Writer: Eleana Teran
3 min read November 2023 — With December just around the corner, the Triangle region is gearing up to celebrate this holiday season. The area, known for its hospitality, rich cultural tapestry, and strong community bonds, is prepared to celebrate the joy and warmth of the season. From the enchanting lights to New Year’s festivities, the greater Raleigh-Durham area is transforming into a winter wonderland, offering a diverse array of experiences.
In the spirit of the upcoming season, Invest: uncovers some of the unique ways in which the region will be celebrating this special time of the year.
Illuminate Art Walk 2023
Visitors are invited to join Downtown Raleigh Alliance as they light up the city with the captivating “Illuminate Art Walk 2023,” returning from Dec. 1, 2023, to Jan. 5, 2024. As night falls each evening, downtown Raleigh transforms into a spectacle of light and creativity. This year’s display, free and self-guided, showcases local North Carolina artists whose works celebrate the state’s rich wildlife and the community’s forward-looking spirit. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in this luminous experience, capture their special moments with the installations, and share their awe-inspiring experiences as they wander beneath the city’s lights.
For more information, click here
NC Chinese Lantern Festival
Step into an enchanting world at Cary’s Koka Booth Amphitheatre with the eighth North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival, illuminating the nights until Jan. 14, 2024. This festival features over 40 lantern displays, each handcrafted meticulously by Chinese artisans. Every installation, built with hundreds of components and illuminated by thousands of LED lights, is a celebration of exceptional craftsmanship and artistic beauty. Alongside the lanterns, visitors can enjoy nightly cultural performances on the main stage. The festival offers a variety of ticket options to enhance visitors’ experience, including the Twilight Ticket Experience for early access, the VIP Tour Experience for exclusive insights, date-specific tickets for planned visits, and a specially curated sensory-friendly night.
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North Carolina Symphony’s Special Event Concerts
Celebrate the holiday season with the North Carolina Symphony at Meymandi Concert Hall, as they present a series of enchanting holiday concerts. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in the festive spirit with a rendition of ‘Handel’s Messiah,’ a revered holiday tradition brought to life by outstanding soloists. Performances are scheduled for Dec. 1 and Dec. 2 at 8 p.m., with tickets starting at $60. Additionally, experience the joy of ‘A Candlelight Christmas,’ a concert illuminated by candlelight and featuring a full orchestra alongside a children’s choir. The tickets for this event also begin at $60 for shows on Dec. 22 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 23 at 3 p.m.
For more information, click here
Theatre in the Park’s ‘A Christmas Carol’
To kick off the holiday season, join Theatre in the Park as they celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic ‘A Christmas Carol’ in Raleigh. Witness the timeless story, portrayed by Ira David Wood III alongside his son, Wood IV, in this cherished holiday classic. Tickets are available starting at $35 and will be featured from Dec. 8-10 at the Martin Marietta Center and Dec. 13-17 at DPAC.
To learn more, click here
Triangle Jewish Chorale: Jewish Music Near and Far
Experience the richness of global Jewish music at the Triangle Jewish Chorale’s ‘Jewish Music Near and Far’ concert. This special event, taking place on Sunday, Dec. 10 at Jewish for Good, features a blend of Hanukkah selections and reflective melodies from across the globe. Free and open to the public, the concert is a celebration of Jewish musical culture’s resilience, versatility, and rich heritage. Visitors will embark on a musical journey spanning continents, with songs from Italy, France, Latin America, the United States, and Africa, all performed in various languages.
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