For Immediate Release
November 23, 2011

Contact: Ryan Smith
(919) 645-2676
rsmith@visitRaleigh.com

Have a Jolly Raleigh Holiday in Greater Raleigh Greater Raleigh CVB Provides Easy-To-Use Tool for Finding Seasonal Events

RALEIGH, N.C. – It’s that time once again - time to wrap up another year; time to wrap-up in a
snug sweater; perhaps it’s even time to wrap up a present or two. Visitors to Greater Raleigh will
find holiday cheer mixed with southern charm that creates the perfect recipe for an unforgettable
2011 holiday season. This year's festivities include holiday concerts and theatrical performances,
historic tours, trains and parades, shopping extravaganzas and visits from Santa! And best of all—
many of this season's events are completely FREE. So, light the Menorah, the Kinara and the spruce tree–the holidays are here again!

For a complete listing of holiday events, visit www.visitRaleigh.com/holidays. Take the Destination
I.D. quiz to discover which Greater Raleigh visitor you are, and then match your I.D. with the many area events that match your personality. We’ve also included great hotel rates and packages for an even more affordable holiday getaway.

Here’s a glimpse of holiday events in Greater Raleigh:

Adrenaline Junkie–Lace up your skates

AT&T Downtown Raleigh Winterfest Ice Rink (opening 12/4)
Put on your skates, because it doesn’t have to be arctic cold to enjoy winter sports. The Raleigh area has been transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with outdoor ice rinks that will allow you and your family to skate through the holiday season.

Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis, Dec. 3
Move those feet to a jingling beat during the Arthritis Foundation’s annual run/walk for arthritis
through downtown Raleigh.

Holiday Express, Dec. 8-11
Celebrate the holiday season at Pullen Park. The Raleigh Parks and Recreation Department and
Crabtree Rotary present Holiday Express, a transformation of the park into a holiday wonderland,
featuring holiday light displays, a lighted train ride, carousel ride and a visit with Santa for the kids.

Creative Genius–Don't be a Scrooge

A Carolina Christmas, Nov. 25-26
The North Carolina Symphony plays at Meymandi Concert Hall.

A Christmas Story: The Musical, Nov. 29-Dec. 4
Fans of the movie will love The North Carolina Theatre’s production, playing at Memorial
Auditorium.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Dec. 4
Celebrates the winter season with “Christmas Eve and Other Stories” at the RBC Center.

A Christmas Carol, Dec. 8-14
A 37-year Raleigh tradition, don’t miss Ira David Wood’s performance of the Dickens’ classic at
Memorial Auditorium.

Raleigh Ringers Holiday Concert, Dec. 11
Hear Raleigh’s internationally acclaimed hand-bell choir as they play at Meymandi Concert Hall.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Dec. 12
Enjoy this holiday classic, playing at Meymandi Concert Hall.

The Nutcracker, Dec. 16-24
Visions of sugarplums will dance in your head after watching the Carolina Ballet dance the holiday
classic – with a magical twist - at Memorial Auditorium.

The Page-Walker Winter Concert Series, Dec. 18
Don’t miss the sounds of the season during this winter concert.

Twas the Night Before Christmas, Dec. 22
The North Carolina Symphony, Capital City Girls Choir and WRAL anchor David Crabtree
perform seasonal favorites at Meymandi Concert Hall.

Fashionista–Holiday Shoppe

The Christmas Carousel Holiday Festival, Nov. 25-27
One of the largest collections of arts, crafts and holiday gifts is on display at the North Carolina
State Fairgrounds, when more than 250 exhibitors from across the Southeast showcase their work. You’re sure to find a unique and lovely gift at this one-of-a-kind exhibition.

Holiday Shoppe 2011, Dec. 1-3
Finish last-minute gift-buying at this one-of-a-kind shopping experience: more than 100 vendors will put their wares up for sale at Cary Academy’s annual holiday event.

Chic Christmas Shopping Spree, Dec. 2
Forget the long lines at department stores, and visit Marbles Kids Museum where you can shop ‘til you drop at local vendor’s booths, all while the kids visit with Santa Claus.

The Raleigh Flea Market, Saturdays and Sundays
Located at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds, the Raleigh Flea Market puts one-of-a-kind
fashion, jewelry and hand-made goods right at your fingertips. From one-of-a-kind vintage clothing to hand-sewn goods to artisan jewelry, it’s the perfect places to find that unique and unexpected gift for that special someone.

Greater Raleigh, Your Shopping Destination
Don’t forget the Greater Raleigh area has 11 major shopping destinations featuring big name
retailers like Macy’s, Nordstrom and Saks 5th Avenue but also numerous boutiques and
independently owned specialty stores.

Holiday Shopping Passport
Every Fashionista loves a good deal, so make sure you pick up a Holiday Shopping Passport for use at participating downtown retailers – once you collect five stamps, you’re registered to win one of five local shopping packages.

Foodie–Tea with Santa

Tea with Santa, Dec. 3-4, 10-11, 18-19
Bring the family to share in the holiday spirit and a cup of Earl Grey when the jolly ol’ man visits the The Umstead Hotel & Spa.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dinner
The Umstead Hotel & Spa’s signature restaurant Heron’s serves up a delicious Christmas dinner.

New Year’s Eve Dinner
Kick off the New Year in style, when The Umstead Hotel & Spa’s signature restaurant Heron’s
serves up a celebratory New Year’s Eve meal.

History Buff–Take a Segway Tour

Sleigh Ride, Dec. 1
For an outdoor adventure, enjoy a classic sleigh ride through downtown Fuquay-Varina.

Christmas Tour at Joel Lane Museum House, Dec. 3
Decorated in traditional colonial greenery and fruit, the Joel Lane Museum House, circa 1770
showcases how our colonial ancestors celebrate the holiday season. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

North Carolina Museum of History Associates’ Annual Family Holiday Party, Dec. 4
Get your family into the holiday spirit at the North Carolina Museum of History. Enjoy a visit from
Santa Claus, gingerbread houses, arts and crafts and nibble on some delicious holiday treats. Tickets $45-$10, children under 6 get in for free.

State Capitol Holiday Open House, Dec. 7-10
Local performing groups provide musical entertainment in the Capitol’s rotunda as visitors explore
three stories of the State Capitol, decorated in holiday greenery. And don’t miss the One Hundred County Tree, decorated with an ornament from each of the state’s 100 counties.

Oakwood Candlelight Tour, Dec. 10-11
You’ll explore Raleigh’s Historic Oakwood by Segway and also walk through holiday-decorated,
19th-century homes, while your tour guide tells you about this neighborhood’s fascinating history.

Civil War Christmas Encampment, Dec. 10
Re-enactors camp on Capitol Square to recreate war-time holiday celebrations of long ago.

Mordecai Historic Park Holiday Open House & Lantern Tour, Dec. 10
See Mordecai trimmed in holiday décor and enjoy a festive, candlelit tour, 5-10 p.m.
Tree Lightings and Christmas Parades

The Knightdale Christmas Parade, Dec. 3 at 2:00 p.m.
Bring in the Holiday season with the annual Christmas Parade, through downtown Knightdale.

The Apex Rotary Club Annual Christmas Parade, Dec. 3 at 5:00 p.m.
Schools, bands, business and civic organizations take part in the annual Christmas parade through
downtown Apex.

Fuquay-Varina Hometown Christmas Parade, Dec. 4 at 3:00 p.m.
Celebrate the holiday season with floats, bands, queens, twirlers and Santa Claus.

State Capitol Tree Lighting, Open House and Holiday Festival, Dec. 8 at 5:00 p.m.
The night begins with the lighting of luminaries and musical performances. The Governor and First
Gentleman light the official state Christmas tree, with a candlelight tour of the State Capitol to
follow.

The Annual Holly Springs Happy Holly Days Christmas Parade, Dec. 10 at 11 a.m.
This traditional parade features local and regional bands and floats.

Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade, Dec. 10 at 2 p.m.
You won’t want to miss the beautiful floats that parade through downtown Cary during the 32nd Annual Christmas Parade.

New Year’s Eve Extravaganza

21st Annual First Night Raleigh
Check out local musicians and more during a celebration that features family-friendly entertainment, make-and-take arts and crafts for children, and more.

Acorn Drop and Spectacular Fireworks Display
Raleigh’s own version of the Times Square’s Ball Drop takes place at midnight.

New Year’s in Vienna
The North Carolina Symphony performs at Meymandi Concert Hall.

The 6th Annual New Year’s Blast
Morrisville rings in the New Year with a community-wide celebration.

The Greater Raleigh Convention & Visitors Bureau, as the official destination marketing
organization of Raleigh and Wake County, accelerates sustainable economic growth and
development by increasing visitor and convention business.

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