Out and About This Weekend (12/4 through 12/7)
It's holiday weekend! Don't miss the Tree Lighting Ceremonies, Holly Springs WinterFest, Christmas Parades (Apex & FV), Santa photos, markets, and local beer and live music!
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.