8 – Ring in the Season at North Hills Tree Lighting Celebration
Head to North Hills Commons on Saturday, November 21 from 4 to 7 p.m. for live entertainment, family activities, Santa, and the lighting of the district’s iconic Christmas tree. visitnorthhills.com
9 – Hear the North Carolina Symphony’s Holiday Pops
The headline event, Holiday Pops with Cirque, takes place in Raleigh’s Meymandi Concert Hall November 25, 27, and 28 and December 12, with additional performances in Chapel Hill’s Memorial Hall on December 8 and New Bern’s Riverfront Convention Center on December 9. ncsymphony.org
10 – Cut Your Own Christmas Tree at Boyce Farms
Head to this charming northern Wake County grower for fresh-cut and choose-and-cut trees, garlands, and popular wreath-decorating workshops. boycefarms.com
11 – Run Before You Feast at the Raleigh Turkey Trot
Start Thanksgiving with a little friendly competition at Raleigh’s longtime Turkey Trot, an 8K, and Kids Dash that brings families and runners together before the big feast. The 2026 race is set for Thanksgiving Day, November 26. ridgewoodturkeytrot.itsyourrace.com
12 – Sip on Howling Cow Eggnog
NC State’s beloved Howling Cow Creamery brings back its seasonal eggnog for the holidays, made with fresh milk and cream from the university’s own dairy farm and processed on campus. Look for the 2026 batch at the creamery and select Triangle retailers. howlingcow.ncsu.edu
13 – Be the Hero of Your Christmas Gathering
Let Hummingbird do the heavy lifting with meal kits, sides, desserts, hors d’oeuvres, and breakfast treats. Place your order by December 20. hummingbirdraleigh.com
14 – Ride the Holiday Express at Pullen Park
From twinkling lights to train rides through a festive wonderland, this Triangle tradition is magical for every generation. The event runs December 1–17, with nightly rides from 5 to 9:30 p.m. raleighnc.gov
15 – Take a Holiday Lights Drive
Map out a route through neighborhoods known for over-the-top displays—and be sure to have a proper holiday playlist.
Happyland Lights — Raleigh: A beloved family-run display near Penny Road and Huntingwood Drive, famous for its huge, colorful residential setup and community feel.
Woodstone Lights — Raleigh: A North Raleigh residential display featuring lights synchronized to music—a popular stop for families creating their own holiday light tours.
Gebhardt Family Lights — Cary: A West Cary home display that’s become a go-to stop on local holiday light routes.
Lake Myrna Christmas Lights — Wendell: Created by the Williams family, this drive-in style show features more than 400,000 total lights synced to holiday music.
