Durham Holiday Happenings 2024
With our fearless leader, Chrysti, taking a well-deserved realty hiatus, this will be my last blog post. I wanted to gather for you all, dearest readers, my favorite events of the year: the Durham Holiday Happenings! While this won’t be fully comprehensive as some events don’t get announced until later in December, I hope you’ll use this as a jumping off point for your holiday festivities in the Bull City. It’s my
favorite time of year to shop local at the many holiday markets and make new traditions with my family at all of the incredible, heart-warming events. Whether you plan to snap a pic with Santa, take in a holiday classic performance, or celebrate the winter season, Durham has something to offer each resident for the holidays.
Ongoing Holiday Events
Holiday Pop-Up Shop at Boxyard RTP (900 Park Offices Dr, 27709)
For nine weeks, from Nov 1 st through Jan 15 th , Boxyard is hosting a holiday pop-up shop in their shipping container plaza. One shop space will be dedicated to showcasing local vendors for folks to shop throughout the holiday season. Shop local and then grab lunch/dinner at one of Boxyard’s many delicious restaurants, like brisket from Lawrence Barbecue or a pizza from Fullsteam RTP.
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Holidays in the Park at Museum of Life and Science (433 W Murray Ave, 27704)
Visit the Museum after hours throughout December with your family to enjoy a magical winter wonderland. Shimmering lights are strung throughout the Dino Trail and you can wander through the tropically warm Magic Wings Butterfly House. Tickets cost $17 for ages 3+ or $20 with train and require selecting an entry time starting at 5:15pm.
My Little Farmer (8794 NC 751, 27713)
Christmas-themed activities for kids throughout the entire month of December. Choose from classes like gingerbread house making, bunny ballet, wreath making, and Christmas on the Farm where kids can meet “reindeer” ponies and make horseshoe ornaments.
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Santa Photos at The Streets at Southpoint (6910 Fayetteville Rd, 27713)
Book your timeslot to take pictures with Santa at the mall. There are multiple photo packages available if you book in advance online. Plus, there are pet nights on several Mon and Tues evenings where donations for The Humane Society of the United States will be collected, so bring your puppers for a pic with the man in red.
One-Time Holiday Events
Sun, Dec 1 st , 12 – 5pm: Santa Strut Holiday Bazaar at ZincHouse Winery and Brewery (6225 Wake Forest Hwy, 27703)
Kick off December with over 30 artisan vendors, live music, holiday cocktails, and a Santa/Mrs. Clause costume contest. This is a 21+ event presented by The Night Market and Roshambo Market.
Wed, December 4 th , 7pm: American Tobacco Tower Lighting at American Tobacco Campus (300 Blackwell St, 27701)
The 20-year community tradition of lighting up the American Tobacco Tower continues on Dec 4 th . Pre- show activities start at 6pm, with performances kicking off at 7pm just after the tower is lit up like a giant, Durham-y Christmas tree!
Thurs, Dec 5 th , 6:30 – 10pm: AfterHours: Holiday Spirits at Museum of Life and Science (433 W Murray Ave, 27704)
Enjoy a kid-free night out at the Museum with a synthetic skating rink, a train ride through the glistening holiday lights, and a complimentary cocktail crafted by Durham’s Liberty and Plenty Distillery. Tickets cost $35 for members/$40 for non-members.
Thurs, Dec 5 th – Sun, Dec 15 th : ‘Twas the Night Before at DPAC (123 Vivian St, 27701)
Cirque du Soleil bring their first holiday show to DPAC and it’s full of acrobatics and holiday classics reinvented by Cirque. There are a range of evening and matinee shows from Thurs, Dec 5 th through Sun, Dec 15 th .
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Fri, Dec 6 th , 5 – 8:30pm: Santa Paws at Durham Armory (212 Foster St, 27701)
Durham Parks and Rec hosts this canine- and family-friendly annual event, featuring photos with Santa and Mrs. Clause, holiday ugly sweater contest (for the pups), holiday pet market, and a canine food/toy drive for pets in need.
Fri Dec 6 th and 13 th , 5:30 – 9pm: Christmas by Candlelight at Duke Homestead (2828 Duke Homestead Rd, 27705)
Take a journey back to 1870 and visit Duke Homestead for a candlelit Christmas celebration. Choose from two Friday nights full of Christmas music, dancing, holiday cookies, and costumed interpreters. Tickets cost $8, kids 3 and under are free.
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Fri, Dec 6 th and 13 th , 5:30 – 9:30pm: Winter Nights at ZincHouse Winery and Brewery (6225 Wake Forest Hwy, 27703)
Free winter night market at ZincHouse Winery and Brewery with local artists, live music, food trucks and more. No kids allowed.
Sat, Dec 7 th , 12 – 4pm: Holiday Market at Soul Sanctuary (1016 Old Oxford Rd, 27704)
Visit this unique, BIPOC-supporting venue and farm collective for their 2nd annual Holiday Market. There will be a diverse selection of vendors with plenty of holiday gift options.
Sat, Dec 7 th , 3 – 9pm: Durham German Market at Durham Central Park (501 Foster St, 27701)
Enjoy the festivities of a traditional German holiday market hosted by Wildly Inclusive Learning Collective, complete with vendors, children’s activities, a raffle, and traditional German food and drink options.
Sat, Dec 7 th , 4 – 9pm: Stuff Your Stockings Holiday Market at Glass Jug RTP (5410 NC Hwy 55, Ste V, 27713)
Co-hosted by The Creatives Club, experience this enchanted night market with hot apple cider, fire pits, and food truck far as you peruse the many gift and art options from local vendors.
Sat, Dec 7 th , 4:30 – 6pm: Jonkonnu at Historic Stagville (5925 Jock Rd, Bahama, NC 27503)
Learn about and celebrate Jonkonnu, an Afro-Caribbean masquerade celebrated by enslaved people, at Historic Stagville. This event is free and will feature performances by Durham youth, drumming, and a bonfire with music and stories.
Sat, Dec 7 th , 3 – 5pm: Snowball Splash at Edison Johnson Recreation Center (500 W Murray Ave, 27704)
Splash into family fun at the indoor pool at Edison Johnson, with winter-themed games and crafts. Cost is $6 for residents/$11 for non-residents.
Wed, Dec 11 th , 6 – 9pm: Holiday Market at The Durham (315 E Chapel Hill St, 27701)
Shop this swanky market in the lobby of The Durham Hotel, with festive drinks and gifts from local vendors. Tickets cost $10 and net proceeds support Y Learning, an academic support program from the Durham YMCA.
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Wed, Dec 11 th , 7:30 – 9pm: Holiday Music with Ally J at The Durham (315 E Chapel Hill St, 27701)
After visiting the Holiday Market, head upstairs for a holiday-themed performance by Ally J on the Roof. Sip seasonal cocktails and enjoy holiday-inspired treats at this free event.
Thurs, Dec 12 th , 5 – 9pm: Durham Night Market Holiday Edition at American Tobacco Campus (300 Blackwell St, 27701)
This free monthly market series takes place in the beautiful outdoor open space of the American Tobacco Campus. Enjoy local handmade wares, food trucks, lawn games, and fun for the whole family.
Thurs, Dec 12 th , 6pm: Holiday Edition Wine Tasting at HERitage Wines (5107 NC Hwy 55, Ste 102, 27713)
Sample a variety of five wines paired with an individual charcuterie box at this Black woman-owned
wine shop. Tickets cost $50.
Thurs, Dec 12 th – Sat, Dec 14 th : Triangle Youth Ballet: The Nutcracker at Carolina Theatre (309 W Morgan St, 27701)
Witness over 100 local talents in the Triangle Youth Ballet perform the holiday classic, The Nutcracker. Tickets start at $17 for children 6 and under or $35 for adults with 7pm performances each evening and a Sat 2pm matinee.
Sat, Dec 14 th , 10am: Durham Holiday Parade on Main Street
Sponsored by Durham Parks and Recreation, enjoy this celebration of the holidays and the Durham community. No seating is provided, so BYO-chair and get there early to snag a good spot.
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Sat, Dec 14 th , 10:30am – 12:30pm: Holiday Sip and Shop at Burn Boot Camp South Durham (5410 NC-55, 27713)
Burn Boot Camp hosts their annual Holiday Sip and Shop with 15 local vendors and delicious treats. Come shop and learn about or join your local Burn.
Sat, Dec 14 th and Sun, Dec 15 th , 12 – 4pm: Patchwork Holiday Market at Durham Armory (212 Foster St, 27701)
Dozens of local vendors gather for two days of sales with completely different artists each day. Saturday
will highlight prints and scarves while Sunday will boast rings and notebooks.
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Sat, Dec 14 th , 12 – 5pm: Holistic Holiday Market at Pure Soul (4125 Durham Chapel Hill Blvd, 27707)
Shop local holistic businesses and enjoy Pure Soul’s plant-based menu at this first holiday market by Venus Wraps.
Sat, Dec 14 th , 2 – 6pm: Handcrafted DURM Annual Holiday Market at Durty Bull (206 Broadway St, 27701)
Celebrate holiday fun with funky crafts and handmade apparel, jewelry, and accessories. Plus, an NC Enrollment Broker for NC Medicaid will be on site doing outreach.
Sat, Dec 14 th , 1:30 – 3:30pm: Holiday Modern Wreath Workshop at 1 Blossom 2 Bloom (PopBox, 900 Park Offices Dr, Ste 145, 27709)
Craft your own sleek, stylish holiday wreath with local vendor 1 Blossom 2 Bloom, Boxyard RTP’s PopBoxnresident business. The workshop costs $85.
Sun, Dec 15 th , 9am – 12pm: Hanukkah 8k and 1-Mile Family Fun Run at Jewish for Good (1937 W Cornwallis Rd, 27705)
Commemorate the 8 nights of Hanukkah with an 8k (or 1-mile) family fun run. Cost is $20 for members/$25 for community guests.
Sun, Dec 15 th , 10am – 12pm: Hanukkah Plunge Family Swim at Jewish for Good (1937 W Cornwallis Rd, 27705)
This Jewish for Good members-only annual event allows participants to slide into the icy outdoor pool water then warm up with some hot chocolate.
Sun, Dec 15 th , 10am – 4pm: Durham Craft Market Annual Holiday Show at Durham Central Park (501 Foster St, 27701)
Support over 50 local artisans by buying holiday gifts at this annual showcase of the Durham Craft Market.
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Wed, Dec 18 th , 12 – 2pm: Christmas Open House at Duke Chapel (401 Chapel Dr, 27708)
Check out Duke Chapel in all its Christmas glory! This open house allows visitors to explore the Chapel decorated for the holidays and listen to familiar Christmas music. There is no cost to attend.
Wed, Dec 18 th , 7:30 – 9pm: Durham Community Concert Band Christmas Concert at Durham Armory (212 Foster St, 27701)
For over 40 years, Durham Community Concert Band has entertained Durham through their nonprofit, community-centered band. Enjoy their annual holiday concert at the historic Durham Armory.
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Wed, Dec 18 th , 7:30 – 8:30pm: Holiday Music with Triangle Gay Men’s Chorus at The Durham (315 E Chapel Hill St, 27701)
Hit up the heated rooftop of The Durham Hotel for a holiday performance by the Triangle Gay Men’s Chorus. Buy some holiday cocktails or seasonal treats to round out this joyful celebration.
Wed, Dec 18 th , 7:30pm: A Celtic Christmas at Carolina Theatre (309 W Morgan St, 27701)
Irish dancers and musicians bring to the spirit of Christmas to life with a mix of melodic folk mash-ups, acapella tap battles, and heartwarming storytelling. Tickets start at $51.
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Wed, Dec 18 th – Sun, Dec 22 nd : A Christmas Carol at DPAC (123 Vivian St, 27701)
Ira David Wood II’s musical comedy adaptation celebrates over 50 years of Broadway quality production. Tickets start at $28.50.
Thurs, Dec 19 th , 6 – 8pm: A Frosty Family Affair at Holton Career and Resource Center (401 N Driver St, 27703)
Spread holiday cheer at this family-friendly, free event with refreshments and fun activities for kids.
Thurs, Dec 19 th , 6:30pm: Candlelight Christmas Carols on Strings at Aria (2609 N Duke St, Ste 700, 27704)
Lyricosa String Quartet will play over a dozen holiday classics in the beautiful Aria, a North Durham event space operated by Giorgios Hospitality Group, owners of Parizade and Krill. Tickets start at $29.
Thurs, Dec 19 th , 7:30pm: The Nutcracker at Carolina Theatre (309 W Morgan St, 27701)
The talented performers of State Ballet Theater of Ukraine present holiday classic, The Nutcracker. Tickets start at $63.
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Fri, Dec 20 th , 2 – 5pm: Kids DIY Gift Workshop at Nailed It DIY Studio Durham (5410 NC-55, Ste M, 27713)
Kids out of school for early release? Send them to Nailed It DIY to craft some potential gifts while you go shop or finish up your work day. Cost is $60 per child with a 10% sibling discount. Recommended for ages 7+.
Sat, Dec 21 st , 1:30 – 3:30pm: Holiday Centerpiece Workshop at 1 Blossom 2 Bloom (PopBox, 900 Park Offices Dr, Ste 145, 27709)
Design your floral centerpiece for the holidays with local vendor 1 Blossom 2 Bloom, Boxyard RTP’s PopBox resident business. The workshop costs $75.
Sun, Dec 22 nd , 2 – 5pm: Hanukkah Family Festival at Jewish for Good (1937 W Cornwallis Rd, 27705)
In collaboration with partners across the Triangle Jewish community, Jewish for Good kicks off the Hanukkah season with a day of family fun. Enjoy latkes for sale, a kids’ corner with arts and crafts, and menorah lighting. Free, but RSVP is recommended.
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Tues, Dec 24 th , 1pm and 5pm: Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet at DPAC (123 Vivian St, 27701)
Celebrate Christmas Eve at DPAC with this classical European Ballet style of the beloved family Nutcracker tradition. Tickets start at $36.50.
Wed, Dec 25 th , 9am – 2pm: Mitzvah Day with Jewish for Good (1937 W Cornwallis Rd, 27705)
Spend the day participating in volunteer activities curated by Jewish for Good, including park beautification, crafting no-sew blankets, and serving those in need. Sign up for your project in advance.
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Sat, Dec 28 th , 7:30pm: The Hip Hop Nutcracker at DPAC (123 Vivian St, 27701)
Pair the music of Tchaikovsky with the innovative dance moves of hip hop and you’ve got the contemporary sensation that is The Hip Hop Nutcracker. Tickets start at $39.50.
Of course, no single list could not possibly contain all the holiday festivities that are to be found in and around Durham. Check out Discover Durham’s blog on 7 ways to enjoy the holidays in Durham for even more ideas that will get updated as we get into December.
While I will no longer be sharing blogs here, I hope with all of my heart that you’ve been inspired to explore Durham more and try something new by following along these past few years. It has been my pleasure to connect you with all that the Bull City has to offer and I hope you continue to discover more every day here in Durham.
For more fun year round, check out A Guide to Durham’s Recurring Events: Trivia, Dancing, Yoga & More
I’m Chrysti!
Durham real estate agent and enthusiast for all the best the area has to offer.
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