2023 Christmas parades and events happening in central North Carolina
Here's a list of the Christmas parades and events happening throughout the Triangle and Fayetteville.
RALEIGH
The Rink
November 18 - January 15
The outdoor ice skating rink is located at Red Hat Amphitheater
Check here for hours of operation and tickets.
The Dessertery
Open from November 17 through December 23, The Dessertery is a boutique holiday café at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts.
Ticket holders get 1 hour of access to all-you-can-eat holiday treats and hot cocoa.
On select nights, Santa will make an appearance and be available for pictures.
Tickets are required for entry.
DURHAM
Durham Christmas Parade
Durham's Holiday Parade: Saturday, December 9. Starts at 10 a.m. rain or shine.
The parade will make its way down Main Street in Downtown Durham.
Christmas by Candlelight
Friday, December 1 & 8: 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
2828 Duke Homestead Road
Holiday Tree Lighting
Saturday, December 2: Starts at 5:00 p.m.
Downtown Durham in CCB Plaza - The event will include music and live performances.
CARY
Chinese Lantern Festival
From November 17 to January 14 the Koka Booth Amphitheatre will be lit up for the holidays.
Tickets are required for entry.
Saturday, December 2
Downtown Cary Park
Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 9: 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 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.
WAKE FOREST
Lighting Wake Forest
Friday, December 1: 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Centennial Plaza, 301 S. Brooks St., and along East Owen Avenue.
At 6:15 p.m. - Mayor Vivian Jones is scheduled to light the Town's 30-foot-tall Christmas tree.
APEX
Apex Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 2: 5:00 p.m.
Downtown Apex
GARNER
The Town of Garner will hold its holiday block party and parade on Saturday, Dec. 2.
Garner Christmas Parade scheduled to start at 4:30p.m.
The free family-friendly event will feature Holiday kids' crafts, food trucks, games, music, and more.
The block party starts at 2 p.m. at the Garner Rec Center Greenspace in downtown Garner and will be followed by a parade at 4:30 p.m. and a tree lighting at 6:00 p.m. Two performances of Elf Jr. at the Garner Performing Arts Center are scheduled for 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
For more information click here.
SELMA
The Town of Selma will hold their annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on December 5 at 6:00 p.m. in front of the Town Hall located at 114 N Raiford Street.
The event will be followed by a parade that will start at 7:00 pm. starting at the intersection of East Richardson Street and North Raiford Street.
FAYETTEVILLE
Fayetteville's annual Christmas parade will be on Dec. 9 at 10:00 a.m. The parade will begin at Person Street to Market House to Hay St. to Railroad Station
JOHNSTON COUNTY
Christmas on the Farm in Middlesex
11959 Hwy 222 W, Middlesex, NC 27557
CLAYTON
The Town of Clayton will host the 2023 Clayton Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 9. The parade will take place at 3:00 p.m. in Downtown Clayton on Main Street.
ELFLAND
Elfland Christmas Festival is happening this year on Dec. 15 and 16. The event runs from 6 - 9 p.m. each night at The Barn at Lloyd's Dairy. You'll be able to see holiday decorations, shop and enjoy other festive traditions.
Tickets are $10 per person. Click here for more information.
