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60+ events to check out this December

The holidays are here and that means tons of events!

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Elf
RALEIGH, N.C. — The holidays are here and that means tons of events!
Dec. 1-4
Nov. 29-Dec. 3: Elf the Musical - ELF The Musical is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. See this show on stage at DPAC through Dec. 3.
Until Dec. 24: WRAL Nights of Lights - Brighten your holiday season with WRAL Nights of Lights Drive-Thru Light Show at Dorothea Dix Park, brought to you by WRAL/Capitol Broadcasting Company in partnership with the City of Raleigh.
Dec. 1: Angier's Christmas on the Square - From 6 to 8:30 p.m., there will be refreshments, hayrides to a live nativity, crafts and a chance to visit and take a photo with Santa.
Dec. 1: Fuquay-Varina tree lighting - The town's tree lighting ceremony is 6 p.m., Dec. 1.
Dec. 1: Smithfield Christmas Tree Lighting - The Smithfield Christmas Tree Lighting is always held on the first Thursday in December. This year, the lighting will be held Dec. 1 at 6 p.m.
Dec. 1: 32nd Annual Downtown Clayton Christmas Village and Tree Lighting - The 32nd Annual Downtown Clayton Christmas Village and Tree Lighting is planned at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 1.
Dec. 2: Benson tree lighting and parade - The town's Christmas on Main starts at 5 p.m., Dec. 2, and includes both a tree lighting and a parade.
Dec. 2: First Friday Markets and Movie Night at Moore Square - There is live entertainment and games for families plus a free outdoor movie at sundown presented by the City of Raleigh. This month's movie is "Muppet Christmas Carol."
Dec. 2-5: Cary Players present A Christmas Story - Based on the classic movie, humorist Jean Shepherd’s memoir of growing up in the Midwest of the 1940s follows young Ralphie Parker in his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun under the tree for Christmas. Thge show runs at Cary Arts Center Dec. 2 -5.
Dec. 2: Knightdale tree lighting - The town's tree lighting will be on Dec. 2 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Knightdale Station Park.
Dec. 2: Morrisville tree lighting - The town's annual tree lighting is 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Dec. 2, at 101 Town Hall Dr.
Dec. 2-18: Raleigh Little Theatre's Cinderella - RLT’s holiday tradition returns for the 38th year! This musical comedy is a holiday sugarplum for the whole family. Just the right mixture of comedy and romance can add the sparkle of magic to your holiday season. This visually stunning musical combines elegant costumes and scenery with singing, dancing, conniving step-relatives, and resourceful fairy folk.
Dec. 2: The Bull City Holiday Night Market - Featuring over 25 vendors bringing quality products/goods and services, this market willb e held on Dec. 2 at Durham Bottling Company.,
Dec. 2: Wake Forest tree lighting - The Lighting of Wake Forest is 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Dec. 2. The festivities take place in Centennial Plaza, 301 S. Brooks St., the gateway to Wake Forest Town Hall. This year's ceremony will feature the lighting of the Christmas tree and Santa's exciting arrival in a Wake Forest fire truck.
Dec. 2: Four Oaks tree lighting - The Town of Four Oaks Christmas Tree lighting will be held Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. at Barbour's Grove Park.
Dec.. 2-3: Winterfest & Tree Trail - In Holly Springs, head to Ting Stadium for festive entertainment, an artisan market, Santa Visits and the lighted Tree Trail.
Dec. 3: Fayttetteville Rotary Christmas Parade - The Rotary Christmas Parade is 10 a.m., Dec. 3.
Dec. 3: Zebulon Christmas Parade - The parade is happening at 2 p.m.
Dec. 3: Apex's Rotary Christmas Parade - This will be held Dec. 3 starting at 5 p.m. at the intersection of Ambergate Station and The Peakway. It will head down Salem Street and end at the Apex Public Works buildings on Upchurch Street. There will be a Winter Wonderland area with vendors and child-centered activities at The Depot parking lot from noon to 8 p.m. There will also be food vendors located throughout the parade route.
Dec. 3: Angier Christmas Parade - The annual parade will start at 10 a.m.
Dec. 3: Angier Vendor Fair - From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., get some shopping done outside of the Angier Depot. There will be 56 vendors and eight food trucks.
Dec. 3: Cary tree lighting - The tree lighting ceremony is 6 p.m. on Dec. 3. It is part of the town's Heart of the Holidays celebration.
Dec. 3: Garner Christmas Parade - The Garner Christmas Parade will be held Dec. 3 at 4:15 p.m. The event will also include the annual Holiday Block Party at Garner Recreation Center and the tree lighting. Events start at 2 p.m. that day.
Dec. 3: Scandinavian Christmas Fair - The Scandinavian Christmas Fair in Raleigh, NC, is a celebration of the rich traditions of the Nordic countries: Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland. This old-world celebration is certain to get you into the spirit of the season!
Dec. 4: Fuquay-Varina town parade - The town's parade is 4 p.m. on Dec. 4.
Dec. 4: Hillsborough tree lighting - The town's Light Up the Night Parade & Tree Lighting starts at 4 p.m., Dec. 4. A tree lighting immediately follows the end of the parade.
Dec. 4: Rolesville holiday parade - The town's parade is from 2 to 3 p.m., Dec. 4.
Dec. 4: DanceArt - Nutcracker with a Twist - "Nutcracker with a Twist" is a holiday performance presented by DanceArt Studio at Memorial Auditorium on Dec. 4 at 2 p.m.
Dec. 4: Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox - A Very Postmodern Christmas - One part celebration of vintage music and culture, one part “’Saturday Night Live’ for singers”, a Postmodern Jukebox show is an unforgettable trip back in time that makes Pop Music History — in your own hometown. See them on stage at Meymandi Concert Hall on Dec. 4.
Now until Jan. 8: North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival - This annual event is back at Koka Booth Amphitheatre starting Friday, Nov. 18. It features more than 40 all new displays, each one comprised of hundreds of parts, and thousands of LED lights.

Dec. 5-11

Dec. 7-11: Disney on Ice - For the first time, Disney On Ice invites families to step inside the magical adventures of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen, the #1 Animated feature of all time, and Disney Animation’s Encanto, the 2022 Academy Award®, BAFTA®, and Golden Globe® Award winner for Best Animated Feature, as they come to life like never before.
Dec. 7: Holiday Market at The Durham - Check off your to-do list with thoughtful gifts from 25 local retailers & makers and enjoy festive drinks, and snacks while you shop at The Durham Hotel from 6 to 9 p.m.
Dec. 8: Town of Smithfield's Christmas Parade - The town's parade is 7 p.m., Dec. 8.
Dec. 8: State Capitol Tree Lighting Ceremony - Join the State Capitol and Gov. Roy Cooper for the annual tree-lighting tradition on Thursday, Dec. 8. The festivities will begin on Capitol Square at 5:30pm with luminaries and holiday music performed by the Raleigh Concert Band.
Dec. 9-10: Holiday Pops with the North Carolina Symphony - There’s no place like Meymandi Concert Hall for the holidays! Join your North Carolina Symphony and a special guest star vocalist at this festive concert full of holiday favorites and traditional carols you know and love during these shows on Dec. 9 and 10.
Dec. 9-11: Theatre In The Park Presents A Christmas Carol - A musical comedy adaptation of the Dickens classic. The show has been performed annually since 1974 and was named one of the "Top 20 Events in the Southeast." Cited as "one of the most successful shows in Tar Heel State theatre history," A Christmas Carol has enjoyed critically acclaimed tours to England and France. See the show on stage at Raleigh Memorial on Dec 9-11.
Dec. 10: Knightdale holiday parade - The annual parade will be held Dec. 10 at 11 a.m.
Dec. 10: Holiday Market at Boxyard RTP - Join Triangle Pop-Up at Boxyard RTP, and their highly curated selection of accessories, clothing, home goods, custom gifts and more by local artists & makers.
Dec. 10: Clayton Christmas Parade - The Clayton Rotary Club will host the annual Christmas Parade on Dec 10 at 3 p.m.
Dec. 10: The Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade - The parade is at 2 p.m.
Dec. 10: Black Nativity in Concert - The Justice Theater Project is thrilled to share a special gift of magnificent music FREE to the community (pre-registration required online) for our second year as we present our annual holiday family favorite, Black Nativity in Concert. The show is at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Dec. 10 at the NC Museum of Art.
Dec. 10-11: 51st Annual Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour - Get ready to take a walk through history this holiday season, as eleven properties in the Historic Oakwood neighborhood open their doors to visitors during the Annual Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour.
Dec. 10-11: Durham Patchwork Holiday Market - The Patchwork Market is a market in Durham that features makers and vintage vendors. This market gives the community a chance to meet the makers who create the goods that we buy. The market is Dec. 10 and 11 at Durham Armory.
Dec. 10: Happy Holly Days Parade - The Happy Holly Days Parade will be held Dec. 10 starting at 10 a.m. This year's parade is extended and will begin at Oakhall Drive and and end at Oak Avenue after traveling past Town Hall Commons and The Block on Main.
Dec. 10: Southern Songbirds: Tift Merritt Sings the Women of Country Music - Tift Merritt will sing women’s country music, joining the series with original works and covers of country trailblazers at the North Carolina Museum of History.
Dec. 10: 5K Reindeer Run - Join Safe Families for Children Greater Raleigh/Durham for our 3rd Annual Reindeer Run! There will be a timed and untimed 5K, a Kids' Santa Sprint, game booths, bounce houses and plenty of other exciting family activities! The race showcases the beauty of Bond Park and is open to all ages. The event is Dec. 10 at Bond Park in Cary.
Dec. 10: Geek and Grub Market (Holiday Edition) - Dress up in your ugliest sweater and finest holiday party attire and join us for fun holiday antics, giant board games, yummy food and geeky items from 50+ local Geek Themed Artisans on Dec. 10 at Fred Fletcher Park in downtown Raleigh from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Dec. 10: MAKRS Holiday Fest - The 2nd annual MAKRS Holiday Fest will include 100-150 of the best local vendors for the holidays in City Plaza from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 10.
Dec. 10-11: Carolina Ballet presents The Nutcracker- See this holiday classic on stage in Raleigh Dec. 16-24.
Until Dec. 24: WRAL Nights of Lights- Brighten your holiday season with WRAL Nights of Lights Drive-Thru Light Show at Dorothea Dix Park, brought to you by WRAL/Capitol Broadcasting Company in partnership with the City of Raleigh.
Now until Jan. 8: North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival - This annual event is back at Koka Booth Amphitheatre starting Friday, Nov. 18. It features more than 40 all new displays, each one comprised of hundreds of parts, and thousands of LED lights.

Dec. 12-18

Dec. 13: Joy of the Season - The Chorale’s 170-voice Symphonic Choir, Chamber Choir, and Youth Choir accompanied by brass ensemble, percussion, piano, and organ return to Meymandi Concert Hall to sing the festive music of the season.
Dec. 14: Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve - The Trans-Siberian Orchestra will perform live at PNC Arena on Dec. 14 at 7pm.
Dec. 14: ¡Feliz Navidad! - Celebrate the holidays with a family-friendly, festive concert full of holiday favorites you know and love, including selections from The Nutcracker, a “Holly Jolly Christmas” sing-along in Spanish, and of course, “Feliz Navidad.” This concert comes complete with photo opportunities with Santa and a few surprises to make a memorable evening for the entire family. Audiences can expect to hear Spanish language narration throughout the performance. The show is at Meymandi Concert Hall.,
Dec. 14-18: Theatre In The Park Presents A Christmas Carol - A musical comedy adaptation of the Dickens classic. The show has been performed annually since 1974 and was named one of the "Top 20 Events in the Southeast." Cited as "one of the most successful shows in Tar Heel State theatre history," A Christmas Carol has enjoyed critically acclaimed tours to England and France. See the show on stage at DPAC Dec. 14-18.
Dec. 15: Nutcracker! Magic of Christmas Ballet - Experience the exquisite artistry of the international cast, featuring stars of Ukraine ballet, performing at the highest level of classical technique. The show is Dec. 15 at Carolina Theatre.
Dec. 16-24: Carolina Ballet presents The Nutcracker - See this holiday classic on stage in Raleigh Dec. 16-24.
Dec. 16: GingerBuild Houses & Hops - Guests can build and decorate their own edible gingerbread house at this 21+ holiday event at Marbles Kids Museum.
Dec. 15-17: Rob Schneider - Rob Schneider is an accomplished actor, comedian, screenwriter and director. A stand-up comic and veteran of the award-winning NBC sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live, Schneider has gone on to a successful career in films, television and continues his word-wide standup tour. See him at Raleigh Improv Dec. 15-17,
Dec. 17: Durham's Holiday Parade - The parade is 10 a.m., Dec. 17, along Main Street in downtown Durham. You can watch it on WRAL.
Dec. 17: Holiday Extravaganza at Durham Central Park - The Glass Jug hosts this event at Durham Central Park. Enjoy photos with Santa, Christmas ornament decorating, a holiday vendor market, food trucks, hot apple cider, mulled wine, and craft beer
Dec. 17-18: The Raleigh Ringers Holiday Concerts - This Raleigh holiday tradition will feature the group’s unique interpretations of sacred, secular, and popular music, including a little bit of rock ‘n’ roll.
Dec. 18: Winter Solstice Market - Whether you’re pagan or witchy or maybe just a little craft curious, you’ll love our stellar lineup of over 20 magical local artists, makers, tarot readers, and healers at Motorco in Ddc. 18.
Until Dec. 24: WRAL Nights of Lights- Brighten your holiday season with WRAL Nights of Lights Drive-Thru Light Show at Dorothea Dix Park, brought to you by WRAL/Capitol Broadcasting Company in partnership with the City of Raleigh.
Until Jan. 8: North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival - This annual event is back at Koka Booth Amphitheatre starting Friday, Nov. 18. It features more than 40 all new displays, each one comprised of hundreds of parts, and thousands of LED lights.

Dec. 19-25

Dec. 19: Pop Up Chorus Holiday Event - At PopUp Chorus, participants arrive and "learn" an indie/pop song or two under the skillful tutelage of conductors, Carter Hodge (Dissimilar South) and Kayla Richardson-Piche. When everyone is ready, you do a live-streamed performance. This show at The Pinhook will include "All I Want For Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey, "White Winter Hymnal" by Fleet Foxes and "Imagine" by John Lennon.
Dec. 21-22: A Motown Christmas - The Town of Cary and Pure Life Theatre Company join together again to produce a wonderful Motown experience. The Motown Sounds of Christmas has a new script with new selections of Motown music that celebrate the holidays and Motown! Enjoy a unique holiday experience full of soul and joy, wrapped up with a message of love.
Until Dec. 24: WRAL Nights of Lights- Brighten your holiday season with WRAL Nights of Lights Drive-Thru Light Show at Dorothea Dix Park, brought to you by WRAL/Capitol Broadcasting Company in partnership with the City of Raleigh.
Until Jan. 8: North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival - This annual event is back at Koka Booth Amphitheatre starting Friday, Nov. 18. It features more than 40 all new displays, each one comprised of hundreds of parts, and thousands of LED lights.
The Dessertery - The Dessertery cafe is a holiday pop-up inside Kennedy Theatre at the Duke Energy Center for Performing Arts. The holiday-themed space includes all you can eat sweets and hot cocoa and even live entertainment on some nights. The centerpiece is a 51-topping hot cocoa bar. It's open through Dec. 23.
St. Nick's: Raleigh Jolly Pop-Up House - This pop-up event is at 306 E. Hargett St. The non-traditional Christmas pop-up features local artists, drinks, music and events. Admission is $10. The hours are 5 p.m. to 1 a.m., but it is only open to those 21 years and older after 9 p.m. The pop-up is open through Christmas Eve.
Miracle at The Haymaker - This annual Christmas-themed holiday bar returns to downtown Raleigh's The Haymaker from Nov. 25 through Dec. 31.

Dec. 26-31

Dec. 28-29: A Motown Christmas - The Town of Cary and Pure Life Theatre Company join together again to produce a wonderful Motown experience. The Motown Sounds of Christmas has a new script with new selections of Motown music that celebrate the holidays and Motown! Enjoy a unique holiday experience full of soul and joy, wrapped up with a message of love.
Dec. 28: AADE Together at Kwanzaa - Join the African American Dance Ensemble for the Together at Kwanzaa Celebration, which will take place Wed., Dec. 28, at C3 at the Venue. Doors will open at 4pm and performances begin at 5pm. The free, family-friendly event will celebrate the principle Ujima and include performances, a candle lighting ceremony, food, shopping, and more.
Dec. 30: Kwanzaa Celebration at The Cary Arts Center - Cary Kwanzaa is a communal, cultural celebration that honors African-American people and their heritage. The Kwanzaa Celebration is produced by the Town of Cary in partnership with the Ujima Group Inc.
Dec. 31: WRAL First Night - This annual NYE celebration is happening in downtown Raleigh.
Until Jan. 8: North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival - This annual event is back at Koka Booth Amphitheatre starting Friday, Nov. 18. It features more than 40 all new displays, each one comprised of hundreds of parts, and thousands of LED lights.
Miracle at The Haymaker - This annual Christmas-themed holiday bar returns to downtown Raleigh's The Haymaker from Nov. 25 through Dec. 31.

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