Festive fun around the Triangle this holiday season

‘Tis the season for festive activities to inspire holiday cheer! Whether it’s a meet-and-greet with the Big Man himself, catching a Christmas show at the theater or browsing your local holiday market for the perfect gift, seasonal activities make memories that last year-round. With an abundance of festivities in Chapel Hill, Carrboro and the Triangle, we hope you find fun for your family and friends.

Fa-la-la at the farm

If your idea of family fun during the holidays is sleigh rides and pictures with Santa Claus, then local farms are just the place for you. 1870 Farm, located off Old Lystra Road in Chapel Hill, has been transforming their property for Holiday at The Farm for seven years. Running from December 2 to Christmas Eve, a trip to The Farm means a gift for each child from Santa, ponies dressed as reindeer, toy making at the The Elf Workshop and plenty of snacks and sweets.

Another property in Chapel Hill, Spring Haven Farm LLC, is hosting their Farm Winter Wonderland this month. Known for their adorable goats, you can pet them and the other barnyard animals at the Winter Wonderland through December 31. Spring Haven Farm also boasts a lot to pick out your Christmas tree as you enjoy the activities around you. And to make sure your family doesn’t go home without a fresh decoration for your tree. Santa’s Workshop will be operating to make your own ornament!

For the Christmas Barn of your dreams, visit Christmas in the Groves in Hillsborough. Their barn includes letter writing and visits with Santa, live nativity animals and ornament making. For even more festivity, the schedule also includes vendor and food truck visits so you can check off some holiday shopping while sipping hot chocolate and strolling the grounds. Fans of The Grinch will want to plan their visit to Christmas at the Groves on December 10, when this special, green guest makes a cameo.

Meet you at the theater

Nothing is quite like the magical feeling of a trip to the theater for your favorite holiday classic. Ballet, tap, musical theater; the Triangle is overflowing with opportunities to appreciate the arts this December, spreading holiday cheer with numerous shows.

At the Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC), their schedule is packed with not one but two Nutcracker shows, as well as more holiday classics you won’t want to miss. If you prefer a nostalgic ballet experience, reserve your tickets for Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet. Or for a reimagined rendition, try out The Hip Hop Nutcracker, guest starring MC Kurtis Blow, one of the genre’s founding fathers.

In addition to Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy, DPAC will open its curtains for Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas, with eight chances to catch the kid-friendly show between December 5 and 10. Next to take the DPAC stage is A Christmas Carol Presented by Theatre in the Park, a musical comedy written by local playwright Ira David Wood III. The show is celebrating its 50th year of treating audiences to a hilarious and pop culture-filled take on Scrooge’s infamous story.

Closer to home, Carolina Performing Arts will welcome Dorrance Dance to the stage of Memorial Hall for their performance of the Nutcracker Suite on December 13. This tap rendition of the show brings Chapel Hill an energy-packed twist to the holiday classic. For UNC-Chapel Hill students, tickets are just $10, so reserve yours today.

Fresh air festivities

As the air gains its nostalgic chill, Chapel Hill and Carrboro offer opportunities to spend time outside while enjoying seasonal events. On December 5, Southern Village will host their Holiday Tree Lighting, including music, Santa and free hot chocolate. Carrboro will follow suit on December 8 for their Holiday Tree Lighting at Carrboro Town Hall.

On December 9, it’s time to line Franklin Street for the annual Chapel Hill Carrboro Holiday Parade! Starting at the intersection of Franklin and Church, the parade invites over 40 groups in the community to process all the way to the Carrboro Town Hall, spreading joy (and hopefully candy) along the way.

Finally, get active this season with some ice skating! For an indoor facility, the Orange County Sportsplex offers public skate admission and skate rental to families and friends. If you would rather stay outside and enjoy firepit access during skate breaks, THE RINK at Red Hat Amphitheater may be your speed. This downtown Raleigh rink is a winter wonderland, transformed from a concert venue to a space of holiday joy.

Shop til you drop

While you might rather watch The Nutcracker or a festive tree lighting this December, your looming list of gift shopping isn’t going anywhere. But who says holiday shopping can’t be fun? Chapel Hill has plenty of opportunities to shop locally and find gifts that are unique to the people you love.

You can’t skip The Carolina Inn Holiday Market, hosted December 3, 10 and 17. After you are greeted on the front porch, step into the splendor of this European-style market with plenty of southern charm. Vendors come from across North Carolina to bring you one-of-a-kind sweets, accessories and home goods, so it’s a shopping spree like no other.

And remember, there’s excellent shopping right near Glen Lennox! If you are looking for timeless and classy decor, schedule your appointment at Palette & Parlor in Glen Lennox Shopping Center. Or if you’re still on the hunt for the right gift card, book or accessory for someone special, try out all of the amazing shops in downtown Chapel Hill.

We wish you a very merry holiday season and hope that you, your family and friends will take advantage of community activities to get you in the holiday spirit!