All Out and About events listed below are independently curated by the Holly Springs Update publisher. None are paid advertisements, nor the result of barter or in-kind exchanges.
Want your event included in Out and About? Send details to news@hollyspringsupdate.com
Note: Listings are presented in the following order:
- Marquee
- Regional
- Holly Springs
- Apex
- Fuquay-Varina
Calendar: South Wake County (NC) Holiday Events & Key Dates Guide for 2025 (click here)
Did You See That?
South Wake County (NC) Set for a Stunning Cold Moon Show Tonight
December’s full moon, and the final supermoon of 2025, rises tonight (12/4) at 6:14 p.m.
(more info)
Marquee Events
Multiple Dates
Marquee Event: NC Chinese Lantern Festival
Koka Booth Amphitheatre
8003 Regency Parkway, Cary, NC
https://www.boothamphitheatre.com/events-tickets/events/chinese-lantern-festival November 15 – January 11
Summary: A spectacular holiday event perfect for the whole family. 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.
Marquee Event: Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce WinterFest 2025
Ting Park
Holly Springs, NC
https://www.hollyspringsupdate.com/p/alert-winterfest-2025-rescheduled
December 6-7, 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Summary: A family-friendly holiday atmosphere, including decorated trees from local businesses, a Winter Market with nearly 50 vendors, snow play areas, food, games, live entertainment, and visits with Santa.
Marquee Event: Calendar: Holly Springs, Apex & Fuquay-Varina Holiday Ceremonies, Festivals, and Parades this Week
Calendar Local
https://www.hollyspringsupdate.com/p/calendar-holly-springs-apex-and-fuquay December 4-7
Event: Calendar: Holly Springs, Apex & Fuquay-Varina Holiday Ceremonies, Festivals, and Parades this Week
Marquee Event: Mark Your Calendar: South Wake County (NC) Holiday Events & Key Dates Guide for 2025
Calendar Local & National
https://www.hollyspringsupdate.com/p/mark-your-calendar-south-wake-county November & December
Event: Mark Your Calendar: South Wake County (NC) Holiday Events & Key Dates Guide for 2025
Thursday, December 4
Marquee Event: Tree Lighting Ceremony
Downtown Fuquay-Varina
Downtown, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://www.fuquay-varina.org/753/Holiday-Happenings
Summary: Ice Skating (4:00 PM – 8:00 PM), Artist Night Market (5:00 PM – 8:00 PM), Tree and Menorah Lighting (6:00 PM), Choral Performances (6:15 PM – 8:00 PM), and Pictures with Santa (6:15 PM – 8:00 PM)
Saturday, December 6
Marquee Event: Rotary Christmas Parade
Downtown Apex, NC 27502
5:00 PM
Summary: Wake County’s only nighttime holiday parade, benefitting Western Wake Crisis Ministry.
Sunday, December 7
Marquee Event: Christmas Parade
Downtown Fuquay-Varina
Downtown, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://fuquayvarinachristmasparade.org
4:00 PM
Regional Events
Multiple Dates
Event: The Outsiders
Durham Performing Arts Center
123 Vivian St, Durham, NC
https://www.dpacnc.com/events
December 4 - 7
Event: A Christmas Carol 2025
Temple Theatre
120 Carthage St, Sanford, NC, 27330
https://templeshows.org/events/a-christmas-carol-2025
December 4-21
Summary: Join Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, and a host of colorful characters for a remarkable holiday production of the Charles Dickens classic.
Event: The Rink
Red Hat Amphitheater
500 South McDowell St, Raleigh, NC
https://www.redhatamphitheater.com/events/rink-40
November 22 – January 4, Various Times
Summary: 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. Tickets are available online and in person at the Martin Marietta Center box office (M-F 10am-2pm).
Live Music: A Christmas Carol – Presented by Theatre in the Park
Durham Performing Arts Center
123 Vivian St, Durham, NC
https://www.dpacnc.com/events
December 10 – 14
Thursday, December 4
Event: Hockey: Carolina Hurricanes vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
Lenovo Center
1400 Edwards Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC
https://www.nhl.com/hurricanes/tickets
7:00 PM
Saturday, December 6
Event: Hockey: Carolina Hurricanes vs. Nashville Predators
Lenovo Center
1400 Edwards Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC
https://www.nhl.com/hurricanes/tickets
7:00 PM
Event: UNC Asheville vs. NC State
|Lenovo Center
1400 Edwards Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC
https://www.ticketmaster.com/north-carolina-state-wolfpack-mens-basketball-raleigh-12-06-2025/event/Z7r9jZ1A7jbu4
1:00 PM
Event: Cary Ballet Company - The Nutcracker
Fletcher Opera Theater
2 East South St, Raleigh, NC
https://www.martinmariettacenter.com/events/detail/cary-ballet-company-the-nutcracker-g5evzbsdq9myq
Various Times
Sunday, December 7
Event: Hockey: Carolina Hurricanes vs. San Jose Sharks
Lenovo Center
1400 Edwards Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC
https://www.nhl.com/hurricanes/tickets
5:00 PM
Event: Georgetown Hoyas vs. UNC Tar Heels
Dean Smith Center
300 Skipper Bowles Dr, Chapel Hill, NC
https://www.ticketmaster.com/north-carolina-tar-heels-Men’s-basketball-tickets/artist/1277043
5:00 PM
Monday, December 8
Event: Hockey: Carolina Hurricanes Alumni vs. NC State
Lenovo Center
1400 Edwards Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC
https://www.nhl.com/hurricanes/tickets
7:00 PM
Holly Springs Events
Saturday, December 6
Event: Farmers Market
Holly Springs Cultural Center
300 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
https://www.hollyspringsnc.gov/319/Farmers-Market
9:00 AM – Noon
Event: Pictures with Santa at the Holly Springs Farmers Market
Holly Springs Cultural Center
300 W. Ballentine St., Holly Springs, NC 27540
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Summary: Santa joins the Farmers Market for free photos and holiday fun.
Event: Complimentary wine tasting with Neal Thornton of Orsini Wines
Wine100
100 East Ballentine Street, Holly Springs, NC
https://www.wine100nc.com
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Event: Light the Springs
Holly Springs Cultural Center
300 W. Ballentine St., Holly Springs, NC 27540
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Summary: A family-friendly celebration with live music, crafts, and festive food options.
Live Music: Kat Taylor
Niche Wine Lounge
109 N Main St, Holly Springs, NC
https://nichewinelounge.com
8:00 PM
Live Music: Suburban Mojo
Walley’s Tavern
1004 Werrington Dr, Holly Springs, NC
https://walleystavernhollysprings.com
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Apex Events
Thursday, December 4
Live Music: Keith G featuring Chris Hurley
Peak of the Vine
301 N Salem St, Apex, NC
https://www.peakofthevine.com
7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Friday, December 5
Event: Apex Tree Lighting Ceremony
Apex Town Hall
Courtyard 73 Hunter St., Apex, NC 27502
Time: 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Summary: The annual town tree lighting with Santa, Mrs. Claus, performances, crafts, vendors, and free Santa photos.
Live Music: Southpaw Soul
Oaklyn Springs Brewery – Apex
209 N Salem St, Apex, NC
https://www.oaklynsprings.com
8:00 PM
Live Music: Bad PR
The Backyard Bar
2901 US 64 Apex, NC
https://thebackyardbarnc.com
8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Live Music: Jonatas Alves & Friends
Peak of the Vine
301 N Salem St, Apex, NC
https://www.peakofthevine.com
8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Saturday, December 6
Live Music: Jam Biscuit
The Backyard Bar
2901 US 64 Apex, NC
https://thebackyardbarnc.com
8:00 PM
Live Music: Joe’s Cousin
Oaklyn Springs Brewery – Apex
209 N Salem St, Apex, NC
https://www.oaklynsprings.com
8:00 PM
Live Music: Mondo Guitaro: Phantom Tone That Rocks Your Bones
The Exchange Barbershop & Lounge
225 N Salem St, Apex, NC
https://theexchangebarbershop.com
8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Live Music: Sayer McShane Band
Peak of the Vine
301 N Salem St, Apex, NC
https://www.peakofthevine.com
8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Live Music: The Tone Merchants
Shakey Ray’s Tavern
5160 Sunset Lane Rd, Apex, NC
https://shakeyrays.com
8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Fuquay-Varina Events
Thursday, December 4
Event: Town Tree Lighting Ceremony
Downtown Fuquay-Varina (Vance Street parking lot, 205 S. Main St.)
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Summary: Tree and menorah lighting, ice skating, Artists’ Night Market, train rides, music, and Santa.
Saturday, December 6
Event: Sugar & Spice Holiday Market / Market on Tap
Oaklyn Springs Brewery
2912 N Main St, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://brewery.oaklynsprings.com
Noon – 5:00 PM
Summary: Food Trucks, Live Music, Shop 22+ Local Vendors, and Christmas Beers! Canned Food Drive + 10% of beer sales benefit American Legion Post 116.
Live Music: Bobby Firth
The Brick
213 Fayetteville St, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092392280823
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Live Music: 80 Proof
Aviator Hangar Bar 688 Brewing Dr, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://www.aviatorbrew.com
8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Live Music: Jared Place
Aviator Taphouse
600 E Broad St, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://www.aviatorbrew.com
8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Live Music: MikeMickXer Duo
Fainting Goat Brewing Company
330 S Main St, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://www.faintinggoatbeer.com
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Sunday, December 7
Event: Christmas Parade
Downtown Fuquay-Varina
Downtown Fuquay-Varina, NC
Time: 4:00 PM
Summary: Annual parade hosted by the Writing, Music, and Film Society.