Happy Holidays! Here is a list of tree lightings, menorah lightings, parades and community events in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and throughout the Triangle. These are great family activities and a fun way to get in the spirit without spending a lot of money. If I forgot your favorite, be sure to share it with everyone here. I'll be adding to the list as dates get finalized so bookmark this page and be sure to check back often. For more holiday activites, check out the calendar of holiday performances in Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill. Events are free unless otherwise noted.
Raleigh Christmas Parade November 20The Raleigh Christmas Parade is the largest Christmas Parade between Washington, DC and Atlanta. The parade starts at 9:30 a.m. downtown. Click here for the Raleigh Christmas Parade route. The parade lasts about 2.5 hours and airs on WRAL between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. It is rebroadcast on Christmas morning. Raleigh.
Community Tree Lighting Ceremony November 28Join the Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership in kicking off the holiday season by celebrating the lighting of the 22' tall Community Tree in the Memorial Garden of University Baptist Church on Sunday. Enjoy the sounds of the church choir! Don't forget your camera - children can meet Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus and have their pictures taken for free! 6-7 p.m. University Baptist Church. Chapel Hill.
Christmas on Salem Street December 4The Apex Rotary Club will again sponsor the annual "Christmas on Salem Street" parade. General public information will be forthcoming in the near future. Apex.
Heart of the Holidays Celebration December 4A full day of holiday activities kicks off in Cary at 9 a.m. Events include Make It/Take It craft projects at the Herbert C. Young Community Center, Winter Wonderland sledding at Bond Park (tickets recquired - $12), caroling at Page-Walker Arts and History Center, and the Cary Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. The Cary Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. on the Town Hall Campus. Full schedule for Cary's Heart of the Holidays Celebration. Cary.
Durham Holiday Fun Fest December 4New for 2010, Durham amps up the fun with Holiday Fun Fest that will include arts, crafts, children's petting-zoo, food vendors, sledding and a mini-parade. The parade will begin at 3 p.m. and will start at the corner of West Main and Corcoran streets. The parade will be led by the Hillside High School Marching Band and will end with Santa Claus. The event will culminate with the Tree Lighting Ceremony which will begin t 5:30 p.m. The entire event is scheduled from 1-6 p.m. Downtown at the CCB Plaza and the Durham Armory. Holiday Fun Fest Parking ($2-4)and Street Closures. Durham.
Winterfest Celebration and Tree Lighting December 4Raleigh's Winterfest kicks off in time for the holidays and lasts for two whole months. The opening event will feature the Mayor's tree lighting, santa, musical and dance performances, carolers and carriage rides. They've constructed a 45x90 foot outdoor ice rink for the celebration. 4-9 p.m. N.C. State Capitol Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Festival December 9
Festivities begin with lighting of luminaries and musical performances on the Capitol grounds. The Governor and First Gentleman will light the state Christmas Tree during the traditional ceremony on the south plaza. After the ceremony, visitors are invited inside the Capitol for an open house to take in the holiday decorations. The Junior Woman's Club of Raleigh will host a holiday festival featuring music and children's activities on Union Square, in the museums, and on the Bicentennial Plaza. 5-7p.m. NC State Capitol. Raleigh.
The Chapel Hill-Carrboro Holiday Parade December 11The Chapel Hill Jaycees present the annual holiday parade along Franklin Street. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Chapel Hill.
Cary Jaycee Christmas Parade The Cary Christmas parade starts on Chatham Street and ends on Academy Street in front of the old Cary Elementary School building. 2 p..m. Cary.