Looking for the best things to do across Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Apex, Wake Forest, and the wider Triangle? This Thursday, December 11, 2025, is packed with family-friendly holiday celebrations, free festivals, live music, food distribution events, skating, art walks, parades, and nighttime Christmas lights across the region.
From free Santa photos at Bass Pro Shops to the State Tree Lighting, Moore Square Winterfaire, and Durham Night Market, there are activities for every age and interest. Here’s your complete guide for the day.
🎅 Free Santa Photos & All-Day Events
Free Santa Photos at Bass Pro Shops Santa’s Wonderland
All Day | FREE | Multiple Locations
Stop by for complimentary Santa photos, holiday crafts, festive décor, and family activities at participating Bass Pro Shops throughout the Triangle.
Cary’s Gingerbread House Competition
All Day | FREE | Downtown Cary
Visit downtown Cary to see elaborate, hand-crafted gingerbread creations displayed throughout local businesses.
The RINK: Outdoor Skating at Red Hat Amphitheater
All Day | $6–$15 | Red Hat Amphitheater, Raleigh
Glide under the skyline at Raleigh’s popular outdoor ice rink. Check the schedule for session times and ticketing.
☕ Morning Events
Veteran’s Coffee and Connection
8:00–9:30 a.m. | FREE | Fainting Goat Brewing Company, Fuquay-Varina
Veterans are invited to a free morning meet-up for camaraderie, support, and conversation.
Holiday Open House at the NC State Capitol
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. | FREE | Raleigh
Tour the festively decorated Capitol and experience live performances and historic holiday traditions.
Stroll Through History: Free Cemetery Tours
10:00–11:00 a.m. | FREE | Historic Oakwood Cemetery, Raleigh
Discover Raleigh’s rich history on a guided walking tour through one of its most storied cemeteries.
Kids, Cookies & Candy Canes
10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | FREE | Carrboro Century Center
A fun holiday show with treats, crafts, and interactive kids’ activities.
🎶 Afternoon Fun
Live Music: One Block Over
3:00–6:00 p.m. | FREE | Blackbird Brewery, Wake Forest
Relax with an afternoon of live local music and craft beer.
Parktown Food Hub Open Distribution Day
4:30–5:30 p.m. | FREE | Durham
Weekly fresh food distribution for community members.
Illuminate Art Walk
4:45 p.m. | FREE | Downtown Raleigh
Experience glowing art installations throughout downtown as part of Raleigh’s winter light festival.
Moore Square Winterfaire
5:00–9:00 p.m. | FREE | Moore Square, Raleigh
Festive lights, vendors, performances, and holiday cheer in the heart of downtown.
Durham Night Market
5:00–9:00 p.m. | FREE | American Tobacco Campus
Shop local makers, enjoy live entertainment, and explore Durham’s beloved evening market.
Phillips Farms Walk-Through Christmas Light Show
5:00–9:00 p.m. | $15 | Cary
Walk through a magical display of lights, characters, and holiday scenes.
🎄 Evening Holiday Events & Light Shows
A Night with Santa (Raleigh Police & Raleigh Parks)
5:30–8:00 p.m. | FREE | Lions Park, Raleigh
Meet Santa, enjoy kids’ activities, and connect with Raleigh’s community partners.
State Tree Lighting Ceremony
5:30 p.m. | FREE | NC State Capitol, Raleigh
A beloved tradition featuring music, special guests, and the illumination of the state tree.
Piper Lights
5:30–9:00 p.m. | FREE | Wake Forest
A decades-long family-run light show featuring whimsical displays and drive-through fun.
Contentnea Fire Department Christmas Lights
5:30–9:00 p.m. | FREE | Wilson
A community holiday light display supporting local firefighters.
Lake Myra Christmas Lights
5:30–10:00 p.m. | FREE | Wendell
A synchronized, high-energy Christmas light show drawing visitors from across the region.
Lights on the Neuse: Holiday Hayride
6:00–8:00 p.m. | $11 | Boyette Family Farms, Clayton
A tractor-pulled hayride through beautiful illuminated holiday scenes.
Journey to Bethlehem: Walk-Thru Christmas Drama
6:00–8:30 p.m. | FREE | Salem Baptist Church, Apex
A live, immersive recreation of the Nativity story.
NC Executive Mansion Holiday Open House
6:00–9:00 p.m. | FREE | Raleigh
Tour the historic home decorated for the season with stunning trees, floral displays, and curated holiday décor.
🍻 Evening Entertainment & Nightlife
Game Night
6:00–9:00 p.m. | FREE | The Beerded Lady Bottle Shop, Garner
Vinyl Nights
6:00–9:00 p.m. | FREE | Gizmo Brew Works, Durham
NC Chinese Lantern Festival
6:00–10:00 p.m. | $16.74–$30.64 | Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary
Walk through towering handcrafted lanterns and cultural performances.
Live Music
6:00 p.m. | FREE | Bearded Bee Brewing Company, Wendell
Holiday Music with Al Strong
7:00–9:00 p.m. | FREE | The Durham Hotel
Smithfield Christmas Parade
7:00 p.m. | FREE | Historic Downtown Smithfield
Music Bingo
7:00–9:00 p.m. | FREE | Fortnight Brewing, Cary
Level Up and Sip
7:00–10:00 p.m. | FREE | Crank Arm Brewing, Durham
Board Game Night
7:00–11:00 p.m. | FREE | Moon Dog Meadery, Durham
Air Hockey Tournament
8:00–10:00 p.m. | FREE | Boxcar Bar + Arcade, Durham
Jazz Jam Open Mic
8:00–11:00 p.m. | FREE | Bond Brothers Eastside, Cary
Thursday Karaoke
9:00–11:00 p.m. | FREE | Tap Yard, Raleigh
Skee Ball Tournament
9:00–11:00 p.m. | FREE | Boxcar Bar + Arcade, Raleigh
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