photo courtesy of Leo Suarez
Every winter season, holiday joy starts to spread like wildfire in Raleigh, North Carolina. From mouthwatering feasts and festive celebrations, to high-spirited theatrical performances and more, there’s something magical for every visitor (and local) to enjoy during the holidays thatare sure to make the season its brightest.
Here are a few of our E-Z Rent-A-Car favorite attractions and events to check out during your holiday vacation:
Hosted at Meymandi Concert Hall within the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, Holiday Pops kicks off the holiday season with popular Christmastime sing-along songs (including pieces from Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Polar Express, Frozen and more), meet-and-greets with Santa Claus in the lobby, and other holiday surprises!
Offering a variety of holiday-themed activities and festivities in and around the downtown Raleigh area, this two-month winter celebration is a great way to ring in the holidays with friends and loved ones of all ages. The event features concerts, Ferris wheel and carousel rides, ice skating, the Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony, food-truck dining, shopping cart races, and much more. Children are invited to take a tour of Santa’s Village during their visit, and maybe even get a picture with ol’ St. Nick himself!
The Annual Kwanzaa Celebration
Presented in the nearby town of Cary, the Annual Kwanzaa Celebration held in late December offers a lively cultural celebration honoring African-American history and heritage. Past celebrations have included a Vendor Market and Children’s Village, complete with interactive crafts and activities for the whole family to enjoy together. The event welcomes all visitors to share in its festivities, celebrating family, friends and the fruits of the earth during the holiday season.
Situated in the northern end of Pullen Park, Theatre in the Park offers several iconic and festive theatrical performances each winter that truly put guests in the holiday spirit—many of which are internationally acclaimed for outstanding achievements. The theater has presented season classics, such as A Christmas Carol, as well as other family-friendly winter shows, including The Santaland Diaries and more.
A New Year’s Eve event that features nearly 100 performances across more than three dozen locations throughout the downtown area, First Night Raleigh lets guests welcome in the new year with music, tasty dining options, an early countdown with fireworks, an acorn drop at midnight (a Raleigh tradition), and more. The celebration is ideal for guests of all ages and group sizes.
photo courtesy of .:kaos:.
If you’re seeking the perfect destination for the winter holidays, visit Raleigh for these top events of the season. Plus, enjoy your holiday trip even more by taking advantage of one of our Black Friday VIP Deals, featuring discount offers created exclusively for VIP members. Start saving by signing up today!
