The Best Events in Raleigh for December 2026: A Spirited guide

Ring the Bells. The Holiday Season is here! It’s a massive month for things to do in Raleigh in December 2026. I have to tell you; this is the most stressed I’ve been putting together these monthly events post for you.

I nearly walked away because I was so overwhelmed with the number of events happening in Raleigh and how I could include all of them without overwhelming y’all too!

Make sure you are part of our email community, as each Monday I share a list of events for the coming week. We’ve split the December events into categories: ongoing events first, then split into date ranges, as there are several holiday festivals recurring each day or week. You can use the table of contents to help you navigate or just keep scrolling and read it all.

Here is another in-depth list of things to do in Raleigh for the Holidays and places to go shopping for Christmas gifts in Raleigh. and places to get your photo with Santa in the Triangle.

Last updated October 2026

What’s happening in Raleigh in December 2026?

The Holiday Express at Pullen Park runs December 1 to 17, and tickets are $21 through Ticketmaster. Carolina Ballet’s The Nutcracker plays 20 performances at the Martin Marietta Center from December 10 to 24, Raleigh Little Theatre’s Cinderella runs December 4 to 20, and the 55th Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour is December 12 and 13. Moore Square Winterfaire fills Moore Square from December 11 to 13, both NCAA College Cups are in Cary from December 10 to 14, and Theatre in the Park’s A Christmas Carol plays only at DPAC this year, December 16 to 20. WRAL First Night Raleigh closes the month on Thursday, December 31.

Happening all December in Raleigh

There are a lot of events ongoing for the entire month of December. Fit them in your calendar where you can and maybe plan a few other events around it.

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival through Jan 10

• When: Saturday, Nov 21, 2026 to Sunday, Jan 10, 2027. Nightly 6pm to 10pm, arrive by 9pm. Twilight sessions open at 4:30pm. Christmas Eve 6pm to 9pm. Closed Christmas Day.
• Where: Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Pkwy, Cary.
• Cost: Ticketed, and prices go up if you buy on the day. Military, seniors 55 and over, and college students with ID get a discount Sunday to Thursday nights, not Fridays, Saturdays, holidays or twilight sessions.
• Website: boothamphitheatre.com

The North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival has hundreds of larger-than-life lanterns and creatures on display creating an incredible, colorful adventure for you to walk through during the holiday season. It’s in its 11th year at Koka Booth, and the walk around the lake takes 45 to 75 minutes.

Last year’s mythical creatures theme was absolutely incredible. I loved the Magic Elephant, Butterfly Garden, and Fantasy Forest the best. Koka Booth says this year’s themes include Chinese culture, mythical creatures, mysterious nature and interactive displays.

Read our guide to the NC Chinese Lantern Festival.

Illuminate Art Walk, Downtown Raleigh

• When: Returns this December. The Downtown Raleigh Alliance hasn’t posted 2026 dates. In 2025 it ran Dec 5, 2025 to Jan 5, 2026.
• Where: Downtown Raleigh, Fayetteville Street and Glenwood South.
• Cost: Free.
• Website: downtownraleigh.org/illuminate

A favorite Holiday event in Raleigh is the highly enjoyable Illuminate Art Walk. Parts of the Fayetteville Street and Glenwood South districts transform with large-scale, interactive and light-based art pieces that are unique and family friendly.

Grab yourself a coffee or hot chocolate, or thanks to Sip and Stroll maybe something a little stronger and enjoy the art displays on the streets and in storefront windows.

Read our guide to Illuminate Art Walk, which we’ll update with new photos when we attend the media preview event!

Skate the Square at Fenton, Cary

• When: 2026-27 dates not posted. Fenton’s page still shows the 2025-26 season, Nov 7, 2025 to Feb 8, 2026.
• Where: Fenton Square, 21 Fenton Main St, Cary.
• Cost: $18 plus tax and fees including skate rental in 2025-26, with a $90 season pass.
• Website: fentonnc.com

We find the Square at Fenton a more magical skating experience and you have Santa photos in an Igloo! Our tip is to go early to beat the crowds, and right at dusk so you can enjoy a day and night skate.

THE RINK ice skating in downtown Raleigh, status unknown

• When: Saturday, November 22nd – January 4th, 2026
• Where: Not announced. Red Hat Amphitheater closed in late October 2026 and is being demolished for the convention center expansion, so THE RINK will not be there this winter.
• Cost: $15 including skate rental in 2025.
• Website: none for 2026 yet.

In past seasons I found the skating at THE RINK better than Fenton, as in better gliding experience. I’m finding information on Downtown Raleigh Alliance with dates for this year’s season; however Red Hat has no information. I am uncertain because of the demolition of the current Red Hat and the building of the new one next door! Read our guide to ice skating at the Rink (I will update this with more info when it arrives)

Great Raleigh Trolley Holiday Tours

• When: December departures are on sale now, and several December evenings are already sold out or nearly full. Check the trolley’s Christmas calendar for dates and times.
• Where: Departs from Tap Yard Raleigh, 1610 Automotive Way, next to Pine State Coffee. Arrive 15 minutes early to check in.
• Cost: From $25 to $27 depending on the tour.
• Website: greatraleightrolley.com/christmas

Another hugely popular thing to do in Raleigh for Christmas is to enjoy a themed ride on the historical Great Raleigh Trolley. The 2026 holiday tours:

• The Santa Express is perfect for the younger kids with Santa visiting each child on the ride. (This one typically sells out in 24 hours.) 50 minutes.
• Cocoa & Caroling, an hour of carols for all ages.
• Ghost lovers will enjoy hearing the tales of Raleigh’s ghosts of Christmas past on the Christmas Spirits tour with Heather Leah, recommended for 13 and up.
• Hidden Holiday: Raleigh Christmas Past with Heather Leah.
• The Must See Raleigh: Holiday Edition tour visits the most popular holiday sights throughout Downtown.
• Holiday CHEERS Bar Cruise is a spirited party tour for adults, 21 and up.
• There are also private family holiday trolley rides available. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for the trolley’s North Carolina Friends of Santa toy drive while you’re there.

Holiday Lights in Raleigh

All month will be amazing holiday light displays in neighborhoods around Wake County. We have created a list of some of the best holiday light displays for you to enjoy.

Raleigh events December 1-6

Holiday Express at Pullen Park, Dec 1-17

• When: Tuesday, Dec 1 to Thursday, Dec 17. Sensory-friendly sessions Sunday, Dec 6 and Sunday, Dec 13, 1pm to 4pm.
• Where: Pullen Park, Raleigh.
• Cost: $21 per person plus tax and fees, through Ticketmaster only. On sale Thursday, Oct 15, at 9am.
• Website: raleighnc.gov

The Holiday Express turns Pullen Park into a winter wonderland with a train ride through the park, an Enchanted Elevator to the North Pole, Santa’s Toy Shop in a caboose, and themed areas called Candy Cane Lane, Glistening Glen, Arctic Avenue and the Igloo Experience. There’s also the carousel, games, crafts and a Yeti scavenger hunt.

It runs rain or shine in light weather, so dress for it. The City expects tickets to sell quickly, so book early. More on the park in our Pullen Park guide.

First Friday in Downtown Raleigh, Dec 4

• When: Friday, Dec 4, evening.
• Where: Downtown Raleigh galleries, studios and shops.
• Cost: Free.
• Website: downtownraleigh.org/first-friday-raleigh

First Friday is a great opportunity to support local art and businesses. Check out the rotating art on display in the downtown galleries. December’s is the holiday-themed one and the last First Friday of the year.
Read our guide to First Friday with more tips.

Cinderella at Raleigh Little Theatre, Dec 4-20

• When: Friday, Dec 4 to Sunday, Dec 20.
• Where: Raleigh Little Theatre, 301 Pogue St, Raleigh.
• Cost: Ticketed. $36 to $40 in 2025.
• Website: raleighlittletheatre.org

Another legendary Holiday event in Raleigh is the musical comedy, Cinderella. Expect singing, dancing and gorgeous costumes. Come experience the show that has enchanted Raleigh families for 40 years. 2026 is its 42nd year

Jolly Raleigh Holiday Market, Dec 5

• When: Saturday, Dec 5, 11am to 5pm.
• Where: The Exchange Raleigh, 1000 Social St, Raleigh. New venue for 2026. It was at Raleigh Iron Works last year.
• Cost: Free to browse.
• Website: shoplocalraleigh.org

Want to honor Raleigh’s small businesses? Come down and support them at the Jolly Raleigh Holiday Market! Shop Local Raleigh runs it, with a vendor market, festive drinks, food trucks, kids’ crafts, face painting and pictures with Santa Claus.

Our favorite holiday store, Beth’s Christmas, was there in 2025. The 2026 vendor list is still “coming soon.” More pop-ups in our Christmas markets in Raleigh guide.

Downtown Cary Park Tree Lighting, Dec 5

• When: Saturday, Dec 5, 9am to 8pm. The official tree lighting is at 6pm.
• Where: Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy St, Cary.
• Cost: Free.
• Website: downtowncarypark.com

Kick off the holiday season with festive cheer at Downtown Cary Park, one of my favorite tree lighting celebrations in the Triangle. The day builds up to the lighting with holiday activities, performances, reindeer games, face painting and a snowball fight area.

I love the illuminated art installations throughout the park and lining the downtown Cary streets as well as the miniature Christmas trees decorated by local businesses on Academy St.

The same afternoon, Victorian Christmas fills the Page-Walker Arts & History Center from 2pm to 5pm with carolers in Dickensian costume, a kids’ craft, cookies and cider.

Apex Rotary Christmas Parade, likely Dec 5

• When: Expected Saturday, Dec 5, at 5pm. The Town of Apex page still shows the 2025 parade, Saturday, Dec 6, 2025, and says the parade “traditionally takes place the first Saturday of December.”
• Where: Salem Street, downtown Apex.
• Cost: Free.
• Website: apexnc.org

Christmas carols, a marching parade, shopping and food vendors and a visit from Santa in the charming downtown Apex. The Town says it’s the only nighttime holiday parade in Wake County.

Fuquay-Varina Christmas Parade, Dec 6

• When: Sunday, Dec 6, 4pm.
• Where: Main Street, downtown Fuquay-Varina.
• Cost: Free.
• Website: fuquayvarinachristmasparade.org

The Fuquay-Varina Christmas Parade marches down Main Street, and the 2025 parade had over 80 floats.

Boylan Heights Art Walk, likely Dec 6

• When: Expected Sunday, Dec 6, 12pm to 5pm. The Boylan Heights page says only “Every December” with no 2026 date. Dec 6 comes from our own festivals guide and matches last year’s first-Sunday pattern (Sunday, Dec 7, 2025).
• Where: Boylan Heights neighborhood, just west of downtown Raleigh.
• Cost: Free.
• Website: boylanheights.org/art-walk

We really love this small, local event in the neighborhood streets of Boylan Heights, one of the neighborhoods we’d most love to live in Raleigh. Many of the home’s front porches and lawns are given to local artists to showcase and sell their work. It’s where I found my favorite local artist, Amy Friend, and her red thread drawings.

It’s a wonderful way to support local artists and feel the community vibe of Raleigh. It’s also the perfect opportunity to grab a local coffee, meal, or drink from this area.

Handmade Hanukkah Market, Temple Beth Or

• When: 2026 date not confirmed. Temple Beth Or’s page still says “December 7,” which was a Sunday in 2025 and is a Monday in 2026, so it’s very likely last year’s listing. In 2025 it ran Sunday, Dec 7, 11am to 3pm.
• Where: Temple Beth Or, 5315 Creedmoor Rd, Raleigh.
• Cost: Free.
• Website: tboraleigh.org/handmade

Jewish artisans will be selling their work including jewelry, baked goods, pottery, textiles, woodwork and more. Shop local and support your community while finding great gifts for your loved ones!

Hanukkah in Raleigh, Dec 4-12

• When: Hanukkah 2026 begins at sundown on Friday, Dec 4 and ends at nightfall on Saturday, Dec 12.
• Where: Menorah lightings around the Triangle, below.
• Cost: Free.
• Website: downtowncarypark.com

Hanukkah starts ten days earlier this year than last (Dec 14 in 2025), so the menorah lightings move with it.

• Town of Cary menorah lighting: Monday, Dec 7, 5:30pm, Great Lawn Pavilion at Downtown Cary Park, with a kids’ activity, holiday music and a sweet treat.
• Lafayette Village: ran a menorah lighting on Dec 14 in 2025. No 2026 date posted.
• Crabtree Valley Mall: Chabad ran a menorah lighting there in 2025. No 2026 date posted.

Raleigh events December 7-13

Pentatonix, Dec 7

• When: Monday, Dec 7.
• Where: Lenovo Center, Raleigh.
• Cost: Ticketed.
• Website: ticketmaster.com

Pentatonix brings its Christmas in the City Tour to the Lenovo Center for one night.

Carolina Ballet’s The Nutcracker, Dec 10-24

• When: Thursday, Dec 10 to Thursday, Dec 24, 20 performances. Showtimes run from noon to 7pm depending on the day, with a noon show on Christmas Eve.
• Where: Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E South St.
• Cost: Ticketed, from around $40 in 2025.
• Website: carolinaballet.com

Another holiday tradition for Raleigh is the Carolina Ballet’s performance of the Nutcracker. It’s the only production in the country that uses illusions created by renowned magician Rick Thomas, The Nutcracker will make characters levitate, disappear and reappear before your eyes.

With 20 performances, there’s more availability than the reputation suggests. Cary Ballet runs its own Nutcracker too, covered in our Cary Ballet Nutcracker guide.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Dec 10

• When: Thursday, Dec 10.
• Where: Lenovo Center, Raleigh.
• Cost: Ticketed.
• Website: ticketmaster.com

Trans-Siberian Orchestra and their Ghosts of Christmas Eve show is a staple of the Christmas Season. Every year this progressive rock orchestra brings the holiday spirit all across North America.

NCAA Women’s and Men’s College Cups in Cary, Dec 10-14

• When: Women’s semifinals Thursday, Dec 10, 6pm. Men’s semifinals Friday, Dec 11, 6pm. Women’s final Sunday, Dec 13, 7pm. Men’s final Monday, Dec 14, 7pm.
• Where: First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park, 201 Soccer Park Dr, Cary.
• Cost: Ticketed.
• Website: ncaa.com

Both NCAA Division I soccer College Cups are in Cary on the same weekend this year. The NCAA moved the Women’s College Cup to the second full weekend of December starting in 2026 and picked Cary for both the men’s and women’s championships in 2026 and 2027. Tickets are in the sports list below.

State Capitol Tree Lighting and Holiday Open House

• When: 2026 date not posted. In 2025 it was Thursday, Dec 11, from 5:30pm, with the ceremony at 6pm. The state’s event page still shows 2025 and marks it past.
• Where: North Carolina State Capitol, downtown Raleigh.
• Cost: Free, no reservations.
• Website: events.dncr.nc.gov

The festivities begin on Capitol Square with luminaries and holiday music performed by the Raleigh Concert Band, and the governor and dignitaries make their way to the South grounds for the ceremony. The lit tree is visible the length of Fayetteville Street, and even Santa is scheduled to make an appearance. After the ceremony, feel free to come into the Capitol to experience its holiday decorations.

We really enjoyed this tree lighting. It was quite dignified and sweet. Every tree lighting in the region is in our Triangle tree lighting guide.

Executive Mansion Holiday Open House

• When: 2026 dates not posted. In 2025 it ran Thursday, Dec 11, 5pm to 9pm, and Friday, Dec 12 and Saturday, Dec 13, 10am to 5pm. The state announced the 2025 dates on Dec 2, 2025, so expect a late announcement again.
• Where: Executive Mansion, 200 N Blount St, Raleigh. Enter at the main gates on Blount Street.
• Cost: Free.
• Website: dncr.nc.gov

Celebrate the holiday season with beautiful decorations and festive music from performing groups across North Carolina. No reservations are required or accepted; guests will be admitted in the order of arrival.

We loved seeing the Executive Mansion adorned beautifully with holiday decorations in 2024. Governor Roy Cooper was even there for a little bit having photos with visitors.

Jingle Ball Charity Gala, Dec 11

• When: Friday, Dec 11, 7pm to 10:30pm.
• Where: North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, downtown Raleigh. Our 2025 listing had it at Marbles.
• Cost: $175 general admission, $250 VIP.
• Website: capitalcityclauses.org

Jingle Ball is one of Raleigh’s largest social events of the season. Look forward to a night of unlimited beer, wine, and cocktails, live music, and food to raise money to buy children Christmas presents. Capital City Clauses runs it, and it’s black tie.

We attended in 2024 and had a blast! It’s a huge event for a great cause. We love that it has returned this year to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences as it’s such a fun venue for an event.

Moore Square Winterfaire, Dec 11-13

• When: Friday, Dec 11, 5pm to 9pm. Saturday, Dec 12, 11am to 9pm. Sunday, Dec 13, 10am to 5pm.
• Where: Moore Square, 201 S Blount St, downtown Raleigh.
• Cost: Free to attend.
• Website: makrs.com

Moore Square Winterfaire is a European-style Christmas market put on by Raleigh Parks and the MAKRS Society, with 70+ local vendors, a food truck rodeo, mulled wine, a s’mores station, Santa, a Little German Band and live DJs. The Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition runs Saturday from 11am to 4pm. I visited last year with Craig’s mum during the day and we enjoyed it.

Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour, Dec 12-13

• When: Saturday, Dec 12 and Sunday, Dec 13, 1pm to 7pm both days. Check in from 12:30pm.
• Where: Historic Oakwood. Check in at the Tucker House, 418 N Person St, Raleigh.
• Cost: $43, or $40 each for groups of 10 or more. On sale since Oct 1.
• Website: historicoakwood.org

A wonderful thing to do in December in Raleigh is the Historic Oakwood annual Candlelight Tour, now in its 55th year. It was created in 1972 in an effort to save the neighborhood from being torn down for new development. Victorian, Queen Anne, and Craftsman homes open their doors to show their interiors and Christmas decorations, with the history behind each house.

We usually go every year and love meeting the neighbors, seeing the decorations and learning more of the history behind each home.

You need at least 3-hours to visit every home. Start (or end) with a drink at Pelagic Beer and Wine on North Person St, one of the coolest neighborhood watering holes in Raleigh, or enjoy a fancy meal at Crawford and Sons after. Here are more things to do on N Person St.

READ MORE: Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour and you can see our IG Reel for 2021’s event here.

Marbles Gingerbread Jamboree, Dec 12-13

• When: Saturday, Dec 12 and Sunday, Dec 13. Three sessions a day, 9:30am, 12:30pm and 3:30pm.
• Where: Marbles Kids Museum, downtown Raleigh.
• Cost: $18 members, $20 general public.
• Website: marbleskidsmuseum.org

No More Gingerbread House Mess. You can make it of course; you just don’t have to clean it up. Leave that to Marbles with their special event allowing you to create sweet Gingerbread house masterpieces at their kid’s museum. So, grab your friends with kids and head down together.

Marbles Gingerbuild Houses & Hops

• When: 2026 date not posted. In 2025 it was Friday, Dec 12, 7pm to 9:30pm.
• Where: Marbles Kids Museum, downtown Raleigh.
• Cost: $25 in 2025, sold by tables of two to six.
• Website: marbleskidsmuseum.org

Marbles is clever enough to understand adults love creating gingerbread houses too, but sans kids! This 21+ event is for a festive outing with friends or lovers.

Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade, Dec 12

• When: Saturday, Dec 12, 2pm to 4pm.
• Where: Downtown Cary.
• Cost: Free.
• Website: carync.gov

The Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade brings bands, mascots, local businesses, community groups, and churches through downtown Cary. Afterwards, Downtown Cary Park has hosted Parade to Park festivities in past years.

Happy Holly Days Parade, Holly Springs

• When: 2026 date not posted. In 2025 it was Saturday, Dec 13, 10am.
• Where: Downtown Holly Springs.
• Cost: Free.
• Website: hollyspringsnc.gov/parade

Happy Holly Days fills downtown Holly Springs with floats, bands, dancers, decorated vehicles and marching groups.

Festive Fridays at Dix Park

• When: 2026 dates not posted. In 2025 it ran three Fridays: Holiday Lights on Dec 5, the Reindeer Ride on Dec 12, and Silent Disco Night on Dec 19.
• Where: Gipson Play Plaza, Dorothea Dix Park, 715 Biggs Dr, Raleigh.
• Cost: Free, no registration in 2025.
• Website: dixpark.org

Festive Fridays is Dix Park’s December series: holiday lights and crafts in Fountain Plaza, a group ride on decorated bikes and scooters, and a silent disco in your ugliest holiday sweater for the winter solstice.

Holiday Open House at Mordecai Historic Park

• When: 2026 dates not confirmed. In 2025 it ran Saturday, Dec 13, 10am to 3pm and Sunday, Dec 14, 1pm to 4pm.
• Where: Mordecai Historic Park, Raleigh.
• Cost: Free.
• Website: raleighnc.gov

Celebrate the holidays at the Holiday Open House and see how the home would have been decorated for the holidays in years past. Enjoy crafts, live music, and more throughout the park! In 2025 the Saturday included Merry and Bright: A North Pole Market. See our review of the Mordecai guided tour.

Raleigh events December 14-20

Theatre in the Park’s A Christmas Carol at DPAC, Dec 16-20

• When: Wednesday, Dec 16 to Sunday, Dec 20.
• Where: DPAC, 123 William V Bill Bell Way, Durham. DPAC only this year. There is no Raleigh run in 2026.
• Cost: From $35 plus tax.
• Website: ticketmaster.com

Another of the hugely popular Christmas events in Raleigh is the comedy adaptation of the Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol. Theatre in the Park says it will be performed exclusively at DPAC this year, so if you usually catch it in Raleigh, it’s the drive to Durham or nothing. The show has been performed annually since 1974.

We were surprised by how much we enjoyed this performance; it was hilarious, which is why we recommend it as one of the best things to do for Christmas in Raleigh! We went again in 2025 with Craig’s parents visiting from Australia.

[Keep the A Christmas Carol photo.]

Disney On Ice presents Spotlight Magic, Dec 16-20

• When: Wednesday, Dec 16 to Sunday, Dec 20.
• Where: Lenovo Center, Raleigh.
• Cost: Ticketed.
• Website: ticketmaster.com

Disney On Ice brings Spotlight Magic to the Lenovo Center for five days and 10 performances, the week before Christmas.

Cary Ballet’s Nutcracker at Cary Arts Center

• When: 2026 Cary Arts Center dates not posted. In 2025 it ran Thursday, Dec 18 to Sunday, Dec 21, with a sensory-friendly Nutcracker Suite on the Friday morning. Cary Ballet’s Raleigh performances are Saturday, Dec 5 at the Martin Marietta Center, in the concert list below.
• Where: Cary Arts Center, Cary.
• Cost: Ticketed.
• Website: none found for 2026 yet.

The Nutcracker, performed by the talented dancers of Cary Ballet Company, transports audiences into a world of magic, snowflakes, and sweet treats. In case you missed it at the Martin Marietta Center, you have multiple shows to see at the Cary Arts Center in Downtown Cary. The Nutcracker Suite is a one-hour narrated version, perfect for families. Read more in our guide to the Cary Ballet’s Nutcracker Performance.

Raleigh Ringers holiday concert, Dec 19-20

• When: Saturday, Dec 19 and Sunday, Dec 20, 4pm both days.
• Where: Meymandi Concert Hall, Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E South St.
• Cost: Ticketed, from $13 in 2025.
• Website: ticketmaster.com

This annual Holiday concert features the group’s unique interpretations of sacred, secular, and popular music, including a little bit of rock ‘n’ roll.

Raleigh events December 21-31

Happy Kwanza, Happy Hannukah, Merry Christmas for all those who celebrate! And if you don’t may you have a lovely day whatever you choose to do! We’ll be having a quiet day together at home. We usually choose a movie from our GEN X upbringing to show the girls. We haven’t decided for this year. Leave your suggestions in the comments below!

And of course, Happy New Year! May your 2027 be prosperous and full of peace and joy. My favorite blessing for you, which comes from the Māori people of the now country, New Zealand:

May the rays of sunshine forever dance along your pathways.

Motown & Soul Christmas, Cary, Dec 22-23

• When: Tuesday, Dec 22, 7pm. Wednesday, Dec 23, 3pm and 7pm.
• Where: Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Ave, Cary.
• Cost: Ticketed, through Etix and The Cary Box Office, 122 E Chatham St. On sale since Sept 25.
• Website: carync.gov

The Town of Cary and Pure Life Theatre Company put on this Motown show with some of the Triangle’s finest singers and dancers. Enjoy a unique holiday experience full of soul and joy, wrapped up with a message of love.

We saw a Motown Christmas Show on our vacation in Myrtle Beach and it was fun!

Christmas with The Embers at The Rialto, Dec 23

• When: Wednesday, Dec 23. Doors 6:30pm, show 7:30pm.
• Where: The Rialto, Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh.
• Cost: $19.80 to $88.50.
• Website: therialto.com

The Embers featuring Craig Woolard bring their Christmas show back to The Rialto two nights before Christmas. Tickets are through Etix, not Ticketmaster.

Clara’s Trip, A Cirque & Dance Nutcracker Story

• When: 2026 dates not posted. In 2025 it ran Dec 22 and 23 at the Martin Marietta Center, with a shorter children’s performance on Dec 23 at 3pm.
• Where: Fletcher Opera Theater, Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E South St.
• Cost: Ticketed.
• Website: ticketmaster.com

Caroline Calouche & Co.’s cirque-and-dance take on the Nutcracker. Watch the company’s Ticketmaster page for the 2026 dates.

Kwanzaa Celebration, Cary

• When: 2026 date not posted. The Town of Cary says 2026 information “will be posted in October.” In 2025 it was Monday, Dec 29, 1:30pm to 6pm at the Cary Arts Center.
• Where: Cary Arts Center, Cary, in 2025.
• Cost: Free in 2025.
• Website: carync.gov

Kwanzaa is a communal, cultural celebration that honors African American people and their heritage. The 2025 program, curated by Darrell Stover, brought traditional Kwanzaa performers and presenters together through dance, drumming, storytelling, and the visual arts.

WRAL First Night Raleigh, Dec 31

• When: Thursday, Dec 31. The 2026 schedule isn’t posted yet. In 2025 the Children’s Celebration ran 2pm to 6pm, rides 2pm to 11pm, the early Acorn Drop and fireworks were at 7pm, and the midnight Acorn Drop and fireworks closed the night.
• Where: Downtown Raleigh, centered on City Plaza at 400 Fayetteville St.
• Cost: In 2025, $14 in advance and $16 after Dec 25 for ages 6 and up, children 5 and under free, through Etix and select Harris Teeter stores. The Acorn Drop and fireworks are free to watch without a ticket.
• Website: artsplosure.org

First Night Raleigh, in downtown Raleigh, is North Carolina’s largest New Year’s Eve celebration! Festivities begin with the early afternoon City Plaza outdoor musical performances and the Children’s Celebration at 2pm.

We usually leave after the 7pm fireworks as it gets too cold for us to wait until midnight. The night is capped off with music on the outdoor Main Stage, the famous Raleigh Acorn Drop, and spectacular fireworks show. See other things to do for New Years in Raleigh.

Concerts and live music in Raleigh this December

Every link below goes to that specific show on Ticketmaster. Dates and lineups move, so check the venue before you buy. Red Hat Amphitheater has nothing on in December because 2026 was its final season at 500 S McDowell St. It closed in late October and is being demolished for the convention center expansion, with a larger replacement a block south due to open in 2027.

The Ritz

• Dec 1: Story of the Year and Silverstein, Camp Screamo Tour
• Dec 4: Shakey Graves, Fondness Etc. Tour
• Dec 6: Turnover, Down on Earth Tour
• Dec 11: Underoath, Define the Great Line 20th Anniversary Tour
• Dec 18: Daily Bread, Vanishing Point Tour

Lenovo Center

• Dec 6: Leanne Morgan
• Dec 7: Pentatonix, Christmas in the City Tour
• Dec 10: Trans-Siberian Orchestra, The Ghosts of Christmas Eve
• Dec 16-20: Disney On Ice presents Spotlight Magic, 10 performances

Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts

• Dec 4-5: NC Symphony, Handel’s Messiah, Meymandi Concert Hall (Fri 7:30pm, Sat 3pm)
• Dec 5: Cary Ballet Company’s The Nutcracker (11am, 1:30pm and 5:30pm)
• Dec 6: An Evening with John Cusack and a screening of Say Anything (8pm, rescheduled from Oct 23)
• Dec 8: NC Master Chorale, Joy of the Season (7:30pm)
• Dec 10-24: Carolina Ballet’s The Nutcracker, 20 performances across the run
• Dec 11: NC Symphony, Holiday Pops, Meymandi Concert Hall (12pm)
• Dec 11: NC Symphony, Ugly Sweater Holiday Pops, Meymandi Concert Hall (7:30pm)
• Dec 11: Sing Along! (7:30pm)
• Dec 12: NC Symphony, Holiday Pops, Meymandi Concert Hall (3pm and 7:30pm)
• Dec 12: Denny Love, Show Love Tour (7pm)
• Dec 13: A Charlie Brown Christmas (8pm)
• Dec 18: Ranch Hands Cowboylesque (8pm)
• Dec 19-20: Raleigh Ringers, Meymandi Concert Hall (4pm both days)
• Dec 20-21: The Three Spirits (Sun 1pm and 5pm, Mon 1pm and 7pm)
• Dec 22-23: NC Symphony, A Candlelight Christmas, Meymandi Concert Hall (3pm and 7:30pm both days)

DPAC, Durham

• Nov 25 to Dec 6: ‘Twas the Night Before, by Cirque du Soleil, 12 performances across the run
• Dec 8-13: The Bodyguard, Broadway at DPAC, from $50
• Dec 16-20: Theatre in the Park’s A Christmas Carol, from $35
• Dec 23: Straight No Chaser (7:30pm)
• Dec 27: The Hip Hop Nutcracker (7pm)
• Dec 29-31: Mamma Mia!, runs through Jan 3, from $50

The Rialto

• Dec 23: Christmas with The Embers featuring Craig Woolard (7:30pm). Sold through Etix, not Ticketmaster.

Candlelight concerts and Fever experiences in Raleigh this December

These are Fever Originals, so Fever sells them and they don’t appear on Ticketmaster. Candlelight runs two shows a night at the same venue, an early and a late.

• Dec 3: Candlelight: 90s Unplugged, The Rialto, 5:30pm, from $29.50
• Dec 3: Candlelight: Queen vs ABBA, The Rialto, 7:45pm, from $42.50
• Dec 6: Candlelight: Tribute to Michael Jackson, Merrimon-Wynne House, 6:30pm, from $44.50
• Dec 6: Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings, Merrimon-Wynne House, 8:45pm, from $41
• Dec 6: An Idiot’s Guide to Wine: Comedy over Wine, The Stockroom at 230, 230 Fayetteville St, 6pm and 8:30pm, from $59. Next date Jan 10.
• Dec 12: The Jury Experience, The Deadly Boat Ride, Jones Auditorium at Meredith College, 4:30pm and 7pm, about 60 minutes, from $48
• Dec 13: Candlelight: Holiday Special featuring The Nutcracker and More, Merrimon-Wynne House, 6:30pm and 8:45pm, from $40
• Dec 27: Candlelight: Tribute to Dolly Parton, Merrimon-Wynne House, 6:30pm, from $54.50
• Dec 27: Candlelight: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac, Merrimon-Wynne House, 8:45pm, from $38

Christmas Carols on Strings and the Holiday Special featuring The Nutcracker are the two built for the season, and both are at the Merrimon-Wynne House.

More on the format and the venues in our Candlelight concerts guide.

Sports in Raleigh this December

The Hurricanes are defending Stanley Cup champions this season. Seven home games in December.

• Dec 1: NC State men’s basketball vs South Carolina, Lenovo Center (7pm, ACC/SEC Challenge)
• Dec 3: Carolina Hurricanes vs Columbus Blue Jackets, Lenovo Center (7pm)
• Dec 5: Carolina Hurricanes vs Toronto Maple Leafs, Lenovo Center (7pm)
• Dec 6: NC State women’s basketball vs Davidson, Reynolds Coliseum (6pm)
• Dec 8: Carolina Hurricanes vs New York Rangers, Lenovo Center (7pm)
• Dec 10: NCAA Women’s College Cup semifinals, First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary (6pm)
• Dec 11: NCAA Men’s College Cup semifinals, First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary (6pm)
• Dec 11: Carolina Hurricanes vs New York Islanders, Lenovo Center (7pm)
• Dec 11: NC State men’s basketball vs UNCG, Reynolds Coliseum (7pm)
• Dec 13: Carolina Hurricanes vs Boston Bruins, Lenovo Center (1pm)
• Dec 13: NCAA Women’s College Cup final, First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary (7pm)
• Dec 14: NCAA Men’s College Cup final, First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary (7pm)
• Dec 17: NC State women’s basketball vs Navy, Reynolds Coliseum (6pm)
• Dec 20: NC State women’s basketball vs Miami, Reynolds Coliseum (noon)
• Dec 22: NC State men’s basketball vs Alabama A&M, Lenovo Center (1pm)
• Dec 26: Carolina Hurricanes vs Pittsburgh Penguins, Lenovo Center (7pm)
• Dec 28: Carolina Hurricanes vs Tampa Bay Lightning, Lenovo Center (7pm)
• Dec 31: NC State women’s basketball vs Duke, Reynolds Coliseum (2pm)

Common questions about December events in Raleigh

Raleigh accommodation

Traveling to Raleigh for a Christmas event and need accommodation? If you visit Raleigh from out of town for any December events, here are our recommendations for accommodation in Downtown Raleigh.

• Residence inn Downtown Raleigh – fantastic location and big suites
• StateView Hotel – hidden away in a forest on NC State’s Campus
• Casso Hotel Raleigh – a unique boutique hotel stay in Downtown RAleigh
• Sheraton Raleigh – ideal location downtown.
• Check out 10 of our short-term rental favorites

You can also use the list view below to book directly.

If you are visiting from out of town and have a few extra days, here are some guides to help you plan out your days exploring Raleigh:

• 24 hour itinerary guide for Raleigh
• 48 hour itinerary guide for Raleigh NC
• 22 of our favorite downtown Raleigh restaurants
• 5 of the best rooftop bars in Raleigh

If you found this blog post helpful, please share it with your friends!

More Raleigh guides

• 61 best things to do in Raleigh
• Things to do in Raleigh this weekend
• 50+ festivals and events in Raleigh
• Christmas activities in Raleigh
• Christmas light displays in Raleigh
• Christmas markets in Raleigh
• Tree lighting ceremonies in the Triangle
• Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour
• Illuminate Art Walk
• Chinese Lantern Festival guide
• Cary Ballet’s Nutcracker
• Pullen Park guide
• Where to see Santa in Raleigh
• Where to get Christmas trees in Raleigh
• Festive bars and Christmas pop-ups
• Holiday shopping in Raleigh
• Holiday season at North Hills
• New Year’s Eve in Raleigh
• November events in Raleigh

Comment: Let us know in the comments below what are you doing this December in Raleigh. Were there any fun celebrations or events we missed?