BEST THINGS TO DO Around CHRISTMAS IN RALEIGH
Here are the best holiday events to enjoy in Raleigh, North Carolina in 2024!
And if you have visitors in town, make sure to check out one of our latest blogs on what to do in Raleigh when visitors come in town!
Outdoor Ice Skating
Let’s start off with some ice skating. There are two outdoor venues at Cary’s Fenton Shopping Center and Downtown Raleigh’s Red Hat Amphitheatre.
Skate the Square at Fenton is just in front of the movie theatre and is magically lit up. There are tons of stores and restaurants at Fenton as well so you can get your Christmas gifts and a bite to eat. And if you want to meet Santa, there is an amazingly decorated space as well.
The RINK at Downtown’s Red Hat Amphitheatre has the best backdrop, and I would highly suggest going at night. There are igloos that you can book to stay warm, and there’s plenty of hot cocoa and treats to enjoy as well.
Make sure to book these tickets in advance, especially if going on the weekend.
Christmas Lights
Seeing holiday lights is another tradition for many, and there are quite a few places around Raleigh to see some great displays.
If you want to stay in your car, the drive through lights at Hill Ridge Farms in Youngsville are incredible. The display is massive and takes about 20 minutes to drive through.
The Fieldstream Farm and Christmas Lights display is another drive through in the Garner area which advertises it’s tunnel of lights as the longest in the world.
You can take a Christmas Hay Ride at Boyette Family Farms as part of the Lights on the Neuse Attraction in Clayton.
In Wendell, the Lake Myra light show is a free and very popular light display synced to holiday music that has exploded in popularity.
The Holt Family Lights in Apex is popular, private property owner display that you can drive through, as well as Pipers Lights in Rolesville.
Tree Lightings
Christmas tree lightings are also popular events that are held at quite a few locations around Raleigh.
Downtown Raleigh holds the biggest event, with many vendors, food trucks, live music and more to light up the tree at the end of Fayetteville St on November 22nd.
In other locations, Lafayette Village will be holding theirs on Nov. 16. And on November 23rd, both North Hills and Fenton will have their tree lighting events with plenty of food, drink, and music to enjoy.
And just about every suburb of Raleigh has their own tree lighting or holiday event happening in early December.
Parades
Parades are another major event in Raleigh, with the annual Christmas Parade in downtown Raleigh occurring the morning of November 23rd. This is one of the largest parades in the southeast.
Many other suburbs also have their own parades that will take place throughout the first couple weeks of December.
Pullen Park Holiday Express
Perhaps the most popular holiday event in Raleigh is the famous Holiday Express at Pullen Park, as it’s transformed into a Winter Wonderland with the main event being the train ride around the park. There are plenty of activities for the kids, treats, and more that make this the most popular holiday event in Raleigh.
While tickets are all sold old out, keep checking on various Raleigh Facebook Groups as many people often sell when their plans change. Also, the decorations are up during the day, so you can enjoy the park as normal up until 4pm each day and check out the decorations for free!
Chinese Lantern Festival
Let’s move on to some light shows, as there are quite a few throughout the area.
But before we do, if you need any real estate assistance in the greater Raleigh area, our team would love to help you!
The Chinese Lantern Festival is a really unique event drawing people from all over North Carolina held at Cary’s Koka Booth Amphitheatre.
The whole park is lit with LED lights and lantern displays, and there are nightly performances showcasing Chinese Culture on the main stage.
There are also plenty of interactive displays for the kids.
Illuminate Art Walk
Downtown Raleigh’s Illuminate Art Walk is a free event located in various locations around the Fayetteville St and Glenwood South districts.
Various pieces of art are created with lights and there’s something new every year! These lights are also in the sip and stroll areas of downtown, so grab your favorite drink and enjoy the lights!
Disney on Ice
Disney on ice is coming to both Fayetteville and Greensboro mid December, and tickets are on sale now! In years past, it has been at the PNC Arena in Raleigh, so this is a change.
It’s a great show for all ages, but especially if you have kids, as it’s a medley of many of your favorite Disney movies and their most popular songs.
Angus Barn
Moving on to my personal favorite, Angus Barn and their famous holiday decorations.
Reservations will be impossible to get now, as you have to reserve a year out, but if you’re willing to go early and wait an hour or two, we have had success getting in this way every year.
And the wait is worth it, as the holiday decorations are stunning. I highly recommend this experience.
Dessertery
Sticking with food, the Dessertery at Raleigh’s Martin Marietta Center downtown is a pop-up event that includes over the top decorations, a wide variety of holiday themed desserts, and an all you can drink hot chocolate bar.
And on select nights, live entertainment and Santa Claus will be featured.
Make sure you are hungry when you go!
Pop Up Bars
Pop up bars are another fun atmosphere to enjoy as they are always filled with over the top decorations and festive drinks.
The most popular ones are at the Haymaker in Raleigh, St Nicks Pop Up Experience next to Moore Square, and Sports and Social in Fenton will also have one.
Shows & Plays
Lastly, while I have not personally attended these events, there are various shows and plays throughout the triangle.
A Christmas Carol will be at the Martin Marietta Center on December 6-8 and the DPAC on December 18-22.
The Nutcracker will be at Martin Marietta Performing Arts Center in downtown, a special Christmas Cirque Du Soleil will be at the DPAC, and a Christmas Carol at the Theatre in the Park.
These are some of my favorite holiday experiences, but there are still plenty more out there to enjoy.
Check out our other blogs on the best things to do in Raleigh and what to do in Raleigh when visitors come in town!
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Please reach out via our contact information below:
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But every area has its pros and cons- comment “Apex” and I’ll send you the full list of things people love- and don’t love- about Apex.
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📈 Since 2020, I successfully grew a Facebook group to 12,000 engaged members by consistently providing valuable content, fostering community interaction, and sharing local insights.
✅ This approach not only established me as a trusted expert in my area but also created a strong platform for networking and lead generation.
By nurturing relationships within the group and positioning myself as a go-to resource for real estate advice, I was able to convert buyer leads effectively, 💵 resulting in over $250 million in real estate sales.
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@postinowinecafe in the @shopvillagedistrict of #raleigh is a vibrant wine café that has quickly become a beloved spot.
Known for its inviting atmosphere and eclectic decor, @postinowinecafe offers a unique blend of rustic charm and modern flair.
The menu showcases a selection of wines, complemented by a variety of artisanal bruschetta and shareable plates, making it a perfect place for social gatherings or cozy date nights!
With its outdoor seating and community-focused events, Postino captures the essence of the neighborhood, creating a welcoming environment where people can unwind and enjoy good food and great company.
Add @postinowinecafe on your to do list. It’s a must-visit destination in #raleighnc
Spending an afternoon in Raleigh? Start with a delicious coffee from one of our local roasters, then take a stroll through Nash or Moore Square to soak up the City of Oaks feel. Next, take your pick of several popular museums, including the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and the North Carolina Museum of History, both conveniently located along Fayetteville Street. You’ll also find the Contemporary Art Museum (CAM) Raleigh and Marbles Kids Museum, which offers interactive exhibits for families. Grab an afternoon bite at City Market (Vic’s Ristorante is one of the best spots in town for pizza) or head up to Beasley’s for southern fare. Walk by the historic State Capitol. Cap it all off by catching a breathtaking skyline view at The Dillon or 10th and Terrace and then winding down the evening with craft cocktails at the hidden speakeasy, The Greenlight.
Spending an afternoon in Raleigh? Start with a delicious coffee from one of our local roasters, then take a stroll through Nash or Moore Square to soak up the City of Oaks feel. Next, take your pick of several popular museums, including the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and the North Carolina Museum of History, both conveniently located along Fayetteville Street. You’ll also find the Contemporary Art Museum (CAM) Raleigh and Marbles Kids Museum, which offers interactive exhibits for families. Grab an afternoon bite at City Market (Vic’s Ristorante is one of the best spots in town for pizza) or head up to Beasley’s for southern fare. Walk by the historic State Capitol. Cap it all off by catching a breathtaking skyline view at The Dillon or 10th and Terrace and then winding down the evening with craft cocktails at the hidden speakeasy, The Greenlight.
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Have you been to The Shiny Diner?
@theshinydiner in #raleighnc brings me back to my childhood and sparks nostalgia.
Stepping inside, the retro chrome and neon lights transport me back to Saturday nights as a kid. I remember enjoying their massive milkshakes and chocolate chip pancakes that seemed to melt in my mouth.
But even now, @theshinydiner remains a beloved gem and there’s nothing else like it in the Raleigh area.
Have you been to The Shiny Diner?
@theshinydiner in #raleighnc brings me back to my childhood and sparks nostalgia.
Stepping inside, the retro chrome and neon lights transport me back to Saturday nights as a kid. I remember enjoying their massive milkshakes and chocolate chip pancakes that seemed to melt in my mouth.
But even now, @theshinydiner remains a beloved gem and there’s nothing else like it in the Raleigh area.
Comment “diner” and I’ll send you more information about this unique spot in #raleigh
Have you been to The Shiny Diner?
@theshinydiner in #raleighnc brings me back to my childhood and sparks nostalgia.
Stepping inside, the retro chrome and neon lights transport me back to Saturday nights as a kid. I remember enjoying their massive milkshakes and chocolate chip pancakes that seemed to melt in my mouth.
But even now, @theshinydiner remains a beloved gem and there’s nothing else like it in the Raleigh area.
Comment “diner” and I’ll send you more information about this unique spot in #raleigh
Have you been to The Shiny Diner?
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🌟 Are you of pouring hours into content with little to show for it? 😩
Are you feeling drained by:
❌ Low Views
❌ Zero Engagement
❌ and a Silent Inbox … you’re not alone!
Many agents struggle with this. 💬 But what if you could flip the script?
👉 Now, imagine this:
✅ You wake up to messages from real leads reaching out, ready to work with you.
✅ You’ve built a thriving Facebook group that acts like a 24/7 lead funnel, connecting you with buyers and sellers who already trust you.
✅ No more guessing what to post or wasting hours on content that doesn’t deliver.
Instead of chasing leads, they come to you.
🎯 It’s not about doing more—it’s about doing the right things.
💡 Let me help you turn your social media frustration into a system that brings in leads consistently and grows your business.
👉 Are you ready to stop posting aimlessly and start creating a strategy that actually gets you results?
🔥🔥 Let’s make it happen.
⬇️ Comment “Facebook” below and I’ll share information on a step by step guide on how I went from 0 sales to over $250 million in the last 5 years from this strategy ALONE!
#realestate #realestatemoms #realestateagent #realestatelife #realtor #coaching #realestatecoach #socialmediamarketing #socialmediaqueen