Walkin' in the Durham Wonderland

It's the most wonderful time of the year when Durham is transformed into a magical winter wonderland of twinkling lights and holiday fun. Kids from one to 92 can savor the holiday season and experience days packed with festive shows, merry markets, twinkling light displays and maybe even a sighting of The Grinch!

The events below occurred in 2023. For details on 2024 holiday events, check back in November 2024.

1. See Holiday Light Displays

Between its wholesome snowflake street decorations to light-strewn tobacco warehouses and not one, but TWO holiday "tree" lighting events, you can bask in the glow of holiday lights in Durham without the hours-long car line. Here are the most dazzling and bright displays of the season:

19th Annual American Tobacco Campus Tower Lighting

When: Lighting November 29; display available through New Years
What Time: 7 p.m.
Where: American Tobacco Campus

Gather on the lawn at American Tobacco Campus for a fun, free, family-friendly holiday event for a countdown to the lighting of the historic district and iconic Lucky Strike Tower. Come early to shop and dine at ATC businesses before the big event. At 7 p.m., grab a warm drink and a light wand, and enjoy appearances by local performers and holiday heroes. Return throughout the season to gather, shop, dine and get your fix of holiday cheer!

Tree Lighting at CCB Plaza

When: December 2, 5 - 9 p.m.
Where: CCB Plaza

Gather the whole gang for Downtown Durham Holiday, a family-friendly celebration of the holiday season with live performances and the CCB tree lighting. Don't forget the Bullpen — downtown’s social district — where you can enjoy a beverage from a local business while you shop and stroll!

Holiday Events at the Museum of Life and Science

Holidays in the Park: Select nights in December

Ready for lights, shimmering pathways, and train rides? Head over to the Museum of Life and Science for magical celebrations of the holiday season at kid-friendly Holidays in the Park.

AfterHours: Up Close Holiday Spirits for adults 21+: December 7, 6 - 10 p.m.

All the fun of the kid-friendly Holidays in the Park, sock skating and all, plus adult beverages at cash bars benefitting the museum's conservation and education initiatives.

Mangum Family Christmas Lights

Join Mangum Family Christmas Lights for a free drive-in synchronized light show through the holidays until New Year's Eve. Get cozy in your car, tune in to 90.3 FM on your radio to hear the Christmas music, and sing along as you watch over 100,000 dancing lights.

South Durham Tour of Holiday Lights by Built Story

Durham-based company Built Story updates this fun and festive driving tour of South Durham's most festive homes yearly. Pay $10 for access to all 17 stops and use the tour as many times as you'd like for 30 days. Don't miss the famous Griswold home!

2. Walk through Wool E. Bull's Winter Wonderland

Where: Durham Bulls Athletic Park
When: Select nights Nov. 22 - Dec. 31
Details & Tickets

New this year, Wool E. Bull is decking the halls of the Durham Bulls Athletic Park for a winter wonderland that does it all! Bring the whole family to enjoy over 140,000 lights, a frosty fun sledding hill, igloos in the infield, the Bulls Express train in the outfield, shop local artists at the winterland market, an arctic chill tavern and jingle bell bistro.

3. Experience a Historic Christmas Tradition

Where: Duke Homestead, 2828 Duke Homestead Rd.
When: Dec. 1 & 8, 5:30 - 9 p.m.

Jingle all the way over to the Duke Homestead for Christmas by Candlelight. Enjoy storytelling, cookies and cider, live music, singing, and a whole lot of history as costumed interpreters lead you on a candlelit tour. Tickets are available for this unique opportunity to see the Duke family home brought to life.

4. Rock Around to Festive Concerts & Events

Festive entertainment abounds this holiday season! Snap up tickets to turn any Grinch into a Who from Whoville.

Holiday Shows at Durham Performing Arts Center

• Straight No Chaser Sleighin' It Tour – Nov. 19
• Amy Grant & Michael W. Smith Christmas – Nov. 27
• The Hip Hop Nutcracker – Dec. 2
• The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show – Dec. 3
• Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas – Dec. 5 - 10
• A Christmas Carol – Presented by Theatre in the Park – Dec. 13 - 17
• Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet – Dec. 20

Holiday Shows at The Carolina Theatre

• Darren Criss: A Very Darren Crissmas – Dec. 1
• Triangle Youth Ballet: The Nutcracker – Dec. 9
• Double Feature: The Muppet Christmas Carol & Grumpy Old Men – Dec. 15
• The Glen Miller Orchestra: In the Christmas Mood – Dec. 16
• Snow White and the Seven Dwarves: Christmas Ballet Show – Dec. 20

Christmas at Duke Chapel

What: Handel's Messiah
When: Friday, Dec. 1, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 2, 3 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 3, 4 p.m.
Where: Duke Chapel, 401 Chapel Dr.

Experience yuletide carols sung by a choir with a performance of Handel’s Messiah at Duke Chapel.

What: Christmas by Candlelight
When: Wednesday, Dec. 13, 12 - 2 p.m.

Welcome the splendor of the season with Christmas music and decorations at Duke Chapel's annual Christmas by Candlelight.

Durham Ballet Theatre's Winter Showcase

Where: Durham School for Ballet & the Performing Arts, 608 N. Duke St.
When: Dec. 2, 7 p.m., Dec. 3, 3 p.m.

Embrace the art of Aerial Silks & Lyra and Contemporary Dance with original choreography in an intimate, 50-person setting.

Holiday Music on the Roof at The Durham Hotel

Where: 315 E. Chapel Hill St.
Performers:

• United Strings of Color, November 29, 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.
• Ally J, December 13, 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.
• Triangle Gay Men's Chorus, December 20, 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Select Wednesday evenings in December, head up to The Roof at The Durham to enjoy holiday tunes, warm drinks, and cozy vibes.

North Carolina Jazz Ensemble's Holiday Concert

When: December 18, 4 p.m.
Where: Hayti Heritage Center, 804 Old Fayetteville Rd.

Let the NCJE's signature big band sounds and the vocal stylings of Denise Barnes get you in the holiday spirit.

5. Shop Local Gifts at Merry Markets

Find the perfect locally crafted gift for everyone on your list as Durham holiday markets make it easy to shop small!

Golden Belt Holiday Art Market

When: November 12, noon - 6 p.m.
Where: Golden Belt Campus, 800 Taylor St.

Shop fashion, ceramics, paintings, photography, textiles, jewelry and more from over 75 local artists.

Durham Night Market

When: Thursdays, November 16 & December 7, 5 - 9 p.m.
Where: American Tobacco Campus

Shop gifts from Triangle makers under the lights at American Tobacco Campus while you enjoy local entertainment, food and drinks.

Durham Arts Council’s Durham Art Walk Holiday Market

When: November 18-19; Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday, 1 - 5 p.m.
Where: 120 Morris St.

The Durham Arts Council's annual weekend festival of fine arts and crafts at strollable indoor and outdoor venues throughout downtown.

Art-n-Soul Holiday Market at Mystic Farm & Distillery

When: December 2, noon - 4 p.m.
Where: Mystic Farm & Distillery, 1212 N. Mineral Springs Rd.

Head out to the farm to enjoy local spirits and shop gifts from local artists. Plus, bring your dog and have its picture made with Santa!

Holiday Market at Soul Sanctuary

When: December 2, noon - 4 p.m.
Where: Soul Sanctuary, 1016 Old Oxford Road

Shop local gifts and art on the beautiful property at Soul Sanctuary. Find handmade jewelry, crafts, artwork, produce and delicious treats.

The Glass Jug Beer Lab's Holiday Extravaganza

When: December 2, 4 - 7 p.m.
Where: Glass Jug Beer Lab RTP, 5410 North Carolina 55, Suite V

Shop for the beer lover on your list as you decorate tree ornaments, sip holiday beverages, have the kids' faces painted and have their pictures made with Santa!

The Patchwork Holiday Market

When: December 3, noon - 4 p.m.
Where: The Durham Armory, 212 Foster St.

Over 70 local vendors converge at one of the most popular holiday markets of the season.

Holiday Market at The Durham

When: December 6, 6 - 9 p.m.
Where: The Lobby at The Durham Hotel, 315 E. Chapel Hill St.
Buy Tickets

Shop a highly curated selection of art, home goods, gifts, and more with your favorite Durham makers and businesses as you sip seasonal drinks and feel the holiday cheer in the decked out dining room of The Durham Hotel. Ticket sales benefit Y Learning from the Durham YMCA.

Durham Craft Market Annual Holiday Show

When: December 10, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: Durham Central Park Pavilion

Makers from the Durham Craft Market Collective welcome other local artists for this annual holiday show, including more than 50 vendors.

6. Share Holiday Wishes and Selfies with Santa

The Black Santa Experience

When: Various dates in December
Where: Hayti Heritage Center, 804 Old Fayetteville St.

When: December 10, 1 - 4 p.m.
Where: The Roof at The Durham Hotel, 315 E. Chapel Hill St.

Book an appointment for the return of The Black Santa Experience at two locations in Durham, where a visit with a Santa of color from Santas Just Like Me and professional photography make a holiday to remember.

Pictures with Santa at The Streets at Southpoint

When: November 16 - December 24
Where: The Streets at Southpoint, 6910 Fayetteville Rd.

Experience the magic of the season at The Streets at Southpoint where you can make progress on your gift list, and have photos taken with Santa. Reserve your spot, or walk up for photos with yourself, the kids or even your pets. For a sensory-friendly Santa experience, look for the Santa Cares days on the booking calendar.

7. Gather Joyfully and at Community Events

Skip the shopping and get involved with joyful gatherings focused on family, friends, and the fruits of the season.

The Durham Holiday Parade

When: December 9, 10 a.m.
Where: Main Street in downtown Durham

Let the love of community warm your heart as you wave to Santa and cheer on bands, drill teams and local organizations as they show off their holiday spirit with floats and performances on Main Street downtown. Bring your own chairs and blankets.

Jewish for Good at the Levin JCC

When: Various events, December 3 - 14
Where: Levin Jewish Community Center of Durham, 1937 Cornwallis Rd.

Immerse yourself in a full lineup of celebrations at the JCC, including a full day of family fun at Hanukkah festival, Smooze and Nosh at a Musical Hanukkah Brunch, nightly candle lighting, a Hanukkah 8k, a family Hanukkah plunge, Tot Shabbat, and volunteer opportunities to give back to families in need.

Kwanzaafest

When: January 1, 2 p.m.
Where: Durham Armory, 212 Foster St.

Delight in African American Dance Ensemble’s 38th annual celebration of Kwanzaafest with performances celebrating the holiday season and the Triangle's diversity while promoting the traditions of African and African American dance and music to the broad community.

8. Countdown to Midnight at Durham New Year's Eve Parties

Family-Friendly Daytime Parties

• Wool E. Bull's Winter Wonderland – last day to enjoy light displays, train rides, a sledding hill and food and drink at the Jingle Bell Bistro and Arctic Chill Tavern
• Noon Year's Eve at The Museum of Life and Science – celebrate the new year at noon with crafts, music and a countdown to a special ball drop. Add your hopes and wishes to the wishing tree, see a liquid nitrogen demonstration, make DIY shakers and party hats and more.

Night Parties

• New Year's Eve Wonderland Extravaganza! at Ponysaurus – ring in the new year at Ponysaurus with wonderland lights, patio heaters, roaring fire pits, a champagne of beers toast, sparklers and a keg drop. Plus, enter to win a year of beer!
• Copa – enjoy a four-course prix-fixe menu inspired by the cuisine of Lima, Peru.
• New Year's Eve at Alley Twenty Six – gather for a five-course prix-fixe dinner with cocktail pairings.
• New Year's Eve: The Chrome Ball at Unscripted: Durham – dress in silver and head to the lobby and rooftop for a two-level, upscale hip hop gala.
• Future Visions: New Year's Eve at Night School – set your intentions for the year ahead at this vision board party. Tickets include supplies, games, activities and a midnight toast.
• Bullvarian New Year's Eve Party at Flying Bull Beer Company – drinks will be flowing, music will be bumping and celebratory spirits will be high. (CANCELLED)
• 8-Track Minds New Year's Eve Party at The Blue Note Grill – boogie down with Durham's local '70s party band. Tickets include party favors, drink specials and a champagne toast at midnight.
• Champagne Disco Rodeo New Year's Eve Bash at Dram & Draught – party at Dram & Draught with an open bar with themed cocktails, light bites, music and a champagne toast at midnight.
• The Daily Beer Bar NYE Bash – celebrate the new year with drinks, munchies, snack boards, dessert and a champagne toast.
• Nine Year's Eve Party at Glass Jug Downtown – want to toast the new year AND be in bed by 11? Raise a glass to early festivities and 9 p.m. ball drop at Glass Jug.
• New Year's Eve at The Durham Hotel – make a reservation for a festive four-course dinner in the restaurant before heading to the roof to toast the new year. Book the hotel's New Year's Eve Room Package to receive a bottle of sparkling wine on arrival, guaranteed access to the roof, a complimentary New Year's Day cocktail and more.
• New Year's Eve Celebration at Parizade – Parizade's annual New Year's Eve Party offers early and "celebration" seatings for its four-course dinner, with a live band, dancing and a champagne toast at midnight.

While you're in town, visit the Visitor Info Center at 212 W. Main St. to pick up a Craft Beverage Guide – a handy pocket guide to Durham's distilleries, breweries, cocktail bars and more.

9. Book an Overnight Stay

Cozy up at some of Durham’s lodging properties and leave the cold outside.

Enjoy museum displays at 21c Museum Hotel, warm up with beverages and sweet treats at the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club, or splash around at an indoor pool at one of several hotels near The Streets at Southpoint after holiday shopping.

Book an Igloo at The Patio at Unscripted! Celebrate the holiday season on Unscripted! Escape to their winter wonderland, complete with igloos, and enjoy views of downtown Durham, weekly entertainment and signature bites and libations.

Book a night at Aloft Durham Downtown and make the quick jaunt over to DPAC for a festive night out at a holiday show.