Tree Lighting Celebration
Kick off the holiday season with festive cheer at our FREE Tree Lighting Celebration in Downtown Cary Park. Throughout the day, enjoy holiday activities, programs, and performances all leading to the official Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6 p.m. Don’t miss this magical evening that promises to ignite your holiday spirit!
Please note: Academy Street from Park Street to Dry Avenue will be closed from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. on December 6.
Video Livestream
Getting Here
Make the most of the free GoCary bus service to access the Park easily. All eight GoCary bus routes conveniently connect at the Cary Depot, less than half a mile from the Park. The Downtown Loop conveniently runs from the Town Hall Parking Deck and drops off at the Park! To plan your trip or access the GoCary Ride Guide, please visit GoCary.org.
FREE PUBLIC PARKING OPTIONS:
- Parking Deck Located behind the Cary Regional Library – 113 Walnut St, Cary, NC 27511
- Designated Street Parking throughout Downtown
- Cary Elementary Parking Lot along Faculty Ave
- Town Hall Parking Deck – 121 Wilkinson Ave, Cary, NC 27513
Schedule of Events
| TIME | PROGRAM | LOCATION |
| 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Cary Farmers Holiday Market | East Park Street |
| 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Face painting (paid activity) | The Gathering Garden |
| 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Photos with Santa | The Gathering House |
| 2 – 3 p.m. | Storytime with Peter Rabbit | Frantz Square Lawn |
| 2 – 5 p.m. | Art Cart | The Nest Pavilion |
| 2 – 6 p.m. | Snowball Fight Area | The Splash Pad |
| 2 – 6 p.m. | Reindeer Games | Park Street Arena |
| 2 -6 p.m. | Character Appearances | Park Street Arena |
| 2 – 8 p.m. | Holiday Vendor Market | Academy Street |
| 2 – 8 p.m. | 360 Photo Booth | Frantz Square Plaza |
| 2 – 8 p.m. | Holiday Photo Booth | Park Street Arena |
| 2 – 8 p.m. | Umbrella Dry Bar (paid activity) | Academy Plaza |
| 2 – 9 p.m. | Food Trucks (See List Below) | Park Street and Academy Street |
| 3 – 5:15 p.m. | Community Performances (See Outline Below) | Great Lawn Pavilion |
| 3 p.m. | Chordination A Cappella | Great Lawn Pavilion |
| 3:40 p.m. | Cary Youth Ballet | Great Lawn Pavilion |
| 4 p.m. | Catch 22 | Great Lawn Pavilion |
| 4:20 p.m. | Cary Elementary School | Great Lawn Pavilion |
| 4:40 p.m. | Green Eggs & Jam | Great Lawn Pavilion |
| 5 p.m. | Graceful Expressions | Great Lawn Pavilion |
| 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. | Poetry Fox | Academy Plaza |
| 6 p.m. | Cary’s Official Tree Lighting Ceremony | Frantz Square Lawn |
| 6:20 p.m. | Community Performance | Frantz Square Plaza |
| Food Truck | Location |
| True North Poutine | Academy Street |
| Munchi Love | Academy Street |
| Corner Boys BBQ | Academy Street |
| Tombachi Restaurants | Park Street |
| Raleigh Popsicle | Park Street |
| TrySeafood | Park Street |
Know Before You Go
- This event is free and open to the public.
- This event is suitable for all ages.
Inclusion Services
Downtown Cary Park strives to provide a positive experience for all guests. Our goal is to accommodate you and meet your individual needs. Please fill out the event accessibility form here and a staff member will be in contact with you.