🎄 Holiday Cheer at The Enclave at Crossroads

The holiday season in Raleigh and the Triangle isn’t over yet — in fact, now that we’re past mid-December, the best festive experiences, shopping opportunities, and winter events are still in full swing! Whether you’re wrapping up Christmas shopping, looking for family fun after the holidays, or celebrating New Year’s, there’s plenty happening within easy reach of The Enclave at Crossroads.

From dazzling light displays to ice skating and cultural festivals, here’s your guide to the best things to do right now!

🏮 North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival (Evenings through Jan. 11, 2026)
One of the Triangle’s most magical seasonal experiences continues through January 11, 2026

• What: A stunning, illuminated walk-through lantern festival featuring thousands of handcrafted lanterns, cultural performances, and themed displays.
• Where: Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary, NC
• When: Daily from early evening until about 10:00 pm (generally 6:00 pm–10:00 pm). Closed on Christmas Day.
• Tickets: Required — various options available (General Admission, Twilight, sensory-friendly nights).
• Holiday Window: December 16–January 11
• 👉 Learn more: Visit the VisitRaleigh or VisitNC event pages for ticketing and schedule info.

⛸️ THE RINK – Holiday Ice Skating downtown Raleigh’s signature winter attractions, THE RINK at Red Hat Amphitheater, is open now through January 4, 2026, making it a perfect activity for locals and your guests.

• What: Outdoor ice skating with festive lights, fire pits, snacks, and hot cocoa.
• Where: Red Hat Amphitheater (500 S McDowell St, Raleigh, NC).
• When: Sessions run daily with multiple time slots (typically 11:00 am, 1:30 pm, 4:00 pm, 6:30 pm, and 7:00 pm, depending on date).
• Details: Two-hour timed sessions — tickets recommended in advance.
• Holiday Dates:
  • Dec. 19–28: Multiple daily sessions available.
  • Dec. 29–31: Afternoon and evening sessions.
  • Jan. 1 & Jan. 2: Sessions (times vary Jan. 2). Red Hat Amphitheater

❤️ This is a great post-holiday family outing or date night idea, and it’s truly festive with the city skyline as your backdrop.
👉 Learn more: Visit the Red Hat Amphitheater calendar or the event page for THE RINK.

Holiday Markets & Shopping for Festive Gifts
While many traditional holiday markets wrap up earlier in December, there are still local shopping opportunities perfect for last-minute gifts and crafts:

• City Market & Local Shops (ongoing): Raleigh’s historic City Market and downtown boutiques offer artisan goods, seasonal gifts, and festive window shopping year-round.
• Fenton Holiday Shopping: Just northwest in Cary, Fenton’s retail area features boutique shops, pop-ups, and seasonal decor into January.
• Farmers Market Gift Bazaars: The State Farmers Market hosts local producers and artisans; even after specific markets end, the shops and year-round vendors offer unique gifts.

🎉 New Year’s & Family Celebrations
First Night Raleigh – New Year’s Eve Celebration
Ring in 2026 with one of North Carolina’s largest New Year’s Eve celebrations, traditionally held in downtown Raleigh: music, performances, fireworks, and the iconic Raleigh Acorn Drop. 🎆 This is Raleigh

• Where: Downtown Raleigh, City Plaza & Main Stage zones.
• When: Dec. 31, 2025 — often beginning in the afternoon with family activities and concluding with fireworks after 9:00 pm.
• Tickets: Many parts are free; some stages/venues require passes.

Thinking of hosting your own New Year’s Eve Party at home?✨ Kick off the countdown with a special cocktail.
Midnight Sparkler

• 2 oz vodka
• oz blackberry or blueberry liqueur
• ½ oz fresh lemon juice
• Top with sparkling wine or prosecco
• Garnish with fresh berries + a lemon twist

This cocktail is visually striking, celebratory, and pairs perfectly with a midnight countdown.

💡 Helpful Resources
For up-to-date event times, ticket info, vendors, and seasonal celebrations, these websites are excellent resources:

• VisitRaleigh.com – Holiday Events – centralized event listings for Raleigh and the surrounding area holiday happenings. Visit Raleigh
• City of Raleigh – Raleigh for the Holidays – official local government schedule of seasonal offerings. Raleigh NC
• VisitNC.com – Holiday Light Shows & Lantern Festival – overview of lantern and light-based experiences near Raleigh. Visit North Carolina

🎁 Wrap Up
From ice skating and lantern festivals to post-Christmas shopping and New Year’s celebrations, there’s plenty to do around Raleigh. Whether you’re looking for family fun, date night ideas, or local shopping near The Enclave at Crossroads, the holiday spirit is still alive across downtown Raleigh, Cary, and the region.

✨ Pro tip: Book tickets in advance for popular experiences (like THE RINK and Lantern Festival) and check event pages for the latest times and details, as schedules can change during the holiday season.

Happy holidays and joyful adventures ahead! 🎉🎄⛸️