Durham Happenings : December 2022

It’s time to celebrate all things holidays! During December in Durham, you can shop local when buying presents for your loved ones; visit Santa with your kids, your pets, or just yourself; experience any variety of Nutcracker performances; and celebrate whichever winter holiday is for you. Make new family traditions and try out something new this holiday season in Durham.

Community-Wide Holiday Festivities

In Durham, everyone is family, so it is only fitting that the holiday season allows for opportunities for the entire Durham community to gather and celebrate together.

 Dec 3rd , 11am-10pm: Downtown Durham Holiday (201 Corcoran St, 27701)

o Downtown Durham Inc brings a full day of holiday festivities, including shop small specials and raffles across downtown retailers, live music, and a food drive for Urban Ministries. The event will culminate in the Tree Lighting at CCB Plaza from 6-8:30pm, with special guests: homegrown rap phenom G Yamazawa, Durham’s social justice-minded drag family House of Coxx, and a step show from the talents of NC Central students.

 Dec 17 th, 10am: Durham Holiday Parade (Main St, 27701)

o Sponsored by Durham Parks and Recreation, the Holiday Parade is an annual celebration of not only the holidays, but of all the groups and organizations that make up our community. Enjoy a river of floats, bands, and mascots along with elected officials, City employees, and community groups that support Durham. No seating is provided, so BYO-chair and get there early to snag a good spot.

Holiday Markets

Holiday Markets: Still haven’t checked off everyone on your Christmas list? Need a few more Hanukkah presents for the family? Just need a personal present amidst the holiday madness? Check out any of the incredible holiday markets across Durham in December. Shop local and find the most unique and meaningful gifts around.

 Dec 2nd , 6-9pm: Bull City Holiday Night Market (506 Ramseur St, 27701)

o More than 20 local artisans gather to showcase their products at the new Durham Bottling Company venue. Brought to you by Clayton-based candle company The Raw Edition.

 Dec 9th , 5-9pm: Liberty Arts Holiday Market (918 Pearl St, 27701)

o Explore the artists who call Liberty Arts home and check out their handmade holiday gifts. They’ll be offering glass ornament classes and word on the street is there will be hot cocoa, wine, and cookies!

 Dec 10th , 11am-3pm: Triangle Pop-Up Market at Boxyard RTP (900 Park Offices Dr, 27709)

o Stroll over to Research Triangle Park to grab lunch and check off your Christmas list at the Boxyard Pop-Up Market. Tons of local creators will be selling in the parking lot and the Boxyard eats and drinks will all be a few steps away for you to indulge before or after your shopping.

 Dec 10th , 12-4pm: Art-n-Soul Old Fashioned Christmas Market (8913 NC Hwy 751 South, 27713)

o Visit Old Mill Farm in South Durham for a maker’s market complete with music, beer, and Dampf Good BBQ. You can also take a selfie with Santa and some goats.

 Dec 10th & Dec 11th , 12-4pm: Patchwork Holiday Market (212 Foster St, 27701)

o If you’re looking for the largest variety of vendors at any market, The Patchwork Holiday Market is two days of 100+ vendors. It’s free entry and indoors at the Durham Armory, with different vendors each day. Perhaps swing by the Durham Craft Market Holiday Show (below) which is happening just a few blocks away on Dec 11 th .

 Dec 11th , 10am-4pm: The Durham Craft Market Holiday Show (501 Foster St, 27701)

o From the folks who bring you the weekly Saturday morning craft market comes the annual Sunday holiday event. Support 50+ local artists at Durham Central Park at this free event. Perhaps swing by the Patchwork Holiday Market (above) which is happening after noon just a few blocks away.

 Dec 17th, 12-5pm: Morehead Manor’s Holiday Bazaar (914 Vickers Ave, 27701)

o Explore the grounds of Durham’s historic Black-owned Morehead Manor BnB at this new holiday market. Vendors are still being finalized, so if you know a maker, have them email info@moreheadmanor.com.

 Dec 18th , 12-4pm: Winter Solstice Market (723 Rigsbee Ave, 27701)

o Celebrate the magick of the holidays. Explore the art and talents of tarot readers, psychics, and crafters at the Magick Makers’ Winter Solstice Market at Motorco.

Santa Experiences

That jolly old man in the big red suit is flying all over Durham this month. There are several chances for your babies (human or fur) to meet Santa and even snag a hot cocoa or holiday gift while you’re at it.

 Dec 2nd , 6-8:30pm: Santa Paws at the Durham Armory (212 Foster St, 27701)

o Bring your pets and kiddos to meet Santa and Mrs. Clause while also shopping at the holiday pet market and enlisting your doggo in the ugly sweater contest. There’s also a canine food and toy drive to brighten the holidays of less fortunate pups.

 Dec 3rd , 20th – 24th : Santas Just Like Me at Hayti (804 Old Fayetteville St, 27701)

o Reserve your spot to visit with an authentic looking Santa of color at the Hayti Heritage Center thanks to The Black Santa Experience. With five date options, your family is sure to find a time that works. Price is $45 for a 5-minute Santa visit.

 Dec 3rd , 12-3pm: Photos with Santa Paws at Durty Bull (206 Broadway St, 27701)

o Let your pup enjoy time with Santa and you enjoy a pint…or check out vendors, musicians, and food options available at this afternoon of holiday fun. The event is free, but photo proceeds benefit Hope Animal Rescue.

 Dec 3rd , 12-5pm: Santa Visits The Glass Jug RTP (5410 NC Hwy 55, 27713)

o Santa Claus makes a stop at The Glass Jug RTP from 12-3pm, while you can decorate Christmas ornaments from 12-4pm and enjoy Stairway to Veggin food truck, Glass Jug hot apple cider, or complimentary face painting and balloon animals. The event is free, but tickets to visit with Santa cost $35.

 Dec 3rd , 10th , and 17th , 12-4pm: Selfies with Santa (1212 North Mineral Springs Rd, 27703)

o Hit up Mystic Farm and Distillery for a festive cocktail paired with some quality time with Ol’ Saint Nick. Dec 3 rd is also the Art-n-Soul Market at Mystic, so a great time to shop and score your free Santa pic all in one visit. Entry is free!

 Dec 4th , 12-3pm: Happy Pawlidays at Hi-Wire Brewing (800 Taylor St, 27701)

o Join our very own Chrysti Peek, your Durham real estate expert, as she hosts adoptable animals from Animal Protection Society of Durham at Hi-Wire. Professional pet portraits will be available just in time for your holiday cards.

 Dec 11th , 1-4pm: Santa on the Roof at The Durham Hotel (315 E Chapel Hill St, 27701)

o Free photos with Santa overlooking downtown AND complimentary hot chocolate! That’s what you get when you visit Santa on the Roof, featuring Santas Just Like Me, a local org bringing Santas of color across the Triangle since 2013.

 Dec 17th , 2-8pm: Holiday Extravaganza at The Glass Jug Downtown (545 Foster St, 27701)

o Santa visits the Glass Jug’s other location, this time with a whole holiday extravaganza in Durham Central Park. There will be live music, vendor market, and if you purchase a $35 ticket, a photo with Santa, Christmas ornament, and two Glass Jug beverages.

Hanukkah Celebrations

While December may seem overrun by all things Christmas and Santa, Durham does offer several opportunities to commemorate the “festival of lights.” Join the Jewish Durham community in celebration, physical activity, and service at any of these events.

 Dec 11th , 2-5pm: Community Chanukah Celebration (1937 W Cornwallis Rd, 27705)

o Hosted by Jewish for Good and Chabad of Durham/Chapel Hill, kick off the Chanukah season with a family-friendly event, featuring an ice menorah sculpting and lighting, obstacle course, slide, toddler play land, bounce house, donuts, and prizes.

 Dec 18th , 8:30am-12pm: Hanukkah 8K and 1-mile Family Fun Run (1937 W Cornwallis Rd, 27705)

o Join Jewish for Good at the Levin JCC for either a competitive 8k run or a more casual 1- mile family walk/run to jumpstart your Hanukkah festivities. The finish line will have donuts and Hanukkah gelt, so let that motivate you! Registration ranges from $20-$25.

 Dec 18th , 2-4pm: Hanukkah Plunge Family Swim (1937 W Cornwallis Rd, 27705)

o Sometimes we just need to take the plunge and shock our system awake! Jewish for Good at the Levin JCC offers that opportunity with the Hanukkah Plunge Family Swim, where participants can slide into the frigid pool then warm back up with hot chocolate. (This event is for Jewish for Good members only)

 Dec 18th , 3-5pm: Chanukah Happy Hour (1933 W Cornwallis Rd, 27705)

o Celebrate the first night of Chanukah with the Judea Reform Congregation. A whole family affair, including photo booth, kids’ crafts and games, latkes and sufganiyot, plus a cash bar.

 Dec 18th , 4:30-6:30pm: Chanukah at Streets of South Point Mall (8030 Renaissance Pkwy, 27713)

o Meet in front of Barnes & Noble for latkes, kids crafts, and Chanukah prizes from Chabad at Duke University & Durham Chapel Hill.

 Dec 25th : Mitzvah Day (all around Durham)

o Jewish for Good at the Levin JCC has gathered so many service opportunities across Durham and beyond for anyone to get involved. From making soup mixes at home for food pantries to park beautification to cleaning homes for cancer patients, find an activity to be of service to others and sign up by 12/21.

African American Holiday Events

Even though one of Durham’s Kwanzaa celebrations doesn’t take place until Jan 1 st , I wanted to make sure folks could get it on their calendars this month. Also, have you ever heard of Jonkonnu? Learn more about these African American holiday celebrations at the events below.

 Dec 10th , 4:30-6:30pm: Jonkonnu at Stagville (5828 Old Oxford Hwy, 27712)

o Learn about and celebrate Jonkonnu, an Afro-Caribbean masquerade celebrated by enslaved people, at Historic Stagville. This event will feature performances by students at St Sya Academy, a private school in Durham for students of African descent. Tickets are $5 or free for children under 12.

 Dec 26th : Kwanzaa at Hayti Heritage Center (804 Old Fayetteville St, 27701)

o Hayti will be hosting Kwanzaa again this year, though details are still being finalized. Check the Hayti event calendar for updates.

 Jan 1st , 12-5pm: African American Dance Ensemble Kwanzaafest (212 Foster St, 27701)

o Celebrate Kwanzaa and the 7 principles to honor African heritage with the African American Dance Ensemble. This cultural fest and African candle ceremony will take place at the at the Durham Armory with doors opening at noon and performances starting at 2pm.

Nutcracker Performances

For many families, the joy of seeing a live performance of the holiday classic, The Nutcracker, is an annual tradition. Durham boasts several opportunities to enjoy the timeless ballet version with both professional and youth performers, as well as a hip, modern alternative.

 Dec 2nd -3rd , Devils en Pointe presents The Nutcracker (2020 Campus Dr, 27705)

o Three opportunities to catch this FREE holiday performance featuring over 30 Duke undergraduate dancers at the Rubenstein Arts Center. No tickets required, but arrive early to ensure good seats.

 Dec 10th – 11th , Carolina Ballet’s The Nutcracker at DPAC (123 Vivian St, 27701)

o Watch a “refreshed” version of this holiday classic with the professional dancers of Carolina Ballet. Also at DPAC, there’s no bad seat and there are two matinee shows, so bring your kiddos along. Tickets start at $72.

 Dec 10 th , 11am & 3pm: Triangle Youth Ballet at the Carolina Theatre (309 West Morgan St, 27701)

o Watch in awe as some of our area’s youth perform The Nutcracker at Durham’s Carolina Theatre, a hometown tradition since 1995. Tickets start at $25

 Dec 15th , 7pm: NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet at the Carolina Theatre (309 West Morgan St, 27701)

o This international professional cast features stars of Ukraine ballet and high-class talent. Only a few tickets remain, with prices starting at $30.

 Dec 16th -18th : Barriskill Dance Theatre School at Duke’s Page Auditorium (402 Chapel Dr, 27710)

o With youth tickets ($20 for 10 and under) and $35 full-price tickets, the Barriskill Dance Theatre provides three evening options for performances of The Nutcracker. There’s even a $15 livestream option should you opt to enjoy from the comfort of your home.

 Dec 23rd , 3 & 7:30pm: The Hip Hop Nutcracker at DPAC (123 Vivian St, 27701)

o If you’re looking for a high energy, dynamic, modern take on this holiday classic, I recommend The Hip Hop Nutcracker. DPAC recently added a 3pm show and with tickets starting at $35, it can’t be beat. Pro tip: buy from the box office to save on ticket fees.

However you celebrate the holidays this year, I hope you find not only a new favorite piece of art or jewelry from a Durham artisan, but also peace and joy with your loved ones. Stay safe and happy holidays, Durham!