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.

Bring your talents and holiday cheer to the 43rd annual Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade in downtown Cary. The parade is a joyful celebration which includes bands, mascots, local businesses, community groups, and churches. For more information on the parade route visit https://www.caryjaycees.org/parade \

Join us for a jolly good time at Downtown Cary Park following the 2024 Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade! Get ready to keep the celebrations rolling at our ‘Parade to Park Festivities’ starting right after the parade’s conclusion at 4 p.m. As the sun sets, Downtown Cary Park will transform into a vibrant hub of merriment and delight! TIME PROGRAM LOCATION 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Cary Farmers Market Park Street 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Art Cart The Nest Pavilion 2 – 4 p.m. Cary Jaycee’s Christmas Parade Chatham & Academy Streets 2 – 10 p.m. Skating Rink Park Street Arena 4 – 7 p.m. Santa’s Workshop – DIY Ornaments and Crafts Academy Pavilion 4 – 7 p.m. Ornamenterrariums with Garden & Gather (While Supplies Last) Frantz Square Lawn 4 – 9 p.m. Food Trucks (Tacos Neza, Sister Liu’s Kitchen, Donut NV) Park Street 4:30 – 5 p.m. Chordination A Cappella Holiday Performance Great Lawn Pavilion 5:30 – 6:00 p.m. Motown Sound of Christmas Performance Great Lawn Pavilion Know Before You Go 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.

A holiday tradition returns! Join us for 5 sing a long screenings of White Christmas at The Cary from December 12 - 15, 2024.  Gather your family and friends for this beloved 1954 film with lyrics embedded on screen. You’ll enjoy singing along with such songs as “The Best Things Happen When You’re Dancing,” “Snow,” “Sisters” and, of course, the iconic “White Christmas.” SYNOPSIS: Having left the Army following W.W.II, Bob Wallace and Phil Davis team up to become a top song-and-dance act. Davis plays matchmaker and introduces Wallace to a pair of beautiful sisters (Betty and Judy) who also have a song-and-dance act. When Betty and Judy travel to a Vermont lodge to perform a Christmas show, Wallace and Davis follow, only to find their former commander, General Waverly, as the lodge owner. A series of romantic mix-ups ensue as the performers try to help the General. DIRECTOR: Michael Curtiz CAST: Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, Vera-Ellen   Tickets and Info