Fun is lined up for the kids and parents this weekend. Check out our list of events and activities just for families happening in and around the Raleigh area. Remember to stay up to date on any changes in schedule or cancellations by contacting the venue you’ll be attending. Have fun out there and start making some holiday memories with the family!
Sports with Santa
Saturday, December 17th. 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Thomas Brooks Park, Cary
Enjoy a day of fun sports activities challenging a team of Santa’s helpers to a variety of games ranging from an obstacle course, football, a jump rope contest, penalty kicks, corn hole toss and much more. In addition, kiddos can enjoy pictures and milk and cookies with Santa. Registration is from 1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. All proceeds benefit the Make-A-Wish Eastern North Carolina.
Suggly Sweater 5K & Fun Run
Saturday, December 17th. 10:30 a.m. Sugg Farm at Bass Lake, Holly Springs
Come dressed in your favorite Suggly Sweater for this family-friendly fun run & 5k. After the 5k, partake in Holiday-themed snacks & drinks, music, and take pictures with Santa. Tickets can be purchased day of race.
Visits with Santa at the Shepherd’s Way Farms Tree Lot
Saturday, December 17th. 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. North Hills, Raleigh
Pick out your family Christmas Tree at the Shepherd’s Way Christmas Lot and have your picture taken with Santa.
Polar Express Movie Night
Saturday, December 17th. Movie begins at 6:00 p.m. Lafayette Village, Raleigh
Grab your mittens & hat and come out to the green with your lawn chairs & blankets. Polar Express will be playing on the giant inflatable screen. The merchants at Lafayette Village will be serving cookies, hot chocolate & other goodies.
Holiday Book Drive at Brier Creek & North Durham Orthodontics
Entire month of December. Brier Creek Orthodontics, Raleigh and North Durham Orthodontics, Durham
Take time to clear out cluttered shelves of books your kids have outgrown to give those books a second life with a child who needs them. Kindly donate NEW or Gently USED books to promote literacy in our local community. In the spirit of the Holiday Season, Dr. Gina Lee will give YOUR SCHOOL a $2 donation for each book that you donate during the whole month of December 2016.
Cary Ballet Company presents The Nutcracker
Thurs., Dec. 15th at 7pm, Friday, Dec. 16th at 7pm, Saturday, Dec. 17th at 2pm & 7pm, Sunday, Dec 18th at 3 pm. Educational Matinee – Friday, Dec 16, 10am – $7, Special one hour show for young families: Saturday, Dec 17, 10am – $8. Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Ave.
Follow Clara through an evening of dreamy delight in the classic holiday ballet, The Nutcracker. Enjoy the full length story that begins with a family party that includes magical tricks by Drosselmeyer, life-size dancing dolls and his special gift to Clara, a wooden nutcracker. As the clock chimes ring, the evening is not what it seems. There is a battle between soldiers & mice, Nutcracker & Mouse Queen that is not to be missed. Clara becomes the hero of the battle. Guided by the Prince, she finds her way through the snowy landscape to meet with the lovely Sugarplum Fairy where Clara is rewarded with a presentation of the Land of Sweets. Was it a dream? Hard to say. Come find out!
Tickets on sale at The Cary Theater or www.etix.com or 800-514-3849
Weekend Family Friendly Tours: Fire & Ice
Saturday, December 17th & Sunday, December 18th. 10:30 a.m. NC Museum of Art, Raleigh
Look for art that’s hot and cool across the Museum’s collection as a family.30-minute0 minute tours are for ages 5-11 years and their adult companions. Lively discussion and activities in the galleries will be led by a Museum guide.
Park West Winter Wonderland
Friday, December 16th – Sunday, December 18th. 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Park West Village, Morrisville
The District at Park West Village is transforming to a Winter Wonderland for all families to enjoy. This FREE event will host 2 large real snow sledding hills, a children’s snow play area (ages 1-5 years), train rides, live a-cappella music from Catch 22 and a story time with Santa. Visit their website to learn more and to sign up early for your sledding time slots.
Winter Farmer’s Market
Saturday, December 17th. 8:30 a.m – 12:30 p.m. Holly Springs Cultural Center, Holly Springs
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the next market! Bring the kids to have their photo taken with Santa. (Free! You can take the photos yourself.) While there stock your kitchen with local artisanal cheeses, honey, baked goods, eggs from free-range chickens, scratch made granolas & nut butters, maple syrup, homemade dog treats, natural bath & body products, candles and so much more!
Star Families
Saturday, December 17th. 3:30 p.m. Morehead Planetarium, Chapel Hill
For ages 7-12 years. This program is designed for children and their families. Learn about our home galaxy, the Milky Way, and see what it looks like from Earth. Then take an imaginary trip through space and discover that we live in a universe of galaxies.
Nutcracker
Friday, December 16th – Saturday, December 24th. Memorial Auditorium, Raleigh
Celebrate the 15th Anniversary of Carolina Ballet’s annual classic, The Nutcracker, a holiday tradition perfect for the whole family. The only Nutcracker in the country with real illusions, created by world-renowned magician Rick Thomas.
Guided Tactile Tour at the Museum of Natural Sciences
Sunday, December 18th. 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. NC Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh
Guided tactile tours for groups with disabilities or requiring special accommodations are available for free with pre-registration on a first-come first-served basis.
Holiday Express Toddler Time!
Sunday, December 18th. 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Skyzone Trampoline Park, Raleigh
60 minutes of jump, arts and crafts w/ santa’s elves, and a healthy snack!
PineCone Kid Jam
Sunday, December 18th. 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Marbles Kids Museum, Raleigh
Finger-picking, toe-tapping bluegrass for young musicians and music enthusiasts! Check out the three ways you can play along.
Relaxing Stroll on the American Tobacco Trail
Sunday, December 18th. 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. American Tobacco Trail, Apex
For all ages. Take a break from the holiday hustle & bustle for a relaxing stroll along the American Tobacco Trail to enjoy the peace of nature. Dress for the weather, bring binoculars if have them and a water bottle. Register in advance. Cost: $1.
Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
Runs until Saturday, December 24th. Bass Pro Shops, Cary
Bring your family out to play at Santa’s Winter Wonderland. Enjoy games, crafts, activities and a FREE photo with Santa.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Broadway Series
Runs until Saturday, December 24th. Fletcher Opera Theatre, Raleigh
The original television classic comes to life on stage during this Broadway series performance. Come start off your holiday season with a special visit to this magical show.
Don’t forget to get your FREE tickets for a day of family fun at the KidDilly Expo on Saturday, January 21st, 2017 from 10am-2pm at the Hilton Garden Inn in Cary. Register for your tickets here.
Plan ahead with over 40+ Christmas Events happening around town.
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