From tree lightings and holiday markets to ice skating and community celebrations, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Here's a guide to the top events happening in Raleigh, Cary, Chapel Hill, Durham, and beyond.
Fayetteville
Rotary Christmas Parade
Dec. 13 - 10 a.m. start
The parade will begin at Person Street, to Market House to Hay St., to the Railroad Station. For more details, click here.
Durham
Holiday Parade
Dec. 13, 2025
Starts at 10 a.m.
Downtown, Main Street
Come cheer on your hometown bands, drill teams, school and community groups! There will be an appearance from Santa. For more details, click here.
Cary
Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 13, from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
The parade starts on E. Chatham Street at Ward St, proceeds down E. Chatham to S. Academy Street, turns left onto S. Academy Street, and ends at Dry Ave in front of the Cary Arts Center..
Chinese Lantern Festival
Nov. 15, 2025 - Jan. 11, 2026
Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary
Immerse yourself in a world with thousands of handcrafted, illuminated lanterns showcasing various themes! Tickets are required for entry.
Tree Lighting Celebration
Dec. 6, 2025
2 - 10 p.m.
Downtown Cary Park
Throughout the day, enjoy holiday activities, programs and performances ahead of the tree lighting. For more details, click here.
Zebulon
Christmas Parade
Sunday, Dec. 14, with festivities kicking off at 3 pm.
Downtown Zebulon
Candy Cane Lane returns to Downtown Zebulon
Saturday, Nov. 22, from 4 to 8 p.m.
Tree Lighting at 6 p.m. and live music from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Clayton
Christmas Parade
Dec. 13, 2025
Starts at 3 p.m.
Main St. at downtown
Grab a front-row seat anywhere from Smith Street to Robertson Street! For more details, click here.
Jaycees Christmas Parade
Dec. 15
Time: 2 - 4 p.m.
The parade starts on E. Chatham Street at Ward St, proceeds down E. Chatham to S. Academy Street, turns left onto S. Academy Street, and ends at Dry Ave in front of the Cary Arts Center.
Tree Lighting
Dec. 6
Time: 5-9 p.m.
Downtown at CCB Plaza
Kick off the holiday season in the heart of downtown! It is a night of holiday magic, including a performance by Rissi Palmer, The Lover Boyz and more. For more details, click here.
Holly Springs
Happy Holly Days Parade
Dec. 13, 2025
10 a.m.
Starts at Main St.
Floats, bands, dancers, decorated vehicles, marching groups and all sorts of entertaining entries travel Main Street through downtown. For more details, click here.
Knightdale
Christmas Parade
Dec. 13, 2025
10 a.m.
Starts First Avenue
Tree Lighting Ceremony
Dec. 5, 2025
6 - 8 p.m.
Knightdale Station Park
Watch entertainment, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies and help count down the lighting of the Christmas Tree with Santa.
For more information, click here.
Carrboro/Chapel Hill
Community Holiday Parade
Dec. 6, 2025
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Starts at Weaver St. & Main Street in Carrboro
This is a festive, safe and inclusive community parade, which ends at 140 West Franklin Plaza in Chapel Hill. For more details, click here.
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November Parades, Tree Lightings
Raleigh
Tree Lighting and Holiday Market
Nov. 21. 2025
5:30 - 8 p.m.
Moore Square
Experience the Raleigh Christmas Tree lighting, free Santa photos, local shopping, festive performances, and more at Moore Square park. For more details, click here.
Christmas Parade
Nov. 22, 2025
Starts at 9:30 a.m.
Downtown Raleigh
Don't miss the pageantry and excitement of the 2025 Crossroads Ford ABC11 Raleigh Christmas Parade presented by Shop Local Raleigh. For more information, click here.
Christmas at North Hills
Nov. 22, 2025
4 - 7 p.m.
North Hills Commons
For over a decade, North Hills have hosted thousands of guests for a holiday program, including live entertainment, kids crafts and a vendor village. There will also be a Christmas tree lit as Santa arrives. For more details, click here.