A Wonderland of Holiday Plans!

November 13, 2025

For residents of Fuquay-Varina’s beautiful Cotton Farms community, the kick-off to the holiday season means memories can be made just around the corner! Cotton Farms is conveniently located near many celebrations throughout November and December, making it hard to know where to begin. As you get ready to add sparkling lights to your stunning Cotton Farms’ home, we’ve been making a list and checking it twice, filling it with all kinds of exciting possibilities this holiday season.

Fuquay-Varina: Home to Cotton Farms and so much more!

The Embers Christmas: While The Embers are known as a favorite beach music band, they are bringing their amazing Christmas show back to Fuquay-Varina to start the holiday season. Tickets are now on sale for this one-night-only show on November 26th.
Town Tree Lighting & Holiday Kick-Off: Celebrate locally with Fuquay-Varina’s annual tree and menorah lighting! Head downtown to the Main and Vance Street area on December 4th for the 6:00pm start of the festivities. Bring the whole family, grab some hot cocoa, and enjoy that small-town holiday magic just around the corner.
Lights in Mineral Spring Park: Starting December 5th, Mineral Spring Park will be decorated with majestic holiday lights and open nightly for self-guided tours. The lights will remain up until mid-January, giving visitors plenty of time to be dazzled. Bring a letter for Santa as his mailbox will be available until December 16th!
Fuquay-Varina Chorale Holiday Concert: For something a little more elegant and theatrical, the local chorale offers its annual holiday show at the Fuquay-Varina Arts Center. Enjoy the delightful sounds and festive ambience on December 5th or 6th. This event is ideal for those looking for a slightly more grown-up outing.
Fuquay-Varina Christmas Parade: The annual holiday parade marches through historic downtown Fuquay-Varina on December 7th, beginning at 4:00pm. Enjoy a great evening with neighbors, floats, and loads of holiday spirit.
Home Tour & Santa-Workshop: The Holiday Home Tour is back! Organized by the Fuquay-Varina Woman’s Club, the December 13th tour allows guests to stroll through beautifully decorated homes before enjoying an event at Santa’s Workshop.
Grab a Local Keepsake! Fuquay-Varina’s annual town ornament is available for purchase! This one-of-a-kind ornament can be purchased online for pick up at the Town of Fuquay-Varina building on Main Street.

Lillington: Minutes Away for More Holiday Fun!

Christmas Tree Lighting & Santa’s Workshop: Just a short drive away from Cotton Farms, the town of Lillington offers several holiday events, starting with its annual tree lighting and Santa’s Workshop! Head to downtown Lillington on Dec 11, 2025, at 6:00pm.
Lillington Christmas Parade: Lillington’s Christmas Parade will be held on December 13th this year, starting at 10:00am. Grab your spot early on Front & Main Streets!

Raleigh’s Downtown Holiday Hub:

Raleigh Christmas Parade: Less than 30 minutes away from Cotton Farms is one of the southeast’s biggest Christmas parades! The ABC11 Raleigh Christmas Parade is always a highlight of November, and this year will be no different. This year’s big day is November 22nd, and the parade route flows through Hillsborough and Fayetteville streets starting at 9:30am. Post-parade, the Winter Market opens for shoppers!
The Rink at Red Hat will welcome ice skaters from mid-November to mid-January. With a new Glide & Gather area, there is plenty of room to mingle during those breaks from skating.
Illuminate Art Walk: Fayetteville Street shines from December 5th to January 6th with a wonderland of illuminated holiday decor! It’s the perfect place for a slow stroll with a hot chocolate or cider in hand.
MAKRS Holiday Fest: Over 200 vendors will create a festive scene filled with holiday music, food trucks, and, yes, endless opportunities to shop local! The 2025 event will take place on Fayetteville Street, December 6th, from 11:00am to 6:00pm.
Holiday Shows: The Martin Marietta Center for Performing Arts will offer a variety of holiday shows in December, including Handel’s Messiah, A Christmas Carol, and The North Carolina Symphony, featuring Broadway star Mamie Paris.
Holiday Express at Pullen Park: While this year’s event has sold out, now is the time to add a reminder to your October 2026 calendar. Holiday Express is one of the most popular events in North Carolina! Mark your calendar to check back in early October 2006, when tickets typically go on sale.

The Giving Spirit of Cotton Farms

The team at Cotton Farms knows that the holiday season can be made a little bit brighter with a few acts of local kindness. How will you give back this year?

Operation Share: The Fuquay-Varina Fire Department will again lead a toy drive this year. Toys, books, and gift-wrapping supplies can be dropped off at the fire department or one of five other convenient locations. Click the link to find a location that works for you!
Holiday Food Drive: If you have unexpired, nonperishable food, consider donating it to the Fuquay-Varina Emergency Food Pantry. The food drive will run between November 3rd and December 11th.
Shop with a Cop: Fuquay-Varina’s Police Department is accepting donations for Shop with a Cop. Each year, Shop with a Cop provides clothes and toys to local children who may not otherwise receive holiday gifts. Drop your donation off at the police department by December 1st.

Whether you stay local in Fuquay-Varina, skate over to charming Lillington, or drive your sleigh to Raleigh for a grand holiday outing, there’s an amazing lineup of festive events near Cotton Farms. Plan ahead, layer up, check the websites for the latest updates, and then have a holly-jolly adventure!

Does Cotton Farms sound like the perfect place to find festivities? Come take a tour of our community this weekend! Homes are open for viewing on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 pm to 3 pm.