Step into the holiday magic in Downtown Cary as it transforms into a whimsical walking gallery of gingerbread creations! Local creators have poured their hearts into crafting festive displays so sweet, they might just tempt a visit from Santa’s elves! Stroll through select downtown businesses from December 7-15 (hours vary by location) and vote for your favorites. The best of the best will be showcased at the Cary Arts Center from December 17-30—perfect for adding a dash of holiday cheer to your festivities. More information about visiting, participating, and hosting can be found at carync.gov/gingerbread.

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. This year, we will again have prizes for the top three trees. Voting for the 13th annual Gifting Tree Project will be open December 7 - 22, 2024. Learn more here.

Join the Cary Farmers Market for the winter market season along East Park St., next to Downtown Cary Park. Find a wonderful lineup of vendors offering all locally made and locally grown items. Shop for freshly-harvested produce, humanely-raised meat, and artisan-made goods. Stop by the info booth to learn about their matching program for SNAP/EBT. Children can also get their very own Farmers Market Passport and participate in the Eat-A-Rainbow program, which encourages children to eat healthy, nutritious foods. Learn more about the new location, nutrition programs, and other information on their website or their Facebook and Instagram pages for regularly updated weekly information.

Kick off the holiday season with festive cheer at our FREE Tree Lighting Celebration in Downtown Cary Park. Throughout the day enjoy holiday activities, programs and performances all leading to the official Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6 p.m. Gather Don’t miss this magical evening that promises to ignite your holiday spirit! Please note: Academy Street will be closed from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. on December 7. TIME PROGRAM LOCATION 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Cary Farmers Holiday Market Park Street 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Photos with Santa Academy Pavilion 2 – 3 p.m. Storytime with Peter Rabbit Frantz Square Lawn 2 -5 p.m. Art Cart The Nest Pavilion 2 – 6 p.m. Penguin Playground (Snow and Snowballs!) The Nest Splash Pad 2 – 9 p.m. Holiday Vendor Market Academy Street 2 – 9 p.m. 360 Photo Booth Frantz Square 2 – 9 p.m. Food Trucks (See List Below) Park Street and Academy Street 2 – 10 p.m. Skating Rink Park Street Courts Arena 3:15 – 5:15 p.m. Community Performances (See Outline Below) Great Lawn Pavilion 3:15 p.m. Parkside Elementary School Great Lawn Pavilion 3:40 p.m. Grace Christian School Great Lawn Pavilion 4:00 p.m. Carolina Youth Ballet Great Lawn Pavilion 4:20 p.m. Cary Apex Youth Choir Great Lawn Pavilion 4:40 p.m. Cary Elementary School Great Lawn Pavilion 5:00 p.m. Graceful Expressions Great Lawn Pavilion 5 – 9 p.m. Poetry Fox Frantz Square 6 p.m. Cary’s Official Tree Lighting Ceremony Frantz Square Lawn 7:30 – 8:15 p.m. Music Made In Heaven Hand Bell Performance Great Lawn Pavilion Food Truck Location Flattz Academy Street TrySeafood Academy Street MunchiLove Academy Street Charlie Kabob Park Street Empanadas and More Park Street Paris Delight Park Street Know Before You Go This event is free and open to the public. This event is suitable for …

Step into a winter wonderland and create unforgettable memories with Photos with Santa. Our Park is transformed into a festive paradise, perfect for snapping those cherished holiday photos with the jolliest man in red. Bring your family, strike a pose with Santa Claus, and soak in the joy of the season amidst twinkling lights and holiday decorations. Don’t miss this enchanting opportunity—it’s more than just a photo op, it’s a magical moment you’ll treasure forever! Please note, due to Santa’s popularity, there may be a wait to meet him upon your arrival. Additionally, to ensure everyone gets their chance, the line to meet Santa may close approximately 30 minutes before 5 p.m., depending on the crowd. We appreciate your understanding as we strive to make this experience magical for all! Know Before You Go This is NOT a drop off event. Parents and guardians must stay with their child the entire time. This event is free and open to the public. This event is suitable for all ages. Inclusion Services Downtown Cary Park strives to provide a positive experience for all guests. Our goal is to accommodate you and meet your individual needs. Please fill out the event accessibility form here and a staff member will be in contact with you.

The Cary Vintage Market is a monthly vintage market held at the biergarten space between Vicious Fishes Brewery (Cary) and South Line Brewing. Located on the edge of downtown , this market is the only vintage market in Cary, NC. Here, you can expect to find a highly curated and diverse collection of:   – Women’s and Men’s Vintage Clothing – Vintage shoes and accessories – Vintage records and cassettes – Vintage houseware and trinkets – Permanent jewelry – Craft coffee cart – Specialty baked goods – Craft beer, liquor drinks, wine and slushies (nonalcoholic and alcoholic options available) – Food truck   …and more!!   BONUS: this event is both family-friendly and dog-friendly!

Enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas atmosphere at the old hotel this winter! There will be cookies, carolers, an activity for kids, and maybe even a special guest from the North Pole. Afterward, walk or hop on the Downtown Loop to Downtown Cary Park for the Christmas Tree Lighting event.