See all Durham Christmas happenings this year!
Durham unveils Christmas 2025 near Brightleaf Square and downtown terraces, where historic brick meets holiday sparkle. Residents and visitors share holiday adventures, winter events and seasonal fun including festive markets, live concerts and neighborhood light walks.
Find the best Durham Christmas happenings this year!
Top Christmas Events In and Around Durham
- FestiBull of Lights
- NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet
- Wool E. Bull's Winter Wonderland
- Noon Year's Eve at Museum of Life and Science
- The Patchwork Market - Holiday Market
- Durham Symphony's Holiday Pops Concert
- The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show
- Durham Holiday Parade
- Downtown Durham Holiday Tree Lighting
- Durham Art Walk Holiday Market
See even MORE Christmas events below!
Durham Christmas Events
Durham Christmas Light Displays
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Discover the enchanting FestiBull of Lights, a spectacular holiday illumination event set to dazzle visitors at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. This event promises a magical experience with vibrant light displays, creating a festive atmosphere perfect for all ages.
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Step into a magical winter wonderland at Wool E. Bull's Winter Wonderland, transforming the Durham Bulls Athletic Park into a festive spectacle. Stroll through dazzling light installations, enjoy seasonal treats, and meet Santa. Experience thrilling sledding and train rides for an unforgettable holiday celebration.
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Join the festive kickoff to the holiday season at the Downtown Durham Holiday Tree Lighting. This vibrant event offers a full day of family fun, featuring a pop-up market, live music and performances, and a dedicated kids' zone with Santa visits, crafts, and games. The celebration culminates with the magical lighting of the downtown tree.
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Step back in time to experience an authentic 1870s North Carolina Christmas at Duke Homestead. Follow a magical candlelit path through the historic area, where costumed interpreters will bring the Duke family home to life. Enjoy live Christmas music, dancing, and singing, all while savoring traditional holiday cookies. This beloved annual event offers a unique glimpse into historical holiday traditions.
Durham Christmas Movies, Theater and Entertainment
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Gather your loved ones for the enchanting NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet, a beloved family tradition. This extraordinary performance features an international cast and Ukrainian Principal Artists, bringing classical European ballet to life with breathtaking acrobatics, larger-than-life puppets, and stunning, hand-crafted sets and costumes. Experience the wonder and warm-glow nostalgia of America's favorite Christmas celebration.
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Experience the joy of the holiday season with the Durham Symphony's beloved Holiday Pops concert. This festive event promises an evening filled with music celebrating Christmas, Kwanzaa, Chanukkah, New Year's, and Mardi Gras. Featuring the acclaimed soprano Jemeesa Yarborough, the concert includes a traditional sing-along and a delightful intermission buffet. Keep an eye out, as Santa himself might make an appearance!
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Prepare for a spectacular holiday show south of the North Pole! Award-winning drag icons BenDeLaCreme and Jinkx Monsoon return with their wildly successful 'The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show.' Expect a dazzling display of camp, gags, new songs, heartfelt stories, and stunning costumes. This celebrated performance is a moment of respite and a vibrant celebration of community during the holiday season.
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Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season with Black Nativity Durham, a powerful and soulful gospel celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. This beloved production, based on Langston Hughes' classic telling, features over 100 talented singers, dancers, and musicians. Experience a moving performance that combines original music with beloved gospel hits, creating an uplifting and spiritual journey.
Durham Christmas Markets and Shopping
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Discover unique, handmade treasures at The Patchwork Market's Holiday Market in Durham, North Carolina. This juried event showcases original crafts and designs from talented indie makers and artisans. Explore a diverse lineup of high-quality goods, perfect for finding unique gifts. The market is free to attend and open to all ages, offering a festive atmosphere for shoppers.
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The Durham Art Walk Holiday Market is a vibrant celebration that officially launches the holiday season in downtown Durham. This festive event showcases a diverse array of local artists and their fine crafts, offering a perfect opportunity for holiday shopping. Visitors can enjoy live music, explore unique artisan goods, and indulge in treats from local food trucks, making it a delightful weekend for the whole family.
Durham Other Christmas Activities
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Ring in the New Year at noon with a special celebration at the Museum of Life and Science! This family-friendly event invites guests to add wishes to a communal tree, contribute to a shared art space, and engage in exciting hands-on science activities. Join one of the special countdown stations at noon for a festive New Year's Eve experience, perfectly timed for younger attendees.
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Kick off the holiday season with the vibrant Durham Holiday Parade! Cheer on hometown bands, drill teams, schools, and community groups as they march down Main Street. The festive procession culminates with a special appearance from Santa Claus, making it a joyous event for all.
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Discover Jonkonnu at Historic Stagville, a captivating celebration of African diaspora traditions. Experience a dynamic outdoor performance by Durham youth and musicians, honoring a rich cultural heritage. Afterward, gather around a bonfire for engaging stories and music, connecting with the history of Jonkonnu in the Americas. This event offers a unique glimpse into preserved dance, drum, and costume traditions.
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Bring your furry friends for a special evening at Santa Paws! This unique event allows dogs to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus for festive photos. Participate in a hilarious canine holiday ugly sweater contest and browse the 'Pup-Up' Market for pet-themed goodies. Attendees are also encouraged to contribute to a canine food and toy drive.
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