Christmas Events for Kids in Raleigh (2026)

The Raleigh area has 12 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from 82nd Annual Raleigh Christmas Parade in Raleigh on November 21 to Evening Holiday Walk at Joyner Park in Wake Forest, which runs through December 31. 9 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in North Carolina, part of our guide for every state.

The short version

  • 12 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Raleigh for 2026, in Raleigh, Durham and Wake Forest
  • First: 82nd Annual Raleigh Christmas Parade, Raleigh, November 21. Runs latest: Evening Holiday Walk at Joyner Park, Wake Forest, through December 31
  • Free: 82nd Annual Raleigh Christmas Parade, Wake Forest Cares Holiday Kick-Off, A Very Merry Cookie Craft, Evening Holiday Walk at Joyner Park, Pictures With Santa, Nutcracker Storytime with Barriskill Ballerinas @ Southwest!, Cookies, Cocoa, and a Movie, Holiday Cookie House Extravaganza and Breakfast with Santa
  • Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Watercolor illustration: Rally the corgi stands on a red train seat looking out at falling snow, a lit Christmas tree and a white dove. Text: Choo choo! The train starting could be heard. Hello cute white bird!
Rally watching the snow and a lit Christmas tree, from the pages of Rally Takes the Train.

Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our North Carolina Christmas train rides page.

Raleigh Christmas events for kids at a glance

Kids’ Christmas events
12 confirmed for 2026
Cities
Raleigh, Durham and Wake Forest
Season
November 21 to December 31, 2026
Free events
9
Kinds of events
holiday crafts, holiday event, holiday parade and tree lighting
Last checked

Plan your December

When each Raleigh Christmas event for kids happens

The first is 82nd Annual Raleigh Christmas Parade in Raleigh on November 21; the last runs to December 31. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.

Look inside the book

Story time with Santa in Raleigh? Bring Rally home.

Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

Christmas events for kids in Raleigh

4 confirmed events for kids in Raleigh, soonest first.

Raleigh: 82nd Annual Raleigh Christmas Parade

Holiday paradeFreeShop Local Raleigh · Raleigh

Host
Shop Local Raleigh (opens in a new tab)
Where
Downtown Raleigh parade route, Fayetteville St, Raleigh, NC 27601
When
Saturday, November 21, 2026, 9:30 am
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The 82nd Annual Raleigh Christmas Parade steps off at 9:30 am on Saturday, November 21, in downtown Raleigh. Presented by Shop Local Raleigh, the parade covers a 1.4 mile route through downtown, with the listing pointing to the 0 to 500 blocks of Fayetteville Street, and lasts about two hours.

Admission is free, so families can simply find a spot along the route and watch the parade go by. The parade is a long running downtown tradition, now in its 82nd year, and a popular way for Triangle families to start the holiday season the weekend before Thanksgiving. Because the parade draws big crowds, plan to arrive early for a good view, bring chairs or blankets for little ones, and expect downtown road closures and busy parking that morning.

Parent tip: Arrive early for curbside spots and allow extra time for downtown road closures and parking.

See dates and details from Shop Local Raleigh (opens in a new tab)

Raleigh: Evening With Elves

Holiday craftsMarbles Kids Museum · Raleigh

Host
Marbles Kids Museum (opens in a new tab)
Where
Marbles Kids Museum, 201 E Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601
When
Friday, December 4, 2026, 6 to 8:30 pm
Cost
$30 per person, $27 members
Ages
All ages
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Marbles Kids Museum invites families to come in their coziest pajamas for Evening With Elves on Friday, December 4, from 6 to 8:30 pm. Kids can explore Elfland, a bustling holiday village with Chipper's Bake Shop and a Fed Elf letter station, plus the new Candy Cane Carnival, the Peppermint Path, and arctic critter play.

Light snacks are served, including yeti snowcones, cookie decorating, and Figgy's Fruit Stand. Children receive an official elf name, join a dance party with the Marbles elves, and watch for a visit from the Snowflake Fairy. Every attendee needs a ticket, $30 for the public or $27 for members. Tickets are non refundable, but a credit is possible with at least two weeks' notice. The event is cashless.

Parent tip: Pajamas are encouraged. Tickets are required for adults and children alike.

See dates and details from Marbles Kids Museum (opens in a new tab)

Raleigh: Gingerbread Jamboree

Holiday craftsMarbles Kids Museum · Raleigh

Host
Marbles Kids Museum (opens in a new tab)
Where
Marbles Kids Museum, Venture Hall (IMAX building), 201 E Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601
When
Sat December 12 and Sun December 13, 2026, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
Cost
$20 per person, $18 members; reusable gingerbread house $25
Ages
All ages; children must be with an adult
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Marbles Kids Museum hosts its Gingerbread Jamboree on Saturday, December 12, and Sunday, December 13, with three sessions each day at 9:30 am, 12:30 pm, and 3:30 pm. Families decorate a reusable keepsake gingerbread house with candy, icing, and other sweet toppings, and the museum handles the cleanup.

Every attendee, adult or child, needs a ticket: $20 for the public or $18 for members. The reusable house is a separate $25 purchase, and returning guests can bring back one house from a previous year to decorate at no cost. Tables seat up to six people. The event is held in Venture Hall inside the Marbles IMAX building, and museum admission is not included, though ticket buyers receive a discount code about three weeks before the event.

Parent tip: Buy the gingerbread house separately from your table reservation, and include every person in your table count.

See dates and details from Marbles Kids Museum (opens in a new tab)

Raleigh: Breakfast with Santa

Breakfast with SantaFreeCity of Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources · Raleigh

Host
City of Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources (opens in a new tab)
Where
Tarboro Road Community Center, 121 N Tarboro St., Raleigh, NC 27610
When
Saturday, December 19, 2026, 10 am to noon
Cost
Free, registration required
Ages
All ages; toys for ages 5 to 11 while supplies last
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The City of Raleigh hosts a free morning breakfast at Tarboro Road Community Center inside Tarboro Road Park. Families can expect free food, activities, gift raffles and a visit from a special guest from the North Pole. Toys are handed out to children ages 5 to 11 while supplies last, so younger and older siblings may not receive one.

The event is open to all ages, and the city encourages families to bring friends and relatives along for the morning. It runs for two hours, which makes it an easy outing for toddlers through grade schoolers. Registration is handled through the city's RecLink system; search the keyword "breakfast" and choose the Tarboro Road Community Center listing. Questions can go to the center at 919-996-6505.

Parent tip: Register ahead on RecLink using the keyword "breakfast". Toys for ages 5 to 11 are limited, so arriving close to the 10 am start is a good idea.

See dates and details from City of Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Durham

4 confirmed events for kids in Durham, soonest first.

Durham: Nutcracker Storytime with Barriskill Ballerinas @ Southwest!

Holiday story timeFreeDurham County Library · Durham

Host
Durham County Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Southwest Regional Library, 3605 Shannon Rd, Durham, NC 27707 (near Raleigh)
When
Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10:30 to 11:45 am
Cost
Free, registration required
Ages
All ages
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Durham County Library's Southwest Regional branch is hosting an extra special holiday story time with ballerinas from Barriskill Dance Theater School. The dancers bring the holiday classic The Nutcracker to life, starting with a mini ballet lesson for the kids.

Next comes a read aloud of The Nutcracker, a short dance demonstration, and time to take photos with the ballerinas. There are two 30 minute sessions on Saturday, December 12, at 10:30 am and 11:15 am. The program is free and open to all ages, but registration is required, so sign up for one session through the library calendar. This is a lovely pick for young dancers and for families who want a gentle introduction to the Nutcracker story before seeing a full ballet.

Parent tip: Register for one session only. Bring a camera for photos with the ballerinas.

See dates and details from Durham County Library (opens in a new tab)

Durham: Cookies, Cocoa, and a Movie

Holiday eventFreeDurham County Library · Durham

Host
Durham County Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
East Regional Library, 211 Lick Creek Ln, Durham, NC 27703 (near Raleigh)
When
Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 5:30 to 6 pm
Cost
Free, registration required
Ages
Toddler, preschool, kindergarten, elementary
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Durham County Library's East Regional branch is hosting a cozy weeknight movie for young children on Tuesday, December 15. Families can enjoy cocoa and cookies while watching Olaf's Frozen Adventure, a G rated short that celebrates the season's various holidays and runs about 27 minutes.

The program lasts from 5:30 to 6 pm, so it fits easily before dinner or bedtime for little ones on a school night. It is listed for toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners, and elementary age children. The event is free, but registration is required through the library calendar. This is a gentle, short outing that works well for younger kids who may not sit through a full length film, and fans of the Frozen characters will especially enjoy seeing Olaf again.

Parent tip: Registration is required. The film is about 27 minutes long.

See dates and details from Durham County Library (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Wake Forest

4 confirmed events for kids in Wake Forest, soonest first.

Wake Forest: Wake Forest Cares Holiday Kick-Off

Holiday eventFreeTown of Wake Forest · Wake Forest

Host
Town of Wake Forest (opens in a new tab)
Where
Downtown Wake Forest, S White St, Wake Forest, NC 27587 (near Raleigh)
When
Saturday, November 21, 2026, noon to 4 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Town of Wake Forest rings in the holiday season with the Wake Forest Cares Holiday Kick-Off on Saturday, November 21, from noon to 4 pm in downtown Wake Forest. The event is free and open to everyone, with a slate of activities the whole family can enjoy, along with a stage schedule posted on the town's event map.

The kick-off also launches the Wake Forest Cares Holiday Donation Drive, which supports local programs such as Shop with a Cop and the parks and recreation scholarship fund, a good way to talk with kids about giving. Food vendors include tacos, barbecue, Thai food, cannoli, and ice cream, and downtown restaurants are open too. Free parking is available at the Center for Active Aging and on nearby side streets.

Parent tip: Check the town's event map for the stage schedule. Use clearly marked public lots, since some downtown lots are private.

See dates and details from Town of Wake Forest (opens in a new tab)

Wake Forest: Lighting of Wake Forest

Tree lightingTown of Wake Forest · Wake Forest

Host
Town of Wake Forest (opens in a new tab)
Where
Town Hall Centennial Plaza, 301 S Brooks St, Wake Forest, NC 27587 (near Raleigh)
When
Friday, December 4, 2026, 5 to 8 pm
Cost
Not stated; free parking and free light sticks while supplies last
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Town of Wake Forest celebrates the season at the Lighting of Wake Forest on Friday, December 4, from 5 to 8 pm in Centennial Plaza at Town Hall. The ceremony features the lighting of the town Christmas tree, usually around 6:15 pm, and the arrival of Santa Claus.

The Wake Forest Woman's Club leads children's holiday crafts and letter writing to Santa, and Imagine Circus performers roam the event for photos. A school chorus and other local groups perform, a roaming photo booth captures the fun, and several food trucks sell dinner. The Wake Forest Downtown tent hands out free holiday light sticks while supplies last. Free parking is available at the Center for Active Aging and along nearby streets, with accessible parking in the Town Hall lot.

Parent tip: Arrive before 6:15 pm to see the tree lighting. Read posted signs, since some lots that look public are private.

See dates and details from Town of Wake Forest (opens in a new tab)

Wake Forest: Evening Holiday Walk at Joyner Park

Holiday lightsFreeTown of Wake Forest · Wake Forest

Host
Town of Wake Forest (opens in a new tab)
Where
E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Rd, Wake Forest, NC 27587 (near Raleigh)
When
Saturday, December 5, 2026 to Thursday, December 31, 2026 (nightly), 6 to 9 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Wake Forest Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources offers a free walkable holiday experience at E. Carroll Joyner Park every evening from Saturday, December 5, through Thursday, December 31. From 6 to 9 pm nightly, families can stroll through the park's Walker Garden and Performance Garden.

Dozens of colorful lights adorn the crepe myrtle trees and shrubs, and a nearly 20 foot tall Christmas tree stands on the Performance Garden Stage. The walk is free and open to everyone, with no tickets or registration needed, which makes it an easy, flexible outing on any December evening. It is a nice spot for holiday family photos, and young kids can enjoy the lights at their own pace without crowds or time slots.

Parent tip: Bring a phone or camera for photos by the big tree on the Performance Garden Stage.

See dates and details from Town of Wake Forest (opens in a new tab)

Wake Forest: Pictures With Santa

Santa visitFreeTown of Wake Forest · Wake Forest

Host
Town of Wake Forest (opens in a new tab)
Where
Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce, 350 S White St, Wake Forest, NC 27587 (near Raleigh)
When
Saturday, December 5, 2026
Cost
Free, reservation required
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Town of Wake Forest offers Pictures with Santa at the Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce during the Downtown Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 5. There is no charge for the photo taken by the event photographer, and families are welcome to snap their own pictures too.

Slots are limited, so advance registration is required, opening Monday, November 9, at 10 am. Each reservation lists the time your group should arrive at the line, which keeps waits short. The town asks for one reservation per family, with a limit of three poses per family or group. Photos are available after 1 pm on Wednesday, December 9. The Downtown Holiday Open House runs from 10 am to 6 pm the same day, with local shops and holiday specials nearby.

Parent tip: Register as soon as reservations open on Nov 9 at 10 am, and book only one slot per family.

See dates and details from Town of Wake Forest (opens in a new tab)

Looking further afield? Our North Carolina Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Charlotte and Greensboro. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.

A story for the drive home

A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Raleigh Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask

What Christmas events for kids are in Raleigh in 2026?

We confirmed 12 Christmas events for kids in Raleigh for 2026 on each host’s own page: 82nd Annual Raleigh Christmas Parade in Raleigh (November 21), Wake Forest Cares Holiday Kick-Off in Wake Forest (November 21), A Very Merry Cookie Craft in Durham (December 4), Evening With Elves in Raleigh (December 4), Lighting of Wake Forest in Wake Forest (December 4), Evening Holiday Walk at Joyner Park in Wake Forest (December 5), Pictures With Santa in Wake Forest (December 5), Gingerbread Jamboree in Raleigh (December 12), Nutcracker Storytime with Barriskill Ballerinas @ Southwest! in Durham (December 12), Cookies, Cocoa, and a Movie in Durham (December 15), Holiday Cookie House Extravaganza in Durham (December 18) and Breakfast with Santa in Raleigh (December 19). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.

What Christmas events for kids are in Raleigh, North Carolina?

For families in and around Raleigh, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: 82nd Annual Raleigh Christmas Parade (Sat, Nov 21, 9:30 am (about two hours), free); Evening With Elves (Fri, Dec 4, 6 to 8:30 pm, $30 per person, $27 members); Gingerbread Jamboree (Sat and Sun, Dec 12 and 13, sessions at 9:30 am, 12:30 pm, 3:30 pm, $20 per person, $18 members; reusable gingerbread house $25); Breakfast with Santa (Sat, Dec 19, 10 am to 12 pm, free, registration required). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Raleigh section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Durham, North Carolina?

For families in and around Durham, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: A Very Merry Cookie Craft (Fri, Dec 4 and Fri, Dec 18, 11 am to noon, free); Nutcracker Storytime with Barriskill Ballerinas @ Southwest! (Sat, Dec 12, 10:30 am or 11:15 am (30 minute sessions), free, registration required); Cookies, Cocoa, and a Movie (Tue, Dec 15, 5:30 to 6 pm, free, registration required); Holiday Cookie House Extravaganza (Fri, Dec 18, 4 to 5:30 pm, free, registration required). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Durham section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Wake Forest, North Carolina?

For families in and around Wake Forest, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Wake Forest Cares Holiday Kick-Off (Sat, Nov 21, noon to 4 pm, free); Lighting of Wake Forest (Fri, Dec 4, 5 to 8 pm (tree lighting about 6:15 pm), not stated; free parking and free light sticks while supplies last); Evening Holiday Walk at Joyner Park (Nightly, Dec 5 to 31, 6 to 9 pm, free); Pictures With Santa (Sat, Dec 5, during the Downtown Holiday Open House (reserved arrival times), free, reservation required). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Wake Forest section of this page.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in Raleigh?

Yes. 9 of the 12 events here are free: 82nd Annual Raleigh Christmas Parade in Raleigh, Wake Forest Cares Holiday Kick-Off in Wake Forest, A Very Merry Cookie Craft in Durham, Evening Holiday Walk at Joyner Park in Wake Forest, Pictures With Santa in Wake Forest, Nutcracker Storytime with Barriskill Ballerinas @ Southwest! in Durham, Cookies, Cocoa, and a Movie in Durham, Holiday Cookie House Extravaganza in Durham and Breakfast with Santa in Raleigh. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.

Where can kids see Santa in Raleigh this December?

Santa appears at Lighting of Wake Forest in Wake Forest (December 4), Pictures With Santa in Wake Forest (December 5) and Breakfast with Santa in Raleigh (December 19). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.

Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Raleigh?

Holiday story times on this page: Nutcracker Storytime with Barriskill Ballerinas @ Southwest! in Durham. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.

Where can we have breakfast or a meal with Santa in Raleigh?

Meals with Santa confirmed for 2026: Breakfast with Santa in Raleigh (Sat, Dec 19, 10 am to 12 pm). These usually sell out, so book as soon as you pick a date.

Which Raleigh Christmas events are best for toddlers?

These are aimed at babies, toddlers and preschoolers: A Very Merry Cookie Craft in Durham (Toddler, preschool, kindergarten, elementary, tweens), Cookies, Cocoa, and a Movie in Durham (Toddler, preschool, kindergarten, elementary) and Holiday Cookie House Extravaganza in Durham (Toddler, preschool, kindergarten, elementary).

Are there kids' Christmas events in Raleigh on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?

Yes: Evening Holiday Walk at Joyner Park in Wake Forest (through December 31).

How much is 82nd Annual Raleigh Christmas Parade in Raleigh?

Free. 82nd Annual Raleigh Christmas Parade is on Saturday, November 21, 2026, 9:30 am at Downtown Raleigh parade route. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Wake Forest Cares Holiday Kick-Off in Wake Forest?

Free. Wake Forest Cares Holiday Kick-Off is on Saturday, November 21, 2026, noon to 4 pm at Downtown Wake Forest. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is A Very Merry Cookie Craft in Durham?

Free. A Very Merry Cookie Craft is on Fri December 4 and Fri December 18, 2026, 11 am to noon at North Regional Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Evening With Elves in Raleigh?

$30 per person, $27 members. Evening With Elves is on Friday, December 4, 2026, 6 to 8:30 pm at Marbles Kids Museum. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Lighting of Wake Forest in Wake Forest?

Not stated; free parking and free light sticks while supplies last. Lighting of Wake Forest is on Friday, December 4, 2026, 5 to 8 pm at Town Hall Centennial Plaza. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Evening Holiday Walk at Joyner Park in Wake Forest?

Free. Evening Holiday Walk at Joyner Park is on Saturday, December 5, 2026 to Thursday, December 31, 2026 (nightly), 6 to 9 pm at E. Carroll Joyner Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Pictures With Santa in Wake Forest?

Free, reservation required. Pictures With Santa is on Saturday, December 5, 2026 at Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Gingerbread Jamboree in Raleigh?

$20 per person, $18 members; reusable gingerbread house $25. Gingerbread Jamboree is on Sat December 12 and Sun December 13, 2026, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm at Marbles Kids Museum, Venture Hall (IMAX building). Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Nutcracker Storytime with Barriskill Ballerinas @ Southwest! in Durham?

Free, registration required. Nutcracker Storytime with Barriskill Ballerinas @ Southwest! is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10:30 to 11:45 am at Southwest Regional Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Cookies, Cocoa, and a Movie in Durham?

Free, registration required. Cookies, Cocoa, and a Movie is on Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 5:30 to 6 pm at East Regional Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Cookie House Extravaganza in Durham?

Free, registration required. Holiday Cookie House Extravaganza is on Friday, December 18, 2026, 4 to 5:30 pm at East Regional Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Breakfast with Santa in Raleigh?

Free, registration required. Breakfast with Santa is on Saturday, December 19, 2026, 10 am to noon at Tarboro Road Community Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Raleigh?

Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Raleigh Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.

How do you confirm these events?

We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.

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