What to do in the Triangle when family and friends visit for the holiday

When friends or family come to town for a visit during the holiday season, you’re already thinking about meals, special together time, and any number of other things you have on your list of to-dos. But if you have a bit of down time and want to show your loved ones what’s happening across the Raleigh-Durham area, it can be stressful figuring out what everyone wants to do. Leave the stress behind and use these great end-of-the-year ideas to plan out the last few days of 2024. Here’s what to do in the Triangle that your friends and family will love.

For just two days at the end of the year, Polar Ice Cary, the leading ice skating facility in the region, is offering its popular character skates with characters from Inside Out and Toy Story. On Friday, Dec. 27 and Saturday, Dec. 28 from 9 to 11 a.m., kids can enjoy skating, snacking on popcorn, drinking hot cocoa, and taking a photo with their favorite characters from these iconic movies. Both The Toy Story Skate and the Inside Out Skate are $25, which includes admission, skate rental, refreshments, and a photo.

For parents or family who are interested in attending, there’s a $16 add-on for skating only during the Toy Story event. Anyone interested in attending just to watch and not skate can enter for free. Holiday skating is also available through Dec. 31.

Join the Jewish Life Center’s Menorah Lighting at Crabtree Mall on Thursday, Dec. 26. The lighting of the menorah is a symbolic tradition during Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights. Each night, one additional candle is lit, commemorating the miraculous oil that burned for eight days in the Holy Temple, despite there being only enough to last for one. This act of illumination represents the triumph of light over darkness, faith over adversity, and hope in times of struggle.

Today, the menorah lighting fosters a sense of community and connection, as families and friends gather to recite blessings, sing songs, and reflect on the enduring spirit of resilience and unity that defines the celebration. The Jewish Life Center will light the menorah on the second floor, featuring songs, donuts, and more. It’s free, but donations are welcome.

Through the end of December, Fieldstream Farm, located at 8008 Old Stage Road in Raleigh, is hosting its annual Drive-Thru Christmas Light Show. This show features over 2 million lights illuminating a one-mile route, offering visitors a spectacular holiday experience. A highlight of the display is the Tunnel of Lights. It boasts over 200,000 LED lights and is considered one of the longest of its kind.

Tickets for the light show are available for purchase online, with prices set at $20 for vehicles carrying one to eight passengers. The event is open nightly through Dec. 31. Hours are from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, Friday from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.

If you’re wondering what to do in the Triangle, here’s an event you don’t want to miss. Enjoy a massive New Year’s Eve celebration when you attend First Night Raleigh, North Carolina’s biggest New Year’s Eve celebration. Starting at 2 p.m., downtown Raleigh is home to live music, a Children’s Celebration, artists, and more. The evening culminates with performances on the outdoor Main Stage, the iconic Raleigh Acorn drop, and a stunning fireworks display at midnight.

Tickets are available for $16 and kids under five are free. The celebration spans from Fayetteville Street and surrounding areas in downtown Raleigh, providing entertainment for all ages until midnight. For tickets, visit the Artsplosure website.

The North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival in Cary, hosted at the scenic Koka Booth Amphitheatre, is a must-see holiday tradition running now through Jan. 12. Open daily from 4 to 9 p.m., this event transforms the night into a luminous celebration of Chinese culture and artistry. Featuring larger-than-life handcrafted lantern displays illuminated by thousands of LED lights, the festival offers a mesmerizing one-hour walking tour that enchants visitors of all ages. If you’re curious about what to do in the Triangle, this festival is a stunning display of culture.

Each evening, the festival comes alive with dynamic performances by martial artists, acrobats, dancers, and drummers at 7, 8, and 9 p.m., adding an extra layer of excitement to your visit. Tickets range from $15 to $36, with free admission for children 2 and under. Beyond the stunning visuals and live entertainment, the festival is a unique cultural experience. Celebrate traditional Chinese craftsmanship and storytelling through light and motion.

Instead of wondering what to do in the Triangle, choose some of these outstanding events. You’ll enjoy an outstanding day you’ll never forget. No matter what you choose, you’ll have something fun to look forward to.