Apex and the surrounding cities have an endless amount of holiday activities to entertain people of all ages. Read below to find out about some of the most popular attractions in this area.

Christmas On Salem Street

Downtown Apex will be hosting the annual Christmas on Salem Street on Friday, Dec. 1. Christmas carols at The Depot will begin at 5p.m. Following this, Mayor Lance Olive will lead The Lighting of the Christmas Tree. For the remainder of the evening, visitors are invited to walk through the decorated businesses of Salem Street. Many of the stores and restaurants in Downtown Apex will open their doors to provide fun activities, food, and other attractions for free. Additionally, Apex Baptist serves hot chocolate and popcorn and plays Christmas movies for people of all ages.The Halle Center holds a silent auction that sells beautiful Christmas trees and wreaths. Christmas on Salem Street is a beautiful event that is sure to put anybody in the Christmas spirit.

Apex Christmas Parade

The Christmas Parade, also located in Downtown Apex, is an annual event that attracts more than 20,000 people each year. The parade starts at 5p.m. at the intersection of Ambergate Station and the Peakway and continues down Salem Street. More than one hundred floats, including Apex High School’s homecoming King and Queen, Smokey the Bear, classic cars, and dance companies, will amble through Apex during the parade on Saturday night.

Heart of Holidays Celebration

A variety of events will take place in Downtown Cary on Dec. 2, including the Ole Time Winter Festival, The Gingerbread House Competition, and the Gifting Tree Project. The Winter Festival runs from 12 to 4p.m. At this event, kids can get there picture taken with Santa and decorate sugar cookies at the Matthews House. Caroling, local food trucks, community artisans, and more will be there too! Christmas Trees decorated by families, businesses, and charities, will line South Academy Street until January 2.  Gingerbread Houses will be placed throughout businesses in Downtown Cary over the weekend.

Apex Historical Holiday Home Tour

On Sunday, Dec. 3, The Apex Historical Society will be giving tours of several private homes located in various locations throughout Apex. These homes are elaborately decorated with Christmas decorations and have unique architecture, as well as character. The event is held from 1 to 5p.m. Tickets can be purchased for $10 online or $12 at the door.

Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade

In case you missed the Apex Christmas Parade, you can still enjoy the Cary Christmas Parade! The parade goes through Chatham Street and features bands, local businesses, community groups, and churches. It takes place on Dec. 9 at 2p.m.

Miracle on Fayetteville Street

Celebrate the holidays with the Raleigh City Museum! On Saturday, Dec. 12, from 1 to 4p.m., Miracle on Fayetteville Street will take you back in time for a fun, holiday celebration. The 1947 version of Miracle on 34th Street will be shown. Snack on festive cookies, drink apple cider, create Christmas ornaments, and get the chance to win a prize from the Kris Kringle Raffle. The event is free, but donations are suggested.

Holiday Market

Holiday Market is the perfect way for visitors to buy handmade items, including clothing, soaps, and candles created by local artists. Vendors will be set up in the Halle Center from 9 to 1p.m. on Dec. 16.

Lights on the Neuse

Visitors have the chance to take a 30-minute tractor-pulled hayride to view the beautiful light extravaganza that the Lights on the Neuse offers. The ride takes you through several spectacular sights, including Santa’s Workshop, Christmas on the Square, Candy Cane Lane, and a 40-foot Christmas Tree. Santa’s Sweet Shoppe sells old-fashioned Christmas candy and hot drinks. The Sugar Barn is open for visitors to buy and decorate sugar cookies. Santa will be there to take pictures with people of all ages. This event takes place in Clayton. The cost is $9 for visitors ages 9 and up. The attraction is opened every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 6-9p.m. for the first four weekends in Dec. It is also open on Dec. 14, 20, and 21 from 6-9p.m., as well as Dec. 24 from 5-7p.m.

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival

This annual festival features colorful lanterns that display the tradition and culture celebrated in China. Visitors can take in more than 15,000 LED lights and 35 Chinese performers. More than 100,000 people are expected to attend this Koka Booth Amphitheatre event. Event times are Nov. 24 to Jan. 14 on Tuesday through Sundays from 6 to 10p.m. Tickets for ages three to seventeen are $10, and tickets for adults are $15.

Of course, this area offers many more holiday attractions. If you’re willing to travel a bit farther, check out the Tanglewood Festival of Lights, Christmas Town USA, Lake Myra Christmas Lights, and Christmas at Biltmore.