Tree Lightings Around Raleigh and the Triangle
Some events feature a quick countdown; others come with markets, Santa visits, music, and an entire evening of activities. Find the ceremony that fits your holiday plans.
🎄 Lighting of the Tree at Lafayette Village
📅 Saturday, November 14 · 3–6 PM (tree lighting: 6 PM)
📍 8480 Honeycutt Rd · Raleigh
Enjoy live music, holiday shopping at the Village boutiques and horse-drawn carriage rides before the tree lights up at 6 PM. It’s one of North Raleigh’s earliest tree-lighting celebrations.
✨ Parkside Town Commons Sparkle Night
📅 Saturday, November 14 · 4–7 PM
📍 Parkside Town Commons · Cary
Parkside is bringing Santa, face painting, music, games, train rides and even a snow effect to its holiday kickoff. The Christmas tree lights up during this free Cary celebration.
🌟 William Peace University Annual Tree Lighting
📅 Wednesday, November 18 · 6:30–8 PM (tree lighting: 7 PM)
📍 15 E Peace St · Raleigh
William Peace lights its 32-foot Christmas tree on the Main Lawn at 7 PM. The evening includes Broughton High School marching band musicians, complimentary hot chocolate and cookies, and holiday photo opportunities.
🎄 Waverly Place Tree Lighting
📅 Friday, November 20 · 5–9 PM
📍 302 Colonades Way · Cary
Waverly Place opens the season with its evening tree-lighting gathering in Cary.
❄️ Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting & Holiday Market
📅 Friday, November 20 · 5:30–8 PM
📍 Moore Square, 200 S Blount St · Raleigh
Moore Square welcomes the 18th annual celebration with free photos with Santa, a market of local vendors, and festive performances, including Sidecar Social Club. Stay for the moment Raleigh’s Christmas tree comes to life.
🎄 Light the Square at Fenton
📅 Saturday, November 21 · 3–7 PM
📍 Fenton Square, 21 Fenton Main St · Cary
Fenton Square becomes the setting for an afternoon holiday kickoff. The center also has a handcrafted holiday market on the calendar that day, making it a natural stop for shopping and seasonal festivities.
✨ Candy Cane Lane Tree Lighting
📅 Saturday, November 21 · 4–8 PM
📍 Downtown Zebulon, Arendell Ave · Zebulon
Downtown Zebulon’s Candy Cane Lane combines a seasonal community celebration with a tree lighting. Enjoy the holiday atmosphere along Arendell Avenue. NOTE: Zebulon is not holding a Christmas parade in 2026.
🌟 Downtown Durham Holiday Tree Lighting
📅 Saturday, November 21 · 4–8 PM (tree lighting: 7 PM)
📍 CCB Plaza, 201 Corcoran St · Durham
Head to CCB Plaza for an evening of festive cheer featuring crafts and activities, live music, a visit from Santa, and the lighting of downtown’s holiday tree.
🎄 North Hills Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration
📅 Saturday, November 21 · 4–7 PM
📍 North Hills Commons · Raleigh
For over two decades, 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.
❄️ Pittsboro Holly Days Tree Lighting
📅 Sunday, November 22 · 3–6 PM
📍 Downtown Pittsboro · Pittsboro
This family-friendly event features a festive tree lighting ceremony, a visit from Santa Claus, live entertainment, food trucks, a train ride, a bounce house, and a holiday vendor market.
🎄 Franklinton Christmas Market & Tree Lighting
📅 Saturday, November 28 · 4–7 PM
📍 Downtown Franklinton, Main St · Franklinton
The Town of Franklinton’s annual Christmas Market & Tree Lighting will bring all of the holiday magic and wonder to life. There will be Christmas music, holiday vendors, and Santa will even make an appearance!
✨ Washington Duke Inn Tree Lighting
📅 Monday, November 30 · 6 PM
📍 Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club · Durham
The Washington Duke Inn marks the season with a tree-lighting gathering in Durham. The inn’s decorated grounds make a cozy setting for an early-December holiday outing.
🌟 NC State Capitol Tree Lighting
📅 Tuesday, December 1 · 5:30 PM (tree lighting: Just after 6 PM)
📍 State Capitol, 1 E Edenton St · Raleigh
Capitol Square glows with luminaries while the Raleigh Concert Band plays holiday music. The governor’s ceremony begins just after 6 PM, and the illuminated state tree will be visible down Fayetteville Street.
🎄 Selma Christmas Celebration & Tree Lighting
📅 Tuesday, December 1 · 6–7 PM
📍 Selma Finance Building, downtown Selma · Selma
Selma opens its big holiday night with entertainment and the town tree lighting. Stick around for the 7 PM Christmas parade and fireworks afterward.
❄️ Clayton Christmas Village & Tree Lighting
📅 Thursday, December 3 · 5–8 PM (tree lighting: 7:15 PM)
📍 Downtown Main St / Town Square · Clayton
Main Street transforms into a holiday village with open shops, live performances, treats, a trackless train, a giant snow-globe photo spot and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The town tree lights up at 7:15 PM.
🎄 Fuquay-Varina Town Tree Lighting
📅 Thursday, December 3 · 6–8 PM (tree lighting: 6 PM)
📍 Vance St Parking Lot, 205 S Main St · Fuquay-Varina
Enjoy ice skating, an artist night market, choral performances and Santa photos. The town lights both its Christmas tree and menorah at 6 PM.
✨ Oxford Lighting of the Greens
📅 Friday, December 4 · 4–9 PM
📍 Downtown Oxford · Oxford
Downtown Oxford celebrates with an evening of seasonal lights and the Lighting of the Greens.
🌟 Apex Tree Lighting Ceremony
📅 Friday, December 4 · 4:30–7 PM
📍 Town Hall Campus, 73 Hunter St · Apex
Shop holiday vendors, crafts and activities, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, performances, and a tree lighting ceremony.
🎄 Christmas in Downtown Benson Tree Lighting
📅 Friday, December 4 · 5–9 PM
📍 Singing Grove, downtown Benson · Benson
Benson’s signature holiday kickoff brings shops, seasonal entertainment, Santa visits, and a Christmas parade together around the tree lighting.
❄️ Garner Light Up Main / Tree Lighting
📅 Friday, December 4 · 5–8 PM (tree lighting: 7 PM)
📍 Downtown Garner, 120 E Main St · Garner
Shop the downtown businesses and local vendors, grab food from the trucks, watch community performances and visit Santa. The tree-lighting countdown takes place at 7 PM.
🎄 Lighting of Wake Forest
📅 Friday, December 4 · 5–8 PM
📍 Centennial Plaza, 301 S Brooks St · Wake Forest
Centennial Plaza fills with school choir performances, children’s crafts, whimsical roaming circus performers, and photo opportunities. Watch for Santa’s arrival and the lighting of the community tree.
✨ Wendell Wonderland
📅 Friday, December 4 · 5–9 PM
📍 Downtown Wendell, 99 W 3rd St · Wendell
Wendell’s Main Street comes alive with handmade craft vendors, food trucks, a cookie walk, and Mr. and Mrs. Santa. Downtown shops and seasonal lights complete the small-town festival atmosphere.
🌟 Youngsville Christmas Tree Lighting
📅 Friday, December 4 · 5–8:30 PM
📍 Main Street · Youngsville
Youngsville’s evening gathering brings the holiday lights to Main Street. Make it part of a walk through the town center and nearby downtown businesses.
🎄 Angier Christmas on the Square Tree Lighting
📅 Friday, December 4 · 6–8:30 PM
📍 Angier Town Depot, 19 W Depot St · Angier
Angier’s Christmas on the Square centers its holiday gathering near the historic town depot. Stop by for the seasonal tree-lighting celebration and a little downtown holiday spirit.
❄️ Carrboro Holiday Tree Lighting
📅 Friday, December 4 · 6–7:30 PM
📍 Carrboro Town Hall, 301 W Main St · Carrboro
Students from Carrboro Elementary and McDougle Elementary perform holiday songs before the community tree is lit at Town Hall. Attendees can also contribute canned food for PORCH Chapel Hill-Carrboro.
🎄 Knightdale Tree Lighting
📅 Friday, December 4 · 6–8 PM
📍 Knightdale Station Park · Knightdale
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at Knightdale Station Park for free photos, while families enjoy local performances, ornament decorating, cookies and hot chocolate before the tree-lighting countdown.
✨ Morrisville Christmas Tree Lighting
📅 Friday, December 4 · 6–8 PM
📍 Indian Creek Trailhead, 101 Town Hall Dr · Morrisville
Celebrate at Indian Creek Trailhead with carols, entertainment, and the community tree lighting.
🌟 Creedmoor Christmas Tree Lighting
📅 Friday, December 4 · 7 PM (tree lighting: 7 PM)
📍 Creedmoor Community Center, 116 Douglas Dr · Creedmoor
Kick off the holiday season with the Christmas Tree Lighting at the Creedmoor Community Center! This annual event is filled with holiday cheer, joyful moments, and community spirit.
🎄 Downtown Cary Park Tree Lighting Celebration
📅 Saturday, December 5 · 9 AM–8 PM (tree lighting: 6 PM)
📍 Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy St · Cary
Make a whole day of it: the schedule includes a holiday market, Santa photos, crafts, reindeer games, a snowball-fight area, performances, and food trucks. The official tree lighting is at 6 PM on Frantz Square Lawn.
❄️ Smithfield Kick Off to Christmas Tree Lighting
📅 Saturday, December 5 · 3–8 PM (tree lighting: 7 PM)
📍 S Third St / Courthouse Lawn · Smithfield
Shop downtown boutiques and holiday vendors, enjoy seasonal treats and gather for the 7 PM tree lighting. Smithfield’s Kick Off to Christmas runs from 3–8 PM.
🎄 Hillsborough Jingle & Joy Tree Lighting
📅 Saturday, December 5 · 3:30–5:30 PM activities (tree lighting: Procession 5:30 PM)
📍 Historic Orange County Courthouse · Hillsborough
Start with Santa photos, a reading by Mrs. Claus and the Multicultural Holidays Fair at the Visitor Center. At 5:30 PM, join the procession to the historic courthouse for the tree-lighting ceremony.
✨ Light the Springs
📅 Saturday, December 5 · 5–8 PM
📍 Holly Springs Cultural Center, 300 W Ballentine St · Holly Springs
Holly Springs celebrates with live music, holiday food, free crafts and letters to Santa. The festivities begin with a menorah lighting and end as Santa and the mayor illuminate the town tree.
🌟 Downtown Chapel Hill Tree Lighting
📅 Sunday, December 6 · 6:30 PM (tree lighting: 6:30 PM)
📍 Downtown Chapel Hill · Chapel Hill
Gather in downtown Chapel Hill for the community tree lighting and an early-December evening among the town’s restaurants and shops. The published ceremony begins at 6:30 PM.
🎄 Rolesville Holiday Tree Lighting
📅 Monday, December 7 · 4:30–7:30 PM
📍 Redford Place Park · Rolesville
Rolesville’s 14-foot tree is the centerpiece of an evening with an elementary school choir, a reading of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas, Santa photos, and even snow flurries.
❄️ Lillington Tree Lighting & Santa’s Workshop
📅 Thursday, December 10 · 6–8 PM
📍 Lillington River Park, 151 E Duncan St · Lillington
Lillington combines its community tree lighting with Santa’s Workshop at River Park. The 6–8 PM program gives families a chance to enjoy both holiday activities in one stop.
🎄 Holiday in the Park Tree Lighting
📅 Friday, December 11 · 5–8 PM (tree lighting: 5:15 PM)
📍 Northwest District Park, 2413 Woody Store Rd · Siler City
The tree lights up at 5:15 PM during Holiday in the Park. This a separate celebration from Siler City’s downtown Christmas parade.
✨ Brier Creek Commons Tree Lighting
📅 Date TBA · TBD
📍 Brier Creek Commons Clock Tower, 8181 Brier Creek Pkwy · Raleigh
More Holiday Celebrations
Not every holiday celebration involves a tree. These festivals, light shows, and community gatherings bring their own traditions to the season.
🎁 Park West Village Winter Wonderland
📅 Friday, November 20–21 · 5:30–8 PM
📍 3400 Village Market Pl · Morrisville
Park West Village offers two evenings of holiday fun with train rides, Santa storytime, food trucks, hot drinks, face painting and crafts. Look for a Blackwater performance Friday and an outdoor movie Saturday.
✨ Wake Forest Cares Holiday Kick-Off
📅 Saturday, November 21 · Noon–4 PM
📍 Downtown Wake Forest · Wake Forest
This downtown gathering puts community giving at the heart of the season. Stop by to learn about the holiday donation drive and ways to help Wake Forest neighbors.
🎄 Lighting of the Beltie at Fearrington Village
📅 Friday, December 4 · 5:15–6:30 PM
📍 Fearrington Village, 240 Market St · Pittsboro
Fearrington adds its own twist to a holiday lighting: carolers, a Sip & Shop experience and seasonal refreshments lead up to the countdown that illuminates its iconic Beltie display.
🎉 Garner Holiday Block Party
📅 Saturday, December 5 · 2–4:30 PM
📍 Garner Recreation Center, 215 W Main St · Garner (Wake County) · Free admission
Bring the family for crafts, games, music, food trucks and a ride on the Garner Express train. Santa stops by for photos before the Garner Optimist Christmas Parade begins at 4:30 PM.
