See all Raleigh Christmas happenings this year!
Raleigh sparkles for Christmas 2025 around the city center and historic neighborhoods, where civic lights and local stages host seasonal shows. Festive markets, seasonal tours and holiday entertainment invite families to enjoy crafts, concerts and cozy community celebrations all month long.
Find the best Raleigh Christmas happenings this year!
Top Christmas Events In and Around Raleigh
- ABC11 Raleigh Christmas Parade
- A Candlelight Christmas with the North Carolina Symphony Holiday Brass
- The Nutcracker by Cary Ballet Company
- WRAL First Night Raleigh
- Illuminate Art Walk
- Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour
- Ira David Wood III's A Christmas Carol
- The Raleigh Ringers Holiday Concerts
- Friday Favorites: Holiday Pops
- Ugly Sweater Holiday Pops
See even MORE Christmas events below!
Raleigh Christmas Events
Raleigh Christmas Movies, Theater and Entertainment
Event Details
Event Description
Experience the wonder of the holiday season with the North Carolina Symphony and their Holiday Brass ensemble. This beloved tradition features jubilant brass music and a festive chorus, creating an atmosphere of spirit and unity. Don't miss this enchanting concert, perfect for all ages.
Event Details
Event Description
Experience the magic of The Nutcracker, presented by the Cary Ballet Company. This beloved holiday classic unfolds with Tchaikovsky's iconic score, following Clara's dreamlike adventure through a festive party, a battle with the Mouse Queen, and a journey to the enchanting Land of Sweets. Multiple performances include the full-length ballet, shorter narrated suites perfect for families, and a sensory-friendly option.
Event Details
Event Description
Experience the enduring magic of 'A Christmas Carol' with Ira David Wood III's acclaimed musical adaptation. This heartwarming production, a cornerstone of North Carolina's holiday season for decades, brings the timeless story of Ebenezer Scrooge to life with music and comedy. Having captivated over a million audience members and earned international recognition, this show promises a festive and unforgettable theatrical event for all ages.
Event Details
Event Description
Join The Raleigh Ringers for their beloved annual holiday concerts at the Meymandi Concert Hall. This cherished tradition showcases the ensemble's extraordinary talent with unique renditions of sacred, secular, and popular music, even venturing into rock 'n' roll. Prepare to be captivated by their dazzling performances.
Event Details
Event Description
Join the North Carolina Symphony for Raleigh's most cherished holiday tradition. They will bring beloved seasonal classics to life, from timeless carols to spirited renditions of festive favorites. This joyful celebration is sure to delight audiences of all ages with its enchanting holiday music.
Event Details
Event Description
Get into the holiday spirit with the North Carolina Symphony's Ugly Sweater Holiday Pops! This festive concert features beloved holiday songs performed by the talented North Carolina Symphony, with special guest vocalist Mamie Parris. Don your most outrageous ugly Christmas sweater for a chance to win prizes in their contest. It's a perfect, joyful outing for the whole family, complete with a pre-show visit from Santa.
Event Details
Event Description
Kick off the festive season with a spellbinding performance that blends the magic of the circus with the grandeur of a live orchestra. This unique holiday show features daring acrobats, graceful contortionists, and thrilling aerialists performing on stage and high above, all accompanied by the enchanting sounds of the North Carolina Symphony. It's a perfect way to immerse yourself in holiday cheer.
Raleigh Christmas Markets and Shopping
Event Details
Event Description
Discover the Jolly Raleigh Holiday Market at Raleigh Ironworks, a festive celebration of local small businesses. Sip on seasonal drinks as you shop for unique gifts and handcrafted items from over 100 vendors. It's the perfect opportunity to find one-of-a-kind presents and immerse yourself in the holiday spirit.
Event Details
Event Description
Experience the charm of the historic Boylan Heights neighborhood transformed into a vibrant outdoor art market. Discover a diverse array of unique creations from over 100 juried local artists, showcasing everything from intricate jewelry and woodwork to stunning paintings and ceramics. It's the perfect opportunity to find one-of-a-kind holiday gifts and support local talent in a festive, welcoming atmosphere.
Raleigh Christmas Light Displays
Event Details
Event Description
Experience the magic of Illuminate Art Walk as downtown Raleigh transforms into a dazzling wonderland of light and art. Discover a variety of illuminated installations, from towering sculptures to interactive displays, created by talented artists. This event offers a unique opportunity to explore the city's vibrant art scene in a festive, enchanting atmosphere, perfect for all ages.
Raleigh Other Christmas Activities
Event Details
Event Description
Get ready for the spectacular 81st ABC11 Raleigh Christmas Parade, presented by Shop Local Raleigh! This grand event marks the official start of the holiday season in Downtown Raleigh. As the largest parade between Washington, D.C., and Atlanta, it promises a dazzling display of floats, marching bands, and community spirit.
Event Details
Event Description
WRAL First Night Raleigh is the city's premier New Year's Eve destination, offering a full day of festivities for thousands of residents. The celebration kicks off in the early afternoon with outdoor musical performances and a dedicated Children's Celebration. As the evening progresses, activities and performances move to multiple indoor venues across Downtown Raleigh, culminating in music on the Main Stage, the iconic Acorn Drop, and a spectacular fireworks display to welcome the new year.
Event Details
Event Description
Step into a bygone era at the Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour, a cherished holiday tradition in Raleigh. This event invites visitors to explore ten magnificent homes, showcasing stunning Victorian, Queen Anne, and Craftsman architecture. Docents within each property share fascinating historical details, offering a glimpse into the lives of past residents. The tour provides a unique opportunity to experience the charm of one of North Carolina's most intact 19th-century neighborhoods.
Event Details
Event Description
Lace up your skates for a magical winter experience at The Rink at Red Hat Amphitheater! Glide across a festive, winter wonderland-themed ice rink, perfect for all ages. Warm up by the fire pits or in cozy lounge areas. Capture holiday memories with a giant lighted bulb display and a decorated tree. Enjoy refreshments and games for a complete festive outing.
Event Details
Event Description
Join Holly the Elf on a whimsical adventure aboard the Historic Raleigh Trolley to help find Santa before Christmas. This enchanting experience departs from Mordecai Historic Park and offers a delightful way to embrace the holiday spirit. Guests can arrive early or stay after their tour to enjoy a complimentary s'more, adding a sweet touch to this festive journey.
Christmas Events Near Raleigh
West Raleigh Christmas Events
Garner Christmas Events
Cary Christmas Events
Morrisville Christmas Events
Apex Christmas Events
Holly Springs Christmas Events
Wake Forest Christmas Events
Fuquayvarina Christmas Events
Durham Christmas Events
Chapel Hill Christmas Events
View Our Interactive Map for More Events Around Raleigh
Discover thousands of christmas events across the country
Christmas Events Road Trips & Weekend Getaways
Worth the drive for more christmas events near Raleigh!
Explore Other Cities
Find events in different locations
Our Process
With 20 years of experience, we use AI technology to build the most comprehensive list of christmas events events.
Our goal is complete coverage—from major festivals to small community celebrations, ensuring you never miss anything happening in your area.
Learn More About Our Process