Christmas stories

DRAUGHON DRAWS: The DOJ releases the Naughty List

Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025-- Capitol Broadcasting Company's editorial cartoonist

Reducing stress during the holiday season

How to stay present and take care of yourself throughout the holiday season

Christmas Tree Sustainability: Deciding between real or artificial trees

When it comes to sustainability -- experts say there's pros and cons for both options.

Sky 5 flies over the 2025 Raleigh Christmas Parade

The 2025 Raleigh Christmas Parade started shortly after 9:30 a.m. The parade goes east on Hillsborough Street, turns south for one block on Salisbury Street, goes west for one block on Morgan Street and goes south on Fayetteville Street. The parade finishes as participants turn west on Lenoir Street. The Sky 5 video does not have sound.

Enloe High School's a cappella group sings 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas'

Enloe High School's a cappella group sang "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" during Saturday's Raleigh Christmas Parade.

Watch the 2025 Raleigh Christmas Parade in its entirety

Billed as a celebration and introduction of the holiday season, the parade features Triangle-area schools, bands, entertainers and of course, Santa Claus!

Biltmore Estate's 130th Christmas Tree raising celebrates resilience after Hurricane Helene

The event pays homage to George Vanderbilt's first Christmas in 1895, with unique decorations and a majestic 35-foot tree, inviting guests to relive a historic festive experience.

Don't Waste Your Money: Expensive Christmas Displays

Trendy holiday decorations could cost hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. Why some shoppers will forgo the animated decorations and opt for more traditional holiday displays.

Don't Waste Your Money: Expensive Christmas displays

Trendy holiday decorations could cost hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. Why some shoppers will forgo the animated decorations and opt for more traditional holiday displays.

Good news for 2025: These big holidays all fall on Friday

The first weeks of 2025 have seen a whirlwind of ups and downs. The holidays are looking pretty sweet, though.

Christmas Day becomes ideal travel day for some at RDU

Many travelers spend Christmas Day touching down and taking off from Raleigh-Durham International Airport. While the holiday season is one of the busiest times at the airport, many said they didn't struggle to make their flights.

Western NC keeps Christmas cheer alive amid hurricane recovery

This Christmas is a challenging one for mountain communities still recovering from Hurricane Helene, including Madison County. WRAL's Heidi Kirk shows us what Christmas week looks like for those stepping up to keep the spirit alive.

Helping Hand Mission feeds people in need for Christmas

For more than 50 years, the Helping Hand Misison has fed those experiencing homelessness and others in need throughout the holidays. WRAL's Brett Knese shows us how the organization made sure this Christmas was no different.

Consumer Reports reveals the best and worst retailers for holiday returns

Consumer Reports breaks down which retailers make holiday returns hassle-free and which ones might leave you frustrated with fees and restrictions.

Celebrating Christmas and Hanukkah in the Triangle

For the first time in nearly two decades, Christmas and the first night of Hanukkah align in a rare overlap some are calling "Chrismukkah." WRAL's Liz McLaughlin shows how these traditions share common values.

Helping Hand Mission feeds Christmas meal to those in need

You may drive past the Helping Hand Mission House on New Bern Avenue all the time and not give it a second thought; but, inside the organization makes sure no one who shows up on their doorstep goes hungry during the holidays.

Oak Island Christmas tree on the beach becomes community tradition

Waves crashing on the beach in Oak Island has become home for Michelle and Craig Ryan after moving here from Chicago almost four years ago. During the holiday season though, they bring something to the beach that's always been home.

Jacee Caldwell, WECT reporter

Love, peace, light: Christmas and Hanukkah share values and, in 2024, a date

For the first time in nearly 20 years, Christmas and the first night of Hanukkah coincide on December 25, 2024. This unique overlap, known as Chrismukkah, celebrates shared values of light, love and unity as Raleigh's Jewish and Christian communities embrace interfaith traditions.

Restaurants open on Christmas: Where to eat out on Dec. 25

Multiple Triangle area restaurants are open on Christmas Day including dine-in and take-out options. Read on for the list.

CBP scanning imported goods for counterfeit goods during holiday season

Can you trust what's under your tree? Federal agents are seizing counterfeit lip filler, jewelry, clothing and more this holiday season. 5 On your Side flew to Hartsfield-Jackson airport in Atlanta -- where thousands of imports are inspected every day.

Tar Heel Traveler: Mice collectors

A husband and wife from Wake County have been collecting little toy mice for years, and during the holidays their house is covered with the decorative little critters.

Can you trust what's under your tree? Customs officers check packages for fakes

This holiday season, as gift-givers search for the best deals, federal agents are on high alert for counterfeit goods making their way under Christmas trees.

Tar Heel Traveler: The Christmas tradition of Granny Ellis

Each year just before Christmas, "Granny Ellis" and her family make dozens of upside down pineapple cakes to give to firefighters and law enforcement officers in their hometown of Henderson. Years ago, first responders rescued Granny when her house caught fire.

Chrismukkah: Rare holiday overlap brings traditions together

Christmas, Hanukkah share a date in 2024, offering plenty of social media and pop culture opportunities.

What's open and closed on Christmas? Grocery and retail hours for 2024

Looking for stores open on Christmas Day? Here's a guide to grocery stores, convenience stores and restaurants that are open on Dec. 25 this year.