Festivals & Special Events

Let's get this holiday season started right! On Wednesday, Nov. 19, at Marsh Creek Community Center, we'll have activities, games, and arts/crafts for participants of all ages at this event that will celebrate multiple holidays! Don't worry, the New Year's Countdown and ball drop will be every 30 minutes, so feel free to come at the beginning, middle, or towards the end! This event is free, with pre-registration encouraged. Special guests include public artist Austen, who will be collecting community input for River Cane Wetland Park and Raleigh City Farm. Location:  Marsh Creek Community Center Ages: All Cost: Free

Put on your ugliest holiday sweater and sleigh your way to Merry & Bright: An Enchanted Holiday Evening for Grownups at Pullen Park. Stroll around the shimmering lake and take in the dazzling lights. Dance under the stars to live music on the event lawn. Ride the carousel (we’ve got a reindeer!). Take a lap on the holiday train. Play some reindeer games. Make and mail holiday postcards. Visit the North Pole and more! Beer, wine, and food will be available for purchase from the Pullen Café, along with local food trucks and breweries. All proceeds benefit Play It Forward, a Raleigh Parks initiative that helps provide financial assistance to families and individuals so everyone can enjoy recreation opportunities. Tickets go on sale Oct. 1 at 9 a.m. via Ticketmaster Space is limited, and tickets will not be available through any other outlets. This is a 21-and-over event. Location: Pullen Park Date: Saturday, Nov. 29 Time: 7 - 10 p.m. Ages: Ages 21 and older only – No children or infants admitted   Cost: $35 Buy Tickets via Ticketmaster

The Raleigh Youth Council is excited to host its annual Toys from Teens holiday event, inviting families with children to celebrate the season with creativity, community, and cheer. This festive event will feature holiday crafts and activities, an opportunity to meet Santa, and a special gift giveaway while supplies last. To receive a gift, children must be present. Join us! Location: Roberts Park Community Center Ages: 0 - 12 years old Cost: Free No Registration Required

Welcome the holiday season and decorate a gingerbread house inspired by Raleigh’s historic sites! This family-friendly program will take you to two historic locations in Raleigh. Meet at Fred Fletcher Park and take a trolley ride to Latta University Historic Park to explore its history. Then, ride the trolley back to Borden Building at Fletcher Park to build your own gingerbread house inspired by the Latta house. Each registrant will have their own gingerbread house, and decorating supplies will be provided. Location: Fred Fletcher Park Ages: All Cost: $15

Raleigh Parks and MAKRS Present: Moore Square Winterfaire, a European style Christmas Market/Festival. Winterfaire is a 4-day annual festival featuring 60+ vendors, a food truck rodeo, Live Bands, Santa, S’mores, a Beer Garden, and more! Learn more

Our "Holidays Around the World" program is an educational event that will explore how different cultures celebrate holidays and traditions. Often focusing on themes like family, food, and celebrations. Winter celebrations around the globe will bring the community together. Location: Barwell Road Park Cost: Free Ages: 0 - 12

Raleigh Parks and MAKRS Present: Moore Square Winterfaire, a European style Christmas Market/Festival. Winterfaire is a 4-day annual festival featuring 60+ vendors, a food truck rodeo, Live Bands, Santa, S’mores, a Beer Garden, and more! Learn more

Let's bring soul and good times to John Chavis Memorial Park and celebrate the holidays with joy and laughter. Festive, jolly, and bright activities will be spread throughout the entire inside and outside of the center for the family to enjoy. Activities will include, but are not limited to, themed rooms, inflatables, photo opportunities, crafts, carol-oke, light holiday-themed refreshments, live entertainment, and beautiful decorations. Location: John Chavis Memorial Park Ages: All Cost: Free

Raleigh Parks and MAKRS Present: Moore Square Winterfaire, a European style Christmas Market/Festival. Winterfaire is a 4-day annual festival featuring 60+ vendors, a food truck rodeo, Live Bands, Santa, S’mores, a Beer Garden, and more! Learn more

Raleigh Parks and MAKRS Present: Moore Square Winterfaire, a European style Christmas Market/Festival. Winterfaire is a 4-day annual festival featuring 60+ vendors, a food truck rodeo, Live Bands, Santa, S’mores, a Beer Garden, and more! Learn more

Bring your swimsuit, towel, and a camera, and take a dip in the pool with Santa! We will have elves running holiday-themed activities in and out of the pool.  Santa will be here to hear all of your Christmas wishes! Location: Pullen Aquatic Center Date: Saturday, Dec. 20 Time: noon - 4 p.m. Ages: All Cost: Pool Admission Fees Vary