It’s the holiday season and Downtown Cary has a lot in store for folks of all ages before 2026 arrives! Take a look at any local events that may pique your interest and feel free to check out the events page as well!
Legacy of Jazz: My Favorite Things III
December 4 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm – The Cary Theater
A musical celebration of the holidays featuring Shana Tucker & The Christian Tamburr Trio
Meanwhile, beautiful intensity exudes from the “chambersoul” of Shana Tucker, a singer-songwriter whose main instrument is the cello. Her original gumbo of jazz, folk and R&B evokes the spirit of Bill Withers and Esperanza Spalding. — Sylvia Pfeiffenberger
Join renowned vocalist, cellist and storyteller Shana Tucker and her musical partner/pianist Christian Tamburr as they return for the 3rd year in a row to celebrate the music of the holidays with jazz styled Christmas classics, charming seasonal originals and plenty of laughs, jingle bells, reindeer games, stories and sing-alongs.
Listen on Spotify
Watch on Youtube
Cary Players presents The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
December 4 + 5 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm, December 6 @ 12 pm, December 7 @ 3:00 pm – Cary Arts Center
In this hilarious Christmas classic, a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant is faced with casting the Herdman kids – probably the most inventively awful kids in history. You won’t believe the mayhem – and the fun – when the Herdmans collide head-on with the story of Christmas! Adapted from the bestselling Young Adult book.
For tickets and information: https://www.caryplayers.org/
A Peter Rabbit Christmas
December 5 @ 5:00 pm + 7:30 pm – Downtown Cary Park
December 7 @ 2:00 pm + 5:00 pm – Downtown Cary Park
Join Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle and all of the animals in Mr. McGregor’s garden patch as they search for Peter Rabbit in this light-hearted Christmas mystery. A co-production between Applause! Cary Youth Theatre and Seed Art Share, this show is a perfect way for the whole family to experience the magic of the holiday season as we step out of the theatre and into Downtown Cary Park for this site-specific production.
Notes
This event will begin on Frantz Square Lawn. Registration for these sessions opens on 11/21 at 10 a.m. Please sign up for only one showtime to allow as many people as possible the chance to attend. Holding multiple spots limits access for others—thank you for being considerate of our community!
Annual Gingerbread House Competition
December 6 – December 14 – Throughout Downtown Cary
Gingerbread House Competition and Stroll
The community is invited December 6 – 14 to stroll Downtown and see the builds at local businesses.
Vote Here
2025 Map
2025 Participation Info
Gingerbread Stroll Locations
Be sure to check each business’s hours online, as they may vary.
- Annelore’s German Bakery
- Once in a Blue Moon Bakery
- Warm ‘n’ Fuzzy
- Cary Gallery of Artists
- Peak Olive Oil
- Esteamed Coffee
- Douglas Realty Group
- Kitchen and Bath Galleries
- Geluna Gelato
- The Cary Theatre
- The Williams House
- The Mayton
- Home for Entertaining
- The Cary Arts Center
- Cary Regional Library
14th Annual Gifting Tree Project
December 6 – December 26 – Throughout Downtown Cary
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!
Cary Farmers Market
December 6, 13, & 20 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
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.
Tree Lighting Celebration
December 6 @ 9:00 am – 8:00 pm – Downtown Cary Park
The most magical night of the season awaits! This FREE celebration transforms our entire park into a holiday wonderland. Enjoy festive activities, live performances, and special programs throughout the day, all building to the spectacular Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6 p.m. Watch as thousands of lights illuminate the night and officially launch the holiday season in style!
Friendly reminder: Academy Street will be closed from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. on December 6 for the celebration, so plan to arrive a bit early and explore nearby parking options. We promise the short walk will be worth it!
For more: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/w_tree-lighting-celebration
Photos with Santa
December 6 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm – Downtown Cary Park
December 9 @ 10:00 am -12:00 pm – Downtown Cary Park
Sensory-Friendly event on December 9 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm – Downtown Cary Park
December 19 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Downtown Cary Park
Create cherished memories in our enchanting winter wonderland! Capture the sparkle in your little ones’ eyes as they meet the jolliest man in red himself. Surrounded by twinkling lights and festive décor, these aren’t just photos – they’re keepsakes you’ll treasure for years to come. Bundle up the family and make this holiday season unforgettable!
Please note: Santa’s quite popular! There may be a wait upon arrival, and the line may close approximately 30 minutes before 5 p.m. to ensure everyone gets their magical moment.
For more: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/w_photos-with-santa-4
Victorian Christmas
December 6 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm – Page-Walker Arts & History Center
Enjoy a classic Christmas atmosphere at the historic hotel this winter! There will be cookies, carolers, an activity for kids, and maybe even a special guest from the North Pole. More information at Heart of the Holidays.
Meet the Artists: Fine Arts League of Cary
December 7 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Page-Walker Arts & History Center
Meet the artists of the Fine Arts League of Cary’s Annual Members Show.
For more information, visit Current Exhibitions.
Concert Singers of Cary presents Holiday Pops 2025
December 9 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm – Cary Arts Center
Concert Singers of Cary presents Holiday Pops: Timeless Tidings and Festive Firsts! 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 familiar and new holiday tunes complete with guest artists, this performance will have something for everyone. Come enjoy Downtown Cary and spend some time with Concert Singers as we embrace the joy of the holiday season!
For tickets and information: https://concertsingers.org/
Ornamenterrariums with Izzy Hall from Garden & Gather
December 10 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm – Downtown Cary Park
Join Izzy from Garden & Gather for a festive Ornament Terrarium Workshop, where you’ll create your own miniature winter wonderland inside a glass ornament. This hands-on holiday experience is perfect for all skill levels and includes all materials, from tiny plants to seasonal decorations. Come sip warm cider, get creative, and leave with a beautiful handmade gift or keepsake!
Notes
Please note, only registered participants may attend this workshop. Walk-ins will not be permitted.
The Really Terrible Orchestra of the Triangle (RTOOT) presents “Let’s Clause A Scene”
December 10 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm – Cary Arts Center
“Let’s Claus a Scene” – 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/
Cary Town Band presents Winterfest ’25
December 12 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm – Cary Arts Center
Join the Cary Town Band for our spectacular annual Winterfest concert, a joyous and uplifting musical celebration of the holiday season! This year’s event will light up the Cary Arts Center with festive music for the holidays, culminating in our cherished Christmas carol sing-along. Delight in unique and enchanting arrangements of classic seasonal tunes and let Winterfest ’25 be the unforgettable highlight that kicks off your holiday festivities!
This concert is free to the public; for more information please visit: https://carytownband.org/
Santa’s Workshop
December 13 @ 10:00 am – 1:30 pm – Downtown Cary Park
Get those creative juices flowing before the big parade! Drop by Santa’s Workshop to craft one-of-a-kind ornaments, heartfelt handmade gifts, or a special treasure just for you. This festive crafting experience welcomes all ages and sets the perfect mood before you head out to catch the Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade.
For more: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/w_santas-workshop
The Cary Vintage Market
December 13 @ 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
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:
•Vintage women’s and mens clothing
•Vintage shoes and accessories
•Vintage records, CDs and cassettes
•Vintage houseware and decor
•Vintage tchotchkes, memorabilia and collectibles
Plus:
•Permanent jewelry
•Craft coffee cart (NEW!)
•Specialty baked goods
•Craft beer, liquor drinks, wine and slushies
•Food trucks
46th annual Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade
December 13 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Chatham and Academy Street
Bring your talents and holiday cheer to the 46th annual Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade in downtown Cary. The parade is a joyful celebration which includes bands, mascots, local businesses, community groups, and churches.
The parade starts on E. Chatham Street at Ward St, proceeds down E. Chatham to S. Academy Street, turns left onto S. Academy Street, and ends at Dry Ave in front of the Cary Arts Center
Paws with Claus: Holiday Photos
December 14 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm – Downtown Cary Park
Your furry family members deserve their moment with Santa too! Bring your four-legged friends for adorable holiday photos that’ll melt your heart. With festive decorations, treats, and plenty of wagging tails, this celebration is pure joy. Complimentary photos with Santa included, or upgrade to a professional session with photographer Tara Lynn (fees apply).
Please note: Santa’s quite popular with pups too! There may be a wait upon arrival, and the line may close approximately 30 minutes before 5 p.m. to ensure every good boy and girl gets their turn.
For more: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/w_paws-with-claus-holiday-photos-2
Triangle Wind Ensemble presents The Snowman and other Holiday Favorites
December 14 @ 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm – Cary Arts Center
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. This heartwarming work is paired with a performance of John Mackey’s gorgeous composition Sheltering Sky, coupled with an original animation that also conveys a spirit of hope and generosity very appropriate for the holiday season. And that’s not all! The program will be sprinkled with an array of holiday favorites sure to delight musicians and audience alike.
For tickets and information: https://www.trianglewind.org/
Drop-in Puzzling & Puzzle Swap
December 15 @ 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm – Downtown Cary Park
Piece together the perfect afternoon! Bring your completed puzzles to swap with fellow enthusiasts, discover new challenges, and enjoy casual collaborative puzzling in a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re a jigsaw novice or a puzzle pro, you’ll find your perfect match here. Connect, trade, and solve together!
For more: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/w_drop-in-puzzling-and-puzzle-swap-meet-22
Children’s BINGO
December 15 @ 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm – Downtown Cary Park
BINGO! Get ready for an evening of giggles, excitement, and friendly competition. Little ones will love the thrill of marking their cards and shouting “BINGO!” in this drop-in game designed just for kids. This event is great fun from start to finish!
For more: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/w_childrens-bingo-12
Hanukkah Menorah Lighting
December 16 @ 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm – Downtown Cary Park
Celebrate the Festival of Lights with us! Join the community for the 3rd night of Hanukkah as we illuminate the menorah together. Enjoy kids’ activities, uplifting holiday music, sweet treats, and the meaningful tradition of lighting the menorah. Throughout Hanukkah (December 14 – 22), the menorah at Cary Arts Center will shine bright each evening.
For more: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/w_hanukkah-menorah-lighting-2
Pop Up Chorus: CaryVan Family Field Trip to The Cary Theatre
December 18 @ 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm – The Cary Theater
Meet at Herb Young Community Center and let’s CaryVan to The Cary Theater for the Pop Up Chorus! Pop Up Chorus welcomes everyone who wants to sing. No special talent required! Conductors Kayla and Carter, teach two holiday songs (Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas & Wham’s Last Christmas) to the audience, forming a chorus. After the dress rehearsal, we end with a final, rousing, filmed performance. Before the show, go behind the scenes and watch the stage setup and sound check, then enjoy dinner and a Q&A with the musical guests. Please be advised this CaryVan is for age 8 & up. Unfortunately, there are no exceptions.
Marvelous Music Family: Town of Cary & Cary Ballet Company present “The Nutcracker Suite”
December 18 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm – Cary Arts Center
December 20 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm – Cary Arts Center
Experience The Nutcracker Suite—a one-hour narrated matinee designed as a perfect introduction for kids of all ages. The program begins with a bare stage and a mini class, then invites the audience to watch the magic unfold as lights, music, props, and dancers transform the stage. See firsthand how this beloved ballet comes to life, from studio to stage!
For Tickets: https://www.caryballetcompany.org/nutcracker
Marvelous Music Family: Town of Cary & Cary Ballet Company present “Sensory Friendly Nutcracker Suite”
December 19+20 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm – Cary Arts Center
An excellent introduction for kids of all ages. This narrated one-hour show begins with a bare stage, allowing the audience to watch how the stage is set with lights, music, props, and dancers — how dancers go from the studio to the theater. A one hour show with these modifications: House lights dimmed, softer music and a quiet room is available in the lobby if needed.
For Tickets: https://www.caryballetcompany.org/nutcracker
Cary Night Market
December 19 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Downtown Cary Park
Discover a vibrant showcase of locally-crafted treasures while immersing yourself in 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!
Cary Ballet Company presents The Nutcracker
December 19 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Cary Arts Center
Cary Ballet Company presents The Nutcracker, the beloved holiday classic set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. Follow young Clara and her valiant Nutcracker Prince from a festive family party into a magical dreamworld, where they battle the mischievous Mouse Queen. Journey with them through sparkling Snow to Cary’s enchanting Land of Sweets, where the Sugarplum Fairy and her dazzling international friends await. A hometown holiday tradition—magical, memorable, and not to be missed!
For Tickets: https://www.caryballetcompany.org/nutcracker
Cary Ballet Company presents The Nutcracker
December 19 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Cary Arts Center
December 20 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm & 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Cary Arts Center
December 21 @ 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm & 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm – Cary Arts Center
Cary Ballet Company presents The Nutcracker, the beloved holiday classic set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. Follow young Clara and her valiant Nutcracker Prince from a festive family party into a magical dreamworld, where they battle the mischievous Mouse Queen. Journey with them through sparkling Snow to Cary’s enchanting Land of Sweets, where the Sugarplum Fairy and her dazzling international friends await. A hometown holiday tradition—magical, memorable, and not to be missed!
For Tickets: https://www.caryballetcompany.org/nutcracker
Holiday Teen Zine Party
December 21 @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm – Downtown Cary Park
Calling all creative teens! Design your own mini-magazine holiday letter with help from a local artist and poet. No experience needed – just bring your imagination and holiday spirit! Enjoy free cookies, warm cider, live music, and selfies in Santa’s chair while you craft something uniquely you. Friends welcome!
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.
For more: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/w_holiday-teen-zine-party
Motown & Soul Christmas
December 27 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm – The Cary Theater
December 28 @ 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm – The Cary Theater
The Town of Cary and Pure Life Theatre Company join together again to produce this joyful Motown show that features some of the Triangle’s finest singers and dancers. Motown & Soul is back with fresh new music selections and surprises celebrating the holidays and Motown! Enjoy a unique holiday experience full of soul and joy, wrapped with a message of love and hope.
Tickets on sale through The Cary Box Office (122 E. Chatham Street) and online through Etix ONLY.
Kwanzaa Celebration
December 29 @ 1:30 pm – 6:00 pm – Cary Arts Center
This year’s Kwanzaa program, curated by Darrell Stover, will feature the best the Triangle has to offer in traditional Kwanzaa performers and presenters that embrace African culture through dance, drumming, storytelling, and the visual arts. It will highlight how scholarship and performance intertwine cultural traditions.
For more information visit: Kwanzaa
We that you and your family has a wonderful holiday season and we’ll see you again in January 2026!