The Raleigh Christmas Parade & More Holiday Fun!
Bundle up and head downtown early Saturday morning to get a great spot to watch the Annual Christmas Parade in downtown Raleigh. The event is expected to draw more that 60,000 spectators to see the the largest parade between Atlanta and Washington, D.C. The parade is also broadcast live on WRAL starting at 10:00am.
Once you are downtown, you can head over to The North Carolina Museum of History for the Annual American Indian Heritage Celebration. Come celebrate North Carolina's American Indian heritage at this exciting festival featuring music, dancing, storytelling, hands-on activities and food. There will be members of the state's eight recognized tribes sharing their heritage and demonstrating their skills at pottery, basketry, beadwork and stone carving. Its a great event to learn about the history of the American Indian that took place right here in North Carolina.
You can also lace up some skates and enjoy a few laps on the Raleigh Winterfest Ice Rink. The rink opens Saturday following the parade. The rink will be open in Raleigh's City Plaza through January 29th and $10 includes both admission and skate rental. Click through for all the special themed days and open skate times.
Find creative, locally handmade gifts of art for everyone on your holiday list at the Durham Art Walk Holiday Market this Saturday and Sunday.
Many local farmers markets are closed for the season, but the Winter Market will be making its indoor debut for the season inside the Holly Springs Cultural Center Saturday morning. Click through for information on how you can even pre-order.
Raven Rock State Park invites you to join them Thanksgiving Morning for a 3 to 6 mile Hike for Your Health before the eating begins.
November is Pecan Pickin' Month at Historic Oak View County Park. Come explore the 19th century historic farmstead that includes a restored home, pecan grove, plank kitchen, cotton field, cotton & boll weevil exhibit, tenant house and farm history center.
Fun Family Activities after Thanksgiving
Kick off your shopping after Thanksgiving and get into the festivities with the Annual Christmas Carousel Holiday Festival at NC State Fairgrounds. Featuring live holiday music, Santa, cooking demonstrations, original artwork and crafts, Christmas decorations, prints, pottery, candle making, jewelry and more.
The NC Chinese Lantern Festival returns to Regency Park Friday, November 25th and runs through January 15th. The evening festival will include more than 20 ALL NEW displays, each one comprised of hundreds of parts, and thousands of LED lights. In what proved to be a fan favorite last year, the spectacular Chinese Dragon on Symphony Lake will return to mesmerize visitors.
Kick-off the Holidays at the Chapel Hill Downtown Tree Lighting CeremonySunday, November 27th. Along with the Tree Lighting, there will be caroling and visits from Santa & Mrs. Claus.