Parks & Rec

Help Santa on this special Historic Raleigh Trolley Tour! Santa is lost in Raleigh and Holly the Elf needs your help to find him in time for Christmas! New this year, arrive up to 30 minutes early or stay after your tour to make a s’more!The trolley leaves from Mordecai Historic Park at 1 Mimosa St in Raleigh. Advance registration is required. For more information, call the Mordecai Historic Park Visitor Center at 919-996-4364. Location: Mordecai Historic ParkTimes: 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m.Cost: $15Ages: AllRegister on RecLink

December is a month of many holidays that bring family and friends together. Celebrate & learn about your holiday and those of family, friends, and acquaintances. The event will include crafts, activities, photo opportunities, and music.  We invite everyone of all ages to participate. Location: Barwell Road Community CenterAges: AllCost: Free

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 fill the rooms of the community center and be spread throughout the park for families to enjoy. Activities will include inflatables, trackless train rides, photo opportunities, crafts, carol-oke, light holiday-themed refreshments, live entertainment by Soultriii, beautiful decorations, and more. Watch for our special guest, Holly the Elf, to make an appearance! Location: John Chavis Memorial ParkAges: AllCost: Free

The Raleigh Youth Council is Hosting the Annual Toys From Teens! This event is for families with children from birth to 12 years. Participants will create festive crafts, meet Santa, and receive a gift (while supplies last). A child must be present to receive a gift. Location: Roberts Park Community Center Ages: 0 to 12 years old Cost: Free (Registration will be available at the event) Register on RecLink

Join us at the annual Holiday Open House at Mordecai Historic Park! See how the Mordecai House would have been decorated over the past 239 years and learn about different holiday traditions. Walk through the beautifully decorated house and enjoy music, discover historic artifacts, and more. On Saturday, December 14, do some holiday shopping at the Merry and Bright: A North Pole Market! Visit our vendors to find unique gifts, create festive crafts, and sample food vendors. Enjoy seasonal entertainment and stop by a cooking demonstration in our historic kitchen. Visit Paper and Stars Studio’s Eventbrite page to register and receive event updates. For more information, call the Mordecai Historic Park Visitor Center at 919-996-4364. Ages: AllCost: Free Associated

Help Santa on this special Historic Raleigh Trolley Tour! Santa is lost in Raleigh and Holly the Elf needs your help to find him in time for Christmas! New this year, arrive up to 30 minutes early or stay after your tour to make a s’more!The trolley leaves from Mordecai Historic Park at 1 Mimosa St in Raleigh. Advance registration is required. For more information, call the Mordecai Historic Park Visitor Center at 919-996-4364. Location: Mordecai Historic ParkTimes: 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m.Cost: $15Ages: AllRegister on RecLink

Artist Studio Project, The Friends of the City of Raleigh Museum, El Centro Hispano, and The Dominican Association of NC invite you to attend our 8th Annual La Chocolatada de Luisito. This is a Free Bilingual Family-Friendly Holiday Storytime Event. It includes Free Books, Crafts, Chocolates, Songs, Treats, Hot Chocolate, Pastries, and more. This family-friendly event forms part of the 10th Annual El Quixote Festival. Location: City of Raleigh Museum Cost: Free Ages: All

Join us at the annual Holiday Open House at Mordecai Historic Park! See how the Mordecai House would have been decorated over the past 239 years and learn about different holiday traditions. Walk through the beautifully decorated house and enjoy music, discover historic artifacts, and more. Enjoy seasonal entertainment and stop by a cooking demonstration in our historic kitchen. Visit Paper and Stars Studio’s Eventbrite page to register and receive event updates. For more information, call the Mordecai Historic Park Visitor Center at 919-996-4364. Ages: AllCost: Free

Help Santa on this special Historic Raleigh Trolley Tour! Santa is lost in Raleigh and Holly the Elf needs your help to find him in time for Christmas! New this year, arrive up to 30 minutes early or stay after your tour to make a s’more!The trolley leaves from Mordecai Historic Park at 1 Mimosa St in Raleigh. Advance registration is required. For more information, call the Mordecai Historic Park Visitor Center at 919-996-4364. Location: Mordecai Historic ParkTimes: 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m.Cost: $15Ages: AllRegister on RecLink

Come on out to Sanderford Road Community Center for free haircuts, games, food, and fun! Our partners at All-Embracing Barber and Beauty Shop will be offering free haircuts and handing out gifts for all children! Ages: 1 - 18Cost: FreeRegister on RecLink

Join us for a wild adventure as we explore the amazing creatures that call Falls Lake home. Through exciting games, hands-on activities, and fascinating stories, you'll discover how these animals survive, hunt, and stay safe in the great outdoors. Get ready for an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature!Location: Forest Ridge ParkAge: 6-11Cost: $3

Put on your hiking boots and get ready to Opt Outside! Join us as we explore the breathtaking trails of Forest Ridge Park, where nature’s beauty surrounds you at every turn. From the rustling of the leaves to the distant calls of wildlife, this hike offers a chance to immerse yourself in the peaceful serenity of the great outdoors. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or just starting out, this experience is designed to help you unwind, reconnect with nature, and recharge both physically and mentally. Step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and discover the hidden gems of Forest Ridge Park — the perfect escape for all levels of hikers!Location: Forest Ridge ParkAge: 14+Cost: $6Register on RecLink