Downtown Cary always goes all the way when it comes to holiday cheer. The town is already beautiful, with it covered with lights and decorations, but the real launch happens on December 6 with the Tree Lighting Celebration! The ceremony itself will start at 6 PM, but the celebration will be happening all day! Here is everything you need to know to make sure that you make the most of this jam-packed day!
Where and How to Get There
This event will be very large-scale, with Academy St from Park St to Dry Ave closed from 11 AM to 10 PM. So plan to come early, and know how you will get to Downtown Cary. Luckily, there are many options available to you!
There are free public parking options throughout Downtown Cary: the parking deck next to the library, the town hall parking deck, Cary Elementary’s lot along Faculty Ave, and any designated street parking you may find that is spread out through town. Carpooling or getting dropped off are significant things to consider!
Make the most of the free GoCary bus service to easily access the event. All eight GoCary bus routes conveniently connect at the Cary Depot, less than half a mile from the Park. The Downtown Loop conveniently runs from the Town Hall Parking Deck and drops off at the Park! To plan your trip or access the GoCary Ride Guide, please visit GoCary.org.
When and What is Happening?
There will be activities happening throughout the Downtown Cary Park, starting with the Cary Farmers Holiday Market and expanding from there. Take a look at the schedule below to figure out which events you don’t want to miss, or plan out a full day of family-friendly fun!
| TIME | PROGRAM | LOCATION |
| 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Cary Farmers Holiday Market | East Park Street |
| 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Face painting (paid activity) | The Gathering Garden |
| 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Photos with Santa | The Gathering House |
| 2 – 3 p.m. | Storytime with Peter Rabbit | Frantz Square Lawn |
| 2 – 5 p.m. | Art Cart | The Nest Pavilion |
| 2 – 6 p.m. | Snowball Fight Area | The Splash Pad |
| 2 – 6 p.m. | Reindeer Games | Park Street Arena |
| 2 -6 p.m. | Character Appearances | Park Street Arena |
| 2 – 8 p.m. | Holiday Vendor Market | Academy Street |
| 2 – 8 p.m. | 360 Photo Booth | Frantz Square Plaza |
| 2 – 8 p.m. | Holiday Photo Booth | Park Street Arena |
| 2 – 8 p.m. | Umbrella Dry Bar (paid activity) | Academy Plaza |
| 2 – 9 p.m. | Food Trucks (See List Below) | Park Street and Academy Street |
| 3 – 5:15 p.m. | Community Performances (See Outline Below) | Great Lawn Pavilion |
| 3 p.m. | Chordination A Cappella | Great Lawn Pavilion |
| 3:40 p.m. | Cary Youth Ballet | Great Lawn Pavilion |
| 4 p.m. | Catch 22 | Great Lawn Pavilion |
| 4:20 p.m. | Cary Elementary School | Great Lawn Pavilion |
| 4:40 p.m. | Green Eggs & Jam | Great Lawn Pavilion |
| 5 p.m. | Graceful Expressions | Great Lawn Pavilion |
| 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. | Poetry Fox | Academy Plaza |
| 6 p.m. | Cary’s Official Tree Lighting Ceremony | Frantz Square Lawn |
| 6:20 p.m. | Community Performance | Frantz Square Plaza |
| Food Truck | Location |
| True North Poutine | Academy Street |
| Munchi Love | Academy Street |
| Corner Boys BBQ | Academy Street |
| Tombachi Restaurants | Park Street |
| Raleigh Popsicle | Park Street |
| TrySeafood | Park Street |
The Return of the Annual Gifting Tree Project & Gingerbread House Competition
Although there will be events just for the day, December 6 is also the launch of both the 14th Annual Gifting Tree Project and the Annual Gingerbread House Competition, which will be on display for multiple days!
The Gifting Tree Project
Stroll along S. Academy Street and inside the Downtown Cary Park as it is transformed into a dazzling Christmas tree display. Local families, schools, and organizations decorate their trees in a competition to win a donation to the nonprofit group of their choice.
You can cast one vote per tree. Duplicate votes will not be counted. Winners will be announced by January 6!
Annual Gingerbread House Competition
Be part of Cary’s sweetest tradition! The community is invited December 6 – 14 to stroll Downtown and see the builds at local businesses. Vote Here
Join the Celebration!
That is everything you need to know to kick off the holiday season! If you are unavailable to attend this special event, Downtown Cary Park says they will have a live stream so you can enjoy it vicariously! You can learn more about that option and the event in general on their information page here. Of course, this is only the beginning of what’s to come for Downtown Cary in December, so stay tuned!
