Christmas is an exciting time that brings many families together and encourages us to look for opportunities to do something fun and different! If you need some suggestions for holiday activities to enjoy over the break, here are some recommendations.

First up is the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival at Koka Booth Amphitheatre (in Cary), a bright and colorful way to spend time with your family! It typically takes an hour to walk through all of the exhibits that feature hundreds of life-size lanterns handcrafted by artists in China. In the past, these lanterns have included dragons and towering pagodas. This is an excellent exhibition for anyone who loves looking at Christmas lights but wants something after the holiday, or that is more artistic. Food trucks are available on Fridays and Saturdays so that families can spend the whole evening out and enjoy trying new and different Asian fusion options. You should also know that the entertainment doesn’t start or end with your trip to the venue: the event’s website offers lessons for children in grades K-5 that include learning the history of lanterns and how lanterns are made. This exhibit is one of a kind that one surely will not want to miss! Visit the Koka Booth Amphitheatre anytime until February 12, 2026, to join them for their 10th anniversary!

Another activity to try is skating at Fenton’s Skate the Square in Cary, which runs from November through early February. This is an outdoor activity for those who think that cold weather just makes everything more festive! This rink is great to go to with friends, also making it a great spot for families and friends who want to keep the Christmas fun going even after December. In addition to regular sessions, Skate the Square hosts themed events like DJ nights with music and costumes, adding extra fun to the winter experience. I spoke with a handful of upper-school students who have visited the event and enjoyed it, so it has the RMA student seal of approval! Tickets generally cost around $18 and include about 75 minutes of ice time with skate rentals, but there are discounts on certain days like “Cheapskate Mondays” and deals for first responders on Tuesdays. If you don’t want to make the trek to Cary, Raleigh also offers what’s simply called “The Rink.” This skating rink at Red Hat Amphitheater has a winter wonderland theme and offers lawn games, fire pits to gather around, hot cocoa, and snacks. They also have igloos you can reserve! Because of upcoming construction plans, the Rink will only be open through December 28 this year. Regardless of which skating experience you choose, they will not disappoint!

An exciting activity held after Christmas is First Night Raleigh, a one-day annual festival starting at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31, to celebrate the new year in downtown Raleigh. You’re probably familiar with how New York City starts the new year by lowering something that looks a lot like a disco ball at midnight, but Raleigh drops an acorn because Raleigh is often referred to as “City of Oaks.” There are also two spectacular fireworks shows, one at 7 pm for the kids and one at midnight for anyone old enough to stay up late! In the hours leading up to midnight, this event offers a range of activities for all ages, including live music, a silent disco, and amusement rides for adults, while children’s activities feature arts and crafts. Although some of these activities charge a fee, it is free to watch the acorn drop and fireworks. Despite the fact that it might be chilly once the sun goes down, it is sure to be a memorable experience for all families to start a new year.

However you choose to spend this year’s winter break, be sure to make the most of the season!