Enjoy this Thanksgiving week with some fun events!
Thanksgiving runs
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Nov. 26: Turkey Leg Day-Feast on Fitness at Downtown Cary Park - Get your legs feast-ready at Turkey Leg Day, a park-wide fitness circuit packed with leg-burning exercises and a few “side dishes” of cardio to keep things spicy!
Nov. 27: 2025 Trophy Trot 5K - Enjoy a morning 5K race through Dorothea Dix Park on Thanksgiving Day followed by an after-party at Trophy Brewing.
Nov. 27: TROSA Turkey Trot 5K - The route will start and end at the TROSA campus. All race participants will receive a long-sleeve race shirt, finishers medal, chip-timed race results, and post-race refreshments.
Nov. 27: Gobbler's Run 5k 2025 - It’s a race for runners and non-runner in Wake Forest. It’s a first 5K for many. It’s a family tradition.
On-going events
Nov. 20-Jan. 3: Durham Bulls FestiBull of Lights - FestiBull of Lights transforms the Durham Bulls Athletic Park into a dazzling winter wonderland.
Nov. 15-Jan. 11 - North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival - Immerse yourself in a world of wonder with thousands of handcrafted, illuminated lanterns showcasing various themes at Booth Amphitheatre in Cary. This walk-through experience also features captivating cultural performances, a variety of concessions, and interactive elements that delight both children and adults.
Tree lightings and parades
Nov. 29: Light Up Main (Main Street Wonderland) in downtown Garner - Come out and celebrate the holiday season with Light Up Main, a festive community event full of cheer, shopping, music, and family fun. Then join Mayor Buddy Gupton and Santa as they light the tree.
Nov. 29: Merry and Bright: An Enchanted Holiday Evening for Grownups at Pullen Park - Enjoy festive activities including a sparkling lake stroll, live music, carousel and train rides, reindeer games, holiday postcard-making and a North Pole visit. Food, beer, and wine will be available from the Pullen Café and local vendors. Proceeds support Play It Forward, helping make recreation accessible to all.
Live Music and Performances
Nov. 26-30: Elf The Musical at DPAC - Inspired by the hit film, this is a heartwarming tale of Buddy, a young orphan child whose life is changed forever when he mistakenly crawls into Santa’s sack of toys one Christmas Eve.
Nov. 26, 28 and 29: Cirque Holiday Pops with the North Carolina Symphony - Kick off the festive season with spellbinding grace and daredevil feats as contortionists and acrobats perform on stage—and 40 feet above it—all while your North Carolina Symphony spreads holiday cheer.
Nov. 26: Mike Mello - Mike Mello is a 18 year vet in comedy. See him on stage at Goodnights.
Nov. 26: The Embers Christmas - Featuring lead singer and frontman Craig Woolard, The Embers are known as the pre-eminent beach music band in the Carolinas. See the band at Fuquay-Varina Arts Center.
Nov. 28: Joe Gatto at Goodnights - Joe Gatto is a comedian and television personality best known for Impractical Jokers and The Misery Index.
Shopping and more fun
Nov. 29: 6th Annual Handcrafted DURM Holiday Market - Celebrate with holiday fun, treats, and a costume contest at Durty Bull Brewing Co.
Nov. 29-30: Repticon - This reptile and exotic animal expo includes vendors, breeders and educators at the NC State Fairgrounds.
Nov. 29: Jingle Jammies PJ Party at Boxcar - Get your jingle jammies on for an all-day pajama party at Boxcar in downtown Raleigh. There will be a special breakfast cereal themed cocktail menu and cartoons and Christmas movies streaming.
Nov. 29: Durham Craft Shop Small Market - This market at Durham Central Park will have more than 50 Durham Craft Market members and guest artists, all local artist-run small businesses. Shop unique, handmade, and local this season.