December 2024 Events in The Triangle: Winter Markets, Pop Ups, and Festivities!

December is a busy and exciting time in The Triangle, with plenty of opportunities to get into the holiday spirit. From festive markets and tree lightings to unique workshops and New Year’s Eve celebrations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re planning a quiet evening or a lively outing, this guide will help you discover the best events happening throughout the month.

Week of December 1st - December 8th

left image from Thriving in Raleigh | right image from Canva Gallery

  1. Shop Small Mall

    When: Sunday, December 1st, 11AM-4PM

    Where: NC State Fairgrounds

    Cost: $5 for general admission (other prices vary)

    Description: Shop Small Mall is a HUGE festival hosted by Triangle Pop Up and this year it will be held at the NC State Fairgrounds. This two-day event is happening on Small Business Saturday weekend and with over 100 local artists and makers, it's the perfect place to start your holiday shopping! Grab your tickets to enjoy live music, food trucks, workshops and art installations.

  2. Wreath Making Workshop

    When: Wednesday, December 4th, 6:30-8:30PM

    Where: Downtown Cary Park

    Cost: $10

    Description: Join DCP for a festive Wreath Making Workshop with Caitlyn Frank from Golden Flora! Gather 'round as Caitlyn guides you through the art of wreath crafting, providing all the materials needed to create a stunning holiday wreath. Get ready to deck your halls with handmade cheer!

  3. Jolly Raleigh Holiday Market

    When: Saturday, December 7th, 11AM-5PM

    Where: Raleigh Iron Works

    Cost: Free

    Description: Sip, shop, and celebrate the season at the Jolly Raleigh Holiday Market! Join Raleigh Iron Works for the perfect opportunity to sip local beer, shop for local treasures, and cherish community coming together to celebrate the season!

Week of December 9th - December 15th

left image from Thriving in Raleigh | right image from Canva Gallery

  1. Winterfest

    When: Friday, December 13th, 4-8PM

    Where: Ting Park in Holly Springs

    Cost: Free

    Description: Join the community of Holly Springs we kick off the most festive time of the year! WinterFest is sure to be the event of the season! Join us for a fun evening at Ting Park that includes festive entertainment, a winter market, Santa Visits, snow, kids entertainment and the lighted tree trail!

  2. Gingerbuild Houses & Hops

    When: Friday, December 13th, 7-9PM

    Where: Marbles Museum

    Cost: $25

    Description: Cheers to the holiday season! Decorate your own edible gingerbread house at this special 21+ holiday event. Beer and wine will be available for purchase. Photo ID required for entry.

  3. Paws with Claus Holiday Photos

    When: Sunday, December 15th, 2-5PM

    Where: Downtown Cary Park

    Cost: Free

    Description: Bring your furry friends for a jolly good time at our Paws with Claus event! Celebrate the holiday season by snapping adorable photos of your beloved dogs with Santa Claus. Our festive setup is perfect for capturing the cutest holiday moments with your four-legged family members. Enjoy a cheerful atmosphere, complete with holiday decorations, treats, and plenty of wagging tails!

Week of December 16th - 22nd

left image from deposit gallery | right image from Thriving in Raleigh

  1. Earrings & Cocktail Making Class

    When: Thursday, December 19th, 6:30PM-8PM

    Where: Adventures in Bloom, Apex, NC

    Cost: $47

    Description: Create, celebrate, and cheers to a sparkling holiday season! Join Adventures in Bloom and A Glass Above for a festive evening of creativity, cocktails, and holiday cheer! In this unique hands-on workshop, you’ll create your own pair of beautiful earrings with the guidance of jewelry experts from Adventures in Bloom, then shake things up by crafting a delicious Holiday Espresso Peppermint Martini alongside A Glass Above’s mixology masters.

  2. Cary Night Market

    When: Friday, December 20th, 5-9PM

    Where: Downtown Cary Park

    Cost: Free

    Description: This night market in Cary brings together local artisans, food vendors, and musicians. Shop while enjoying the holiday ambiance. It’s a great stop for unique finds and handcrafted goods.

  3. The Nutcracker

    When: Various Times

    Where: Raleigh Memorial Auditorium

    Cost: $28-$118+ (Ticket prices vary based on date/time and seat selections)

    Description: This holiday season, rediscover the wonder with Carolina Ballet’s enchanting celebration of The Nutcracker.

    Our most-attended production ever, this beautiful ballet marries the charm of the original with fresh choreography, vibrant sets, and stunning costumes.

Week of December 23rd - December 31st

images from Thriving in Raleigh

  1. NHL Carolina Hurricanes vs New Jersey Devils

    When: Saturday, December 28th, 7PM

    Where: Lenovo Center

    Cost: $70-$450+ (varies based on seat selections)

    Description: Cheer on the Canes as they take on the Devils! A thrilling way to enjoy the holiday season with fellow hockey fans.

  2. WRAL First Night Raleigh

    When: Tuesday, December 31st, 2PM-12AM

    Where: Fayetteville Street, Downtown Raleigh

    Cost: $16 for adults, $12 for children ages 6-12. Admission is free for children under the age of 5.

    Description: Festivities begin with the early afternoon City Plaza outdoor musical performances and the Children’s Celebration at 2pm. Performances and activities will continue throughout the evening across multiple indoor venues throughout Downtown Raleigh. The night is capped off with music on the outdoor Main Stage, the famous Raleigh Acorn Drop, and a spectacular fireworks show.

  3. NYE Live!

    When: Tuesday, December 31st, 8PM-12AM

    Where: 855 Cary Towne Boulevard, Cary

    Cost: $40+

    Description: This New Year’s Eve, we’re turning back the clock as we go Through the Decades at NYE Live! Whether you’re a fan of the flapper dresses of the 20s, poodle skirts of the 50s, groovy energy of the 70s, neon of the 80s, denim of the 90s, or looking for a glimpse into the future, we’ve got it all! Dress in your favorite era’s fashion and enjoy themed specialty cocktails, over-the-top decorations throughout the building and cash prize giveaways!  Ticket packages include entertainment with live music, unforgettable photo op moments, a midnight champagne toast featuring the Ball drop on our 42-foot LED screen, and more!


Wishing You a Joyful Holiday Season!

We hope this guide inspires you to make unforgettable holiday memories with your friends and family. From local markets to parade celebrations, there’s something for everyone in The Triangle this December. Cheers to a season filled with joy, laughter, and community!

For even more events to explore in Raleigh this December, be sure to check out our full events calendar!

Is there something we’ve missed? Please let us know here!

Want to see your event in our next blog? Fill out our inquiry form here!

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