11 Fun and Festive Things to do in The Triangle this Holiday Season

Hello, November! As residents across the Triangle settle into the cooler weather and prepare for the holiday season, it’s a great time to be thinking about how you’re going to spend the days leading up to the end of the year. The Triangle is filled with numerous ways to enjoy this magical time of the year. Mark your calendars and put the following ideas on your list of to-dos to make your holidays even more special this year.

If you’re looking for unique gifts this holiday season, start with one of these holiday pop-ups, sponsored by Triangle Pop-up. This organization focuses on bringing artists and creators into the Triangle area so small businesses can grow within the community.

Fenton Makers Market — On Saturday, Dec. 9, Fenton, the hottest new neighborhood in the heart of Cary, will host a Makers Market pop-up. Shop from local artists and vendors to find gifts for the hard-to-shop-for person on your list. The market runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Fenton Square.

Pop-Up for Pups at Boxyard RTP — Boxyard at Research Triangle Park will host a pop-up market on Saturday, Nov. 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Boxyard parking lot. It’s an event you won’t want to miss. Find special gifts, handcrafted items, and art from local artisans to get your holiday shopping done early. You’ll also enjoy food, drinks, and live music while you stroll.

Small Business Saturday at Raleigh Iron Works — After Black Friday, Small Business Saturday gives you the chance to support small businesses in the Triangle. This event takes place on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 25, from 12 to 6 p.m. Shop from Raleigh Iron Works’ shops, plus shop from 35 local artist booths.

The Holiday Market at NCMA — The North Carolina Museum of Art will host its holiday market on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Shop from a selection of local artists and vendors and enjoy live music while you check off shopping gifts from your to-do list.

Looking for a way to slow down and make new memories this holiday season? Start with one of these holiday events that are unforgettable opportunities the entire family will enjoy.

Skate the Square — Fenton’s skating rink is officially open for the season. Skate the Square provides the unique opportunity to the distinct life at Fenton while on ice. Admission is $17 and includes skate rental for 75 minutes of skate time. It’s open daily, including on the holidays so you can make magical moments with the people you love. Check the website for hours.

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival — The immersive NC Chinese Lantern Festival, which begins Friday, Nov. 17 and ends Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, is one of the Triangle’s favorite events each year. Now in its 8^th year, this festival features new lantern displays by Chinese artisans and cultural performances based on a centuries-old Chinese tradition of praying for a good harvest from the Chinese god of heaven, Taiyi. It’s held at Cary’s Koka Booth Amphitheatre and prices vary depending upon the experience you want. Check the website for details.

Raleigh Christmas Parade — Since 1939, the Raleigh Christmas Parade has been a beloved community event in the Triangle. The televised parade begins at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18 and features marching bands, floats, balloons, and more. When the festivities are over, stay downtown to explore pop-up markets and parade-day specials.

The Nutcracker by Carolina Ballet — The Nutcracker is a quintessential part of the holidays, and the Carolina Ballet will not disappoint. Their reimagined Nutcracker moves this classic holiday piece into the modern times and features a live symphony orchestra. It runs from Thursday, Dec. 14 through Christmas Eve at Raleigh’s Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.

One of the newer traditions of the holidays are food and beverage events across the Triangle that invite you to indulge in the season. The following events are some of the standouts that you can enjoy this year.

The Dessertery — The Dessertery is back again in 2023 with an indulgent holiday event featuring a selection of all-you-can-eat cupcakes, vegan treats, cake bites, and more, plus hot cocoa. Held at Raleigh’s Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, some nights feature Santa or live music. Tickets for 1-hour time slots are $28 for ages 7 and above, and $15 for ages 2 to 6 and it begins Friday, Nov. 17. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.

Blitzen’s Tavern — Old North State Food Hall in Selma becomes home to Blitzen’s Tavern November through January. Blitzen’s offers a seasonal cocktail and mocktail menu with flavors like snickerdoodle shots and an Elf Approved Eggnog. Stop by the tavern, then shop its nearby retail and gift stores.

St. Nick’s — Beginning Friday, Nov. 10, St. Nick’s takes over a historic home near downtown Raleigh for a non-traditional, “Raleigh Jolly” holiday experience. Grab seasonal cocktails, sweets, and snacks, enjoy live music, and explore fun holiday décor. Don’t forget to pop by St. Nick’s Brandcam photo booth to capture a snapshot of your event. Tickets are available from Eventbrite.

Did we forget something that makes your holidays in the Triangle more magical? Share it in the comments below!