With winter break finally approaching in Wake County, everybody is looking for a fun activity to get into the holiday spirit. Whether you want to go by yourself, with friends, or with family, any of these activities are sure to be a jolly time.
A Candlelight Christmas with the N.C. Symphony Holiday Brass
: Friday-Sunday, Dec. 19-21 and Tuesday, Dec. 23
⏱: 7:30pm Friday, Dec. 19, 3:00pm Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 20-21, 3:00pm & 7:00pm Tuesday, Dec. 23
➤: Meymandi Concert Hall, 2 E South St., Raleigh, NC 27601
✇: ~10min drive from Enloe
$: Tickets start around $45
: Watch the North Carolina Symphony Holiday Brass Raleigh Youth Choir perform a show filled with “the glow of candlelight, the power of brass, and the beauty of youth voices in harmony.”
↪: https://ncsymphony.org/events/a-candlelight-christmas-12-19-25-730pm/
⚠︎: South St. between Dawson St. and McDowell St. near the performance has been permanently closed. Create alternate plans for transportation and/or parking in advance.
Christmas Lights on Holt Road
: Thursday-Tuesday, Dec. 18-26
⏱: 5:30pm
➤: 1012 Holt Rd., Apex, NC 27523
✇: ~30min drive from Enloe
$: $20 per ticket; one ticket per car
: Join over 50,000 others to “support MG Global Support Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to a variety of humanitarian and community initiatives — including aid for displaced Ukrainian families,” by purchasing a ticket to one of the best annual light shows in Raleigh, NC.
↪: https://mgglobalsupportfoundation.org/#schedule2025
⚠︎: All ticket purchases are considered donations and 100% tax-deductible. Unlike previous years, due to high demand and traffic, tickets must be purchased online in advance.
North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival
: Now-Sunday, Jan. 11 2026; every day except Christmas
⏱: Gates open at 4:00pm or 6:30pm, depending on the type of ticket purchased. Arrive by 9:00pm. No 4:00pm tickets are available for Christmas Eve.
➤: Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Pkwy., Cary, NC 27518
✇: ~25min drive from Enloe
$: $17-41 per ticket, depending on age, time, and package. Check specifics online. Parking is free.
: Experience the Triangle’s thriving Chinese culture as you “immerse yourself in a” self guiding walking tour “world of wonder with thousands of all-NEW handcrafted, illuminated lanterns showcasing various themes. This walk-through experience also features captivating cultural performances, a variety of concessions, and interactive elements that delight both children and adults.”
↪: https://www.boothamphitheatre.com/events-tickets/events/chinese-lantern-festival
⚠︎: Be sure to thoroughly read the link above for detailed information on concessions, bag policy, discounts, and more, BEFORE buying tickets.
THE RINK at Red Hat Amphitheater
: Now-Sunday, Dec. 28; every day except Christmas
⏱: Varies; detailed calendar available here and on the website
➤: Red Hat Amphitheater, 500 South McDowell St., Raleigh, NC 27601
✇: ~10min drive from Enloe
$: $15 for skaters, $6 for non-skaters. Skate rental is included with skater tickets.
: Regardless of age or experience level, anyone can go to one of just two options for outdoor skating in the Triangle and “enjoy the thrill of ice skating in an winter wonderland created in the heart of Raleigh at Red Hat Amphitheater.”
↪: https://www.redhatamphitheater.com/the-rink
Great Raleigh Trolley Holiday Tours
: Saturday-Tuesday, Dec. 20-23
⏱: Varies; detailed calendar available on the website
➤: 1610 Automotive Wy., Raleigh, NC 27604
✇: ~10min drive from Enloe
$: $22-27 per ticket, depending on experience
: Ride on the famous Great Raleigh Trolley through a variety of Christmas themed tours. There are options for all ages, from meeting Santa Claus, to drinking hot cocoa and caroling, to exploring the ghosts of Christmas.
↪: https://www.greatraleightrolley.com/
Enjoy the holidays, eagles!
