1. The annual Veterans Day Ceremony returns to honor those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Members of Apex public safety, Town Council, and the greater community will meet at the corner of Saunders and N. Salem streets to share words and hold space for moments of gratitude and reflection. The event also includes a parade and display of military vehicles. Monday, November 11, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Apex Service Memorial.
2. Get ahead of the holiday excess with the Turkey Trot 5k Run at Apex Community Park. The course for the 26th annual event will take participants — in a new recreational or multiple competitive categories — through the park and around the scenic lake. Registration is limited to the first 600 participants, so sign up to chase that turkey! Saturday, November 23, 10 a.m. $12 and up.
Contributed by Gaurav Ghosh
3. If it’s time for the Tree Lighting Ceremony, it means the holidays are here! This free annual event will get you in the spirit with arts and crafts activities, photos with Santa, treats, and plenty of festive fun. Come out to help light up this most wonderful time of the year. Saturday, December 7, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Downtown Cary Park.
Photo by Jonathan Fredin
4. Take a stroll among the gingerbread when the annual Gingerbread House Competition returns to downtown Cary this holiday season. Local amateurs design, create, and showcase — thanks to hosting businesses — houses good enough to eat as they compete in different categories. December 7–15.
5. On this special night, the Town of Cary will partner with Beth Shalom congregation, Jewish Federation of Greater Raleigh, and Chabad of Cary for the Hanukkah Menorah Lighting. With treats, fun for the kids, and holiday music, this annual event is a cause for celebration. Monday, December 30, 5:30–6:15 p.m. Downtown Cary Park.
Photo by Jonathan Fredin
6. Cary Kwanzaa — the community cultural celebration that honors African American people and their heritage — is back again this year. Festivities at the free event will feature traditional Kwanzaa performers and presenters that embrace African culture through dance, drumming, storytelling, and the visual arts. Sunday, December 29, 1–7 p.m. Cary Arts Center.
7. Come out to Downtown Cary Park for a good cause! Local families, schools, and organizations decorate Christmas trees, which are then displayed and voted on, with the winner receiving a donation made to the nonprofit of their choice. Voting for the 13th annual Gifting Tree Project runs December 7–22, with other important related dates listed on the website.
8. Get rolling — it’s time for Apex’s annual Holiday Tour of Lights. Volunteer homes and businesses are once again lighting up for the holiday season with displays worth seeing. Grab the Tour of Lights map and the people you love and hop in for an unforgettable ride around the twinkling town. December 7–26, 6–9 p.m. nightly.
Photo by Jonathan Fredin
9. WRAL will once again live stream the Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade, but why not see it for yourself? Whether you’re just watching or participating in the parade, the 43rd annual event promises plenty of holiday cheer and merriment. The parade starts on E. Chatham Street at Ward Street and ends in front of the Cary Arts Center on Dry Avenue. Saturday, December 14, 2–4 p.m.
10. Continue the festivities in Downtown Cary Park after the Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade ends. The Parade to Park Festivities promise to keep the fun unfolding after the sun sets, so gather with the community for this free evening of fun. Saturday, December 14, 3–9 p.m.
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