Raleigh for the Holidays
Nov. 1 - Jan. 4
Various Locations
Explore all the City has to offer during the most wonderful time of the year.
Looking for the Perfect Gift?
A Raleigh Parks gift card will make everyone on your list happy! Gift cards can be used toward any Raleigh Parks purchase and are available in any denomination. Learn more about Raleigh Parks Gift Cards
Bring the Cheer This Season - Volunteer With Raleigh Parks!
Whether it’s passing out candy at a fall festival or running games and activities with cheer at a winter celebration, your time and energy can make a real difference. Join us as a volunteer for our upcoming fall and winter events — it's a chance to give back, connect with others, and be part of something meaningful.
Clockwise from top left: Artsplosure’s First Night Raleigh, NC Master Chorale’s “Joy of the Season”; Raleigh Little Theatre’s Cinderella and Carolina Ballet’s The Nutcracker.
Raleigh Arts Partners Holiday Events 2025
This holiday season, enjoy festive events and performances from our Raleigh Arts Partner organizations. Celebrate the arts and feel the joy!
Letters to Santa
Thursday, Nov. 20 - Wednesday, Dec. 17
Raleigh Parks is assisting the North Pole this holiday season by hosting Letters to Santa at select community centers!
Limited Edition Holiday Express Ornament
The 2025 ornament features one of the park’s beloved carousel animals, the majestic lion. This year’s design showcases a golden tan lion with a dark brown mane adorned with a royal brown saddle with red and gold detailing.
A Night With Santa
Thursday, Dec. 11
Lions Park Community Center
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Ages: 12 and under
Cost: Free
Winter Celebrations Around the World
Friday, Dec. 12
Barwell Road Park
Time: 5 - 7 p.m.
Ages: 0 - 12
Cost: Free
Soulful Holiday Open House
Friday, Dec. 12
John Chavis Memorial Park
Time: 5:30 - 9 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: Free
Santa's Trolley
Dec. 12, Dec. 13, Dec. 14
Mordecai Historic Park
Time: 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: $15
RYC Santa's Workshop
Saturday, Dec. 13
Abbotts Creek Park
Time: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Age: 0 to 12
Cost: Free
Holiday Open House
Saturday, Dec. 13, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 14, 1 - 4 p.m.
Mordecai Historic Park
Ages: All
Cost: Free
It's a Festive Family Fun Day
Saturday, Dec. 13
City of Raleigh Museum
Time: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: Free
La Chocolatada de Luisito - Luisitos Chocolatada
Saturday, Dec. 14
City of Raleigh Museum
Time: 1 - 3 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: Free
It's a Very Merry Meetup
Thursday, Dec. 18
John P. “Top” Greene African American Cultural Center
Time: 6 - 9 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: Free
Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, Dec. 20
Tarboro Road Community Center
Time: 10 a.m. - Noon
Ages: All
Cost: Free
Swim with Santa
Saturday, Dec. 20
Pullen Aquatic Center
Time: noon - 4 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: Pool Admission Fees Vary
Worthdale Holiday Pajama Giveaway
Sunday, Dec. 21
Worthdale Community Center
Time: 3 - 6 p.m.
Ages: 5 - 12
Cost: Free