The Holidays Are Almost Here! Holiday Traditions and Fun Things To Do Around Town Part 1
The holiday season is upon us once more! There might not be actual snow on the ground, but Raleigh manages to put you in the holiday spirit, regardless of the temperature outside. From holiday performances and tree lightings to festivals and visiting Santa , there’s no better place to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year than in the Triangle.
This isn’t everything going on but it’s a good start to awaken your holiday spirit!
Nov. 17-74th Annual Christmas Parade and North Hills Tree Lighting
Downtown Raleigh-Every year 60,000 people line the streets to see marching bands, dancers, classic cars, superheroes and Santa Claus. It’s how we locals get the holiday season started!
Then after that head over to North Hills for the annual lighting of a 41-foot-tall Christmas tree, a visit from Santa Claus, trackless train rides for kids, live music and vendors to make this celebration a great event for folks of all ages.
Nov. 30-Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting Ceremony
Another annual tradition! The Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting Celebration. Head downtown for dinner and socializing with family and friends, then make your way to the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts for snacks, holiday music and the chance to meet Santa Claus! Mayor Nancy McFarlane will end the evening by lighting up downtown Raleigh's tree.
Dec. 6- State Capitol Tree Lighting Ceremony
Luminaries light the Capitol grounds and holiday songs from local choral groups fill the air. The tree lighting at the NC State Capitol building is a sign for many that the holiday season is officially here. After the lighting of the tree, you can tour the inside of the Capitol beautifully decorated for the holidays.
Dec. 5-9 A Christmas Carol
Theatre in the Park-Celebrating its 44th year this holiday season, Ira David Wood llls humorous adaptation of A Christmas Carol has been delighting patrons for years. It is another holiday tradition that can’t be beat. Get your tickets early, it always sells out! If you miss it, there are also performances from Dec 12-16 at DPAC in Durham.
Dec. 6-9; Dec. 11-16-Holiday Express at Pullen Park
Sold Out-Pullen Park is now all decorated up for the holiday season with thousands of lights. Everyone’s favorite rideable, miniature train takes kids and adults alike around the park to view the lights plus the gorgeous antique carousel that will keep kids of all ages happy for hours. This is a very popular event sells out tickets quickly when they go on sale in mid-July. This event is unfortunately already sold out for this year. Be sure to mark your calendars for next year!
Nov. 23, 2018-Jan. 13, 2019 NC Chinese Lantern Festival
Cary-Koka Booth Amphitheatre-A fabulous event for the whole family! The NC Chinese Lantern Festival brings more than 20 larger-than-life lanterns to the Koka Booth Amphitheatre. Thousands of lights and displays light up the park on this hour long walking tour. Look for the spectacular Chinese Dragon that sits on Symphony Lake! The festival showcases the Chinese culture with nightly performances featuring martial arts, traditional dance, acrobatics, drum performances and more.
That’ll get you started! I’ll continue with part 2 next week! Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving to all!
