As the holiday season approaches, the North Carolina Triangle starts to have a little more holiday cheer.

The cool weather, early sunsets, and decorated neighborhoods all signal exciting winter traditions.

From the illuminating lanterns to the classic theater productions, from bright lights to ice skating rinks — there is never a shortage of festive activities to enjoy this holiday season in the triangle. 

Here are some of the biggest seasonal events happening across the North Carolina Triangle.

The N.C. Chinese Lantern Festival

A very popular winter attraction in the Triangle is the NC Chinese Lantern Festival in Cary. Presented by Tianyu Arts and Culture and The Town of Cary, the Chinese Lantern Festival transforms the area into an illuminating world, full of culture and creativity.

Each lantern is handmade, using silk fabric and is stretched over steel frames, and then lit with hundreds of lights, making bright, detailed, and unique lanterns. 

From November 15, 2025, to January 11, 2026, you and your loved ones can arrive beginning at 6:00 PM to enjoy the festival. To make the most of the visit, you are encouraged to arrive before 9:00 PM. 

Those who want an even more thrilling experience can visit the “Golden Hour” Twilight session, which opens at 4:30 PM, and offers the perfect lighting for photos. 

There are a lot of different options offered to visitors. You can take a train to Cary for an easy trip, or relax in the Kona Big Wave Club, which offers a private area for groups to hang out and enjoy hot chocolate. 

On December 2nd, the festival hosted a Sensory-Friendly Night with quieter music, smaller attendance, no flashing lights, and designated quiet areas — which made the festive event more enjoyable for everyone. 

For those who want to attend but also accommodate their schedule, you can use the Any Night Tickers — allowing you to attend whichever evening works best for you. 

Ice Skating at Fenton and Red Hat

Ice skating is another classic winter activity — within the triangle, there are two major rinks open to the public. 

At Fenton in Cary, the rink runs from November 7, 2025, through February 8, 2025. 

General admission is $18 plus tax and fees, with skate rentals included. Season passes are also available for $90. Whether you’re skating with friends or just trying something new, the rink offers a fun way to enjoy the cold weather.

In downtown Raleigh, the Red Hat Amphitheater rink offers 2-hour skating sessions from November 22, 2025, through January 4, 2026. 

Skater admission is $15 and includes skate rental, while non-skaters can enter for $6. The venue offers cozy seating areas, fire pits, a 20-foot decorated holiday tree, lawn games, and a snack bar with hot cocoa, sweets, and more.

For special occasions, Red Hat also offers private celebration spaces and igloo rentals, which include skating tickets, hot chocolate, and optional treats like Blizzard Bites or Glacier Goodies. 

As the holidays get closer, the Triangle truly comes alive with events that bring people together. Whether you’re walking through glowing lanterns, watching a classic place, exploring a European market, or skating with friends, there is something for everyone to enjoy. 

Pipers lights

Finally, Piper’s Lights offers a very charming and family-friendly holiday experience. The family-run Christmas light display started with a tiny manger scene 30 years ago and has grown into a seven-acre drive-through experience.

The display is free and open daily from November 28, 2025, through January 1, 2026.

The lights run from 5:30-9:00 pm on Sunday through Thursday, and 5:30-10:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. 

The goal of the family-run business has always been simple — to spread joy and share the Christmas spirit with the community. 

These traditions help make the season feel special, giving everybody a chance to have fun and soak in all the holiday spirit, all while trying something new and making new memories.