- The NC Chinese Lantern Festival returns to Koka Booth Amphitheatre with all new displays! The festival will include more than 20 larger-than-life lanterns, each with thousands of LED lights. Tuesday-Sunday, Nov. 19-Jan. 9, 2022; 6-10 p.m. $15-$25. 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary. boothamphitheatre.com
2. Alphonse Mucha: Art Nouveau Visionary, at the North Carolina Museum of Art, looks at this influential and celebrated artist. Mucha is best known for his graphic work, such as theater posters for superstar actress Sarah Bernhardt and decorative panels and advertisements. Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; through Jan. 23, 2022. $23.60 and up. 2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh. ncartmuseum.org
3. Experience the excitement at Winter Wonderland at Park West Village. Enjoy colorful holiday lights, train rides, carolers, entertainment from Imagine Circus, Storytime with Santa, and the TROSA tree lot. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 19-20, 5:30-8:30 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 21, 2-5:30 p.m. 3400 Village Market Place, Morrisville. parkwestvillage.com
Wreath Auction and Exhibit in Apex
4. Check out a wonderland of whimsical greenery at the 14th Annual Christmas Tree and Wreath Auction and Exhibit in Apex. Every display will go home to the highest bidder, and proceeds benefit Western Wake Crisis Ministry. Dec. 3-20; 5-8 p.m. Halle Cultural Arts Center, 237 N. Salem St., Apex. thehalle.org
Triangle Pop-Up Markets
5. Looking for unique gifts that support local artists? Triangle Pop-Up holds several Holiday Markets featuring local makers, music, food and more. Phillips Farms of Cary hosts the market 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 11., and Boxyard RTP is the place to be 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 18. trianglepopup.com
6. “The Night Before Christmas Carol,” takes place in 1843 on the night that Charles Dickens dreams up his idea for a ghostly little Christmas book. This humorous play is sure to get you into the holiday spirit. Dec. 10-12, 3 and 7:30 p.m. Halle Cultural Arts Center, 237 N. Salem St., Apex. thehalle.org
7. The Cary Ballet Company presents “The Nutcracker,” a family-friendly performance of the classic holiday ballet. Don’t miss the annual retelling of the story of Clara, her heroic Nutcracker, and the evil Mouse Queen. Dec. 17-19. Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Ave., Cary. caryballetcompany.org
8. Chase out the old year at the Last Mile 5K, hosted by Fit & Able Productions. Proceeds help the nonprofit’s efforts to promote healthy lifestyles and its community partners. Dec. 31, 8-11 a.m. $30 and up. Lake Crabtree County Park, 1400 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville. lastmilerace.com
9. Kick off the holiday season at the Morrisville Tree Lighting. It’s an evening of musical entertainment, seasonal crafts, trackless train rides, a visit from Santa, and hot chocolate and cookies. Dec. 4, 7-9 p.m. townofmorrisville.org, search Special Events
10. Cary ushers in the season with the annual tree-lighting, Santa’s workshop, a gingerbread competition and other family activities during Heart of the Holidays. Dec. 4, various locations. townofcary.org, search Heart of the Holidays.
- Nonprofit Spotlight: Cary Community Choir
- An Expectation of Excellence
- Small Business Spotlight: Cardiacs Sports & Memorabilia
- Holiday Traditions
- Things to Do: November/December 2021
- Heavenly Holiday Delights
- Make Some Merry
- Welcome Back to The Mayton
- Liquid Assets: Chemistree Wee Heavy from The Glass Jug Beer Lab
- Garden Adventurer: The Temptation of Tulips
