90+ events to check out in NC this December

From performances to live music, this month is filled with fun.

Events all month

December 1-7

Dec. 1; J.I.D - God Does Like Paradise Tour
The Ritz, 2820 Industrial Dr., Raleigh
JID, the stage name of Destin Choice Route, is an Atlanta born rapper and singer known for his “kaleidoscopic” rap style and emphasis on sharp lyrics.

December 2-7: The Outsiders at DPAC
Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 Vivian Street, Durham
This musical is adapted from S.E. Hinton's novel, The Outsiders.
The Outsiders navigates the complexities of self-discovery as the Greasers dream about who they want to become in a world that may never accept them. This is a story of friendship, family, belonging and the realization that there is still "lots of good in the world."

Dec. 2 and 11: A Night with Santa
Tuesdays 5:30 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.
Greystone Recreation Center, 7713-55 Lead Mine Rd, Raleigh
The Raleigh Police Department and Raleigh Parks come together to invite families to celebrate the magic of the season at A Night with Santa. Families can take photos with Santa, children can tell him their Christmas wish list, with crafts and holiday cheer.

Dec. 3: WRAL Tower Lighting
Watch it on WRAL at 7 p.m.
This year marks the 67th annual tower lighting, a tradition that has grown to include the towers at the American Tobacco Campus in Durham and Rocky Mount Hills.

Dec. 3: Reindeer Rodeo at Abbotts Creek
Abbott's Creek Community Center, 9950 Durant Rd., Raleigh
Bring your little one for a fun-filled morning of crafts, games, and treats. Participants are free to drop in at any time during the event. Please allow 30-45 minutes to rotate through different craft stations.

Dec. 4: Candlelight Concert: Fleetwood Mac
The Rialto Theatre, 1620 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Raleigh.

Dec. 4-6: Rickey Smiley at Raleigh Improv
1224 Parkside Main St., Cary
With a career spanning over 30 years, Rickey Smiley is a comedy icon, award-winning radio host, TV personality, and bestselling author. Known for his hit radio show The Rickey Smiley Morning Show, which reaches over 7 million listeners weekly, Rickey continues to bring laughter to fans across the country.

Dec. 4-6: Zarna Garg at Goodnights
401 Woodburn Rd., Raleigh
Zarna Garg is a trailblazing Indian-American comedian and storyteller from New York City. She brings sharp humor, wit, and fearless social commentary to her Amazon Prime special One in a Billion and her podcast The Zarna Garg Family Show, exploring modern family dynamics.

Dec. 4: Clayton Christmas Village and Tree Lighting
5 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Horne Square to Town Square, Clayton, 348 E. Main St.
Main Street transforms into a winter wonderland. Families can enjoy a holiday train, take photos inside the giant inflatable snow globe, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. Watch live performances and visit craft stations and holiday treats.

Dec. 4: Apex Tree Lighting Ceremony
4:30 p.m.- 7 p.m., Town Hall Campus, 73 Hunter St, Apex
Join community members and the Apex Town Council as the tree is lit in the center of Town Hall Campus.

Dec. 4: Fuquay-Varina Town Tree Lighting
134 N Main St., Fuquay-Varina
Celebrate the joy of the holiday season at the annual Town Tree Lighting. The tree and a menorah will be lit at 6 p.m.

Dec. 5: Knightdale Tree Lighting
6-8 p.m., Knightdale Station Park, 810 N. First Ave., Knightdale
Write letters to Santa, watch local entertainment, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, and then help countdown the lighting of the Christmas Tree.

Dec. 5: First Friday in downtown Raleigh - First Friday is celebrated on the first Friday of each month throughout Downtown Raleigh to showcase the best of the city's creative community.

Dec. 5: Marbles Evening with Elves
Marbles Kids Museum, 201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh
Jingle, twirl, twinkle, PLAY! The Marbles elves are on their way! Dress in your festive best and step into a cozy night of winter wonder and joyful cheer.

Dec. 5: Brier Creek Commons Holiday Tree Lighting 2025
8181 Brier Creek Pkwy., Raleigh,
The holiday magic begins as Santa stops by to light the tree, alongside some long-awaited holiday fun. DJ Mark McNally will be playing your favorite holiday tunes, there will be face painting, train rides, and holiday giveaways while supplies last and more.

Dec. 5: Gary Gulman: Grandiloquent
The Rialto, 1620 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh
Grandiloquent is Gary Gulman’s hilarious new show about insecurity, empathy, self-acceptance and how a thoughtful boy learned to use humor, reading and writing to cope with the consequences of his parents’ blunders.

Dec. 5-14: Irving Berlin's White Christmas
Stars Auditorium at IMAGINX, 3000 Wakefield Crossing Dr., Raleigh
Based on the beloved, timeless film, this heartwarming musical adaptation features 17 Irving Berlin songs and a book by David Ives and Paul Blake.

Dec. 5-6: N.C. Symphony presents Handel's Messiah
Meymandi Concert Hall, 2 E. South St., Raleigh,
Handel's stunning masterpiece! Performed live with your North Carolina Symphony, North Carolina Master Chorale, and soloists to celebrate the season with passion and beauty, including the Hallelujah chorus.

Dec. 5-7: Theatre in the Park's A Christmas Carol
Memorial Auditorium, 2 E. South St., Raleigh
Theatre In The Park presents A Christmas Carol. This musical comedy version of the Dickens classic has been performed annually since 1974! Join us this holiday season. Believe again in the magic of Christmas.

Dec. 5: Wendell Wonderland
5-9 p.m., 99 W. Third St., Wendell
Held on the first Friday of December annually, this free community event takes place in the evening and centers around both the lighting of the town Christmas tree and the arrival of Santa Claus not long after, courtesy of a free ride from the Wendell Fire Department.

Dec. 6: The Apex Rotary Club Christmas Parade
5 p.m., Salem Street, Downtown Apex
Join Apex for the only nighttime Christmas parade in Wake County. The parade begins at Apex Peakway and Ambergate station, turns down Salem Street and ends at Moore Street. Make sure to bring your sweater, chairs, and maybe a headlamp. Two sections of bleachers will be placed in front of Apex Fire Station 1. This is first come first serve. WRAL will broadcast LIVE and stream online.

Dec. 6: Downtown Cary Park Tree Lightning Celebration,
2-6 p.m., Downtown Cary Park, 327 S. Academy St.
Join the Town of Cary in welcoming the holiday season. Enjoy festive activities, live performances and special programs throughout the day. Children can take photos with Santa, make arts and crafts and enjoy holiday treats. The tree lighting will take place at 6 p.m..

Dec. 6: Garner Holiday Block Party, Christmas Parade and Tree Lightning
2-6:30 p.m., Garner Recreation Center, 215 W. Main St.
The Block Party will begin at 2 p.m., it will feature holiday kid’s crafts, food trucks, games, music and more holiday activities. The Garner Express Holiday train will take you around the walking train and visit with Santa. The Garner Christmas Parade begins at 4:30 p.m., on Main Street in Downtown Garner. The tree lighting is scheduled to begin around 6 p.m.

Dec. 6: Gingerbread and a Jolly Trolley Ride
11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Fred Fletcher Park, 820 Clay St., Raleigh
This family-friendly program will take you to two historic locations in Raleigh. Meet at Fred Fletcher Park and take a trolley ride to Latta University Historic Park to explore its history. Then, ride the trolley back to Borden Building at Fletcher Park to build your own gingerbread house inspired by the Latta house.

Dec. 6: Holiday Artisans Market 2025
10 a.m.- 4 p.m., Wake Forest Renaissance Centre for the Arts, 301 S Brooks St., Wake Forest
The Market will feature a variety of original items priced to fit a wide range of budgets. As a juried market, it is exclusively for artists and skilled artisans, and all items for sale will be original creations made by the artist or artisan. This event will take place rain or shine and is held in conjunction with the Town of Wake Forest’s annual Downtown Holiday Open House.

Dec. 6: Jolly Raleigh Holiday Market
Raleigh Iron Works, 1101 E Whitaker Mill Rd, Raleigh
You can expect handcrafted treasures, artisanal treats, kids activities, and unique gifts, all while sipping on your favorite festive beverages.

Dec. 6: Light the Springs 2025
Holly Springs Cultural Center, 300 W. Ballentine St., Holly Springs
Families and children of all ages can celebrate the season with games, live music, festive food and beverages options, and free holiday crafts.

Dec. 6: MAKRS Holiday Fest 2025
City Plaza, 443 Fayetteville St, Raleigh
There will be 200 local vendors, a food truck rodeo, live music, Santa, holiday wrestling, a kids zone, two holiday-decorated lounges with couches and seating and more.

Dec. 6: Morrisville Tree Lighting Ceremony 2025
101 Town Hall Dr., Morrisville
Enjoy an evening of holiday fun with music, performances, hot chocolate, ornament making, letters to Santa, and photos with Santa and the Grinch! Don’t forget to stop by the Town table to pick up a Town of Morrisville holiday ornament while supplies last.

Dec. 6: OK Go
The Ritz, 2820 Industrial Dr., Raleigh
OK Go is an American rock band originally from Chicago, Illinois, now based in Los Angeles, California. The band is known for its quirky music videos which are often elaborately choreographed to be filmed in a single long take and make extensive use of practical effects and optical illusions.

Dec. 6: Retro Raleigh Gamers Triangle Town Holiday Market
Triangle Town Center, 5959 Triangle Town Blvd., Raleigh
Shop from a variety of vendors during this event.

Dec. 6: Santa Paws Charity Event
Boxcar Bar + Arcade, 330 W. Davie St., Raleigh, Raleigh
Bring your dog to enjoy treats, pup cups, and a photo with Santa against a festive backdrop.

Dec. 6: Scandinavian Christmas Fair 2025
Kerr Scott Building, 4285 Trinity Rd., Raleigh
An annual celebration of the rich traditions of the Nordic countries -- Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland.

Dec. 6: Cary Ballet Company's The Nutcracker
Fletcher Opera Theatre, 2 E. South St., Raleigh
Begin your holiday season with this classical performance, featuring over 130 dancers in glittering costumes, and breath-taking scenes complete with enchanted dolls, the magical “Cary Land of Sweets,” heroic princes, the evil Mouse Queen and a few surprises, too.

Dec. 6: Arthritis Foundation: Jingle Bell Run 5K
850 Lower Garden Ln., Fenton, Cary
The Arthritis Foundation’s original Jingle Bell Run is a fun way to get decked out and be festive, while racing to raise funds and awareness to cure America’s #1 cause of disability. Join us for the JA Mingle at The Agency inside Paragon Theaters after the Jingle Bell Run! Families and care providers can relax, connect, and celebrate together while the kids enjoy a special screening of Zootopia 2.

Dec. 6: GRL: Merry Market & Story Time with Santa
Boxyard RTP, 900 Park Offices Dr., Durham
Kick off your holiday shopping while supporting women-owned makers at the GRL Merry Market. Afterwards, join Santa Gary for photos and heartwarming holiday stories.

Dec. 7: 33rd Annual Boylan Heights Artwalk
Historic Boylan Heights, Downtown Raleigh, Raleigh
Kick off the holiday season at the 33rd Annual Boylan Heights ArtWalk. This beloved event features more than 150 talented artists and craftspeople showcasing an incredible variety of work, including glass, jewelry, metal, wood, fiber, clay and ceramics, photography, prints, multimedia, and painting. Explore unique creations displayed on the neighborhood’s porches, yards, and sidewalks, and immerse yourself in the local art scene.

Dec. 7: Cary Underground Market
Bond Brothers Beer Company, 202 E Cedar St, Cary
This monthly series features new bands every month from Oak City Music Collective, more than 40 local vendors, food trucks, beer and drinks from Bond Brothers and more.

Dec. 7: Fuquay-Varina Christmas Parade
134 N Main St., Fuquay-Varina
The Fuquay-Varina Chamber of Commerce will host the annual Christmas Parade in Downtown Fuquay.

Dec. 7: Holiday Artist Market 2025
Theatre Raleigh, 6638 Old Wake Forest Rd., Raleigh
Get your holiday shopping done at this annual holiday market that highlights artists from across the Triangle.

Dec. 7: It’s a Wonderful Life at Cary Theater
122 E. Chatham St., Cary
See a screening of this holiday classic.

Dec. 7: Rolesville Christmas Parade
1201 Granite Falls Blvd, Rolesville
Enjoy this parade from 2 to 3 p.m.

Dec. 8-14

Dec. 8: Rolesville Tree Lighting
Redford Place Park, 121 Redford Place Dr., Rolesville
This year's tree is 14-feet tall.

Dec. 10-14: A Christmas Carol at DPAC
Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 Vivian Street, Durham
This musical comedy adaptation returns to DPAC. This holiday classic is brought to life with great songs and heart. Celebrating over 50 years, this production turns the tale of Scrooge into a joyous musical comedy. Two shows are included on Saturdays, as well as nightly shows all week. Visit Ticketmaster to get your tickets now.

Dec. 11: Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Lenovo Center, 1400 Edwards Mill Rd, Raleigh
The Ghosts of Christmas Eve, on sale with Ticketmaster.

Dec. 12: GingerBuild Houses & Hops
Marbles Kids Museum, 201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh
Holiday cheer is on tap at GingerBuild Houses & Hops. We've put a playful spin on this tradition — building and decorating gingerbread houses using candy, icing, hot glue, art supplies, and whimsical trinkets! Grab a drink, unleash your creativity, and possibly win a wacky award at this 21+ event.

Dec. 12-13: N.C. Symphony presents Holiday Pops
Meymandi Concert Hall, 2 E. South St., Raleigh
Be part of Raleigh’s most beloved holiday tradition as we bring cherished seasonal classics to life, featuring everything from timeless carols to lively performances of festive favorites.

Dec. 12-13: Preacher Lawson
Raleigh Improv, 1224 Parkside Main St., Cary
Preacher Lawson, breakout star of America’s Got Talent Season 12 and AGT: The Champions, is bringing his high-energy, crowd-pleasing comedy to the stage!

Dec. 13: Photos with the Grinch & Holiday Workshops + Live Music
Boxyard RTP, 900 Park Offices Dr., Durham
Pups are invited to dress up and pose as the Grinch’s sidekick, Max, for holiday photos before creating their own print-your-paw ornament with the Triangle Canine Club. Families can also enjoy The Makery’s holiday gift-making workshop before rounding out the day with singalongs and seasonal tunes from Yardarm and The Pinkerton Raid.

Dec. 13-14: 54th Annual Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour
Historic Oakwood Neighborhood
Get ready to take a walk through history this holiday season, as ten properties in the Historic Oakwood neighborhood open their doors to visitors during the Annual Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour

Dec. 13: The Durham Holiday Parade
10 a.m., Main Street, Downtown Durham
Cheer on local bands and drill teams as they make their way down Main Street. Be sure to keep an eye out for Santa at the end of the parade! Bring your chairs and blankets and enjoy this festive procession.

Dec. 13: The Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade
2 p.m., E. Chatham St at Ward St.
The parade begins on E. Chatham St. at Ward St., proceeds down E. Chatham to S. Academy St., turns left onto S. Academy St, and ends at Dry Ave in front of the Cary Arts Center. See the full parade route here.

Dec. 13: Happy Holly Days Parade 2025
128 S Main St., Holly Springs
The Happy Holly Days Parade is held the second Saturday of December. Floats, bands, dancers, decorated vehicles, marching groups and all sorts of entertaining entries travel Main Street through downtown.

Dec. 13: Clayton Christmas Parade
3 p.m., Main Street, near Smith St. to Robertson St.
This event, sponsored by Clayton Rotary, features more than 100 colorful floats, See local high school’s marching bands and of course, Santa Claus.

Dec. 13: Jingle Bell Leap
9 a.m., Durham, NC
The Jingle Bell LEAP is an out-and-back 5K Run/Walk beginning at Mile 0 of the American Tobacco Trail - Miracle League Field473 Morehead Ave. in Durham. This year's event supports the Latino Educational Achievement Partnership which provides quality bilingual pre-K education and tutoring to elementary and middle school students. WRAL is a sponsor of this event.

Dec. 13: Reindeer Run 5K
8 a.m., Central Carolina Community College, 764 West St, Pittsboro
Join Chatham County Partnership for Children for the 20th annual Reindeer Run. This 5K will begin at Central Carolina Community College, race through the campus and into historic downtown Pittsboro, and end back at the college. Runners of all ages and athletic abilities are encouraged to join. Runners and walkers are encouraged to dress up in their best holiday costumes. For younger participants, Rudolph's Fun Run is available.

Dec. 13: Knightdale Christmas Parade
Knightdale Station Park, 810 N. First Ave., Knightdale
The parade begins on First Avenue near Knightdale Station Run.

Dec. 13: The Frosty Run 2025
East Owens Ave, Next to the Fidelity Bank Wake Forest , Wake Forest
Join in the Best Costume Giveaway to show off your holiday spirit. It's more then just a run, it's a family friendly party with a purpose! A percentage of each registration goes to support Tri-Area Food Pantry. "Together, we strive to Stop Hunger and Feed Hope."

Dec. 13: Ugly Sweater Holiday Pops
Meymandi Concert Hall, 2 E. South St., Raleigh
It’s time to dust off your most delightfully tacky ugly Christmas sweater! Join us for a jolly afternoon of family, friends, and holiday songs you know and love with Broadway star Mamie Parris. Strut your stuff in our Ugly Sweater Contest—you might just win! Swing by early for a visit with Santa in the lobby.

Dec. 13: Grinch Candy Cane Hunt 2025
Fred G. Bond Metro Park, 801 High House Rd., Cary
The Grinch discovered Santa's elves have hidden red and white candy canes inside Bond Park. The Grinch is planning to find all of Santa's candy canes and turn them green. Start the adventure off creating a small keepsake craft and conclude with a cup of hot chocolate and a surprise visitor. Prizes will be awarded to those who find the specialty candy canes. Pre-registration required.

Dec. 14: Hanukkah Festival
2-5 p.m., Jewish for Good, 1937 W. Cornwallis Rd, Durham
Celebrate Hanukkah at Jewish for Good's annual festival. This family friendly event features menorah lighting, crafts and cookie decorating, photo booths, a bounce house and more. Shop with Jewish artisan sellers and enjoy Latkes at the J Cafe.

Dec. 14: Dolly Parton Hard Candy Christmas Drag Brunch
Raleigh Improv, 1224 Parkside Main St., Cary
Don't miss a fun fully immersive show with Flip Phone Events. Each show is totally different and unique with a captivating theme.

Dec. 14: Lady Bunny at Goodnights
401 Woodburn Rd., Raleigh
Lady Bunny, New York’s legendary drag icon, returns with Bunny Butchers Broadway, an all-new show blending musical theatre, pop parody, and outrageous comedy.

Dec. 14-15: The Raleigh Ringers: Holiday Concerts
Meymandi Concert Hall, 2 E. South St., Raleigh
This Raleigh holiday tradition will feature the group’s unique interpretations of sacred, secular and popular music, including rock ‘n’ roll.

Dec. 14: Zebulon Christmas Parade
109 S Arendell Ave, Raleigh, Zebulon
The parade will kick off the holiday festivities at 3 p.m.

December 15-21

Dec. 16: Downtown Cary Park Hanukkah Menorah Lighting
Downtown Cary Park, 327 S. Academy St., Cary
Enjoy an activity for kids, holiday music, a sweet treat and the lighting of the menorah. Throughout the eight days of Hanukkah (December 14-22), the menorah at Cary Arts Center will be lit each evening.

Dec. 16: Downtown Raleigh Menorah Lighting
5:30 p.m., Moore Square, 201 S. Blount St.
Mayor Janet Cowell will be there to help light up the night. The event features a hot chocolate bar, fresh latkes and donuts, as well as a creative art experience hosted by Artspace.'

Dec. 16-21: Water for Elephants, Broadway at DPAC
Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 Vivian Street, Durham
The bestselling novel comes to life in this new musical. After losing what matters most, a young man jumps a moving train unsure of where the road will take him and finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life, and love, beyond his wildest dreams. Tickets are available here.

Dec. 17: Fenton Menorah Lighting
855 Cary Towne Blvd., Cary
Join the Chabad of Cary for their annual Menorah lighting event at Fenton. The event will feature the lighting of the menorah, ice skating, and special treats for attendees.

Dec. 17-21: Disney On Ice presents Jump In!
Lenovo Center, 1400 Edwards Mill Rd, Raleigh
Sing, dance and enjoy the magic on ice with your favorite Disney characters. Guests ages 2 and older are required to have a ticket. Purchase tickets online with Ticketmaster.

Dec. 18: Pop Up Chorus: CaryVan Family Field Trip to The Cary Theatre
The Cary Theater/Herbert Young Community Center, 101 Wilkinson Ave., Cary
Pop Up Chorus welcomes everyone who wants to sing. No special talent required!

Dec. 19: Cary Night Market
Downtown Cary Park, 327 S. Academy St., Cary
Discover a vibrant showcase of locally-crafted treasures while immersing yourself in an evening of music and entertainment at the Cary Night Market, organized by The Night Market Co. Join Triangle area artisans for a monthly gathering where an eclectic array of goods meets delectable food and drinks.

Dec. 19-23: Black Nativity
Durham Hillside High School, 3727 Fayetteville St, Durham.
Join Triangle Performance Ensemble in presenting the 2025 production of Black Nativity Durham. Enjoy over 100 singers, dancers and musicians in this rendition featuring original music and contemporary gospel favorites. Get your tickets before the show.

Dec. 19-23: A Candlelight Christmas with the N.C. Symphony Holiday
Meymandi Concert Hall, 2. E. South St, Raleigh
Experience the North Carolina Symphony’s Christmas chorus. Visit Santa and enjoy caroling in the lobby with the Oakwood Waits. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.

Dec. 20: Pop-Up Raleigh at Trophy on Maywood
Trophy Brewing Co. + Taproom, 656 Maywood Ave., Raleigh
Come out to shop art and vintage while enjoying craft beer and tasty food from food trucks.

Dec. 20-21: Handcrafted Holiday Market
NC State Fairgrounds - Exposition Center, 4825 Trinity Road, Raleigh
Shop with more than 200 local makers, enjoy live music, food trucks, and meet Santa.

Dec. 21: Holiday Market at The Mayton
Peck & Plume, 301 S. Academy St., Cary
Come to shop with over 20 local vendors in the Park Room and a heated terrace.

Dec. 21: Menorah Lighting Morrisville 2025
101 Town Hall Dr., Morrisville
Celebrate the final event of the “Light Up Morrisville” series with this meaningful tradition, ceremony and live music.

Dec. 22-28

Dec. 22-23: Clara’s Trip: A Cirque and Dance Nutcracker Story
A.J. Fletcher Opera Theatre, 2 E. South St, Raleigh
Enjoy this contemporary twist on a holiday classic. Clara is now a young adult at Mr. and Mrs. Flowers holiday party. After a clumsy mistake, Clara dreams about an enchanting ensemble of snow and flower scenes with aerial silks and dancing doctors. Tickets are available online.

Dec. 23: Christmas with The Embers feat. Craig Woolard
The Rialto, 1620 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh
One of the hottest tickets in town last December, for the second year in a row, was The Embers’ sold-out Christmas spectacular at The Rialto. The beach music icons and their many special guests (think Rudolph, Frosty, and Santa of course) will be back at The Rialto.

Dec. 28 - Jan. 11: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at DPAC
Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 Vivian Street, Durham
Join the next adventure and experience the wizarding world like never before. When Harry Potter's head-strong Albus befriends the son of his fiercest rival, Draco Malfoy, it sparks an unbelievable new journey for them all, with the power to change the past and future forever. Tickets are available online.

Dec. 29-31

Dec. 29: 2025 Cary Kwanzaa Celebration
Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Ave., Cary
This year’s program, curated by Darrell Stover, will feature the best the Triangle has to offer in traditional Kwanzaa performers and presenters that embrace African culture through dance, drumming, storytelling, and the visual arts. It will highlight how scholarship and performance intertwine cultural traditions.

Dec. 31: WRAL First Night Raleigh
2 p.m. - Midnight, Downtown Raleigh
Experience downtown Raleigh events in 28 venues, across 20 downtown blocks this festival features a variety of performances. Highlights include the Children’s Celebration, the People’s Procession, First Night Ferris Wheel, the giant Acorn Drop, and two countdown events that culminate in a spectacular fireworks display.

Dec. 31: Noon Year’s Eve
Marbles Kids Museum, 201 E. Hargett St.
One of the most family-centric New Years Eve celebrations. This event includes bubble wrap ‘fireworks’ and a small-scale ball drop at Noon.

Dec. 31: Alonzo Bodden - New Year’s Eve Comedy Show 2025
Goodnights, 401 Woodburn Road, Raleigh
Bodden has ventured off the stage to have fun with his many roles on television and in film. He was the security guard, bouncer, crook, and/or a cop in 'Bringin Down the House', 'The Girl Next Door', 'Angel', and 'Grounded For Life', to name a few.