🎄 Top Holiday Activities in the Triangle, NC — 2025 Edition

Looking for festive fun around Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill? Here are five can’t-miss holiday activities in the Triangle, including glowing art walks, farm lights, ice skating, and more — perfect for families, date nights, or anyone who loves seasonal magic.

1. Phillips Farms of Cary – Country Christmas Light Walk & Tree Lot

Location: Cary
🌐 https://www.phillipsfarmsofcary.com/

If you want a wholesome, classic holiday outing, Phillips Farms is a must-visit. Their Country Christmas Walk-Through Light Show opens the day after Thanksgiving and includes:

Thousands of lights
Walk-through displays
Hot cocoa and s’mores
A charming Christmas Village
Holiday photo ops
Christmas tree lot and seasonal treats

It’s family-friendly, stroller-friendly, and one of the most popular holiday events in the Triangle.

2. Illuminate Art Walk – Downtown Raleigh

Location: Downtown Raleigh
🌐 https://downtownraleigh.org/holiday/illuminate

The Illuminate Art Walk turns downtown Raleigh into a glowing outdoor gallery filled with stunning light installations created by local and international artists. It usually runs through early January and is completely free.

Highlights include:

Large-scale LED sculptures
Interactive light pieces
Walkable routes through Fayetteville Street, Moore Square, and City Plaza
Lots of nearby food + drink options

This is a great evening activity for families or date nights, and it pairs perfectly with a stop for hot chocolate downtown.

3. Nights of Lights at Dorothea Dix Park

Location: Raleigh
🌐 https://raleighnc.gov/dixpark

One of the Triangle’s most beloved traditions, Nights of Lights transforms Dix Park into a drive-through wonderland filled with glowing tunnels, animated displays, and festive music. It’s a crowd favorite, and tickets typically sell out fast.

Tips:

Visit on a weeknight to avoid long waits
Buy tickets early
Bring snacks for the car and dress cozy

4. Durham Holiday Parade & Fun Fest

Location: Downtown Durham
🌐 https://www.dprplaymore.org/308/Parades

Durham does holidays right. Their annual Holiday Parade & Fun Fest features:

Local bands and performers
Giant balloons
Dance groups
Food trucks
Photos with Santa
Kids’ activity zones

The parade is free and typically held the first weekend of December.

5. Ice Skating at Fenton – Cary

Location: Cary
🌐 https://thefenton.com/events/

For a festive winter vibe without the cold-weather travel, head to Fenton. Their seasonal outdoor ice rink is beautifully decorated and surrounded by:

Holiday shops
Dining
Hot cocoa stands
Weekend events + themed skate nights

It’s walkable, sparkly, and perfect for families.

🎯 Tips for Making the Most of Holiday Outings

Go early or midweek — Big events like Phillips Farms or Illuminate get crowded on weekends. Early visits or weekday evenings tend to be quieter.
Dress in layers & bring warm gear — Evenings get chilly, especially during a light walk or ice skating.
Check event websites for tickets or updates — Some events require tickets (like Phillips Farms or Lantern Festival). Others are free but may change dates or hours.
Parking & transit awareness — Downtown art walks + lighting events can fill up fast; consider arriving early or using public transit/ride-share where available.
Have a backup plan — NC winter weather can be unpredictable. Have an indoor backup or flexible plan if something gets rescheduled.
Follow my wife on Instagram to see more Holiday content and stunning drone footage of lights 😉 https://www.instagram.com/ncmomadventures/