Spend time with family during the holidays by decorating sweet delicacies, visiting winter markets, dining with Santa and so much more.
Compiled by Aashna Shah
All Weekend
Holiday Spectacular
The Drive-In at Carraway Village presents a socially distanced weekend-long event featuring seasonal classic films, a choreographed holiday laser show, goodies for children, a special appearance from Santa Claus and a final Sunday performance of “The Nutcracker” livestreamed from the Royal Opera House in London. Gates open at 6 p.m. on Friday for Santa and a showing of “Elf.”
‘The Art of Jazz’
Bakova Gallery presents its newest exhibition by Cary-based artist Jillian Goldberg with paintings celebrating jazz music. For this body of work, Jillian listened to jazz and researched musicians, singers and composers. She was inspired by melodies, lyrics and titles of songs ranging from “Cantaloupe Island” by Herbie Hancock to composer Billy Strayhorn, who spent his childhood summers with his grandmother in Hillsborough.
Lantern Walk Weekend
As part of the Hometown Holidays festival presented by the Hillsborough/Orange County Chamber of Commerce, this lantern walk features light displays in local business windows and in nearby homes for passersby to enjoy. The Hillsborough Arts Council will provide lantern kits for anyone interested in participating.
Brunch with Santa
The Carolina Inn hosts a festive buffet brunch with Santa with entertainment fit for the whole family. The gathering will be held in a small and intimate manner so each family can safely enjoy this experience. Families will learn how to decorate cookies from the hotel’s pastry chef.
A Christmas Carol: An Audio Drama
This audio-only production, presented by PlayMakers Repertory Company, turns Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale into something new and exciting. Starring PlayMakers legend Ray Dooley, this radio drama will be available to single ticket buyers to stream for 48 hours from the time of purchase.
Winter Wonderland with Baby Goats
Spring Haven Farm created a winter wonderland featuring baby goats and activities for the whole family including the Polar Express Tractor Train, Wonderland Barnyard, letter writing to Santa, ornament making and so much more. Guests can even visit the “South Pole” before givingSanta and his elves a quick visit!
Thursday
Virtual Year of the Wildflower Finale: Plant Love Stories
Dr. Caitlin McDonough MacKenzie will share the work of Plant Love Stories, a project that bridges the emotional connection between people and plants, at the North Carolina Botanical Garden.
The Spark with Tift Merritt: Flutronix Virtual
Hear from Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and UNC alumna Tift Merritt as she chats with fellow artists in this Carolina Performing Arts series. In the livestreamed episode, Tift will interview flutists Nathalie Joachim and Allison Loggins-Hull, known together as Flutronix, about their creative process. Tickets are free, and registration is required.
Friday
Holiday Circle Show
The annual folk music concert takes place virtually this year and will be livestreamed from The ArtsCenter’s Wynn Theatre. The Circle Show is based on the “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” albums and features North Carolina’s brightest folk, bluegrass and traditional stars.
Friday & Saturday
The Longest Night: A Winter’s Tale
The newly reopened Morehead Planetarium & Science Center collaborated with Paperhand Puppet Intervention to develop the story and visuals of this family-friendly show that explores the concept of winter as a time for Earth to rest while waiting for new growth in the spring. The cast and crew include dozens of puppeteers and production professionals, and The Paperhand Band created original music for the show.
Saturday
Winter Market
The Chapel Hill Farmers Market hosts this winter-themed shopping experience featuring special guest crafters and artisans from 9 a.m. to noon.
Sunday
Botanist and Barrel Winery Tours
Expand your cider and wine knowledge during a behind-the-scenes look of Botanist and Barrel, which includes a walk through the blueberry farm, a tour of the winery, samples of wine and cider, and a tasting glass to keep.
Gingerbread House Building
The Carolina Inn hosts a children’s gingerbread house making class. Each child will be able to assemble and decorate their own house and be provided with an apron, chef’s hat, and various holiday sweets and goodies. At the end of the class, children will be able to take home their creations and accessories.
Cookie Decorating To-Go
The Carolina Inn offers a full baker’s dozen holiday cookie decorating kit, which includes pre-baked sugar cookies, icing and lots of goodies to put on top. These cookie kits can be picked up so families can create their masterpiece in the comfort of their home.
