This December, soak up the season with twinkling light displays, holiday classics on stage and festive markets across the Triangle.
by Rachel Simon
See the Lights on Winter Song Road
Each holiday season, it’s a delight to see homes transformed with twinkle lights, but few do it better than the folks on Winter Song Road in North Raleigh’s Bedford community. Jenn Nowalk, who has lived on the street since 2012, is one of many neighbors who help bring the display to life. What began during COVID, when neighbors gathered around firepits, has grown into a holiday tradition involving about 30 homes on Winter Song Road, with neighboring streets joining in. Hundreds of thousands of lights are strung around tree trunks and in swags across the road, complementing the individually decorated homes. Highlights include a light tunnel, a 26-foot illuminated Fairybell tree, a giant Yeti, a talking Santa, a selfie station and even the occasional snow machine. “When you put this many together in one area on the same street, it shines bright and is really impactful,” Nowalk says. “It’s become a place where memories are made, traditions are started and the simple magic of the holidays comes to life.” Kids also hand out candy canes and collect donations for Triangle Spokes Group, a nonprofit that provides new bikes to local children. Nowalk, a co-founder of the group, has helped coordinate the charitable efforts, which have raised more than $50,000 in recent years. To cut down on traffic, visitors are encouraged to park at the Shoppes at Bedford (3607 Falls River Ave.) and walk up Winter Song Road. For more festive lights, consider visiting the Stonehenge, Ridgewood or Boylan Heights neighborhoods, which are also known for their elaborate displays. — Katie Mangee
Cheer on the Wolfpack Against the Gamecocks
What better way to start the month than by attending a college basketball game? On this Tuesday night at the Lenovo Center, the NC State Wolfpack will go up against the South Carolina Gamecocks, marking the two talented teams’ first matchup since 2007.
Dec. 1 | 7:30 p.m.; From $32; 1400 Edwards Mill Road; gopack.com
Ride the Holiday Express at Pullen Park
One of Raleigh’s most-loved holiday traditions is back for another joyful year. At Pullen Park, families can spend an evening doing winter-themed crafts, riding the carousel and visiting with Santa before taking their turn on the festival’s most famous attraction: the holiday train ride. Make sure to save room for hot cocoa and marshmallows, and watch out for stray snowballs coming your way!
Dec. 1 – 17 | Various times; $21; 520 Ashe Avenue; raleighnc.gov
Get Festive at Evening with Elves
A party where you get to wear festive pajamas, eat s’mores and visit a magical village? Sign us up! Marbles Kids Museum’s Evening with Elves will get the whole family in the holiday spirit, with activities ranging from cookie decorating to dance parties. In addition to snacking on themed treats and getting “elf names,” little ones (and grown-ups alike) can visit a Candy Cane Carnival and learn how to care for Arctic animals.
Dec. 4 | 6 p.m.; $27 (members) or $30 (public); 201 E. Hargett Street; marbleskidsmuseum.org
Celebrate the Launch of All My Friends Are Pregs
Local events organizer Lucy McInnis (known to many as Lucy Mac) has helped bring many of downtown Raleigh’s biggest events and sights to life — from Live After 5 to Feminist First Friday to those beloved topiary dinosaurs — and now you can show her that same support by attending the launch party of her new book. Called All My Friends Are Pregs, the funny, poetry-inspired work draws on McInnis’ own friendships and celebrates the different (and equally valid) paths women’s lives can take. At Hartwell Raleigh, the author will be hosting an aptly themed “book shower” with a fun-filled slate of offerings like a Q&A, photo opps, games and food. “If you know me, you know I don’t do anything halfway — I’m turning this one up to 11!” she tells WALTER.
Dec. 5 | 2 p.m.; Free; 620 W. South Street; thelucymac.com
Tour Artist Studios at Anchorlight’s Open House
Anchorlight, a creative workshop and exhibition space, is hosting its semiannual open house on this December Saturday. During the late-afternoon event, visitors can tour the building’s 20-plus artist studios (normally closed to the public) and the large gallery. There will also be “a special hand-weaving demonstration in our new weaving studio,” says Anchorlight artist and creative director Shelley Smith.
Dec. 5 | 4 p.m.; Free; 1407 S. Bloodworth Street; anchorlightraleigh.com
Stroll the Boylan Heights ArtWalk
The 34th annual Boylan Heights ArtWalk is set to transform the neighborhood’s streets into a stunning gallery showcase. Starting at noon, you can view and shop a wide array of paintings, glasswork, pottery, sculptures and more, all created by North Carolina artists. Among them: ceramicist Liz Kelly, illustrator Amy Friend, painter Craig Laurer and dozens of others. It’s a fitting event for an area known for its creative spirit, and a team of jurors will present awards to a select few participant artists.
Dec. 6 | 12 p.m.; Free; Boylan Heights; boylanheightsartwalk.com
Watch the Menorah Lighting in Downtown Cary
Come spend the fourth night of Hanukkah at Downtown Cary Park, watching the menorah lighting and enjoying live music, sweet treats and kid-friendly activities. Placed outside the Cary Arts Center, the large and elegant menorah will be subsequently lit every night until the holiday wraps on Dec. 12.
Dec. 7 | 5:30 p.m.; Free; 327 S. Academy Street, Cary; downtowncarypark.com
Hear Pentatonix at Lenovo Center
Not many a cappella groups could fill the Lenovo Center, but Pentatonix aren’t just any vocal group. Formed in 2011, the five-person act skyrocketed to popularity with their viral pop covers and chart-topping Christmas albums. Now the three-time Grammy winners are bringing their ear-pleasing harmonies and high energy to Raleigh on their Christmas in the City tour. Ahead of time, listen to the new deluxe version of their same-named album to get excited to hear holiday classics, a collaboration with Frank Sinatra (using an authorized, previously unreleased recording) and some exciting original singles in person.
Dec. 7 | 7 p.m.; From $54; 1400 Edwards Mill Road; lenovocenter.com
Hear the Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Lenovo Center
For a truly unique musical experience this season, snag a ticket to hear the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. The multigenre group — whose success has remained steady since their 1996 holiday hit “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24,” an instrumental blend of “Carol of the Bells” and “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” — will perform a reimagined version of The Ghosts of Christmas Eve, a rock opera set in a haunted vaudeville theater, before moving on to other hits from their extensive 30-year catalog.
Dec. 10 | 7:30 p.m.; From $59; 1400 Edwards Mill Road; lenovocenter.com
See The Nutcracker with Carolina Ballet
Is any holiday season complete without The Nutcracker? The Carolina Ballet’s take on the classic show will feature a live orchestra, with the North Carolina Symphony joining the company on some nights. “The production also brings together more than 50 professional dancers and students from the School of Carolina Ballet, as well as students from across the Triangle, offering young performers the opportunity to share the stage with professional artists,” says the ballet’s chief operating officer, Adam Schiffer. And whether it’ll be your first Nutcracker performance or your 10th, showstopping musical numbers like “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” and “Waltz of the Snowflakes” are bound to captivate.
Dec. 10 – 24 | Various times; From $38; 2 E. South Street; carolinaballet.com
Watch the NCAA College Cup at WakeMed Soccer Park
December is a huge month for elite college soccer, and much of the fanfare is occurring right here in the Triangle. Over several days, the final four teams in both the NCAA men’s and women’s divisions will be competing for the prestigious College Cup at Cary’s WakeMed Soccer Park. Tickets are available for single or multiple days, so you can be sure not to miss out on any of the excitement.
Dec. 10 – 14 | Various times; From $52; 101 Soccer Park Drive, Cary; ncaatickets.com
Hear Holiday Pops with the North Carolina Symphony
The North Carolina Symphony is on tap to deliver a season full of joy. The Holiday Pops concert, led by the Symphony’s former associate conductor (and current music director of the Lynchburg Symphony) David Glover, will include both upbeat and classic tunes performed over the course of three shows — one of which, Friday’s 7:30 p.m. show, has an “ugly sweater” theme with a chance to win prizes. Plus, families can spend some time with Santa if they arrive early.
Dec. 11 – 12 | Various times; From $38; 2 E. South Street; ncsymphony.org
Shop the International Holiday Market
Not your average food festival, the International Holiday Market turns City Plaza into a European-inspired extravaganza full of seasonal snacks, curated gifts, festive crafts and more. Adults can sip on a selection of international wine and beer while loading up on gifts for loved ones from the various vendors. Expect “snowball” fights and live performances of Christmas carols, among other fun offerings.
Dec. 12 | 10 a.m.; Free; 400 Fayetteville Street; ncvibes.com
Tour Historic Oakwood by Candlelight
Now in its 55th year, the Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour invites attendees to explore 10 festively decorated properties in one of our oldest neighborhoods. At each home along the self-guided tour, you can learn about its history from docents and admire the buildings’ interior design. Enjoy cider and cookies while you pick up your tickets, then keep an ear out for performances from the neighborhood’s lively Second Line Band and other musical acts while you explore the area. The event often sells out early, so if you miss the window, check the neighborhood’s website for opportunities to volunteer in exchange for tickets.
Dec. 12 – 13 | 1 p.m.; $43; 418 N. Person Street; historicoakwood.org
Light the Way at the Winter Lantern Walk
Every year, the North Carolina Museum of Art holds an evening walk where guests stroll a three-quarter-mile trail while holding homemade paper lanterns. The unique and lovely event also acts as a donation drive to support local community nonprofits, with this year’s beneficiaries including WRAL Coats for the Children, the Wake County Animal Center and InterAct of Wake County. The peaceful event ends on the museum’s Ellipse lawn.
Dec. 12 | 4:30 p.m.; Free (registration required); 2110 Blue Ridge Road; ncartmuseum.org
See A Christmas Carol at DPAC
Theatre in the Park’s A Christmas Carol, created by its executive director Ira David Wood III, has been a beloved holiday tradition since its 1974 debut. A musical comedy version of the classic Charles Dickens story, the popular show provides both hearty laughs and nostalgic cheer. Unlike past years, where the show has been at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, this year the show will be performed exclusively at Durham’s DPAC — so get your tickets ASAP to make sure you can see it!
Dec. 16 – 20 | Various times; From $35; 123 William V. Bill Bell Way, Durham; theatreinthepark.com
Rock Out at TR Sings… Rockin’ Christmas
Another fun holiday music option is this Theatre Raleigh rendition of Rockin’ Christmas, featuring high-energy performances of beloved yuletide songs in the Cabaret Theatre of the performing arts complex. Audience members will get to enjoy rock-inspired versions of Christmas classics and newer hits alike, including popular offerings from the worlds of film and musical theater, sung by Theatre Raleigh regulars.
Dec. 20 | 7 p.m.; $30; 6638 Old Wake Forest Road; theatreraleigh.com
Ring in the New Year at First Night Raleigh
Join thousands of other revelers to celebrate New Year’s Eve downtown at WRAL and Artsplosure’s annual First Night Raleigh event. Fayetteville Street will be full of family-friendly entertainment such as a ferris wheel, parade, a silent disco and musical performances; last year’s lineup included local favorites like the African-American Dance Ensemble and the Raleigh Rockers. Spaces like Transfer Co. Ballroom and House of Rebellion will be opening their doors to indoor performances across comedy and music, too. And that’s not even mentioning the fireworks show or the two acorn drops — the first at 7 p.m. for the littles (or people who like their sleep), and the second when the clock strikes midnight!
Dec. 31 | 2 p.m.; $14; Fayetteville Street; artsplosure.org
This article was originally published in WALTER in December 2026.
