Raleigh Tree Lighting ceremony kicks off Triangle holiday season
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The holiday season in Raleigh is officially underway!
The Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting went off Friday evening without a hitch. The giant decorated tree sits outside the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts on E South Street.
Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin was on hand with her dogs (dressed in Carolina Hurricanes gear) to help countdown to the lighting of the tree.
The annual event celebrates the beginning of the holiday shopping season and is part of a coordinated effort to promote Raleigh businesses during the season.
The event leads into the Raleigh Christmas Parade, which has been put on for 79 years and continues to promote local businesses and encourage citizens to shop locally to fill their holiday lists.
ABC11 will stream the 2023 Raleigh Christmas Parade. It will take place Saturday morning: here's everything you need to know about it.
After the parade, you can head over to The Rink and enjoy some fun on the ice.
LIST | 2023 Christmas parades and events happening in central North Carolina
