Holiday events in Durham, NC, bring the city to life with good old-fashioned cheer. Dancing light shows, artisan markets, and live performances set the mood for a season full of joy.
Ready to swap stress for holiday magic? A Durham getaway is exactly what you need. Tinsel, tunes, and twinkling lights are calling.
Downtown Durham Holiday Tree Lighting
Kick off the holiday season with a classic tradition, Durham’s Christmas tree lighting! Bring the whole crew for a night of holiday magic, with a live performance from special guests. Create a special craft with Fate & Folklore, enjoy holiday movie shorts with Film Durham, and sip hot cocoa. It’s holiday fun for the whole family.
📅 Sunday, December 6 (4–7pm)
Location: CCB Plaza, 201 Corcoran St., Durham, NC
Holiday Patchwork Market
Support local makers while shopping for gifts at the Holiday Patchwork Market. This indoor event features local artisans offering jewelry, home goods, art, and tasty treats. It’s a relaxed, festive setting that makes holiday shopping actually fun.
Admission is free, and there’s no pressure. Just lots of charm and creativity.
📅 Saturday, December 6 (12–4pm)
📅 Sunday, December 7 (12–4pm)
Location: Durham Armory, 212 Foster St, Durham, NC
Jonkonnu at Stagville
Celebrate a powerful holiday tradition rooted in African diaspora culture. The Jonkonnu at Stagville features Durham youth and local musicians performing in a vibrant masquerade.
It honors Jonkonnu, a West African and Caribbean celebration born from resistance and community. Expect drumming, dancing, storytelling, and a joyful procession through Horton Grove. Bonus: It’s a free holiday event!
📅 Saturday, December 6 (4:30–9pm)
Location: Horton Grove at Historic Stagville, 5828 Old Oxford Hwy, Durham, NC
Christmas By Candlelight
Step back into a 1870s holiday at Duke Homestead. Costumed interpreters guide the Christmas by Candlelight tours through the Duke family home. Christmas music, singing, and dancing fill the room with holiday cheer. Victorian-era holiday cookies add the final touch to this journey into the past.
A new tour begins every ten minutes — filled with candlelight, history, and holiday magic. You won’t want to miss this; it’s one of the best Durham holiday events.
📅 Friday, December 5 (5:30–9pm)
📅 Friday, December 12 (5:30–9pm)
Location: Duke Homestead State Historic Site, 2828 Duke Homestead Rd, Durham, NC
American Tobacco Tower Lighting
Kick off the season with a dazzling tradition. The American Tobacco Tower Lighting features live music, performances by local groups, and festive surprises. The star of the show? The iconic Lucky Strike water tower, which lights up and sets the holiday mood.
It’s one of the standout holiday events in Durham, drawing both locals and visitors. Tip: Arrive early to explore the many shops and food spots!
📅 Wednesday, December 3 (pre-show at 6pm, lighting at 7pm)
Location: Amphitheater at American Tobacco Campus, 705 Willard Street, Durham, NC
FestiBull of Lights
FestiBull of Lights transforms the Durham Bulls Athletic Park into a dazzling winter wonderland. Stroll through thousands of twinkling lights synchronized to festive music, creating a magical holiday experience for all ages. Meet Santa, hop aboard the NC by Train Holiday Express, and say hello to Wool E. Claus.
Enjoy seasonal crafts, roast s’mores, and savor festive food and drinks — all surrounded by a breathtaking display of lights. It’s one of our favorite things in Durham — a must-do holiday tradition for families, couples, and anyone chasing Christmas magic.
📅 November 20, 2025 – January 3, 2026 (5:30–9pm)
Location: Durham Bulls Athletic Park, 409 Blackwell St, Durham, NC
Holiday Shows at The Carolina Theatre
Looking for holiday magic with a spotlight and a standing ovation? The Carolina Theatre has you covered. These two standout holiday events bring music, nostalgia, and an unforgettable night for the whole family.
Bela Fleck & The Flecktones: Jingle All the Way
This award-winning group brings holiday classics to life with wild time signatures and playful jazz twists. Jingle All the Way topped jazz charts and won a Grammy for reimagining cliché holiday tunes. It’s bold, brilliant, and bursting with holiday spirit.
📅 Wednesday, December 17 (8pm)
Location: The Carolina Theatre, 309 W Morgan St, Durham, NC
An Evening with Peter Billingsley and A Christmas Story
See A Christmas Story on the big screen, then stick around for Ralphie himself. After the film, Peter Billingsley will share behind-the-scenes moments, filming memories, and inside stories. Guests can join in a live Q&A for extra fun and nostalgia. It’s a celebration perfect for longtime fans and new ones alike.
📅 Sunday, November 30 (7pm)
Location: The Carolina Theatre, 309 W Morgan St, Durham, NC
DPAC Festive Concerts and Shows
This year, show your holiday spirit with a ticket stub. These live performances at Durham Performing Arts Center hit all the right notes. Soaring vocals, stirring orchestras, and theatrical flair. These concerts are more than music. They’re an escape into holiday joy and nostalgia.
A Magical Cirque Christmas
This holiday show has it all — gravity-defying circus acts, live musicians, and timeless Christmas carols. Dazzling costumes and jaw-dropping talent set the stage for an evening of wonder. It’s a throwback to the golden age of variety shows, with holiday magic for every age.
📅 Wednesday, November 19 (7:30pm)
Location: Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 William V Bill Bell Wy, Durham, NC
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet
This colorful take on the classic ballet features international dancers, oversized puppets, and whimsical storytelling. It’s a holiday tradition with a magical twist and perfect for all ages.
📅 Sunday, November 23 (2pm & 6pm)
Location: Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 William V Bill Bell Wy, Durham, NC
Ira David Wood III’s A Christmas Carol
This long-running musical comedy puts a hilarious spin on Dickens’ tale. Big laughs, catchy tunes, and enough heart to keep it classic.
📅 December 10–12 (7:30pm)
📅 December 13–14 (2pm & 7:30pm)
Location: Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 William V Bill Bell Wy, Durham, NC
Your Holiday Escape Starts Here
You’ve got the list — now check it twice. Durham holiday events are packed with lights, live music, and nostalgic traditions. Jazz concerts, costumed ballets, dancing lights, and handmade markets fill the season with charm and cheer.
Why not stay where the holiday magic feels like home? Book your room at Morehead Manor and experience these festive events for yourself. It’s the perfect gift to give yourself.
Photo Credit: © SolStock from Getty Images Signature via canva.com, © Elina Fairytale from Pexels via canva.com, © Sanja Radin from Getty Images Signature via canva.com
