Weekend best bets: Disney On Ice, Black Nativity, holiday markets

It is going to be a busy month with lots of chances to enjoy some holiday fun. Start planning your entire month with our guide featuring more than 90 events coming up.

Holiday fun this weekend

Performances this weekend

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. 17-21: 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!

Shopping

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. 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., CaryCome to shop with over 20 local vendors in the Park Room and a heated terrace.

Events all month

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.

Dec. 2 - Dec. 31, Holiday Pop Up 2025 at Wolfe and Porter
905 W. Morgan St, Raleigh
This holiday experience is equal parts festive and delightfully rowdy. The upstairs is transformed into a holiday pop-up bar with over-the-top decorations and seasonal cheer. There are a variety of holiday events including Christmas karaoke and a gingerbread house showdown. All events can be found on their website.

Dec. 6 - Dec. 31: Apex Holiday Tour of Lights - Gather in Apex to drive through town admiring homes and businesses decorated for the holidays nightly from 6 to 9 p.m. Follow the tour map to drive along and see all the best holiday lights and decorations.

Nov. 22-Jan. 4: The RINK at Red Hat Amphitheatre
500 S. McDowell St, Raleigh
Reserve a time online with Ticketmaster.

Nov. 7 - Feb. 8: Fenton’s Skate the Square
21 Fenton Gateway, CarySave $3 on skate tickets each Monday. View skate times and buy tickets here.

Nov. 26-Dec. 31: Lake Myra Christmas Lights
10. S. Cypress St, Wendell
This drive-in interactive light display features over 400,000 dancing lights, synced with holiday music. Viewers can drive through or enjoy walking on foot with a walking path. Each Saturday starting Nov. 29 - Dec. 20. Santa will be there from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m..