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. Gather Don’t miss this magical evening that promises to ignite your holiday spirit!
Can’t make it? Watch the live streams below!
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/share/18GYXBzAMX/
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/live/9_fBlaG4rTw?si=UgP2-5kPO_j3HbCJ
Please note: Academy Street will be closed from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. on December 7.
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
- Gravel Parking Lot Next to the Parking Deck on Walnut Street – 105 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 | Park Street |
| 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Photos with Santa | Academy Pavilion |
| 2 – 3 p.m. | Storytime with Peter Rabbit | Frantz Square Lawn |
| 2 -5 p.m. | Art Cart | The Nest Pavilion |
| 2 – 6 p.m. | Penguin Playground (Snow and Snowballs!) | The Nest Splash Pad |
| 2 – 9 p.m. | Holiday Vendor Market | Academy Street |
| 2 – 9 p.m. | 360 Photo Booth | Frantz Square |
| 2 – 9 p.m. | Food Trucks (See List Below) | Park Street and Academy Street |
| 2 – 10 p.m. | Skating Rink | Park Street Courts Arena |
| 3:15 – 5:15 p.m. | Community Performances (See Outline Below) | Great Lawn Pavilion |
| 3:15 p.m. | Parkside Elementary School | Great Lawn Pavilion |
| 3:40 p.m. | Grace Christian School | Great Lawn Pavilion |
| 4:00 p.m. | Carolina Youth Ballet | Great Lawn Pavilion |
| 4:20 p.m. | Cary Apex Youth Choir | Great Lawn Pavilion |
| 4:40 p.m. | Cary Elementary School | Great Lawn Pavilion |
| 5:00 p.m. | Graceful Expressions | Great Lawn Pavilion |
| 5 – 9 p.m. | Poetry Fox | Frantz Square |
| 6 p.m. | Cary’s Official Tree Lighting Ceremony | Frantz Square Lawn |
| 7:30 – 8:15 p.m. | Music Made In Heaven Hand Bell Performance | Great Lawn Pavilion |
| Food Truck | Location |
| Flattz | Academy Street |
| TrySeafood | Academy Street |
| MunchiLove | Academy Street |
| Charlie Kabob | Park Street |
| Empanadas and More | Park Street |
| Paris Delight | 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.