1. The NC Chinese Lantern Festival returns to Cary for its eighth year, with more than 40 all-new larger-than-life lanterns on display! In addition to the magic of lights, cultural arts performances will take place every night. Nov. 17 to Jan. 14. Koka Booth Amphitheatre. boothamphitheatre.com
Photographed by Jonathan Fredin
2. It’s not a holiday to-do list without the Raleigh Christmas Parade! An annual tradition for many families in the area, spectators can watch streetside or on ABC11, the the ABC11 streaming app, and the ABC News Hulu channel. Saturday, Nov. 18, 9:30 a.m. Downtown Raleigh. grma.org/christmas-parade/
3. The Rink, presented by UNC Health, is coming back to Red Hat! Enjoy the thrill of ice skating with views of the Raleigh skyline, as well as private igloo lounges (new this year!), fire pits, hot beverages and snacks, cozy outdoor lounge furniture, and a 20-foot tree for the perfect photo op! Nov. 18 to Jan. 15. Red Hat Amphitheater. redhatamphitheater.com/the-rink
4. Calling all night owls! Apex’s Rotary Christmas Parade is the only nighttime holiday parade in Wake County, and it doesn’t disappoint! Proceeds benefit numerous local charities, with the primary benefactor being Western Wake Crisis Ministry. Saturday, Dec. 2, 5 p.m. Downtown Apex.
5. Cary ushers in the season with the Annual Tree Lighting, Santa’s workshop, a gingerbread competition, and other family activities as part of the Heart of the Holidays Celebration. Saturday, Dec. 2. Downtown Cary Park. carync.gov/heartoftheholidays
6. Find the perfect tree and festive holiday decor at Jordan Lake Christmas Tree Farm. Enjoy hayrides, hot mini donuts, hot chocolate, and local apple cider while you’re there. Reservations open the first week of November for select dates. Jordan Lake Christmas Tree Farm, Apex. jordanlakechristmas.com
7. Celebrate rich Nordic traditions at the Scandinavian Christmas Fair, an old-world celebration featuring live Nordic entertainment, craft items and imports for sale, a spectacular Lucia Procession, and more! Saturday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. NC State Fairgrounds. scanfair.org
8. Spend an afternoon in downtown Cary during the 2023 Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade, featuring bands, mascots, community and faith groups, local businesses, and more! Saturday, Dec. 9, 2–4 p.m. Downtown Cary.
9. Join the Jewish Federation of Raleigh-Cary, Beth Shalom, Chabad of Cary, and the Town of Cary as they celebrate the Festival of Lights at this year’s Hanukkah Menorah Lighting! There will be treats, holiday music, and plenty of fun for the kids. Wednesday, Dec. 13, 5:30–6:30 p.m. Old Library Site (310 S. Academy Street). carync.gov/hanukkah
Photographed by Jonathan Fredin
10. Celebrate African American heritage at the 29th Annual Cary Kwanzaa Celebration, produced by the Town of Cary in partnership with the Ujima Group, Inc. Friday, Dec. 29. Cary Arts Center. carync.gov/kwanzaa
- The 2023 Gift Guide
- Garden Adventurer: Hellebores: Winter Wonders
- Liquid Assets: Paddle Daze IPA
- Liquid Assets: Cranberry Cobbler Mocktail
- Small Business Spotlight: Neat & Sweet
- All Wrapped Up
- Sleighing the Christmas Spread: Sassool Style
- Nonprofit Spotlight: Bella Angels, Inc.
- On Trend: Spin Art
- Erica Chats: Holidays in The Triangle
- Deck the Porch
- Ann Bailey: A Legend in the Baking
- Santa’s Workshop
- Things to Do: November / December 2023
