Top 25 Triangle Events This Weekend December 12–14th Edition

From holiday markets and parades to Santa photos, Christmas lights, and cultural festivals, these are the 25 can’t-miss events happening across Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill, and beyond this weekend.

🎄 Top 25 Weekend Picks

1. Moore Square Winterfaire

Fri–Sun | FREE | Moore Square, Raleigh

Downtown Raleigh’s signature holiday experience with lights, vendors, music, and Santa visits.

2. North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival

Fri–Sat | Paid | Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary

A must-see nighttime spectacle featuring massive illuminated lantern displays.

3. Free Santa Photos at Bass Pro Shops Santa’s Wonderland

All Weekend | FREE | Multiple locations

A Triangle holiday tradition for families.

4. Krispy Kreme Day of the Dozen

Friday | $1 | Multiple locations

Buy a dozen doughnuts, get a second dozen for just $1.

5. North Carolina Executive Mansion Holiday Open House

Fri–Sat | FREE | Raleigh

Step inside one of Raleigh’s most historic buildings, decked out for the holidays.

6. 18th Annual St. Nicholas European Christmas Market

Fri–Sat | FREE | NC State Fairgrounds

A festive European-style holiday market with food, crafts, and entertainment.

7. Illuminate Art Walk

Fri & Sat | FREE | Downtown Raleigh

A glowing art walk through downtown Raleigh after dark.

8. Santa’s Trolley at Mordecai Historic Park

Fri & Sat | $15 | Raleigh

A family favorite featuring trolley rides, lights, and holiday storytelling.

9. Durham Holiday Parade

Saturday | FREE | Downtown Durham

One of the Triangle’s biggest and most festive holiday parades.

10. Cary Gingerbread House Competition

All Weekend | FREE | Downtown Cary

Creative gingerbread builds on display throughout downtown Cary.

11. Winter Lantern Walk

Saturday | FREE | NC Museum of Art, Raleigh

A peaceful, illuminated walk through the museum’s outdoor park.

12. Krampus Walk & Night Market

Saturday | FREE | Downtown Durham

A unique, slightly spooky holiday tradition featuring costumes and vendors.

13. Phillips Farms Walk-Through Christmas Light Show

Fri–Sat | $15 | Cary

A classic walk-through light display perfect for families.

14. Santa Express at New Hope Valley Railway

Sat–Sun | Paid | New Hill

Train rides with Santa through the North Carolina countryside.

15. Durham Craft Market – Holiday Edition

Sat–Sun | FREE | Durham Central Park

Local makers, gifts, and seasonal treats.

16. Shop Local Raleigh: Holidays on Hammell

Saturday | FREE | The Weld, Raleigh

Support local businesses at this curated holiday shopping event.

17. Free Toy & Bike Giveaway (HBCU Edition)

Saturday | FREE | Shaw University, Raleigh

Community-focused holiday giving event with toys, haircuts, and activities.

18. Christmas Light Displays Around the Triangle

Fri–Sun | FREE

Includes Lake Myra (Wendell), Piper Lights (Wake Forest), Contentnea Fire Dept (Wilson).

19. Free Guided Tours of the NC State Capitol

Saturday | FREE | Raleigh

Explore North Carolina history during the holiday season.

20. Krampus Night Market

Saturday | FREE | Durham Central Park

A companion event to the Krampus Walk with food trucks and vendors.

21. Skywatching: Geminid Meteor Shower

Saturday Night | FREE | Stagville & West Point on the Eno

One of the best meteor showers of the year.

22. Holiday Kiln Opening at Mark Hewitt Pottery

Sunday | FREE | Pittsboro

Pottery seconds, kiln openings, and a behind-the-scenes look at a local studio.

23. Durham Holiday Concerts & Caroling

Sat–Sun | FREE | Multiple venues

Includes choir performances, jazz nights, and seasonal concerts.

24. Holiday Markets Across the Triangle

All Weekend | FREE

From Weihnachtsmarkt in Durham to pop-up markets in Raleigh and Cary.

25. Santa Express + Santa Meet-and-Greets Across the Triangle

All Weekend | FREE & Paid | Multiple locations

From breweries to shopping centers, Santa is everywhere this weekend.

🎁 Make the Most of Your Weekend

With dozens of free holiday events, this is one of the best weekends of the year to explore the Triangle. Many Santa events and trolley rides require reservations, so check details before heading out.

Follow DoRaleigh.com for daily updates on government meetings, local festivals, and community happenings — your one-stop guide to everything Raleigh!

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The Triangle Event Guide: Weekend Edition – Friday–Sunday December 12–14th

Looking for things to do in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, and across the Triangle this weekend? From free Santa photos and holiday markets to Christmas light displays, parades, live music, and family-friendly events, the DoRaleigh Triangle Weekend Event Guide is packed with festive fun for all ages.

Whether you’re planning a full weekend itinerary or just looking for one standout event, here’s what’s happening across the Triangle from Friday, December 12 through Sunday, December 14, 2025.

🎄 Friday, December 12, 2025

Kick off the weekend with holiday deals, light displays, cultural events, and plenty of free activities.

Highlights & Free Events

Krispy Kreme Day of the Dozen – Buy a dozen, get a dozen for $1 All Day | $1 | Krispy Kreme (multiple locations) Free Santa Photos at Bass Pro Shops Santa’s Wonderland All Day | FREE | Multiple locations Cary Gingerbread House Competition All Day | FREE | Downtown Cary North Carolina Executive Mansion Holiday Open House 10:00 AM–5:00 PM | FREE | Raleigh Holiday Open House at the NC State Capitol 10:00 AM–3:00 PM | FREE | Raleigh Nature Tales for Children 10:00–11:00 AM | FREE | NC Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill

Afternoon & Evening Events

Illuminate Art Walk 4:45 PM | FREE | Downtown Raleigh Moore Square Winterfaire 5:00–9:00 PM | FREE | Raleigh Soulful Holiday Open House 5:30–9:00 PM | FREE | John Chavis Memorial Park 18th Annual St. Nicholas European Christmas Market 5:00–9:00 PM | FREE | NC State Fairgrounds Santa’s Trolley 5:00–8:00 PM | $15 | Mordecai Historic Park North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival 6:00–10:00 PM | Paid | Koka Booth Amphitheatre

Lights, Music & Nightlife

Christmas light displays in Wendell, Wake Forest, Wilson, Cary, Middlesex Free concerts, karaoke, comedy open mics, trivia, and brewery events across Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Apex, and Holly Springs

🎅 Saturday, December 13, 2025

Saturday is packed with parades, markets, Santa events, tours, and holiday traditions across the Triangle.

Morning & Daytime Events

Durham Holiday Parade 10:00 AM | FREE | Downtown Durham Knightdale Christmas Parade 10:00 AM | FREE | Knightdale Happy Holly Days Parade 10:00 AM–12:00 PM | FREE | Holly Springs Durham Craft Market 8:00 AM–12:00 PM | FREE | Durham Central Park Santa Express at New Hope Valley Railway Multiple times | Paid | New Hill Free Holiday Mug Giveaway at Lowe’s 10:00 AM | FREE | Multiple locations Holiday Open House at the Executive Mansion 10:00 AM–5:00 PM | FREE | Raleigh

Family & Community Events

Festive Family Fun Day – City of Raleigh Museum Free Toy Giveaways – Shaw University, Kingdom Life Church, AJ’s Cheesecakes Shop Local Raleigh: Holidays on Hammell Moore Square Winterfaire & Santa Meet-and-Greet

Afternoon & Evening Highlights

Krampus Walk & Krampus Night Market – Durham Winter Lantern Walk – NC Museum of Art Illuminate Art Walk – Downtown Raleigh Live Nativities & Walk-Through Christmas Dramas – Raleigh, Durham, Apex, Creedmoor Christmas Light Farms & Hayrides – Clayton, Cary, Middlesex

Night Events

Skywatching: Geminid Meteor Shower – Stagville & West Point on the Eno Live music, comedy showcases, karaoke nights, and movie screenings throughout the Triangle

🎁 Sunday, December 14, 2025

Wrap up the weekend with relaxed, family-friendly holiday events.

Sunday Highlights

Holiday Kiln Opening at Mark Hewitt Pottery 12:00–5:00 PM | FREE | Pittsboro Moore Square Winterfaire 10:00 AM–4:00 PM | FREE | Raleigh Durham Craft Market Holiday Edition 10:00 AM–4:00 PM | FREE | Durham Santa Express at New Hope Valley Railway Multiple times | Paid Free Santa Photos at Bass Pro Shops & Nordstrom All Day | FREE Hike with a Naturalist 9:30–11:00 AM | FREE | Historic Yates Mill Park

🎄 Plan Your Triangle Weekend

This weekend is one of the busiest holiday weekends of the season in the Triangle, with hundreds of free and low-cost events for families, couples, and groups of friends. Many Santa events and trolley rides require advance reservations, so plan ahead where needed.

👉 Bookmark DoRaleigh.com for daily Triangle event guides, holiday roundups, and last-minute updates.

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The Triangle Event Guide Saturday December 6th Edition

If you’re planning a festive Saturday around the Triangle, you’re in luck — today brings concerts, markets, parades, Santa sightings, food trucks, botanical strolls, comedy, seasonal light shows, and dozens of all-day experiences for every age. Whether you’re in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill, or Wake Forest, the Triangle is glowing with winter magic, family fun, and seasonal culture.

From the Chatham Artists Guild Open Studio Tour and historic trolley tours to free cookies at the Museum of Durham History and multiple local holiday markets, consider this your one-stop Saturday planning guide.

🎄 All-Day & Morning Highlights

Holiday Kiln Opening at Mark Hewitt Pottery

10AM–5PM | FREE | Pittsboro

Browse handcrafted North Carolina pottery during an annual kiln opening — a local favorite perfect for holiday gifts.

Cary Gingerbread House Competition

All Day | FREE | Downtown Cary

Admire gingerbread creations from locals and pros alike.

Museums on Us (Bank of America)

Free admission for cardholders | Marbles Kids Museum, Raleigh

Bring your Bank of America card for free children’s museum entry.

Cars & Coffee Morrisville

8AM–11AM | Imperial Center, Durham | FREE

A lively morning meetup for auto lovers — classic, modern, exotic, and custom builds.

Durham Craft Market

8AM–12PM | Durham Central Park | FREE

Shop local makers outdoors before the afternoon rush.

Home Depot Kids Workshop: Holiday Cocoa Mug

9AM–12PM | FREE | Multiple Locations

Bring the kids for hands-on seasonal crafting.

🎅 Holiday Markets, Parades & Seasonal Pop-Ups

Youngsville Christmas Parade

10AM–11AM | FREE | Downtown Youngsville

Chapel Hill–Carrboro Community Parade

10AM | FREE | Carrboro Town Hall

Angier Christmas Parade

10AM | FREE | Depot Square

MAKRS Holiday Fest

11AM–6PM | FREE | City Plaza, Raleigh

Jolly Raleigh Holiday Market

11AM–5PM | FREE | Raleigh Iron Works

Durham Holiday Patchwork Market

12PM–4PM | FREE | Durham Armory

Merry Market at Boxyard RTP

11AM–3PM | FREE | RTP

Victorian Christmas at Page-Walker

2PM–5PM | FREE | Cary

🎁 Santa Sightings, Photos & Family Fun

Wake Forest Photos with Santa — 10AM–3PM – FREE Santa at Yates Mill — 10AM–6PM – FREE Storytime with Santa — 2PM–4PM – FREE at Boxyard RTP Santa on the Roof — The Durham Hotel — 11AM–2PM – FREE Pictures with Santa — Cary Park — 10AM–5PM – FREE Santa at Garner Tractor Supply — 5PM–9PM – FREE Santa at Lake Myra Christmas Lights — 7PM–9PM – FREE Petco: Free Pet Photos with Santa — 2PM–4PM – FREE

🌿 Arts, Heritage & History Experiences

Joel Lane Museum House — Colonial Christmas Open House

11AM–3PM | FREE | Raleigh

Historic Raleigh Trolley Tours

11AM–3PM | $6–10 | Mordecai Historic Park

African American Walking Tour – Third Ward

All Day | $5–10 | Pope House, Raleigh

Jonkonnu at Stagville

4:30PM | FREE | Durham

Celebrate an African American holiday tradition with music, drumming, and storytelling.

🎡 Seasonal Lights & Outdoor Experiences

The RINK — Ice Skating at Red Hat Amphitheater

All Day | $6–15 | Raleigh

Illuminate Art Walk

4:45PM | FREE | Downtown Raleigh

Lake Myra Christmas Lights (Wendell)

5:30PM–10PM | FREE

Piper Lights (Wake Forest)

5:30PM–10PM | FREE

Contentnea Fire Department Christmas Lights

5:30PM–9PM | FREE | Wilson

Phillips Farms Christmas Light Show

5PM–9PM | $15 | Cary

Lights on the Neuse — Holiday Hayride

6PM–9PM | $11 | Clayton

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival

6PM–10PM | $16.74–$30.64 | Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary

🎤 Saturday Afternoon & Evening Highlights

Free Improv Comedy

6PM–8PM | FREE | Holly Springs

Live Music Across the Triangle

Blackbird Brewery — 6PM–9PM Fortnight Brewing — 6PM–9PM Southern Peak Brewery — 6:30PM–9PM Williams House Craft Taproom — 7PM–10PM Fainting Goat Brewing — 7PM–10PM Sacred Grounds Coffeehouse — 7:30PM Bearded Bee Brewing — 7PM Holly Springs, Apex, Selma, Wendell — karaoke & performances into late night

Oddville – Art Show of the Awesomely Strange

6PM | $10–15 | The Fruit, Durham

🍻 Nightlife, Comedy & Late Festivities

Ugly Sweater Karaoke Party

7:30PM | FREE | Sneaky Penguin Brewing, Raleigh

Boots & Brewz (Country Night)

8PM–Midnight | FREE | The Fall Line, Zebulon

Live Comedy + Craft Beer

7PM–9PM | FREE | The Beerded Lady Bottle Shop, Garner

Plan Your Perfect Triangle Saturday

Whether you’re exploring holiday light displays, enjoying family markets, grabbing free Santa photos, or heading to local breweries for live music, today is packed with over 100 experiences across the Triangle.

Bookmark this guide → share it with friends → and enjoy a full day of festive local life!

Stay Updated with DoRaleigh.com

➡️ Daily event schedules

➡️ Government meeting guides

➡️ Holiday markets & seasonal highlights

➡️ Breaking local alerts & community resources

Follow us for more Triangle weekend inspiration.

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Triangle Event Guide Friday November 28th Edition

Looking for the best things to do across Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and the greater Triangle this Friday? From holiday markets and pottery openings to dazzling light shows and evening art walks, November 28, 2025 is packed with festive family fun and unique local experiences. Here’s your complete Triangle Event Guide for the day.

🎄 All-Day & Morning Events

Holiday Kiln Opening at Mark Hewitt Pottery

10:00 am – 5:00 pm | FREE | Pittsboro

A seasonal favorite returns! Browse handcrafted pottery, meet the artist, and shop beautiful holiday pieces at Mark Hewitt’s renowned kiln opening.

Free Santa Photos at Bass Pro Shops: Santa’s Wonderland

All Day | FREE | Multiple Locations

Families can enjoy free Santa photos, crafts, and festive activities inside Bass Pro’s immersive holiday setup.

The RINK – Outdoor Skating at Red Hat Amphitheater

All Day | $6–15 | Raleigh

Lace up and skate under the skyline at Raleigh’s open-air winter rink. Click event listing for daily schedule.

Sheetz: Free Coffee with Any Purchase

All Day | FREE | Multiple Locations

Warm up with a complimentary coffee all Thanksgiving Week with any purchase at participating Sheetz stores.

Christmas Carousel Holiday Gift Market

9:00 am – 6:00 pm | $0–10 | State Fairgrounds

Shop 250+ vendors offering décor, gifts, crafts, local goods, and seasonal treats. A holiday tradition at the Jim Graham Building.

Sculpture in the Garden

9:00 am – 5:00 pm | FREE ($5 suggested donation) | Chapel Hill

Stroll through the North Carolina Botanical Garden’s tranquil outdoor art exhibit.

🍂 Midday Events & Family Activities

Family Fall Tours at Historic Oakwood Cemetery

11:00 am & 1:00 pm | FREE ($10 suggested donation) | Raleigh

Learn the history, stories, and architecture behind Raleigh’s historic Oakwood Cemetery during these guided walking tours.

SmashFest at The Scrap Exchange

2:00 pm – 6:00 pm | FREE | Durham

Break stuff for stress relief! Admission is free; participants pay for “smashables.”

Calvin Jones House Guided Tour

2:00 pm – 2:45 pm | FREE | Wake Forest Historical Museum

Step inside the birthplace of Wake Forest College on this short, docent-led history tour.

DJ Al Ski-Love Live at Blackbird Brewery

3:00 pm – 6:00 pm | FREE | Wake Forest

Kick off your weekend with a fun DJ set, craft brews, and good vibes.

Kick Off to Christmas in Smithfield

3:00 pm – 8:00 pm | FREE | Downtown Smithfield

A family-friendly festival featuring a tree lighting, vendors, music, holiday characters, and kids’ activities.

Bazaar Night Market

4:00 pm – 9:00 pm | FREE | Pittsboro

Shop local makers, enjoy food trucks, and soak in the nighttime market ambiance at bmc brewing.

Contentnea Fire Department Christmas Light Display

5:30 pm – 9:00 pm | FREE | Wilson

Drive through a brilliant small-town light show created by the local fire department.

Piper Lights in Wake Forest

5:30 pm – 10:00 pm | FREE | Wake Forest

A beloved family-run Christmas light walk-through returns for the season.

Lake Myra Christmas Lights

5:30 pm – 10:00 pm | FREE | Wendell

One of the region’s largest synchronized light shows—always a holiday must-see.

Lights on the Neuse Hayride

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm | $11 | Clayton

Take a cozy hayride through glittering holiday light displays at Boyette Family Farms.

The Little Market: Closing Reception for “Organics”

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm | FREE | Hillsborough

Celebrate the final night of this nature-inspired art exhibition with local artists.

🌙 Evening Art, Music & Nightlife

Vinyl Night

6:00 pm | FREE | Sneaky Penguin Brewing Co., Raleigh

Bring your favorite records or spin from the house collection.

Final Friday Reception at Cary Gallery of Artists

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm | FREE | Cary

Meet artists, explore new works, and enjoy refreshments during Cary’s Final Friday celebration.

Last Fridays Art Walk – Hillsborough

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm | FREE

Live music, gallery openings, outdoor vendors, and a vibrant small-town art scene.

Final Friday Cary Art Loop

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm | FREE

Participating venues across Cary stay open late for art, exhibits, and cultural programming.

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival

6:00 pm – 10:00 pm | $16.74–30.64 | Koka Booth Amphitheatre

A dazzling festival of illuminated sculptures, cultural performances, and photo-worthy installations.

Free Wine Tasting at Local 919

6:00 pm | FREE | Raleigh

Sample a curated selection of wines at this Raleigh bottle shop.

Christmas Lights on the Farm

6:30 pm – 9:00 pm | $15 | Big Daddy’s Farms, Middlesex

Walk through glowing farm displays and meet holiday characters.

Chime In Open Mic

6:30 pm – 8:00 pm | FREE | Lanza’s Cafe, Carrboro

Poetry, stories, songs—share your art or enjoy the creativity of others.

Screening: The Last Waltz

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm | FREE | Steel String Brewery, Carrboro

A classic film on the big screen inside a cozy taproom.

Live Music: Jim DiBattista

7:00 pm – 9:30 pm | FREE | White Street Brewing, Wake Forest

Hoppy Hour Cinema at The Glass Jug

7:00 pm – 10:00 pm | FREE | Downtown Durham

Weekly movie series featuring cult classics, favorites, and new gems.

Bounce and Brews DJ Night

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm | FREE | Gizmo Brew Works, Durham

Live Band Karaoke

7:00 pm – 10:00 pm | $10 | Mystic Farm & Distillery, Durham

Sing your heart out backed by a full live band—ticket includes one cocktail.

Video Game Night at Moon Dog Meadery

7:00 pm – 11:00 pm | FREE | Durham

Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic

8:00 pm – 11:00 pm | FREE | Durty Bull Brewing Co., Durham

Karaoke with Mega Mike

8:00 pm – 11:00 pm | FREE | Crank Arm Brewing, Raleigh

Karaoke Bingo Nights

9:00 pm | FREE | KōMANA Brewing, Cary

🔎 Plan Your Triangle Weekend

From pottery and light shows to art walks and live music, the Triangle is bursting with things to do this Friday. Bookmark this guide, share it with friends, and explore more weekly entertainment updates at DoRaleigh.com.

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The Triangle Weekend Event Guide Saturday November 22nd Edition

The Triangle is buzzing with festive energy this weekend! Whether you’re looking for holiday markets, parades, family activities, turkey giveaways, live music, or unique local experiences, Saturday, November 22, 2025 is packed with events from morning to night. Here’s your complete Triangle Weekend Event Guide to help you plan the perfect Saturday—and a look at what’s coming on Sunday.

🎄 Major Highlight: Raleigh Christmas Parade

⏰ 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM

📍 Downtown Raleigh

💵 FREE

One of the largest holiday parades in the Southeast returns with marching bands, giant balloons, dance troupes, local organizations, and Santa himself. Arrive early to secure your spot along Fayetteville Street!

❄️ All-Day Events

The RINK: Outdoor Skating at Red Hat Amphitheater

All Day | $6–15 | Raleigh

Skate under the skyline at Raleigh’s outdoor rink—great for families, date nights, and holiday photos.

Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops

All Day | FREE | Multiple Locations

Enjoy free Santa photos, crafts, and festive activities.

African American Walking Tour – Raleigh’s Third Ward

All Day | $5–10 | Pope House Museum, Raleigh

Explore Raleigh’s rich history through three guided tours running throughout the day.

🌅 Morning Events (8 AM – 12 PM)

Durham Craft Market

8 AM – 12 PM | FREE | Durham Central Park

Shop handmade goods, meet local artisans, and enjoy one of Durham’s most cherished open-air markets.

Parking Lot Yard Sale at Peel Gallery

9 AM – 10 AM | FREE | Carrboro

Wake Forest Police Department Turkey Drive Drop-Off

9 AM – 12 PM | FREE | WF Police Substation

Passmore Center Holiday Market

9 AM – 2 PM | FREE | Hillsborough

Silver Bells Craft Bazaar

9 AM – 2 PM | FREE | St. Andrews UMC, Raleigh

Yuletide Breakfast with Santa

9 AM | FREE | Bass Pro Shops

(Reservations required; limited seating)

Sculpture in the Garden

9 AM – 5 PM | FREE (suggested $5 donation)

North Carolina Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill

🎁 Midday Events (10 AM – 3 PM)

Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway

10 AM – 1 PM | FREE | Revelation Missionary Baptist Church, Raleigh

Raleigh Inclusive Market

10 AM – 2 PM | FREE | The Legacy Center, Raleigh

A Day at Hogwarts

10 AM – 3 PM | FREE | The Studio, Apex

A magical event for families and Harry Potter fans.

Durham Art Walk Holiday Market

10 AM – 5 PM | FREE | Durham Arts Council

Family Volunteer Day – Marbles Kids Museum

10 AM | FREE | Raleigh

(Registration required; space limited)

Visit Cow Sanctuary

10 AM – 2 PM | $0–25 | Brajboro Cow Sanctuary, Chapel Hill

Bluegrass Jam – Bynum Front Porch

10 AM | FREE | Pittsboro

🦃 Late-Morning to Afternoon (11 AM – 3 PM)

Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway (Wake County Sheriff’s Office x Mt. Moriah)

11 AM – 1 PM | FREE | Mount Moriah Community Church, Raleigh

Pauli Murray Birthday Celebration

11 AM – 2 PM | FREE | Durham

Green Road Vendor Fair

11 AM – 2 PM | FREE | Raleigh

Old Hillsborough Road Market

11 AM – 3 PM | FREE | Bennett Place State Historic Site

Angier Winter Holiday Market & Food Truck Rodeo

11 AM – 3 PM | FREE | Jack Marley Park

30th Annual American Indian Heritage Celebration

11 AM – 4 PM | FREE | NC Museum of Art, Raleigh

Sensory-Friendly Film: Aladdin

11 AM | FREE | Carolina Theatre, Durham

Turkey Giveaway – A.S. Hunter Lodge

11 AM | FREE | Durham

Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway – Wave Church Ministries

11 AM | FREE | Durham

Ponysaurus Wonderland Lighting

11 AM | FREE | Raleigh

Historic Raleigh Trolley Tours

11 AM – 3 PM | $6–10 | Mordecai Historic Park

Free Guided Tour of the NC State Capitol

11 AM | FREE | Raleigh

🎨 Afternoon & Evening Events

Grinchmas Holiday Market

12 PM – 5 PM | FREE | Hi-Wire Brewing, Durham

Thanksgiving Block Party & Turkey Giveaway (Hot 97.9)

12 PM | FREE | Raleigh

College Football Saturdays

12 PM – 10 PM | FREE | Apex

Family Volunteer Day – Marbles (Second Session)

12:30 PM | FREE | Raleigh

Digital Ambassador Tech Help

1 PM – 3 PM | FREE | Green Road Community Center

Saturday Comedy Improv Jam

1 PM – 3 PM | FREE | Durham

The Great Pup-Kin Market

2 PM – 5 PM | FREE | The Longleaf Hotel, Raleigh

Farm Day at The Mason Jar Lager Company

2 PM | FREE | Fuquay-Varina

Calvin Jones House Guided Tour

2 PM – 2:45 PM | FREE | Wake Forest

Cary Really Really Free Market

2 PM – 4 PM | FREE | Cary

NC State Capitol Guided Tour (Second Tour)

2 PM | FREE | Raleigh

Light the Square at Fenton

3 PM – 7 PM | FREE | Cary

🎵 Evening & Nightlife

Common Woman Chorus Fall Concert

3 PM & 7 PM | $0–30 | Durham

Christmas at North Hills – Tree Lighting

4 PM – 7 PM | FREE | Raleigh

Messiah Sing-Along

4 PM | FREE | Durham

Live Music: Taylor Sheiss

5 PM – 8 PM | FREE | Knightdale

Contentnea FD Christmas Light Display

5:30 PM – 9 PM | FREE | Wilson

Winter Wonderland – Park West Village

5:30 PM – 8:30 PM | FREE | Morrisville

Funniest Person in the Triangle – Free Improv

6 PM – 8 PM | FREE | Holly Springs

Live Music (Various Breweries)

6 PM – 10 PM | FREE | Wake Forest, Cary, Holly Springs

NC Chinese Lantern Festival

6 PM – 10 PM | $16–30 | Cary

Friendsgiving Potluck

7 PM | FREE | PourWorks, Raleigh

Karaoke Nights

7 PM – 10 PM | FREE | Raleigh, Selma

City Folk Live Music

7:30 PM | FREE | Durham

🌤️ Sunday Preview — November 23, 2025

A lighter but festive Sunday with highlights including:

Santa’s Wonderland (Free photos all day) The RINK (Outdoor Skating) Durham Underground Market Black Farmers’ Market at Southeast Raleigh YMCA Winter Wonderland at Park West Village Artspace Open Studio African American Walking Tour Secret Cinema Sundays NC Chinese Lantern Festival Open Mic & Live Music across the Triangle

A perfect day to shop local, support community markets, and enjoy holiday experiences.

Final Thoughts

From parades and holiday markets to turkey giveaways, live music, and cultural celebrations, the Triangle is overflowing with things to do this Saturday. Whether you’re exploring Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, Pittsboro, or Wake Forest—there’s truly something for everyone.

Follow DoRaleigh.com for daily updates on government meetings, local festivals, and community happenings — your one-stop guide to everything in the Triangle!

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