Looking for festive, family-friendly, and free (or low-cost) things to do across the Triangle on Christmas Eve? From holiday light displays and skating downtown to kids’ activities, craft nights, and last-minute treats, this Triangle Event Guide for Wednesday, December 24 rounds up the best happenings across Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, Wake Forest, Wendell, Clayton, Pittsboro, and beyond.
Tip: Event times and availability can change—especially on holidays—so call ahead or check official pages before heading out.
🎄 All-Day & Family-Friendly Highlights
Burger King: 2 Free Cookies with $5 Purchase All Day | FREE | Burger King (participating locations)
Free Santa Photos at Bass Pro Shops Santa’s Wonderland All Day | FREE | Bass Pro Shops (multiple locations)
The RINK: Outdoor Skating All Day | $6–$15 | Red Hat Amphitheater Ice skating in the heart of downtown Raleigh (click for times).
🎁 Morning Events
Free Country Ham Biscuits on Christmas Eve 8:30 AM–11:00 AM | FREE | Taylor’s Wine Shop
Total Tot Time (Ages 5 & Under) 10:00 AM–12:00 PM | FREE | W.D. Hill Recreation Center
Holiday at the Farm 10:00 AM–3:00 PM | $12–$25 | 1870 Farm
✨ Afternoon & Early Evening
Illuminate Art Walk 4:45 PM | FREE | Downtown Raleigh A glowing stroll through downtown art installations. Lights on the Neuse (Hayride & Holiday Lights) 5:00 PM–7:00 PM | $11 | Boyette Family Farms A Very Chill Christmas Eve 5:00 PM–8:00 PM | FREE | The Glass Jug Beer Lab
🎄 Holiday Light Displays (Free!)
Piper Lights 5:30 PM–9:00 PM | FREE | Piper Lights Contentnea Fire Department Christmas Light Display 5:30 PM–9:00 PM | FREE | Contentnea Fire Department Lake Myra Christmas Lights 5:30 PM–10:00 PM | FREE | Lake Myra Christmas Lights
🎭 Evening Entertainment & Creative Nights
Improv Theatre 6:00 PM–7:30 PM | FREE | Fair Game Beverage Co. North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival 6:00 PM–10:00 PM | $16.74–$30.64 | Koka Booth Amphitheatre Bring Your Own Craft Night 6:30 PM–9:30 PM | FREE | Raleigh Brewing Stitch N’ Bitch Craft Night 7:00 PM–11:00 PM | FREE | Steel String Brewery Open Mic Week 8:00 PM | FREE | Abbey Road Cary
🎄 Make the Most of Christmas Eve in the Triangle
Whether you’re skating downtown, chasing holiday lights, crafting with friends, or taking the kids to see Santa, Wednesday, December 24 is packed with ways to celebrate across the Triangle. Bookmark this guide and share it with friends planning last-minute holiday fun.
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