Celebrating the Holidays in Downtown Raleigh
Downtown Raleigh is home to a season's worth of special holiday experiences for you and your family to enjoy. Check out this list of highlights, or visit our event calendar for an up-to-date collection of fun things to do Downtown this December and New Years.
New Year's Celebrations (Dec. 31 – Jan. 1)
If you have something to add, email communications@downtownraleigh.org
THE RINK | Red Hat Amphitheater
Saturday, November 22nd – January 4th, 2026
Come enjoy the thrill of ice skating in a winter wonderland created in the heart of Downtown Raleigh! THE RINK inside Red Hat Amphitheater features a natural ice skating rink with stunning views of the Raleigh skyline. Activities and amenities include: fire pits, igloo lounges, a 20ft decorated Christmas Tree, snack bar with refreshments, games, and more. Tickets required.
Raleigh Christmas Parade | Hillsborough & Fayetteville Streets
Saturday, November 22nd
You won’t want to miss the pageantry and excitement of the 2025 ABC11 Raleigh Christmas Parade on November 22nd, 2025 in Downtown Raleigh! The parade will kick off the holiday festivities at 9:30am.
Wrap It Up – Pop-Up Gift Wrapping | City of Raleigh Museum, Platform, and Person Street Bar
Select days Saturday, November 29th – Saturday, December 20th
Make your gifts extra special this holiday season with Wrap It Up, bringing custom gift wrapping to Downtown Raleigh! One gift per person can be wrapped for free with a valid downtown receipt courtesy of DRA (first come, first served), and additional gifts are $5–$15 depending on size.
Small Business Saturday Market + Tree Sale | Hartwell
Saturday, November 29th
Hartwell's 4th annual Small Business Saturday market brings together 40 local makers along with fresh holiday greenery, food trucks, live music, custom ornaments, and a visit from Santa.
Illuminate Art Walk | Fayetteville Street
Friday, December 5th (December First Friday) – Tuesday, January 6th
Downtown Raleigh comes to light every holiday season with Illuminate Art Walk presented by Cooperating Raleigh Colleges! Since December 2020, Illuminate Art Walk has transformed downtown into a wonderland of art and light—fun for people of all ages.
Make & Take a Raleigh Acorn Bell | Designed for Joy
Friday, December 5th
Drop-in at the Designed For Joy studio to create your very own Raleigh Acorn Bell—a festive keepsake (or gift) that symbolizes our "City of Oaks."
Handel’s Messiah with the North Carolina Symphony & NC Master Chorale | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts
Friday, December 5th – Saturday, December 6th
Handel's stunning masterpiece performed live with the North Carolina Symphony, the North Carolina Master Chorale, and soloists to celebrate the season with passion and beauty, including the “Hallelujah” chorus.
Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition Holiday Festival | Moore Square
Saturday, December 6th
The Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition & Holiday Festival brings student choirs, professional groups, and corporate teams to Downtown Raleigh for a free, family-friendly day of festive performances, carolers in costume, kids’ crafts and games, food trucks, mulled wine, a holiday village, the Axes & Ales Vintage Fire Truck, and a visit from Santa Claus
A Christmas Carol | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts
Friday, December 5th – Sunday, December 7th
A musical comedy adaptation of the Dickens classic. The show has been performed annually since 1974 and was named one of the "Top 20 Events in the Southeast." Cited as "one of the most successful shows in North Carolina theatre history," A Christmas Carol has enjoyed critically acclaimed tours to England and France.
Selfies with Santa | The Pit Authentic BBQ
Friday, December 5th, 12th, and 19th
Grab dinner and a free selfie with Old St. Nick during dinner service at The Pit Authentic BBQ.
Gingerbread Old Fashioned Class | Crude Bitters & The Bittery
Thursday, December 11th
Learn how to make a seasonal Old Fashioned using Yes Cocktail Gingerbread syrup and tour the The Bittery/Crude Bitters HQ.
The Nutcracker | Carolina Ballet
Thursday, December 11th – Wednesday, December 24th
Discover the wonder of the holiday season at Carolina Ballet’s enchanting production of the iconic Christmas story: The Nutcracker. This production marries the charm of the original show with fresh choreography, vibrant sets, and stunning costumes.
Moore Square Winterfaire | Moore Square
Thursday, December 11th – Sunday, December 14th
From December 11th-14th, Moore Square will transform into a festive destination filled with local makers and artisans, delicious food trucks, a cozy beer garden, live music and performances, holiday crafts, games, and a visit from Santa himself.
Santa Conda | Grog Alley
Friday, December 12th
Check out one of downtown's newest bars, sip on themed cocktails, and celebration the season while enjoying live music.
Holiday Pops with the North Carolina Symphony | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts
Friday, December 12th – Saturday, December 13th
Broadway star Mamie Parris joins the North Carolina Symphony for holiday favorites! From beloved carols to festive pops classics, experience the joy and wonder of the season in this heartwarming concert for the whole family.
Brunch with Santa and Mrs. Claus | Red Bird
Saturday, December 13th
Come enjoy a festive brunch while posing for photos, enjoying group sing-alongs, and experiencing stories with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
The Mecca Holiday Supper | The Mecca Restaurant
Sunday, December 14th
Their 95th season downtown will be marked with a three-course Holiday Supper featuring two evening seatings and a portion of proceeds supporting Urban Ministries of Wake County’s Food Pantry.
Artspace Holiday Mini Mall | Artspace
Sunday, December 14th
A ’90s-inspired holiday shopping experience featuring Artspace’s resident artists plus dozens of guest vendors offering handmade art, locally made goods, festive treats, and creative activities.
Bizarre Bazarre Mini Holiday Market | Le Dive
Sunday, December 14th
Le Dive and Neptunes are hosting a Bizarre Bazaar Mini Holiday Market with pop-up tattoos from Old Ghosts, food from Da Bubs, festive cocktails, and a lineup of 10 local vendors to sip and shop your way through.
The Winter Wag | West Street Dog
Sunday, December 14th
A festive, dog-friendly holiday event featuring themed photos, local vendors, treats, an ugly sweater contest, crafts, and a donation bin for local shelters.
DECO Day of Giving: Support DRA's Public Art Fund | DECO
Monday, December 15th
From 5–8pm, your purchases at DECO will go to support Downtown Raleigh Alliance's efforts to bring more public art to the community.
Annual Menorah Lighting Ceremony | Moore Square
Tuesday, December 16th
Join Chabad Young Professionals in Moore Square to celebrate the festival of lights with a beautiful Menorah lighting ceremony.
Festive Fridays | Dix Park
Fridays, December 5th, 12th, and 19th
Celebrate the season with fun for all ages at Festive Fridays at Dix Park: Holiday Lights (Dec. 5), Reindeer Ride (Dec. 12), and Silent Disco Night (Dec. 19).
Raleigh Times Movie Night: How The Grinch Stole Christmas | The Raleigh Times Bar
Wednesday, December 17th
Gather your friends together for a movie night, plus drinks and bites, featuring one of the most iconic Christmas movies: How The Grinch Stole Christmas.
Pottery Painting Pop-Up: Holiday Edition | Incendiary Brewing Taproom
Thursday, December 18th
Sip, paint, and make something merry… because nothing says holiday spirit like a little beer and crafting!
HoliGAY Drag Show and Dinner | Libations 317
Saturday, December 20th
Find your holiday cheer with some of the top drag entertainers in North Carolina hosted by Kayla LaShay and Emory Starr.
Holidays at the Pope House | Pope House Museum
Saturday, December 20th
Visit the historic Pope House Museum to enjoy period-accurate Christmas decorations, carolers, educational opportunities, and children's activities while learning about 20th-century Christmas traditions.
New Year's Eve at Heights House | Heights House Hotel
Wednesday, December 31st
Ring in 2026 in Downtown Raleigh with an all-inclusive evening at Heights House Hotel featuring a multi-course dinner by Snap Pea Creative Dining, drinks, music, a photo booth, and a champagne toast at midnight.
WRAL First Night Raleigh | City Plaza
Wednesday, December 31st
Thousands of residents come together on New Year’s Eve for WRAL First Night Raleigh in the heart of downtown. The night is capped off at midnight with music on the outdoor Main Stage, the famous Raleigh Acorn Drop, and a spectacular fireworks show. Some portions of the event are ticketed.
New Year's Eve Dinner | Vidrio
Wednesday, December 31st
Vidrio is ringing in New Year’s Eve with dinner, dancing, and a lively downtown party featuring the Shavonna Antoinette Band, a DJ, a tarot card reader, the Poetry Fox, and three distinct celebration experiences
NYE 2026: Electric Piano Party | PLUS Dueling Piano Bar
Wednesday, December 31st
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at PLUS Dueling Piano Bar with live, request-driven performances, a rotating stage, a 60,000-watt sound system, an immersive light show, two full bars, drink specials, and music until 2am.
New Years Eve Party!: The Drop | Le Dive + Neptunes
Wednesday, December 31st
One ticket gets you access to 2 floors of dancing and drinking in the heart of downtown's First Night Raleigh action.
Black & White Masquerade New Year's Eve Party | Urban Oak Rooftop Lounge
Wednesday, December 31st
Ring in the New Year from downtown's tallest rooftop with live entertainment, epic skyline views, delicious bites, and all the mystique of a masquerade.
New Year's Eve | Figulina Pasta + Provisions
Wednesday, December 31st
Chef-owner David Ellis created a special four-course menu showcasing seasonal and luxurious ingredients with a complimentary toast to close out the evening.
Noon Year's Eve and New Year's Eve | Kings
Wednesday, December 31st
For the families and early-birds, Kings is celebrating with a Noon Year's Eve party with crafts, party-favors, food, and a balloon drop. Later in the night, the New Year's fun begins with a live DJ, champagne, and games.
New Year’s Eve Party | Smash Social Club
Wednesday, December 31st
Countdown to midnight while sipping craft cocktails and playing ping-pong, shuffleboard, darts, or beer pong at downtown's newest eatertainment destination.
Celebrate New Year's Eve Greek-Style | Taverna Agora
Wednesday, December 31st
This year, Taverna Agora is hosting a Grecian-style New Year's Eve celebration, complete with incredible food, lively entertainment, and no cover charge.
New Year’s Eve Celebration | Red Bird
Wednesday, December 31st
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Red Bird in Downtown Raleigh with passed appetizers, live music from the Dave Grogan Band, multiple bars, indoor viewing of the Times Square Ball Drop, and a location just steps from First Night Raleigh’s acorn drop.
New Year's Day Celebration and Buffet | Clyde Cooper's BBQ
Thursday, January 1st
A hearty New Year’s Day Southern spread with all the classics and sweet finishes, celebrating Clyde Cooper’s 88-year legacy downtown and their final day in their historic space.
New Year's Day Brunch | Birdie's Barroom & Kitchen
Thursday, January 1st
Treat yourself to the first brunch of the New Year at Birdie's Barroom & Kitchen on downtown's Main Street.