2013 Holiday Events in Downtown Raleigh

2013 Holiday Events in Downtown Raleigh

October, November and December are definitely some of our favorite months of the year. Especially living in North Carolina, we get to enjoy the beautiful change of seasons as the leaves put on their show and then make for piles and piles of leafy fun. Although, I have to say, we don't miss raking leaves since we moved into our downtown Raleigh loft!

Now that we are permanent residents downtown, we have been researching various ways we can become part of the community and experience true downtown Raleigh living. What better time to do that than during the holiday season?

Here are some fun upcoming events and activities we will be exploring. Hope to see you there!

Family Fun Night Spooktacular
Marbles Kids Museum
October 25- 31, 2013
Wear your costume and participate in fun Halloween themed activities.

Halloween Safe Night
NC Museum of History
October 31st from 6-9 pm for Ages 12 and under with Adult
Kids and parents trick or treat through the Story of North Carolina exhibit and collect various goodies, and tons of candy.

First Friday Gallery Walk
First Friday Holiday Schedule
November 1st and December 6, 2013 from 6-9 pm
This is a great place to do your holiday shopping and pick up something unique while supporting local artists. Make an evening of it and try one of downtown Raleigh's great restaurants.

2113 Collectors Gala
Art Space
A delightful evening of art, friends, food, music, and fun! The annual Collectors Gala benefits Artspace artists and exhibitions, educational programming and community outreach.

Holiday Open House and Family Night
Logan's One Stop Garden Shop
Open House - Thursday, November 14, 2013 from 5 - 8:00 pm
Family Night - Saturday, December 14, 2013 from 5-7 pm
For the open house, enjoy an elegant evening celebrating the holidays with hors d'oeuvres, Christmas music, door prizes, and more.  Get inspired by beautiful themed trees and holiday displays. On Family Night kids will enjoy a visit with Santa, a holiday craft, treats, story time with Santa's Elves, Christmas karaoke, and other holiday activities.  Bring your camera to take a photo with Santa.

Raleigh Christmas Parade
Downtown Raleigh Parade
Saturday November 23, 2013 at 9:40am
Known as the largest Christmas Parade between Washington, DC and Atlanta and fun for the whole family.

Frosty the Snowman
Fletcher Opera Theater at Duke Energy Center
November 29 to Dec 24, 2013 Various Times
Frosty, the beloved snowman, known to melt everyone’s hearts comes to life in a holiday show for the whole family.

Holiday Pops
NC Symphony
November 30, December 10 & 19, 2013
This family-friendly program features traditional Christmas carols, an audience sing-along, a visit from jolly old St. Nick and "snow" to get you in the holiday spirit.

A Colonial Christmas Open House
Joel Lane Museum House
Saturday, December 7, 2013 from 11 am to 4 pm
The house will be decorated with traditional greenery and will reflect the very different way in which colonists and early Americans celebrated the Christmas holiday.

Candlelight Tour of Historic Homes
Historic Oakwood
December 7 & 8, 2013 from 1 - 7 pm
Take a walk through the past this holiday season as eleven properties in the Historic Oakwood neighborhood open their doors to visitors.

New Year's Eve Celebration
First Night Raleigh
December 31, 2013 from 2pm to Midnight
Schedule of Events:
Children's Celebration 2 pm-6 pm
People's Procession 6 pm
Early Countdown with Fireworks 7 pm
Evening Performances 7 pm-11:30 pm
Main Stage Performances 6 pm to 12 midnight
Fireworks and Acorn Drop at 12 midnight

If you feel like taking a weekend getaway you have to take a trip to Asheville, NC to the Biltimore Estate during the holiday season. Candlelight Christmas Evenings at the Biltmore are an unforgettable experience for the whole family. We highly recommend it.

We hope you enjoy all this season has to offer here in the Raleigh area. Let us know if there are any fun family traditions you have that we can share with everyone!