Now that Halloween is over, the holiday season is just around the corner. With it come countless events to get you in the spirit of the season.
On November 17th, Cameron Village is hosting their annual Open House event from 5 to 8 pm. Stores in the area will be open for you to start your holiday shopping, and there will be live music, a snow slide, a Ferris wheel, and even a visit from Santa. If you’re one of the first 800 guests to arrive, you will even get a $25 Cameron Village gift certificate when you spend $100!
21st Annual American Indian Heritage Celebration
Before Thanksgiving rolls around, immerse your family in American history at the American Indian Heritage celebration. From 11 am to 4 pm November 19th, the North Carolina Museum of History will host eight state-recognized tribes to celebrate American Indian culture. The event will feature storytellers, music, dancing, and artists. Games, food, and activities will be available for everyone to participate in.
The annual Christmas parade through Downtown Raleigh will be November 19th at 9:40 am. Sponsored by WRAL TV, the annual event has become the largest Christmas parade between Atlanta and Washington, DC. The parade will start on Hillsborough Street near St. Mary’s Street and will end on Fayetteville Street near Lenoir Street. It will be aired on TV between 10 am and noon the day of the parade on WRAL and UNC TV channels. In case you miss it, it will be rebroadcast on Christmas morning. Ice Raleigh, Raleigh’s outdoor skating rink, will open directly after the parade and will continue through January 29th. Admission is $10 and includes the price of skate rental.
Tree Lighting Celebrations
To really kick off the holiday shopping season, both Lafayette Village and North Hills shopping centers are hosting tree lighting celebrations on November 19th. Both events run from 4 to 8 pm and are free to the public. North Hills will have train rides, a bounce house, sledding, and visits with Santa among their usual vendors. Lafayette Village will have Santa lighting their tree at 7 pm, but before that, Carolina Ballet will be performing part of The Nutcracker, photos with Santa will be available, and various choir performances will take place. You can even take a ride around the village in a horse-drawn carriage! Donations for Toys for Tots will also be collected by many of the merchants. No matter where you are in Raleigh, there’s something to immerse yourself in for the holidays!