Walkin' in the Durham Wonderland
The festive lights are glowin' and the hot cocoa is flowin'. These fun holiday events in Durham will bring you cheer!
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!
The events below occurred in 2025. For details on 2026 holiday events, check back in November 2026.
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: December 6, 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. New this year, Weird Windows – magical downtown holiday storefront art displays by local artists. And 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 Nights at American Tobacco Campus
When: Three nights of holiday cheer. Lighting December 3; That Station's Holiday Nights concerts December 4-5; display available through New Years
What Time: pre-show at 6 p.m.; Tower Lighting and Concerts at 7 p.m.
Where: American Tobacco Campus
21st Annual American Tobacco Campus Tower Lighting
21st Annual American Tobacco Tower Lighting
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!
That Station's Holiday Nights
The holiday vibes continue for three days with concerts on the lawn December 4 and 5. Catch Blue Cactus, Fancy Gap and more!
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.
Holiday Tree Lighting at Washington Duke Inn
When: December 1, 6 - 8 p.m.
Where: Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club, 3001 Cameron Blvd.
Step into the newly renovated lobby of one of Durham's most iconic properties to experience the magic of the season with the festive tree lighting ceremony. Sip hot cocoa and nosh on holiday cookies as you explore the holiday decorations throughout the property.
Holiday Tree Lighting at JB Duke Hotel
When: December 3, 6 p.m.
Where: JB Duke Hotel, 230 Science Dr.
Enjoy festive music, twinkling lights, hot cocoa and cookies at this second-annual tradition.
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:
- Miracle Bar is popping up at Coupe & Stein beginning November 19, bringing a wonderland of nostalgic decor, imaginative cocktails and collectible glassware.
- 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.
Durham Craft Market Annual Holiday Market
When: Dec. 14, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: Durham Central Park, 501 Foster St.
Shop one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your list 50+ local artisans and makers at this special holiday version of the weekly craft market adjacent to the Durham Farmers' Market.
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.
Santa Visits the Brewery
When: Nov. 13, 3-7 p.m.
Where: Glass Jug Beer Lab RTP, 5410 NC 55
Santa will be pulling up a stool for a free photo op, plus a special holiday draft list, makers market, hot cider and chocolate, pretzels and more.
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!
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!
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.
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 Years Eve at Sheraton Imperial Hotel
When: December 31, 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Where: Sheraton Imperial Hotel, 4700 Emperor Rd.
Experience a night of celebrations and surprises this NYE at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel, with music from DJ Skillz & DJ Bro Rabb. Purchase a table or buy a VIP Experience for an unforgettable night.
New Year's Eve at Kingfisher
When: December 31, 9 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.
Where: 321 E. Chapel Hill St.
Ring in 2026 with an intimate New Year's Eve celebration with great food, beautiful drinks and community connection at Kingfisher. A $75 ticket includes a welcome cocktail, midnight toast, passed hors d'oeuvres and canapes from chef Saca Monk plus pastries from Genevieve Pastry. Live Jazz will provide the entertainment until the countdown to midnight.
Parizade New Year's Eve Celebration
When: December 31, 9 p.m.
Where: Parizade, 2200 W. Main St.
Ring in the new year with a four course menu, live music, dancing and a champagne toast at Parizade. Seatings are available at 9, 9:15 and 9:30 and the party comes to a close after the ball drops.
New Years's Eve Dinner at The Durham Hotel
When: December 31, 5 - 10 p.m.
Where: The Durham Hotel, 315 E. Chapel Hill St.
Head to the first-floor dining room at The Durham for an excellent four course dinner with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
New Year's Eve Party on the Roof: Mob Wives Get Down
When: December 31, 9 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.
Where: The Durham Hotel, 315 E. Chapel Hill St.
Grab your fur coats and lip gloss for a Mob Wives-inspired get down on The Roof at The Durham. Enjoy music from DJ Bre while you dance, drink festive cocktails and munch on caviar and late-night bites. There is no cover for this event.
New Year's Day Brunch at The Durham Hotel
When: January 1, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Where: The Durham Hotel, 315 E. Chapel Hill St.
Start your first day of 2026 off right with brunch at The Durham Hotel with featured items like Challah French Toast, Slow Roasted Ham, Broccoli & Cheddar Quiche and more.
Swing in the New Year at Topgolf
When: December 31, 9 p.m. - 1 a.m.
Where: 4901 Topgolf Way
Hit the range at Topgolf for an unforgettable New Year's Eve full of games, special NYE bites, drinks and a midnight toast.
Noon Year's Eve at the Museum of Life and Science
When: December 31, 10 a.m. - p.m.
Where: The Museum of Life and Science, 433 W. Murray Avenue
Celebrate the New Year with your kids at the Museum of Life and Science, where they can wish on the wishing tree, make arts and crafts, play and take part in hands-on science activities.
New Year’s Eve Omakase at Dashi
When: December 31, 5 - 11 p.m.
Where: Dashi, 415 E. Chapel Hill St.
Walk up to the Izakaya at Dashi for a New Year's exclusive, five-course Omakase experience with optional drink pairings.
Unscripted Durham New Year’s Eve Party
When: December 31, 8 p.m. - 1 a.m.
Where: Unscripted, 202 Corcoran St.
Ring in the new year with a champagne toast with friends at The Studio at Unscripted. Dance to tunes from DJ Sanjay, munch on free hors d'oeuvres and sip on tasty drinks.
NYE Get Down at Ponysaurus
When: December 31, 10 p.m. - 1 a.m.
Where: Ponysaurus, 219 Hood St.
Get a pint at Ponysaurus and groove to house music from dance collective The Floor until they drop the keg at midnight.
New Year's Eve Soiree at The Lenny
When: December 31, 7 p.m. - 1 a.m.
Where: The Lenny, 555 S. Mangum St.
Take in the rooftop view of Durham from The Lenny at their New Year's Eve Soiree, complete with a special four-course prix fixe menu. DJ CZ will provide the music for the night so you can dance right into the new year with a complimentary bubbly toast.
New Year's Eve at Annexe, Bar Virgile and 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.
Cruise on over to Durham night life staples Annexe and Bar Virgile and 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.
New Year's Eve Bash at The Velvet Hippo
When: December 31, 8 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 Year's Eve. Featuring sets from DJ Nar and Jorden the DJ and bubbly at midnight, this party is sure to be a great time.
New Year's Eve at M Pocha
When: December 31, 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Where: M Pocha, 101 E. Chapel Hill St.
Join M Pocha in ringing in the new year with delicious food and drink.
Family-Friendly New Year's Dinner Celebration at Bull City Burger
When: December 31, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Bull City Burger and Brewery, 107 E. Parrish St.
Greet the new year with the whole family at Bull City Burger and Brewery, where you and the kids can enjoy their special NYE menu. Reservations are required, so make sure you call ahead.
New Year's Eve Dinner at Nikos
When: December 31, 5 - 9 p.m.
Where: Nikos, Brightleaf Square, 905 W. Main St.
Experience Chef Douglas's modern approach to Greek cuisine with a special five-course menu for $120 per person, plus access to the usual a la carte menu.
Stranger Things New Years Eve Party
When: December 31, 8 p.m.
Where: DJ's Dive 3219 Old Chapel Hill Rd Durham, North Carolina 27707
DJ's Dive is throwing a Stranger Things/2026 Finale party. The makers of the TV show Stranger Things are from Durham NC and many local folks asked us to throw a party, fitting that it's also New Years Eve! They have Ferrio's Kitchen all night, Stranger Things themed drinks and when you walk into the bar you will feel like you've stepped into the upside down.
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