Christmas parades and holiday events across central NC: 2025 Holiday Guide

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The holiday season is here, and the Triangle and Fayetteville areas are buzzing with festive events and Christmas parades.

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.