Mark Your Calendar: South Wake County (NC) Holiday Events & Key Dates Guide for 2025
Read about major calendar events and local happenings, from tree lightings to Santa train rides to holiday parades to live holiday music, in one easy-to-read list.
Note: The Holly Springs Update publisher has independently curated all events listed below. None are paid advertisements, nor the result of barter or in-kind exchanges.
Holly Springs, NC, Oct. 31, 2025 — Holly Springs Update has created a guide to the 2025 holiday season. It includes a comprehensive, curated listing of community events as well as essential end-of-year calendar dates.
The listings below cover notable happenings from November 2nd through January 11th and were compiled to help families plan their holiday-related activities. Highlights include major local and regional activities and events.
The guide also serves to remind of key cultural and national observances, listing, among others, dates for Daylight Saving Time (Nov. 2nd), Thanksgiving (Nov. 27th), Hanukkah (Dec. 14th–22nd), Christmas Day (Dec. 25th), and Kwanzaa (Dec. 26th–Jan 1st).
Calendar Events
November 2
DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME
Summary: On Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, clocks roll back one hour at 2 a.m. With the change, it will get darker earlier in the evening across the United States.
November 11
VETERANS DAY
Summary: Veterans Day honors all U.S. military veterans who have served in the nation’s armed forces during war or peace. It’s a day to recognize their service, sacrifice, and dedication to protecting the country’s freedoms.
November 27
THANKSGIVING
Summary: In the United States, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. Thanksgiving Day in 2025 will be on Thursday, November 27th.
November 30 through December 21:
ADVENT
Summary: Advent is a four-week Christian season of preparation and anticipation leading up to Christmas, beginning on the Sunday closest to November 30. It symbolizes hope, peace, joy, and love as believers reflect on the coming of Christ through prayer, scripture, and traditions such as lighting Advent candles.
December 7
PEARL HARBOR REMEMBRANCE DAY
Summary: Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, observed on December 7, honors the lives lost during the 1941 attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The event led to the United States’ entry into World War II and is commemorated with memorials, ceremonies, and moments of silence across the nation.
December 14 through December 22
HANUKKAH
Summary: Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday celebrating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabean Revolt. It commemorates the miracle of a small amount of oil lasting eight days, symbolized by lighting the menorah each night.
December 16 through December 24
LAS POSADAS
Summary: Las Posadas is a nine-night Mexican and Latin American celebration from December 16 to 24 that reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter in Bethlehem before the birth of Jesus. Each night features processions, songs, prayers, and festive gatherings with food, piñatas, and community fellowship.
December 21
WINTER SOLSTICE
Summary: Occurs around December 21, marking the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
December 23
FESTIVUS
Summary: Festivus is a secular holiday created as a humorous alternative to the commercialism of Christmas, popularized by the TV show Seinfeld. Celebrated on December 23, it features traditions like the unadorned aluminum pole, the “Airing of Grievances,” and the “Feats of Strength.”
December 25
CHRISTMAS DAY
Summary: December 25 is Christmas Day, a global holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Christians observe this date with religious services and secular traditions such as decorating Christmas trees, exchanging gifts, and sharing meals.
December 26 through January 1
KWANZAA
Summary: Kwanzaa is a weeklong cultural celebration held from December 26 to January 1 that honors African heritage, unity, and community values. It centers around seven core principles, known as the Nguzo Saba, which emphasize unity, self-determination, collective work, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.
Holly Springs/Apex/Fuquay-Varina + Regional Events
November 15 through January 11
NC CHINESE LANTERN FESTIVAL
Koka Booth Amphitheatre
8003 Regency Parkway, Cary, NC
Summary: Join us for a spectacular holiday event perfect for the whole family. From November 15 through January 11, immerse yourself in a world of wonder with thousands of handcrafted, illuminated lanterns showcasing various themes. This walk-through experience also features captivating cultural performances, a variety of concessions, and interactive elements that delight both children and adults.
Website: https://www.boothamphitheatre.com/events-tickets/events/chinese-lantern-festival
November 22
RALEIGH CHRISTMAS PARADE
Downtown Raleigh
Hillsborough St & St. Marys, Raleigh, NC
Summary: The largest Christmas Parade between Washington, DC, and Atlanta! The Raleigh Christmas Parade has been a beloved community event since it began in 1939.
Website: https://grma.org/christmas-parade/
November 22 through January 4
THE RINK (Ice Skating)
Red Hat Amphitheatre
500 South McDowell St, Raleigh, NC
Summary: Come enjoy the thrill of ice skating in a winter wonderland created in the heart of Downtown Raleigh! THE RINK features a natural ice-skating rink with stunning views of the Raleigh skyline.
Website: https://www.redhatamphitheater.com/the-rink
November 26
LIVE MUSIC: THE EMBERS CHRISTMAS
Fuquay-Varina Arts Center
123 E Vance St, Fuquay-Varina, NC
Summary: Enjoy the heart-and-soul, rhythm-and-blues, feel-good music of The Embers. Featuring lead singer and frontman Craig Woolard, The Embers are known as the pre-eminent beach music band in the Carolinas.
Website: https://www.fuquay-varina.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=9347&month=11&year=2025&day=26&calType=0
December 4
TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY - Fuquay-Varina
Vance Street Parking Lot
Downtown Fuquay-Varina
Summary: Celebrate the joy of the holiday season at the annual town tree and menorah lighting!
Website: https://www.fuquay-varina.org/753/Holiday-Happenings
December 5 & 6
WINTERFEST 2025
Ting Park
101 Sportsmanship Way, Holly Springs, NC
Summary: The Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce’s WinterFest is a family-centered, two-day festival showcasing holiday trees decorated by local businesses and featuring a Winter Market, visits with Santa, family entertainment, games, food, and snow! And so much more.
December 5
FUQUAY-VARINA CHORALE HOLIDAY
Fuquay-Varina Arts Center
123 E Vance St, Fuquay-Varina, NC
Summary: Join the Fuquay-Varina Chorale for their annual holiday show this year at the Fuquay-Varina Arts Center. A favorite every year, the Chorale is an excellent opportunity for the whole family to get out and listen to the beautiful voices of Fuquay-Varina.
Website: https://app.arts-people.com/?show=294535&pr=1
December 5
TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY - Apex
Town Hall Campus
73 Hunter St, Apex, NC
Summary: Join community members and the Apex Town Council as the tree is lit for the very first time on Town Hall Campus! Southbound Santa and Mrs. Claus will join in on the fun for attendees to grab the season’s first photos. This year’s event features: Entertainers like Poetry Fox and Cirque de Vol, craft stations to make reindeer food and write your letter to Santa, holiday vendors from the Apex Farmers Market, and food vendors such as Arepa Culture, Cream and Sugar, Little Blue Bakehouse, and Mac Daddy’s Food Truck.
Website: https://www.apexnc.org/1879/Tree-Lighting-Ceremony
December 5 through 14
SNOWMAN STROLL ON SALEM
Downtown Apex
Salem St, Apex, NC
Summary: The Snowman Stroll on Salem is a festive promotional event designed to enhance your holiday experience in Downtown Apex. As you explore, collect passport stamps by visiting participating businesses and engaging in a variety of holiday activities. Each stop will feature delightful snowman and winter-themed specials, decorations, and unique offerings. Website: https://www.apexnc.org/2017/Snowman-Stroll-on-Salem?
December 6
LIGHT THE SPRINGS
Holly Springs Cultural Center
300 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
Summary: Ring in the start of the holiday season with Light the Springs! Families and children of all ages can celebrate the season with live music, festive food and beverages options, and free holiday crafts. Kids can bring their letter to Santa at our mailbox before meeting him and Mrs. Claus. The festivities kickoff with the menorah lighting and end with Santa and the mayor lighting the Town tree. You won’t want to miss this fun filled community event!
Website: https://www.hollyspringsnc.gov/2483/Light-the-Springs
FUQUAY-VARINA CHORALE HOLIDAY
Fuquay-Varina Arts Center
123 E Vance St, Fuquay-Varina, NC
Summary: Join the Fuquay-Varina Chorale for their annual holiday show this year at the Fuquay-Varina Arts Center. A favorite every year, the Chorale is an excellent opportunity for the whole family to get out and listen to the beautiful voices of Fuquay-Varina.
Website: https://app.arts-people.com/?show=294535&pr=1
December 6
PICTURES WITH SANTA AT THE HOLLY SPRINGS FARMERS
Holly Springs Cultural Center
300 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
Summary: Bring the kids – Join Santa for pictures at the Holly Springs Farmers Market. It’s FREE!
December 6
ROTARY CHRISTMAS PARADE - Apex
Downtown Apex
Salem St, Apex, NC
Summary: The Annual Apex Rotary Christmas Parade traditionally takes place the first Saturday of December. The parade is the only nighttime holiday parade in Wake County. Website: https://www.apexnc.org/1710/Rotary-Christmas-Parade
December 6, 7, 13, 14, and 20
SANTA EXPRESS TRAIN RIDES
New Hope Valley Railway
3900 Bonsal Road, New Hill, NC 27562
Summary: Climb aboard the Santa Express for a 50-minute festive adventure through the twinkling, holiday-decorated woods! Play along with our Santa Express I Spy game as you spot cheerful decorations along the way. And of course, Santa himself will be on board to greet every passenger with a joyful “Ho, ho, ho!” If you want a warm and toasty caboose ride, act quickly before those limited tickets sell out.
Website: (Buy Tickets)
December 7
CHRISTMAS PARADE - Fuquay-Varina
Downtown Fuquay-Varina
121 Main St, Fuquay-Varina, NC
Summary: This parade has been a cherished tradition for over ten years. This event is a joyful gathering that not only marks the arrival of Christmas but also serves as a testament to unity and shared values.
Website: https://fuquayvarinachristmasparade.org/home
December 11
STATE CAPITOL TREE LIGHTING - Raleigh
North Carolina State Capitol
1 E Edenton St, Raleigh, NC
Summary: Join the State Capitol and Gov. Josh Stein for the annual tree-lighting tradition on Thursday, Dec. 11th! The festivities will begin on Capitol Square at 5:30 pm with luminaries and holiday music performed by the Raleigh Concert Band. The State Employees’ Credit Union sponsors the event.
December 13
HAPPY HOLLY DAYS PARADE - Holly Springs
Downtown Holly Springs
Main St, Holly Springs, NC
Summary: The Happy Holly Days Parade is held on the second Saturday of December. Floats, bands, dancers, decorated vehicles, marching groups, and all sorts of entertaining entries travel Main Street through downtown.
Website: https://www.hollyspringsnc.gov/270/Happy-Holly-Days-Parade
December 13
ROUTE 55 JAZZ ORCHESTRA PRESENTS UNDER A SANTA MOON
Holly Springs Cultural Center
300 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
Summary: Get into the holiday spirit with the smooth sounds of the Route 55 Jazz Orchestra! This talented 17-piece big band brings classic swing, festive favorites, and jazzy holiday cheer to the stage for a night that’s sure to sparkle.
Website: https://app.arts-people.com/?show=290420
December 14
SOUNDS OF THE SEASON: HOLLY SPRINGS COMMUNITY BAND
Holly Springs Cultural Center
300 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
Summary: Jingle all the way to a concert of traditional and contemporary holiday tunes, guaranteed to evoke your favorite Christmas memories.
Website: https://app.arts-people.com/?show=290530