13 minute read
HOLIDAY MAGIC
HOLIDAYMAGIC
Celebrate the holidays in Western Wake and beyond
BY JANICE LEWINE
From spectacular light shows, festive Christmas parades, Hanukkah celebrations and opportunities to greet Santa, this holiday season is sure to sparkle in Western Wake. Find more events online at caryliving.com and on our sister magazine’s website at midtownmag.com.
NORTH CAROLINA CHINESE LANTERN FESTIVAL November 18–January 8 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary Koka Booth Amphitheatre is transformed into a magical setting of beautiful LED lantern displays handcrafted by artisans from Tianyu Arts & Culture. These larger-thanlife lantern displays are located along a half-mile loop around the amphitheater. Cultural performances are featured nightly at 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. boothamphitheatre.com MAGIC OF LIGHTS: A MAGICAL DRIVE-THROUGH HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE November 18–December 30 3801 Rock Quarry Road, Raleigh Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek shines brightly as guests weave through a spectacular 1-mile drivethrough holiday lights display. Tickets start at $20 and are limited in quantity per evening. Purchase tickets online. magicoflights.com WRAL NIGHT OF LIGHTS November 19–December 24 2105 Umstead Drive, Raleigh The 1.3-mile drive-through holiday light event at Dorothea Dix Park showcases largescale light displays, in-person activations like a personal igloo rental or Holiday Outpost experience, multiple bike-only nights and a Nights of Lights 5K Fun Run/Walk. Purchase tickets online. wralnightsoflights.com THE RINK November 19–January 16 500 S. McDowell Street, Raleigh Red Hat Amphitheater Enjoy the thrill of ice skating in the heart of downtown Raleigh. Highlights of the event include a 20-foot decorated tree, cozy furniture stations with heat warmers, fire pits, photo opportunities, a snack bar and games. Tickets are $11 for skaters and $6 for nonskaters. redhatamphitheater.com/ the-rink HOLIDAY LIGHTS IN THE GARDEN
78TH ANNUAL RALEIGH CHRISTMAS PARADE November 20, 9:30 a.m.–noon Fayetteville Street, Raleigh The Raleigh Christmas Parade attracts 60,000 spectators from across the state to downtown Raleigh and reaches more than 250,000 people via ABC11 TV broadcasting and ABC11 streaming apps. shoplocalraleigh.org or grma.org TOWN OF CARY LETTERS TO SANTA November 21–December 11 310 S. Academy Street, Cary Drop off letters in Santa’s mailbox to hear back from the jolly old man in red by Christmas Day. townofcary.org NORTH CAROLINA SYMPHONY PRESENTS “THE POLAR EXPRESS” November 23, 4 p.m.; November 25, 3 p.m. Meymandi Concert Hall 2 E. South Street, Raleigh Paintings from the Caldecott Medal–winning book “The Polar Express” appear on a giant screen above the stage as baritone Scott MacLeod and a chorus of children join the North Carolina Symphony to bring this magical holiday tale to life. ncsymphony.org FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS November 24–January 1, 5:30–9 p.m.; closed November 28–December 1 Hill Ridge Farms 703 Tarboro Road, Youngsville Immerse yourself in magical lights on a 1-mile-plus trail throughout the farm from the comfort of your vehicle. Tickets per vehicle are $20 cash, $23 credit/debit; pay upon arrival. hillridgefarms.com LIGHTS ON THE NEUSE Visit the website for operating dates and to purchase tickets. 1620 Loop Road, Clayton Take a 1-mile, tractor-pulled hayride through a holiday light spectacular featuring s’mores and photos with Santa. lightsontheneuse.com
“MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS” November 26, 8 p.m. Durham Performing Arts Center 123 Vivian Street, Durham Don’t miss this favorite holiday tradition as Mannheim Steamroller dazzles with seasonal music and dazzling multimedia effects. dpacnc.com “ELF THE MUSICAL” November 29–December 4; see website for showtimes Durham Performing Arts Center 123 Vivian Street, Durham Follow Buddy the Elf in his hilarious quest to find his true identity and the meaning of Christmas. dpacnc.com FUQUAY–VARINA TREE LIGHTING, SLEIGH RIDES AND SANTA December 1, 6–8 p.m. Downtown Fuquay-Varina This highly anticipated event on Main Street in downtown Fuquay-Varina features a treelighting ceremony at 6 p.m., ticketed sleigh rides and a visit from Saint Nicholas. fuquay-varina.org FUQUAY-VARINA CHORALE HOLIDAY CONCERT December 2, 7:30 p.m.; December 3, 3 p.m. Fuquay-Varina Arts Center 123 E. Vance Street, Fuquay-Varina. A collection of local voices delivers songs about sleigh rides, starry nights and cozy fires. Tickets are $8. fuquay-varina.org
THE DESSERTERY CARY PLAYERS PRESENTS “A CHRISTMAS STORY” December 2–5; see website for showtimes Cary Arts Center 101 Dry Avenue, Cary Based on the classic movie, “A Christmas Story” is humorist Jean Shepherd’s memoir of growing up in the Midwest in the 1940s and follows young Ralphie Parker in his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun under the tree for Christmas. Purchase tickets online. caryplayers.org 15TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE AND WREATH AUCTION AND EXHIBIT December 2–19 Halle Cultural Arts Center 237 N. Salem Street, Apex Drift into a whimsical wonderland and discover what Apex area businesses, schools, performing groups and other organizations dream up for their themed greenery. Take a chance on the silent auction and bid on a favorite display. apexnc.org APEX ROTARY PANCAKE BREAKFAST AND CHRISTMAS PARADE December 3; 7–11 a.m. (breakfast); 5 p.m. (parade) Salem Street, downtown Apex Holiday festivities include the Apex Rotary’s pancake breakfast at the fire station and the town’s evening parade, which begins at 5 p.m. apexrotary.org GRINCH CANDY CANE HUNT December 3, 11 a.m. Fred G. Bond Metro Park Boathouse 801 High House Road, Cary Find all of Santa’s candy canes hidden in Bond Park before the Grinch swipes them. $9/resident, $12/nonresident. Reserve a spot at mycary.org using course code 020211. townofcary.org “THE HOLLY JOLLY JOSHUA SHOW” December 3, 11 a.m. Carolina Theatre of Durham 309 West Morgan Street, Durham Joshua Holden entertains all ages with singing, tap dancing and a zany cast of puppets in this delightful holiday story. Tickets are $5. carolinatheatre.org SANTA’S WORKSHOP December 3, 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Herbert C. Young Community Center 121 Wilkinson Avenue, Cary Children can enjoy a variety of craft stations and a visit with Santa. Support the Cary Teen Council’s food drive by taking two nonperishable food items or a cash donation for admission. There will be a 20-minute break at 11:30 a.m. so Santa can feed his reindeer. townofcary.org TOWN OF CARY CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY December 3, 6 p.m. 316 N. Academy Street, Cary Ring in the holiday season with actors, singers and musicians from the community. See the Cary Christmas tree featuring handcrafted ornaments from more than 130 community groups at Town Hall. townofcary.org VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS AT THE PAGE-WALKER December 3, 3–6 p.m. Page-Walker Arts & History Center 119 Ambassador Loop Road, Cary Enjoy old-fashioned holiday fun as Cary’s former hotel welcomes guests with hot cider, cookies, traditional music, craft-making and carriage rides. townofcary.org SANTA’S REINDEER ROUNDUP EXPRESS December 3–4, 10–11 and 17; departure times are 9:30 and 11 a.m.; 12:30, 2:15 and 3:45 p.m. New Hope Valley Railway 3900 Bonsal Road, Apex Search for Santa’s nine missing reindeer—including Rudolph— during a 50-minute ride in the New Hill woods. Take a camera for a photo with Santa. Purchase tickets online. triangletrain.com NORTH CAROLINA SYMPHONY PRESENTS “HOLIDAY POPS” December 9, noon Meymandi Concert Hall 2 E. South Street, Raleigh The North Carolina Symphony performs treasured holiday favorites and traditional carols. ncsymphony.org EVENING WITH ELVES December 9, 6–8:30 p.m. Marbles Kids Museum 201 E. Hargett Street, Raleigh Immerse yourself into the magic of the holiday season with s’mores outdoors, arctic museum play and a special visit from the Snowflake Fairy. Kids are encouraged to wear pajamas. Children must be accompanied by at least one adult over the age of 18. Purchase tickets online for $25–$30/person. marbleskidsmuseum.org IRA DAVID WOOD III’S “A CHRISTMAS CAROL” December 9–11 and 14–18 Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, Raleigh Durham Performing Arts Center, Durham See Ira David Wood III’s “A Christmas Carol,” a musical comedy adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic celebrating its 49th year. Performances take place December 9–11 at the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts and December 14–18 at the Durham Performing Arts Center. theatreinthepark.com HAPPY HOLLY DAYS PARADE December 10, 10 a.m. Downtown Holly Springs Celebrate the season in Holly Springs as floats, bands, decorated vehicles, horses, marching groups and more travel Main Street, starting at Holly Springs Road and ending at Rogers Street. hollyspringsnc.gov
CARY CHRISTMAS PARADE December 10, 2–4 p.m. Downtown Cary The Cary Jaycees presents this joyful celebration that features marching bands, mascots, floats, local business and more in downtown Cary. caryjaycees.org CAROLINA BALLET PRESENTS “THE NUTCRACKER” December 10–24 (see website for showtimes) Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, Raleigh Durham Performing Arts Center, Durham Carolina Ballet honors past productions of “The Nutcracker” by George Balanchine and Robert Weiss while presenting refreshed choreography for today’s audiences. Performances take place December 10–11 at the Durham Performing Arts Center and on December 16–24 at the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts in Raleigh. carolinaballet.com
GARNER CHRISTMAS PARADE, HOLIDAY BLOCK PARTY AND TREE LIGHTING December 13, 4:15 p.m. Downtown Garner See the town’s annual parade followed by a holiday block party and tree-lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. garnerchristmasparade.com NORTH CAROLINA MASTER CHORALE PRESENTS “JOY OF THE SEASON” December 13, 7:30 p.m. Meymandi Concert Hall 2 E. South Street, Raleigh The Chorale’s 170-voice Symphonic Choir, Chamber Choir and Youth Choir accompanied by a brass ensemble, percussion, piano and organ return to Meymandi Concert Hall to sing familiar carols and new settings. Tickets are $28 and up. ncmasterchorale.org “TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA: GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS EVE” December 14, 7 p.m. PNC Arena 1400 Edwards Mill Road, Raleigh The progressive rock group delivers an electrifying holiday show. Tickets are $39 and up. pncarena.com “BIG BAND: SWING, BLUES AND HOLIDAY TUNES” December 16, 7:30 p.m. Fuquay-Varina Arts Center 123 E. Vance Street, Fuquay-Varina. Fuquay’s own Gerald Parker Jazz Orchestra delights with their special brand of swinging holiday tunes. Tickets are $8. fuquay-varina.org APEX FARMERS MARKET HOLIDAY FESTIVAL December 17, 9 a.m.–noon Downtown Apex Take the family for live music, kids activities and more to celebrate the yuletide season. apexfarmersmarket.com WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA COMMEMORATION December 17, noon Hillcrest Cemetery 608 Page Street, Cary The Yates Mill Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution commemorates the annual Wreaths Across America event to honor service members buried in both the Hillcrest Cemetery and the First Christian Church Cemetery in Cary. Attendees are welcome to help place wreaths on the graves of all veterans in both historic cemeteries. Wreaths can be sponsored for $15. wreathsacrossamerica.org RALEIGH RINGERS’ HOLIDAY CONCERTS December 17–18, 4 p.m. Meymandi Concert Hall 2 E. South Street, Raleigh Hear the Raleigh Ringers present interpretations of sacred, secular and popular music arranged for handbells. Purchase tickets online, $14–$26. rr.org TOWN OF CARY HANUKKAH MENORAH LIGHTING December 19, 5:30 p.m. Cary Arts Center 101 Dry Avenue, Cary Join the Town of Cary as it lights a menorah on the third night of Hanukkah. Enjoy treats, kids activities and holiday music. townofcary.org “THE MOTOWN SOUND OF CHRISTMAS” December 21–29, 7 p.m. Cary Arts Center 101 Dry Avenue, Cary Enjoy a unique holiday experience full of joy and soul from Pure Life Theatre. Tickets are $27. townofcary.org “THE HIP HOP NUTCRACKER” December 23, 7:30 p.m. Durham Performing Arts Center 123 Vivian Street, Durham Legendary emcee Kurtis Blow leads theatergoers through a remixed and reimagined version of the classic ballet that celebrates love, community and the magic of the holiday season. dpacnc.com KWANZAA CELEBRATION December 29, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Cary Arts Center 101 Dry Avenue, Cary This communal, cultural celebration honors African American people and their heritage. townofcary.org FIRST NIGHT RALEIGH December 31; 5 p.m.–midnight Downtown Raleigh Ring in the new year with live entertainment, roving street performers, arts and crafts stations and the Acorn Drop at midnight. Tickets are $12–$16. firstnightraleigh.com
SANTA'S REINDEER ROUNDUP EXPRESS
NORTH CAROLINA CHINESE LANTERN FESTIVAL IN CARY
KWANZAA FEST January 1, noon–5:30 p.m. 212 Foster Street, Durham The African American Dance Ensemble hosts the 37th annual Kwanzaa Fest at the Durham Armory featuring a children’s village, vendor market and live performances that highlight family, cultural and social values. downtowndurham.com
HOLIDAY EVENTS FARTHER AFIELD
CHRISTMAS AT BILTMORE November 4–January 8 1 Lodge Street, Asheville “Christmas at Biltmore Daytime Celebration” ($99–$399/ticket) showcases the home beautifully bedecked in Christmas trimmings. Both the Visit Plus and ExpertGuided Visit options feature the immersive, multi-sensory exhibition “Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius.” “Candlelight Christmas Evenings” ($119–$409) allows guests to step back in time with an experience reminiscent of the Vanderbilts’ first Christmas there in 1895. Musicians perform seasonal favorites. A 55-foot Norway spruce sparkles in the front lawn and luminaries line the walkway. biltmore.com
WINTER WONDERLIGHTS November 17–January 1 4301 Lawndale Drive, Greensboro The Greensboro ScienceCenter’s zoo and 11-acre expansion transform into a holiday extravaganza of 12 Magical Realms. See the Polar Pond, Forest of Light and Snowball Surprise, and have fun in the Treehouse Lights and Dino Disco. Visit the website for operating hours and ticket prices. greensboroscience.org/ winterwonderlights TANGLEWOOD PARK FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS November 11–January 1, 6–11 p.m. 4061 Clemmons Road, Clemmons See dazzling holiday light displays from your car. Tickets are $20 cash or $23 credit per vehicle. forsyth.cc FESTIVAL OF TREES November 16–20 at select times The Carolina Hotel 80 Carolina Vista, Pinehurst The annual Festival of Trees at The Carolina Hotel benefits children who have special developmental needs at Sandhills Children’s Center, helping to provide vital therapies to ensure them the very best start in life. Donations are accepted at the door. festivaloftrees.org
TWEETSIE CHRISTMAS November 25–December 30 Open select evenings, 5–9 p.m. 300 Tweetsie Railroad Lane, Blowing Rock Tweetsie Railroad transforms into a winter wonderland featuring a nighttime train ride among thousands of dazzling lights. Enjoy amusement park rides and meet Santa in his house filled with candied furnishings. Tickets are $52 for ages 13 and older, $35 for ages 3–12. Online ticket purchase is recommended. tweetsie.com WINTER LIGHTS AT THE NORTH CAROLINA ARBORETUM November 18–December 31, 5:30–10:30 p.m. 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville Drive through the arboretum’s enchanted forest to view unique exhibits covered in thousands of holiday lights. Prices vary by date and can be purchased online or at the gate. ncarboretum.org NORTH CAROLINA HOLIDAY FLOTILLA November 26, 6 p.m. Wrightsville Beach in Wilmington See boats decorated in their holiday finest sail down Motts and Banks channels, followed by evening fireworks. Admission is free. Don't miss A Day in the Park, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., at the Town Complex featuring food vendors, live music, a car show and kids activities. ncholidayflotilla.org
DECK THE TREES December 1–January 2 308 W. State Street, Black Mountain Discover beautifully decorated Christmas trees at the Monte Vista Hotel, as well as in stores and businesses throughout Black Mountain and the Swannanoa Valley area. Each tree, uniquely decorated around the theme “Let Heaven and Nature Sing” are created by businesses, organizations, or individuals to help raise funds for the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry Fuel Fund. svcmblackmountain.org HOLIDAY LIGHTS IN THE GARDEN December 2–22 Cape Fear Botanical Garden 536 N. Eastern Boulevard, Fayetteville Experience a Winter Wonderland, see Santa, enjoy s’mores and more. Tickets are limited. Check the website for ticket sale dates and prices. capefearbg.org/event/ holiday-lights-in-the-garden-3 CRYSTAL COAST HOLIDAY FLOTILLA December 3, 5:30–8 p.m. 315 Front Street, Beaufort See boats, yachts, oars, kayaks and commercial vessels decorated for the season beginning at 5:30 p.m. on the Morehead City waterfront and at 6:15 p.m. on the Beaufort waterfront. maritimefriends.org/ christmas-flotilla-2022
SANTA ON THE CHIMNEY December 3 and 10, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Chimney Rock State Park 431 Main Street, Chimney Rock For the 25th year, Santa will rappel down Chimney Rock, an iconic natural landmark. Visitors can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy animal education programs by a park naturalist and make holiday crafts. This event is included with park admission: $17 for adults, $8 for ages 5–15, and free for ages 4 and younger. chimneyrockpark.com
CANDLELIGHT NIGHT AT THE PALACE December 10 and 17, 4:30–9:30 p.m. 529 S. Front Street, New Bern Explore Tryon Palace and enjoy entertainment in the Performance Tent. Stop by Mistletoe Corner for drinks and delicious snacks in a festive holiday setting. The evening ends with a grand display of black powder fireworks. Online ticket purchase is recommended. tryonpalace.org
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