From a laugh-till-you-cry take on “A Christmas Carol” to a rousing rendition of “Joy to the World,” ’tis the season to enjoy these annual holiday events.
by Addie Ladner
From the start the season with of our city’s Christmas parade to the slew of festive performing arts shows to special offerings from Raleigh bars, bakeries and restaurants, Raleigh makes it easy to get into the holiday spirit! Here are 20 classic Raleigh Christmas traditions that we look forward to each year.
Watch the Raleigh Christmas Parade
The ABC11 Raleigh Christmas Parade, presented by Shop Local Raleigh, is the largest holiday parade between Washington, DC and Atlanta — and a more than 80-year tradition in Raleigh. The 1.4-mile parade route starts at the intersection of Hillsborough and St. Mary’s streets, heads east towards the State Capitol, then goes down Fayetteville Street. Get there early for prime curbside viewing, and be sure to pack a chair and blanket to stay comfortable for the two-hour event.
Nov. 22 | 9:30 a.m.; Free; downtown Raleigh; grma.org/christmas-parade
See Theatre in the Park’s A Christmas Carol
Don’t miss Theatre in the Park’s musical comedy adaptation of A Christmas Carol, a national treasure right here in Raleigh. This Broadway-caliber show created and directed by Ira David Wood III turns the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge into a delightful musical full of spirit and heart. After playing the title role for more than 50 years, this year Wood III will play the Lamplighter and his son, actor Ira David Wood IV, will star as Scrooge.
Dec. 5 – 7 | Various times; From $30; 2 E. South Street, Raleigh or 123 Vivian Street, Durham; theatreinthepark.com
Host Family and Friends for an Oyster Roast
It’s not a winter holiday in the South without a proper oyster roast. Get a fire going outside and order a bushel of North Carolina oysters from Locals Seafood. Pick up at the Farmers Market is a great place for firewood this time of year — plus pecans and apples for pie, too! Grab your favorite brews from a bottle shop and tell your neighbors and friends to join you for a low key hang. Don’t forget the saltines, horseradish and mignonette.
Catch Raleigh Little Theatre’s Cinderella
Dress-up attire is welcome at Raleigh Little Theatre’s popular, kid-friendly production of Cinderella! This comical interpretation of the Charles Perrault classic pits the kind, bookish Ella and the Fairy Godmother’s hapless helpers against Ella’s oafish, quarrelsome stepsisters. It’s a humorous, modern spin on the story that ends in a grand Christmastime ball.
December 5 – 21 | Various times; From $39; 301 Pogue Street; raleighlittletheatre.org
Pick up Festive Treats at Yellow Dog Bakery
Come December, Yellow Dog Bread Co. is adorned with fresh Christmas garland and the bakery is toasty inside its frosted windows. That’s when owner Tanya Andrews and her family make their famous gingerbread cookies and all the other Christmas confections like chocolate peppermint thins, sugar cookies and pecan snowballs. Grab a box for your favorite party host gifts, Mr. Claus or teacher gifts. Feeling ambitious? We have the Andrews family’s cookie recipes right here to make them at home.
Attend the State Capitol Tree Lighting
It’s always so nice to see the lawn of our state capitol building anchored by a gorgeous Christmas tree at the foot of Fayetteville Street. Attend the official tree lighting ceremony (which the governor will kick off) for lovely music from the Raleigh Concert Band, a Santa Clause appearance and lots of community merriment.
Dec. 11; 5:30 – 8 p.m.; 1 E. Edenton Street; more details here
Hear the NC Symphony’s Holiday Pops
The North Carolina Symphony plays your favorite holiday songs with high-energy vocalists. This year, Broadway star Mamie Paris will join the instruments to sing show tunes, popular music and the classics.
Dec. 12, 12 & 8 pm; Dec. 13, 8 p.m.; 2 E. South Street; ncsymphony.org
Cheer on the Canes
There are eight home Carolina Hurricanes games in December — but one is holiday-themed! One particularly on theme is against the match against the Florida Panthers on Dec. 23. It’s a holiday-themed fan night at the Lenovo Center. Expect lots of Caniacs accessorizing their red-and-white gear with green flair, plus Christmas-inspired fan chants, giveaways and the high-energy play the Canes are known for. Dec. 23, 7 p.m.; 1400 Edwards Mill Road; nhl.com/hurricanes
Skating at The Rink!
Outdoor ice skating returns at The Rink! inside the Red Hat Amphitheater. Your admission gets you two hours to show off your skills (or use the skate assistants), ice skates and access to on-site activities like lounge areas, games, fire pits and more. Bringing a group of friends or family? Reserve an igloo for an extra fee — it comes with comfy seating, a hot chocolate setup, wait service and wintery snacks.
All month | Various times; $15; 500 S. McDowell Street; redhatamphitheater.com
Hear the Oakwood Waits
Founded in the 1980s, this a cappella singing group traipses through the holiday season in Victoria-era garb, singing carols. Catch them in Lafayette Village on November 15, North Hills on Nov. 22 on their popular annual Holiday Traipse on December 20 in the historic Oakwood neighborhood. Learn more here.
Experience Pullen Park’s Holiday Express
You’ll have to snag tickets to this tradition in October, a favorite for the younger City of Oak’s residents. The Raleigh Parks and Recreation turns the historic Pullen Park into a magical winter wonderland at night: twinkle lights line its winding walkways, Santa and Mrs. Claus take up residence in the fir-decked Southern Railway Caboose and fire pits dot Lake Howell’s shorelines. The Holiday Express has become a cherished outing for locals and visitors alike, inviting families to slow down and embrace an evening of magic. Learn more here.
Listen to the North Carolina Master Chorale
The North Carolina Master Chorale’s annual holiday concert never disappoints. The nearly 200-member Symphonic Choir — along with Chamber and Youth Choirs — will perform a selection of traditional and new interpretations of seasonal favorites. This year, expect a lovely, brassy rendition of “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming,” a pop-music take on “Jingle Bells” and, of course, a rousing chorus of “Joy to the World,” the crowd-favorite finale.
Dec. 9 | 7:30 p.m.; From $30; 2 E. South Street; ncmasterchorale.org
Going to Carolina Ballet’s The Nutcracker
See the Carolina Ballet’s annual production of The Nutcracker, accompanied by musicians from the North Carolina Symphony. This whimsical story with some of the genre’s most famous dances — including “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” “Waltz of the Flowers” and “Trepak” — uses mesmerizing costumes and props to follow Clara’s journey through the Land of Sweets alongside her Nutcracker prince.
Dec. 11 – 24 | Various times; From $65; 2 E. South Street; carolinaballet.com
Walk the Oakwood Candlelight Tour
Let there be candlelight! Raleigh’s Historic Oakwood neighborhood, which is filled with Victorian, craftsman and Queen Anne-style homes that date to the 1800s, will be aglow for its annual Candlelight Tour. You’ll see the insides of 10 homes, all dressed up in their holiday finest, with docents on hand to share their history. Check in at the historic Tucker House, where they’ll be serving warm apple cider and cookies, before this self-guided tour. The homes can be seen in any order and at your own pace, though it’s recommended to allow three hours. Advance tickets are required.
Dec. 13 & 14 | 1 – 7 p.m.; From $43; 418 N. Person Street; historicoakwood.org
Head to Saxapahaw for Chatham County Line’s Holiday Electric Tour
Long-time Raleigh-born Americana band Chatham County Line returns with their Holiday Electric Tour, a beloved tradition in the music community. Included on the tour is a stop at The Haw River Ballroom in Saxapahaw. Don’t be fooled by the title: this isn’t just a Christmas sing-a-long but jam session of sorts with the band’s musical friends onstage, including producer and recording artist John Mailander, to sing from its canon of songs. If you take the journey out there, make time to grab a burger and duck fat fries from the Saxapahaw General Store and go for a walk along the Haw River before the show.
Dec. 13 | 8 p.m. $25; 1711 Saxapahaw-Bethel Church Road; hawriverballroom.com
Dine at Angus Barn
Raleigh’s iconic steakhouse puts on a mind-blowing holiday display, a favorite for locals to book a dinner or dessert night there. Experience it in all its glory now and all through January. Ceilings and walls are covered in glistening tulle, thousands of lights, globe ornaments and stunning Christmas trees. The restaurant part of Angus Barn is typically booked until the new year, The Wild Turkey Lounge & Country store opens early at 2 p.m. on Saturday & Sunday during the holiday season and Monday through Friday, the lounge and store open at 3 p.m. which is first come, first serve.
9401 Glenwood Avenue; angusbarn.com
Hear the Raleigh Ringers
Raleigh’s 19-member handbell group has a special performance planned for two nights this month. Enjoy a mix of pop, rock and classic holiday songs arranged by longtime director David M. Harris, an award-winning handbell musician who played all over the world before co-founding the group in 1990 Raleigh’s 19-member handbell group has a special performance planned for two nights this month. Enjoy a mix of pop, rock and classic holiday songs arranged by longtime director David M. Harris, an award-winning handbell musician who played all over the world
Dec. 14 & 15 | Various times; From $30; 2 E. South Street; rr.org
Grab a Drink at Haymaker
Downtown bar The Haymaker has become a go-to spot for a night out come the holidays due to its annual Miracle at The Haymaker experience, where you can expect staff dressed in their gaudiest sweaters, wrapping paper adorning the walls and holiday-themed cocktails served in assorted themed vessels.
555 Fayetteville Street; #115; thehaymakerraleigh.com
Catch the Chinese Lantern Festival
Not a Christmas tradition, per se, but a family-favorite during the holiday season: the grounds of the Koka Booth Amphitheater are transformed by thousands of handmade lanterns during the annual Chinese Lantern Festival, now a decade into its existence. You’ll find dozens of large-scale, glowing installations, from a traditional-style red dragon to an ocean scene filled with whimsical fish and underwater plants. Also enjoy Chinese food and crafts from local vendors, entertainment each night and a kids’ play zone with interactive light installations. There are many ways to enjoy the festival: purchase single tickets that can be used anytime, get group deals or visit on the sensory-friendly night, which will have lower-volume music and smaller crowds.
Nov. 15 – Jan. 11 | Various times; From $17; 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary; boothamphitheatre.com
This article was originally published on November 11, 2025 on waltermagazine.com
