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 festive shows, merry markets, twinkling light displays 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:
20th Annual American Tobacco Campus Tower Lighting
When: Lighting December 4; 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
Tree Lighting at CCB Plaza
When: November 23, 1 - 7 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!
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: Holiday Spirits for adults 21+: December 5, 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:
- The Corpse Reviver 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. 6 & 13, 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
- The Jinx & Dela Holiday Show — Nov. 10
- Mannheim Steamroller Christmas — Nov. 22
- The Illusionists: Magic of the Holidays — Nov. 23
- Derek Hough: Dance for the Holidays — Nov. 25
- 'Twas the Night Before... Cirque de Soleil — Dec. 5 - 15
- A Christmas Carol — Dec. 18 - 22
- Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet — Dec. 24
- The Hip Hop Nutcracker — Dec. 28
Holiday Shows at The Carolina Theatre
- Michael W. Smith: EVERY CHRISTMAS — Nov. 16
- Amahl and the Night Visitors — Dec. 7 & 8
- The Triangle Youth Ballet: The Nutcracker — Dec. 12 - 14
- A Celtic Christmas by A Taste of Ireland — Dec. 18
- The Nutcracker — Dec. 19
Christmas at Duke Chapel
What: Handel's Messiah
When: Friday, Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 7, 3 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 8, 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. 13, 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 Showcase
Where: Durham School for Ballet & the Performing Arts, 608 N. Duke St.
When: Nov. 23, 7 p.m., Nov. 24, 3 p.m.
Embrace the art of Aerial Silks & Lyra and Contemporary Dance with original choreography in an intimate, 50-person setting.
North Carolina Jazz Ensemble's Holiday Concert
When: Dec. 15, 3 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.
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: November 9, noon - 5 p.m.
Where: Golden Belt Campus, 800 Taylor St.
Shop fashion, ceramics, paintings, photography, textiles, jewelry and more from over 25+ local artists.
Art-n-Soul Holiday Market at Mystic Farm & Distillery
When: Nov. 9, 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 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: Thursdays, November 21 & December 12, 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 16-17; 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.
Winter Nights at Zinchouse
When: December 6 & 13, 5:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Where: Zinchouse Winery & Brewery, 6225 Wake Forest Hwy.
Shop gifts and art from local vendors at the market hosted by the Makrs Society while you enjoy live music and beverages on the expansive Zinchouse property. Free to attend; no kids allowed.
Holiday Market at Soul Sanctuary
When: December 7, 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 Stuff Your Stockings Holiday Market
When: December 7, 4 - 9 p.m.
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 14 & 15, 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 11, 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
Durham Craft Market Annual Holiday Show
When: December 15, 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.
5. 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: TBD
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.
The Durham Holiday Parade
When: December 14, 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. Ring in the New Year, Durham style.
The Bull City shows out for New Years Eve. Whether you're looking to keep it low-key or crank it up a notch, you're sure to find one of the many New Year's Eve events in Durham to suit your needs. Choose from special holiday menu events, relaxed music performances, dance parties and more.
New Year's Eve at Unscripted
When: December 31, 9 p.m. - 1 a.m.
Where: Unscripted Durham, 202 Corcoran St.
Ring in the new year with champagne toast with friends at The Studio at Unscripted. Dance to the DJ's tunes, much on free hors d'oeuvres and sip on tasty drinks.
New Years Eve Party at The Velvet Hippo
When: December 31, 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Where: The Velvet Hippo, 119 Orange St., 3rd Floor
Light up the dance floor at The Velvet Hippo this New Years Eve. Featuring a set Jorden the DJ and bubbly at midnight, this party is sure to be a great time.
Ring in the Tini's at Dram & Draught
When: December 31, 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Where: Dram & Draught, 701 W. Main St., Ste 123
Enjoy the exclusive New Year's Eve martini menu at this ticketed event hosted by Dram & Draught's Durham location. This event will have food as well as regular menu items in addition to the special event cocktails.
New Year's Eve Block Party at Annexe, Bar Virgile, & High Dive
When: December 31, 10 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Where: Annexe & Bar Virgile, 105 S. Mangum St. & High Dive, 101 W. Main St., Ste Lo2
Cruise on over to Durham night life staples Annexe and Bar Virgile, and the newly opened High Dive, for a block party complete with specialty cocktails, DJs and champagne. Each bar will have its own vibe, so come ready for a night of variety.
PanDAYmonium NYE Day Party at The Living Room
When: December 31, 4 - 9 p.m.
Where: The Living Room, 1007 West Main St.
If you're not up for a late night, but still want to party, you're in luck. The Living Room is hosting a day party that's sure to be a blast, complete with food, music, and complimentary spirits from the event's sponsors till 5:30.
New Year's Eve Wonderland Extravaganza at Ponysaurus
When: December 31, 9 p.m. - 1 a.m.
Where: Ponysaurus, 219 Hood St.
For a more casual, but still fun, New Year's Eve, pop over to Ponysaurus brewing company. Warm yourself by the fire and sip on flavorful brews while you await the keg drop, accompanied by sparklers and a champagne of beers toast, at midnight.
New Year's Eve Dinner at Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club
When: December 31, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club, 3001 Cameron Blvd.
Indulge in a multi-course dinner complete with seasonal dishes and delicious desserts. Held in the Fairview Dining Room, this event is perfect for couples and groups of friends.
Midnight Brunch & Pajama Party at Cheeni
When: December 31, 9 p.m.
Where: Cheeni, 202 Corcoran St., Ste 100
Start your new year off right by getting a brunch plate at Cheeni in your PJs. The Bar Beej will be slinging cocktails while the party goers kick back and enjoy a cozy night of NYE fun.
M Restaurants' Special New Year's Eve Dinner Experiences
When: December 31, Times are Location Dependent
Where: All M Restaurants
Each M Restaurant in town has a special menu planned for you this New Year's Eve. Keep an eye on their socials in the days leading up to the event as they announce each menu, and head to your favorite to ring in the new year.
OPULENT NYE: A Black & Gold Affair at Missy Lanes
When: December 31, 9 p.m. - 1 a.m.
Where: Missy Lane's, 310 East Main St.
Hosted by The Queens Court, this classy NYE party will feature a set from DJ Deluxe and a live performance from The NuBeing Collective.
Buffer Zone: A New Year's Eve Party
When: December 31, 8:30 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Where: The Fruit, 305 S. Dillard St.
Head to The Fruit this New Year's Eve for a full on festival c0-curated by Morning Choir, Sparx Entertainment, Paperhand Puppets and more. Get ready for art, music and memories.
New Years Eve Party/Fundraiser w/Kate McGarry & Friends
When: December 31, 9 p.m.
Where: Durham Jazz Workshop/Sharp 9 Gallery, 4608 Industry Ln., Ste L
Spend your New Year's Eve in style listening to live jazz and supporting the Durham Jazz Workshop & Sharp 9 Gallery. This party will include an open bar and a fabulous dessert spread provided by Durham bakeries.
Moulin Rouge New Year's at Arcana
When: December 31, 7 p.m. - 1 a.m.
Where: Arcana, 331 W. Main St.
Duck into Arcana this New Year's Eve for a splendid night of live jazz with the Kayla King Jazz trio. Order off the special NYE cocktail menu and join your friends for a champagne toast at midnight.
8. 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.
