In honor of the holiday season, Downtown Cary gets decked out with lights, wreaths and holiday cheer. Along with the cheerful atmosphere, the magical holiday events that make up Heart of the Holidays add to the festive spirit Downtown. We sat down with Jenna Kostka, Festivals & Events Supervisor with Town Of Cary, and learned all about what you can expect from the upcoming Heart of the Holidays programming throughout December!
Will Downtown Cary have any special decorations for the holiday season?
Of course! Downtown Cary is so magical during the holiday season. We already have decorations up, and they are everywhere from Town Hall all the way down to the Cary Arts Center and from roundabout to roundabout. We have classic favorites and lots of new decorations this year! A fun way to see all the decorations (while staying warm) is to ride the FREE Downtown Cary Loop with GoCary. The inside of the bus is even decorated for some extra holiday flair. Ride it around and then get off at Downtown Cary Park to check out all the decorations there throughout the entire Park!
Downtown Cary Park will have a skating rink throughout December, what will that be like for park-goers who want to skate?
The skating rink is such a big hit each year. It is free to skate and you may bring your own skates if you wish. The free skate rentals run from toddler size 8/9 to adult size 14. It is first-come, first-served and there are no reservations. If you have a little one under 5 who wants to skate, they must be with an adult. It is so fun to skate at the Park – I especially love it at night when the lights are glowing all around. It just puts you in the holiday spirit!
Something special this year is that 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.
Check Downtown Cary Park’s calendar to see dates and times.
We hear Santa will be stopping by Downtown Cary Park this year. Can you talk about the Photos With Santa and Paws With Claus events?
Yes! Santa loves to visit Downtown Cary Park – he has told us it’s one of the most festive spots in the world. Santa will be available for photos on December 7 at the Tree Lighting Celebration, on December 10 (including a sensory-friendly session) and on December 20.
He is also going to be at the Park on December 15 for a special photo session for just our four-legged friends. We can’t wait to see all the pups excited to meet Santa!
What can people expect at the 2024 Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade and Parade to Park Festivities?
The Annual Cary Christmas Parade presented by the Cary Jaycees is a joyful celebration that showcases the very best of Cary including bands, mascots, local businesses, community groups and churches. This year’s parade will take its normal path down Chatham St. and Academy St. on Saturday, December 14th from 2-4 p.m.
After the parade is over, the Park will be the hub of fun including DIY ornaments and crafts, Ornamenterrariums with Garden & Gather, performances and more!
Can you talk about the Tree Lighting Celebration and Menorah Lighting Ceremony at Downtown Cary Park?
The Tree Lighting Celebration includes several activities throughout the day in Downtown Cary Park on December 7. The Cary Farmers Market will host their annual holiday market right next to the Park on Park Street, there will be photos with Santa from 10 am – 5 pm, a photo booth and community performances. There is even going to be a penguin playground set up in the Splash Pad area with over 2,000 fake snowballs!
On the 6th night of Hanukkah we will light the menorah in the Park. Enjoy an activity for kids, holiday music and a sweet treat. Throughout the eight days of Hanukkah (December 25-January 2), the menorah at Cary Arts Center will be lit each evening.
What is your favorite part of the holiday season in Downtown Cary?
I love being able to take a stroll through Downtown Cary, whether during the day or at night, and enjoy a feast for the senses! From the delicious smells of gingerbread houses and fresh pine trees, to the beautiful and sparkling holiday lights! There’s always something happening during the holiday season, and it’s just magical!
Are there any other events you would like to mention?
December 7th, in addition to the Tree Lighting Celebration, is also the kick-off of many Heart of the Holidays activities including:
The Page Walker’s annual Victorian Christmas from 2 – 5 p.m. with Carolers, cookies and holiday stories!
The Gifting Trees: With 120 beautifully and thoughtfully decorated trees lining Academy St. and Downtown Cary Park. Visitors can vote for their favorite, with the winners receiving a donation in their name to a Cary Nonprofit.
And a delightful family favorite returns with some new surprises this year! The Cary Gingerbread House Competition is a delicious display of over 40 gingerbread houses located throughout Downtown Cary!
More information on all of these events and more can be found at Carync.gov/hoh.