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!

Moriarty is dead, to begin with. And Sherlock Holmes is a haunted man. But, when a grown-up Tiny Tim asks Holmes to investigate the death of Ebenezer Scrooge, the Great Detective must use his gifts to solve a Dickens of a Christmas mystery! Six actors take on the beloved characters of Arthur Conan Doyle and Charles Dickens in this heartwarming and highly theatrical holiday treat for all ages! For tickets: https://www.caryplayers.org/a-sherlock-carol

Moriarty is dead, to begin with. And Sherlock Holmes is a haunted man. But, when a grown-up Tiny Tim asks Holmes to investigate the death of Ebenezer Scrooge, the Great Detective must use his gifts to solve a Dickens of a Christmas mystery! Six actors take on the beloved characters of Arthur Conan Doyle and Charles Dickens in this heartwarming and highly theatrical holiday treat for all ages! For tickets: https://www.caryplayers.org/a-sherlock-carol

Moriarty is dead, to begin with. And Sherlock Holmes is a haunted man. But, when a grown-up Tiny Tim asks Holmes to investigate the death of Ebenezer Scrooge, the Great Detective must use his gifts to solve a Dickens of a Christmas mystery! Six actors take on the beloved characters of Arthur Conan Doyle and Charles Dickens in this heartwarming and highly theatrical holiday treat for all ages! For tickets: https://www.caryplayers.org/a-sherlock-carol

Experience the magic of the holidays at Downtown Cary Park’s winter skating rink! Head to Park Street Courts to find the arena transformed into a frosty weather destination, exclusively reserved for our tiniest, most enthusiastic skaters! Skating and skate rentals are absolutely free! Toddlers aged 6 and under, this special day is just for YOU! Imagine a winter wonderland where the rink is all yours to explore and enjoy. It’s a magical opportunity for our youngest Park visitors. Please note that the skating rink does not take RSVPs. Check-in is in person at Park Street Courts and operates on a first-come, first-served basis until the rink reaches capacity for each skating window. Be prepared to wait in line, when necessary. Let’s make some winter memories together! Know Before You Go The skating rink is free and open to the public. The rink does not take RSVPs, is not rentable, and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The skating rink is reserved for kids 6 and under during this time frame. Children 5 or under must be accompanied on the rink by an adult/guardian. Skate sizes range from a toddler’s size 8/9 up to Adult size 14. Feel free to bring your own ice skates if you’d like! Everyone on the skating rink, including those assisting others, must wear skates. Inclusion Services Cary’s Specialized Recreation program area is offering two specified times for individuals with disabilities and their families to enjoy time at the skating rink.  If you’re interested in attending, please register on RecTrac under “Family Ice Skating”. Anyone interested in this program must pre-register.  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.

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.

Step into a calming winter wonderland tailored for everyone to enjoy at our Sensory-Friendly Photos with Santa. Lights are softened, music is tuned to a soothing level, and the atmosphere is calm and welcoming, ensuring a comfortable experience for all. Capacity inside will be lowered to provide more space between guests, ensuring a pleasant experience for all attendees, and sensory bags will be available to enhance the visit. Bring your family, strike a pose with Santa Claus, and immerse yourselves in the joyful spirit of the season amidst a serene setting. 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 3 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 event is open to guests of all ages who require sensory accommodations. 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. 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.

'Tis the Season - The Really Terrible Orchestra of the Triangle (RTOOT) invites you to join us for a delightful evening of music and unexpected humor. For tickets: https://rtoot.org/concert-tickets/

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

‘Tis the season…for Holiday Pops with the Concert Singers of Cary! This beloved annual tradition at the bedecked Cary Arts Center is sure to get you in the holiday spirit. A family-friendly fun program of popular holiday tunes with a band, and guest soloist, this performance will have something for everyone. Come enjoy downtown Cary and spend some time with Concert Singers and some of your favorite holiday tunes. For tickets and information: https://concertsingers.org/our-season-24-25/holiday-pops-2024/

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

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.

Bring your furry friends for a jolly good time at our Paws with Claus event! Celebrate the holiday season by snapping adorable photos of your beloved dogs with Santa Claus. Our festive setup is perfect for capturing the cutest holiday moments with your four-legged family members. Enjoy a cheerful atmosphere, complete with holiday decorations, treats, and plenty of wagging tails! 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 event is free and open to the public. This event is suitable for all ages, but is intended for dogs and owners. 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.

Get ready for an extraordinary musical journey that will captivate audiences of all ages and fill your heart with the joy of the season. The concert's centerpiece will be a live performance of the soundtrack to the beloved British animated classic The Snowman, projected on the big screen while the Triangle Wind Ensemble provides the musical accompaniment. And that's not all! The program will be sprinkled with an array of holiday favorites sure to delight musicians and audience alike. For information and tickets: https://www.trianglewind.org/the-snowman-dec-15-2024.html

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

Experience the magic of the holidays at Downtown Cary Park’s winter skating rink! Head to Park Street Courts to find the arena transformed into a frosty weather destination, exclusively reserved for our tiniest, most enthusiastic skaters! Skating and skate rentals are absolutely free! Toddlers aged 6 and under, this special day is just for YOU! Imagine a winter wonderland where the rink is all yours to explore and enjoy. It’s a magical opportunity for our youngest Park visitors. Please note that the skating rink does not take RSVPs. Check-in is in person at Park Street Courts and operates on a first-come, first-served basis until the rink reaches capacity for each skating window. Be prepared to wait in line, when necessary. Let’s make some winter memories together! Know Before You Go The skating rink is free and open to the public. The rink does not take RSVPs, is not rentable, and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The skating rink is reserved for kids 6 and under during this time frame. Children 5 or under must be accompanied on the rink by an adult/guardian. Skate sizes range from a toddler’s size 8/9 up to Adult size 14. Feel free to bring your own ice skates if you’d like! Everyone on the skating rink, including those assisting others, must wear skates. Inclusion Services Cary’s Specialized Recreation program area is offering two specified times for individuals with disabilities and their families to enjoy time at the skating rink.  If you’re interested in attending, please register on RecTrac under “Family Ice Skating”. Anyone interested in this program must pre-register.  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.

Experience the magic of the holidays at Downtown Cary Park’s winter skating rink during this sensory-friendly skating session! Head to Park Street Courts to find the arena transformed into a frosty weather destination. Skating and skate rentals are absolutely free! At Downtown Cary Park, we believe in creating moments that cater to all, ensuring everyone can revel in the joy of gliding on the rink without any sensory overload. At this special time, the rink will provide a serene environment for individuals and families who benefit from a sensory-friendly setting. Imagine being surrounded by a gentle ambiance, where lights are softened, music is tuned to a soothing level, and the atmosphere is calm and welcoming. Capacity on the rink will be lowered to allow more space between visitors and sensory bags will be available upon request. It’s an opportunity to skate, laugh, and make memories in an environment designed to accommodate diverse sensory needs. Please note that the skating rink does not take RSVPs. Check-in is in person at Park Street Courts and operates on a first-come, first-served basis until the rink reaches capacity for each skating window. Be prepared to wait in line, when necessary. Let’s make some winter memories together! Know Before You Go The skating rink is free and open to the public, but adjustments will be made during this time frame in order to be more sensory-friendly. The rink does not take RSVPs, is not rentable, and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Children 5 or under must be accompanied on the rink by an adult/guardian. Skate sizes range from a toddler’s size 8/9 up to Adult size 14. Feel free to bring your own ice skates if you’d like! Everyone on the skating rink, including those assisting others, must wear skates. Inclusion Services Cary’s Specialized Recreation program …

Music of the Season from Canada to the Ozarks Growing up, musicians Joe Newberry and April Verch absorbed traditions of home and hearth - in his Missouri Ozarks and her Ottawa Valley of Canada. The holidays have always been a special time of year for both, with the lure of family and friends, festive decorations, gifts under the tree, and always music. So now, each year the duo sets out in a modern day sleigh (with four-wheel drive) to perform their eagerly anticipated holiday tour. Original songs join timeless hymns. Stories warm the heart and give a twinkle to the eye. Lively fiddle and banjo numbers combine with traditional dance steps to illustrate happy times when people made their own fun at the holidays, and all year long. Make your holiday concert list, and check it twice. Newberry and Verch are coming to town!   Tickets and Info

During this one-hour spectacular, enjoy a delightful, condensed, narrated version of the holiday classic “The Nutcracker,” in addition to a mini-ballet demonstration staged by Cary Ballet Company’s Artistic Director, Mariaelena Ruiz. Afterward, join us for a special Nutcracker Tea. Decorate a teacup, take photos with featured ballerinas and leave with some goodies. For more, visit caryballetcompany.org. Tickets for the performance are $25.    Tickets for the Nutcracker Tea are $15 and sold separately. 

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.

Discover a lively showcase of locally crafted treasures while enjoying an evening of music and entertainment at the Cary Night Market, organized by The Night Market Co. Join Triangle area artisans for a monthly gathering where an eclectic array of goods meets delectable food and drinks!

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.

During this one-hour spectacular, enjoy a delightful, condensed, narrated version of the holiday classic “The Nutcracker,” in addition to a mini-ballet demonstration staged by Cary Ballet Company’s Artistic Director, Mariaelena Ruiz. Afterward, join us for a special Nutcracker Tea. Decorate a teacup, take photos with featured ballerinas and leave with some goodies. For more, visit caryballetcompany.org. Tickets for the performance are $25.    Tickets for the Nutcracker Tea are $15 and sold separately. 

The traditional full length Nutcracker ballet performs at the Cary Arts Center. The Nutcracker is a holiday classic, featuring the magical tale of Clara as she journeys from her home to the Land of Sweets with her Nutcracker Prince. The Nutcracker truly is the event of the holiday season, and we hope you join us! For more, visit https://www.caryballetcompany.org/nutcracker