WinterFest & Tree Trail
DEC. 8–9, 4–9 P.M.
TING PARK
Festive entertainment, a winter artisan market, Santa visits, and kids’ activities are topped off with the illuminated Tree Trail featuring themed trees decorated by community organizations. Presented by the Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce.
Photographed by Jonathan Fredin
Happy Holly Days Parade
DEC. 9, 10 A.M.
HOLLY SPRINGS VILLAGE DISTRICT
Holly Springs’ annual parade travels along Main Street through downtown Holly Springs. Witness floats, bands, dancers, decorated vehicles, and a variety of entertainment. Parade route begins at Oakhall Drive near Food Lion and ends at Oak Avenue, just past The Block on Main.
Santa Cares
DEC. 12, 4–7 P.M.
HOLLY SPRINGS CULTURAL CENTER
A sensory-friendly holiday event where families with all types of special needs can experience a visit with Santa in a comforting environment. Accommodations are made to support the sensory, physical, and developmental needs of Santa’s guests. Online sign-up required.
Luxury Pop-Up Shopping
THROUGH JANUARY
NORTH HILLS DISTRICT, 4359 SIX FORKS ROAD, RALEIGH
For a limited time, experience luxury Miami shopping at a pop-up experience in Raleigh. Bal Harbour Shops ACCESS Pop-up features a custom-built collection of boutiques created from shipping containers in an environment reminiscent of the Miami shopping destination with palm tree and monstera motifs, koi ponds, and lush greenery. Browse brands such as Tiffany & Co., Balmain, Santa Maria Novella, Frette, Bonpoint, and Assouline, among others.
Also enjoy fine dining at the on-site restaurant, The Whitman, with a full bar and lounge.
Courtesy of Bal Harbour Shops
The Nutcracker Ballet
DEC. 8, 7 P.M.
DEC. 9, 11 A.M., 2:30 & 5 P.M.
FUQUAY-VARINA ARTS CENTER
A classic holiday event with local flair and dancers of all ages from area dance studios.
Tea with the Sugar Plum Fairy
DEC. 9, NOON
FUQUAY-VARINA ARTS CENTER
A sweet family-friendly event to meet the Sugar Plum Fairy, enjoy festive bites and crafts, and celebrate the season.
Theatre in the Park’s A Christmas Carol
DEC. 8–10, MARTIN MARIETTA CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, RALEIGH
DEC. 13–17, DPAC, DURHAM
The iconic Raleigh tradition celebrates 50 years of holiday magic. Catch Ira David Wood III in his final season as Scrooge, with performances in Raleigh and Durham. Wood’s own adaptation of the Charles Dickens story blends humor and mischief into a unique retelling of the classic tale.
Courtesy of Theatre in the Park
Trans-Siberian Orchestra Tribute Series
DEC. 12, FUQUAY-VARINA ARTS CENTER
DEC. 16, HOLLY SPRINGS CULTURAL CENTER
The Origin, a Raleigh-based classic rock cover band, performs a concert tribute to Trans-Siberian Orchestra, benefiting Holly Springs-based nonprofit Zach’s Toy Chest. The band of 12 musicians volunteers their time and talents in support of ZTC’s mission to provide new, unwrapped toys to hospitals and medical clinics in North Carolina.
Festival of Lights Menorah Lighting
DEC. 13, 5:30–6:30 P.M.
CARY ARTS CENTER
Join the Town of Cary, the Beth Shalom congregation, Jewish Federation of Raleigh-Cary, and Chabad of Cary for a special celebration and menorah lighting with treats, fun for kids, and holiday music for all to enjoy.
Photographed by Jonathan Fredin
Suggly Sweater 5K & Fun Run
DEC. 16, 10 A.M. FUN RUN, 10:30 A.M. 5K
SUGG FARM PARK
Don your favorite holiday sweater for the 8th Annual Suggly Sweater race at Sugg Farm Park in Holly Springs. Proceeds from the race go to SuNica to help finance water access projects in Nicaragua. After the races, enjoy a Christmas-themed celebration for the whole family. 5K participants receive a sweater and a medal.
Cary’s MLK Dreamfest Weekend
JAN. 12–15
CARY, MULTIPLE VENUES
Celebrate the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a variety of programs that explore issues of equity, representation, and poverty, including a comedy show by Azeem at The Cary Theater, Tellebration storytelling event with Willa Brigham at Page-Walker Arts & History Center, and a screening of the film Lowndes County and the Road to Black Power at The Cary Theater.
Additional opportunities include an MLK day of service at Good Hope Farm, outdoor education at the Downtown Cary Park, and a Walk for Hope 5K. Visit carync.gov for the full weekend schedule.
Courtesy of Town of Cary
Unity Weekend in Holly Springs
JAN 13–14
Begin the weekend with a free community breakfast at St. Mary’s Free Will Baptist Church in Apex, including an empowering keynote address with local speakers.
Gather Sunday for a community march starting at the Holly Springs Food Lion on Main Street and continuing to the Holly Springs Cultural Center. Additional programs and speakers follow at the Cultural Center. Organized by the Holly Springs Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee.
- That’s a Wrap!
- Scenes from Celebrate Fuquay-Varina
- Southern Wake Holiday Fails
- Feelin’ Good Like I Should
- The Gift of Giving Back
- Restaurant Spotlight: Bestow Baked Goods
- Hometown Holiday Hacks
- Dig In & Drink Up: Lemon Chicken Soup
- Dig In & Drink Up: Cranberry Cobbler Mocktail
- See & Do: December to January 2024
