Walkin' in the Durham Wonderland
7 minutes
The festive lights are glowin' and the hot cocoa is flowin'. These fun holiday events in Durham will bring you cheer!
Posted By Natalie Minott
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 holiday cheer. Now's the time for a holiday trip to Durham filled with festive shows at downtown theaters, gift shopping at merry holiday markets, twinkling light displays, gatherings under the tree (and water tower) and maybe even a sighting of The Grinch!
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:
Tree Lighting at CCB Plaza
When: November 21, 5 - 9 p.m.
Where: CCB Plaza
Gather the whole family for Downtown Durham Holiday, a family-friendly celebration of the holiday season with live performances, a pop-up market, 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!
21st Annual American Tobacco Campus Tower Lighting
When: Lighting December 3; 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!
See the magical lights display at the American Tobacco Campus. Photo: Discover Durham
FestiBull of Lights: An Immersive Light Experience
When: November 20 - January 3, 5:30 - 9 p.m.
Where: Durham Bulls Athletic Park
Get ready for the Durham Bulls Athletic Park to turn into a winter wonderland this holiday season, full of sparkling lights, dazzling displays and seasonal activities. The Festibull of Lights will be a magical experience for all ages. Hop aboard the NC by Train Holiday Express on your way to meet Santa. Make some holiday arts and crafts before feasting on festive food and drinks then roast your own s'mores for desert.
Holiday Events at the Museum of Life and Science
Holidays in the Park: Select nights beginning Nov. 30
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: Holiday Spirits for adults 21+: Date TBD, 6:30-10 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.
Enjoy the bright displays at Holidays in the Park at Museum of Life and Science. Photo: Museum of Life and Science
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.
Grab a Drink at a Festive Holiday Bar
Multiple local watering holes will be getting into the holiday spirit by decorating their bars with lights and more:
- Conniption Bar & Lounge has transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with specialty holiday cocktails.
- Ponysaurus decks their halls with lights and serves seasonal beverages including mulled wine and cider.
- Velvet Hippo's aprés ski vibes and holiday lights will keep you warm and cozy as you sip seasonal beverages.
- Express your originality as you make a one-in-a-million paper snowflake and hang it on the wall at Queeny's.
- The Roof at The Durham is warm and welcoming with holiday lights and heated enclosures.
2. Experience Christmas by Candlelight at Duke Homestead
Where: Duke Homestead, 2828 Duke Homestead Rd.
When: Dec. 5 & 12, 5:30 - 9 p.m.
Jingle all the way over to the Duke Homestead for an 1870's North Carolina Christmas experience. 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 in November for this unique opportunity to see the Duke family home brought to life.
3. 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
- A Drag Queen Christmas — Nov. 18
- A Magical Cirque Christmas — Nov. 19
- Mannheim Steamroller Christmas — Nov. 21
- Lindsey Stirling: The Snow Waltz Tour — Nov. 22
- NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet — Nov. 23
- Elf The Musical — Nov. 26 - 30
- A Christmas Carol - Presented by Theatre in the Park — Dec. 10 - 14
Holiday Shows at The Carolina Theatre
- The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show — Nov. 17
- An Evening with Peter Billingsley and A Christmas Story — Nov. 30
- The Nutcracker — Dec. 11 - 13
- BÉLA FLECK & THE FLECKTONES: JINGLE ALL THE WAY — Dec. 17
Christmas at Duke Chapel
What: Handel's Messiah
When: Friday, Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 6, 3 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 7, 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: Duke Chapel by Candlelight
When: Wednesday, Dec. 17, 12 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 Aerial Showcase
Where: Durham School for Ballet & the Performing Arts, 608 N. Duke St.
When: Friday, Dec. 12, 7 p.m; Saturday, Dec. 13, 7 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 14, 2 p.m.
Embrace the art of Aerial Silks & Lyra and Contemporary Dance with original choreography in an intimate, 50-person setting.
4. 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: TBA
Where: Golden Belt Campus, 800 Taylor St.
Stroll through the studios and shop fashion, ceramics, paintings, photography, textiles, jewelry and more from over 25+ local artists.
Holiday Pop-Up Shop at Boxyard RTP
When: November 15 - January 15
Where: Boxyard RTP, 900 Park Offices Dr.
Shop through the shipping containers at Boxyard RTP to find thoughtful gifts from local artisans all holiday season.
Durham Night Market
When: December 11, 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 22 & 23; 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.
6th Annual Handcrafted DURM Holiday Market
When: November 29, 2 - 6 p.m.
Where: Durty Bull Brewing Co., 206 Broadway St., Ste#104
Peruse holiday themed goods from local makers, savor seasonal treats, and enjoy a costume contest.
The Glass Jug Beer Lab's Stuff Your Stockings Holiday Market
When: TBA
Where: Glass Jug Beer Lab RTP, 5410 North Carolina 55, Suite V
Shop for the beer lover on your list in The Glass Jug's festive beer garden while you enjoy hot apple cider and winter slushies.
The Patchwork Holiday Market
When: December 6 & 7, 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 10, 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.
Find gifts for loved ones at The Holiday Market at The Durham Hotel. Photo: Eric Waters
5. Share Holiday Wishes and Selfies with Santa
The Black Santa Experience
When: Nov. 9, Dec. 20-24
Where: Hayti Heritage Center, 804 Old Fayetteville St.
When: December 6
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 14 - 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.
6. 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.
Holiday Pops
When: November 29
Where: Durham Armory, 212 Foster St.
Ring in the holiday season with this festive, long-standing family event featuring music from Christmas, Kwanzaa, Chanukkah, New Year's, and Mardi Gras! Award-winning soprano soloist Jemeesa Yarborough will also perform. Enjoy the traditional sing-along and the extended intermission with coffee, tea, cocoa, and dessert buffet. Who knows? Santa may even show up!
The Durham Holiday Parade
When: December 13, 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.
Catch the holiday spirit at the Holiday Parade. Photo: Discover Durham
Jewish for Good at the Levin JCC
When: Various events, TBD
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, 12 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.
Enjoy the amazing performances at Kwanzaafest. Photo: SP Murray
7. 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.
