The holidays in the Triangle come alive through two of the season’s most cherished traditions: tree lightings and Christmas parades. From Raleigh to Cary to Apex, communities across the region gather to celebrate with music, Santa sightings, glowing trees, and festive processions that bring neighbors together.

Whether you love an evening tree lighting filled with twinkling lights or a lively parade that marches through a bustling downtown, this year’s lineup offers something for everyone.

Below is your complete guide to the Triangle’s top holiday events, including times, routes, viewing tips, and what to expect. With so many celebrations happening between late November and mid December, you can explore multiple towns and experience the spirit of the season all month long.

2025 Christmas Tree Lightings Across the Triangle

Raleigh Tree Lighting at Moore Square

• November 21, 5:30 to 8 p.m.
• 200 S Blount Street, Raleigh

Celebrate in the heart of downtown with the official lighting of Raleigh’s Christmas tree. Guests can enjoy free Santa photos, a festive vendor market, and live performances. Arrive around 6:15 p.m. to catch the lighting moment and plan for heavier evening traffic.

 

North Hills Tree Lighting

• November 22, 4 to 7 p.m.
• 4321 Lassiter at North Hills Ave

A 41 foot tree anchors an afternoon filled with family activities, live entertainment, food trucks, and a vendor village. With its early start, it is perfect for younger families.

 

Fenton Tree Lighting in Cary

• November 22, 3 to 7 p.m.
• 855 Cary Towne Blvd

Fenton becomes a holiday village with a local market, kids activities, ice skating, and photo ops. The live show begins at 6 p.m., leading into Santa’s arrival and the official tree lighting. Plan to arrive before 6 p.m. to catch the full experience.

 

Waverly Place Tree Lighting in Cary

• November 21, 5 to 8 p.m.
• 317 Colonades Way, Cary

One of the earliest celebrations of the season, this event features children’s activities, live music, and visits from Santa and Mrs Claus. Parking can be busy, so arriving early is recommended.

 

Apex Tree Lighting at Town Hall Campus

• December 5, 4:30 to 7 p.m.
• 73 Hunter Street, Apex

This event debuts at a new location with craft stations, food trucks, photo ops, and a festive vendor area. Come early to explore before the tree is lit.

 

Wake Forest Tree Lighting at Centennial Plaza

• December 5, 5 to 8 p.m.
• 301 S Brooks Street, Wake Forest

Wake Forest offers a charming community celebration with performances and Santa’s arrival. To catch the lighting, arrive before about 6:20 p.m.

 

Morrisville Tree Lighting at Indian Creek Trailhead

• December 6, 3 to 6 p.m.
• 101 Town Hall Drive, Morrisville

Families can enjoy music, hot chocolate, ornament making, and Santa photos. The tree lights at 5:45 p.m. Parking may fill, so plan to arrive early.

 

North Carolina State Capitol Tree Lighting

• December 11 at 5:30 p.m.
• 1 E Edenton Street, Raleigh

The official State tree lighting features luminaries, holiday music from the Raleigh Concert Band, and a visit from Santa. Stay afterward to explore downtown decorations.

 

2025 Christmas Parades in the Triangle

81st Annual ABC11 Raleigh Christmas Parade

• Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 9:30 a.m.
• Downtown Raleigh

The largest Christmas parade between Washington, D C and Atlanta returns to downtown Raleigh with marching bands, floats, dancers, helium balloons, and Santa’s grand arrival. The route begins at Hillsborough Street and St Mary’s Street, continues along Hillsborough, turns onto Salisbury, then Morgan, then Fayetteville Street, and ends at Lenoir Street.

Tips:
Arrive between 7:00 and 8:00 a.m. for the best viewing spots. Road closures begin around 6:00 a.m. Bring chairs or blankets, dress in layers, and consider parking in a downtown deck or nearby side street.

 

Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade

• Saturday, December 13, 2025 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
• Downtown Cary

This daytime parade includes marching bands, mascots, community groups, local businesses, and Santa. The route starts on E Chatham Street at Ward Street, travels toward S Academy Street, then turns and ends at Dry Avenue near the Cary Arts Center.

Tips:
Roads close early, so stake out a spot along E Chatham or S Academy. Use public parking lots because there is no designated spectator parking.

 

Apex Rotary Christmas Parade

• Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.
• Downtown Apex

Famous as the only nighttime holiday parade in Wake County, this illuminated procession features floats, classic vehicles, music, and community groups. The route travels from the Apex Peakway and Ambergate Station, down Salem Street, and ends at Moore Street.

Tips:
Chairs placed before 10 p.m. the night before may be relocated. Bleacher seating and ADA viewing zones are available. Dress warmly and arrive early because downtown parking fills quickly.

 

Happy Holly Days Parade in Holly Springs

• Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
• Downtown Holly Springs

A cheerful morning parade featuring floats, decorated vehicles, dancers, and bands. The route begins near Main Street and Oakhall Drive, continues through downtown, and ends beyond Oak Avenue near The Block on Main.

Tips:
Great for families with young kids. Viewing areas fill quickly, so plan ahead. After the parade, explore local shops and restaurants nearby.

Celebrate the Season Across the Triangle

Tree lightings bring warmth to our evenings, while Christmas parades fill our mornings and afternoons with lively energy. When you combine both, you get a full month of holiday magic that highlights the best of what Triangle communities have to offer. Hopeful anticipation, small town charm, local traditions, and togetherness all shine during this festive stretch of the year.

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