Parks & Rec

Join the Friends of the City of Raleigh Museum for our free annual holiday Sip and Shop event from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the museum. Browse gift options from a variety of vendors, including local artists, craftspeople, creators, makers, and more, while sipping a festive cocktail or mocktail and listening to holiday music. Participants will be entered into a raffle for a family four-pack of tickets to the hottest event in town – the Holiday Express at Pullen Park! Admission is free and includes the opportunity to explore the museum’s exhibits, but we ask that you register on Eventbrite.Location: City of Raleigh MuseumAge: AllCost: FreeRegistration is Encouraged

Join DJ Young Fresh Prince for a festive bash filled with cookie decorating, awesome tunes, and endless fun! Bring your creativity and your dancing shoes—let’s make some sweet memories together!Location: Green Road ParkAges: AllCost: Free

The holiday season is here! Come join the Raleigh Youth Council at Abbotts Creek Community Center for your personal tour through Santa's workshop! Enjoy Art and Craft Activities, Festive Music, and a picture with a very special visitor! In addition, please help put a smile on a child's face by donating a new toy for children in need. Toy donations are optional but much appreciated. Location: Abbotts Creek ParkAge: Families with children 0 to 12 yearsCost: FreeRegister on RecLink

Join us at Moore Square for special performances, games for the kids, food trucks, craft beer, and mulled wine, and meet Santa Claus from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Caroling teams will compete and help raise money for the Wake Tech Community College Foundation’s Fostering Bright Futures Program. Location: Moore SquareAges: AllCost: Free

Welcome to the holiday season! 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 ParkAges: 5+Cost: $15

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