Moonlight in the Gardens
Fridays and Saturdays November 6–21
JC Raulston Arboretum, Raleigh
jcra.ncsu.edu
Not your typical lighting event, the illuminated displays within the Arboretum have been meticulously designed to showcase the plants in all their splendor. Enjoy live music, food truck fare, and cozy fire pits. $30 adults, $20 JCRA members and college students, $5 kids 12 and younger (plus fees).
Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting
November 20, 5:30–8 p.m.
Moore Square
Join more than 4,000 people in welcoming the holiday season. Local vendors help you get a jump on your gift shopping.
NC Chinese Lantern Festival
November 21 to January 10 (closed Christmas Day)
Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary
boothamphitheatre.com
Each larger-than-life handcrafted lantern is illuminated by thousands of LED lights. Cultural performances on the main stage set the backdrop for visitors to walk through at their own pace. See website for hours and ticket pricing.
Raleigh Christmas Parade
November 21, 9:30 a.m.
Downtown Raleigh
grma.org/christmas-parade
The largest Christmas parade between Atlanta and Washington, DC, going strong for more than 80 years! Set up along the 1.4-mile route and join the tradition.
Trophy Trot
November 26, 9 a.m.
Dix Park, Raleigh
trophybrewing.com/trophy-trot
Set out Thanksgiving morning for a 5k trot through Dix Park benefiting Healing Transitions, followed by an after party at Trophy Brewing. New this year: pace corrals! Kids can also tag along for a 400-meter fun run. $50 individual, $175 family of four.
St. Nicholas European Christmas Market
December 4, 5–9 p.m.
December 5, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Agri Supply Exposition Building at NC State Fairgrounds, Raleigh
saintnicholasmarketnc.com
Shop Europe without leaving Raleigh, with gifts from Ukraine, Slovakia, Poland, Germany, Scandinavia, Great Britain, Ireland, France, and Italy, plus an array of food, drinks, and entertainment. Word on the street is the real St. Nicholas is stopping by this annual event, now in its 19th year.
Lighting of Wake Forest
December 4, 5–9 p.m.
Centennial Plaza (301 S. Brooks St.)
Performances, local organizations, photo ops, and the arrival of Santa Claus spread holiday cheer.
Calls from Santa
December 10, 6–8 p.m.
wakeforestnc.gov/meetings-events/calls-santa
Register between November 23 and December 7 at the Wake Forest Joyner Park Community Center, Town Hall, or online, and Santa Claus will personally call kids ages 3–9. Free to participate, but calls must be local (and be sure you unblock calls with no caller ID. Santa can’t give out his number!).
Ugly Sweater Holiday Pops
December 11, 7:30 p.m.
Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, Raleigh
martinmariettacenter.com
The concert is bursting with cheer, and the audience … well, wear your ugliest sweater for a chance to win merry prizes. See website for ticket pricing.
Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade
December 12, 2–4 p.m.
Downtown Cary
caryjaycees.org/parade
Bands, mascots, local businesses, community groups, and churches join forces for this beloved annual spectacle that runs from E. Chatham Street to the Cary Arts Center, now in its 47th year. Stop by Santa’s Workshop in the Downtown Cary Park from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to make a personalized holiday craft.
- Mrs. Claus Knows
- Out & About in Wake County: November/December 2026
- Say Yes to Stanbury
- Season’s Sips
- Recipes from Readers: Dark Chocolate Bourbon Brownies
- Liquid Assets: Cranberry Kölsch
- Garden Adventurer: Poinsettia Care Essentials: Earth, Wind, and Fire
- Small Business Spotlight: Alter Scalp Spa
- 2026 Gift Guide
- Pay It Forward: PORCH Cary
- Erica Chats: A New Type of Tradition
