This time of year is exciting for little ones and adults alike. With so much to see and do, I’ve collected a list for your reference (and mine)!! Happy Holidays!!
Ongoing throughout December:
Holiday Express at Pullen park: Tickets for this popular event sell out in July, but sometimes you can still snag a few on buy, sell, trade sites.
Hillridge Farms Festival of lights. One of our family favorites!
Not in Raleigh, but by far my favorite Christmas lights experience is Busch Gardens Christmas Towne
Chinese Lantern Festival. I’ve never been but hear it’s spectacular!
Wilson Winter Lights at the Wilson Botanical Gardens. Weekends in December
Cape Fear Festival of Trees at Fort Fischer, check out the aquarium while you are here!
Chirstmas at Oak View Farm. Tickets are free, but must be reserved here
Santa’s Reindeer Roundup Express at New Hope Valley Railway, Tickets $12-15
The Polar Express Train ride at the NC Transportation museum tickets will likely sell out soon.
Looking for baby gifts? Check out Hope Threads
December 1:
Vintage Market Days present “merry and bright” shopping event at the fairgrounds. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased here.
Christmas on Salem Street in Apex. Pancake breakfast, pictures with Santa and Christmas parade at 5pm. More information here.
Downtown Holiday Open House in Wake Forest. Enjoy shopping, complimentary refreshments from local restaurants, pictures with Santa and more at this FREE event. Also bring donations for Tri-area food ministry. More info here.
Aloha safari zoo is putting on Santa Safari Dec 1-2 with live music, vendors, food and of course Santa!
Speaking of zoos, the NC zoo is putting on Believe in the Magic of the Season including lights, hot cocoa, caroling and a 4-D showing of the Polar Express.
Interested in a little crafting? Check out AR workshop’s HoliDIY ornament workshop. Cost $35-55, tickets here.
Christmas Parades in Knightdale (2pm), Garner (2 pm) and Apex (5pm)
Holiday Open House at Lafayette Villiage
Sleigh Rides and Cider at Historic Oak View County Park
December 2
Aloha safari zoo is putting on Santa Safari Dec 1-2 with live music, vendors, food and of course Santa!
SledFest at Refuge Church
Rolesville Christmas parade at 2pm
Holiday Decorating Class at Smallcakes in Cary
December 5
Disney on Ice Mickey’s Search Party Dec 5-9
December 6
Journey through Bethlehem, a walk through Christmas Drama Dec 6-9 at Salem Baptist Church in Apex
December 7
Jingle in the Park in Goldsboro, NC Dec 7-8
December 8
The NC zoo is putting on Believe in the Magic of the Season including lights, hot cocoa, caroling and a 4-D showing of the Polar Express.
Breakfast with Santa at Rolesville Masonic Lodge. $20 per family
Wake Forest and Cary Christmas Parades, both at 1pm
Governor’s Mansion Open House
Chapel Hill -Carborro Christmas Parade at 10am
Holiday Parade and Fun Fest in Durham at 10 am
December 9
Locally Made Market in Cary
December 12
Transiberian Orchestra at PNC arena, tickets starting at $67
December 13
Have lunch with everyone’s favorite ice queen, Elsa at Snickerdoodles
December 14
Free Carriage Rides with Santa in Smithfield
Christmas on the Farm at Hubbs Farm, starts Dec 14
December 15
Selma Santa Train, tickets $45-55
Kids Holiday Workshop on Blount Street, tickets $15 plus fees
December 20
The giving tree cans in downtown Raleigh. See event details here
December 21
Free Carriage Rides with Santa in Smithfield