Santa on the Roof of The Durham Hotel — free event

Photo provided by The Durham Hotel On Saturday, December 12, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., families are invited to the rooftop of The Durham Hotel, 315 E Chapel Hill Street, Durham, North Carolina, to meet Santa. Santa on the Roof is a FREE event. Bring your own camera. Santa Joe joins The Durham Hotel again through Santas Just Like Me, a local organization that has given North Carolina families the option to visit with a Santa of color since 2013. Kids can drop their letters in the North Pole mailbox before they meet Santa. Everyone leaves with a candy cane and a plastic gold coin. The Roof is heated, and a full bar is open for parents while they wait. Brunch runs 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Coffee Bar, with reindeer pancakes on the menu. Reservations are encouraged. Know before you go The line starts outside at 9 am, at the side door on the front of the hotel. Signage and a doorman will mark the spot. Doors to the Roof open at 9:30 am. The line closes at 1 pm so everyone in line can see Santa before 2 pm. Guests who aren’t in line by 1 pm won’t be able to visit with Santa. The line stays outside to keep the lobby clear for brunch guests, so dress warmly. Hot chocolate and drip coffee are available for purchase outside next to the newsstand. Bring your letter to Santa already written. We’ll have a small supply of paper and pencils on the Roof for anyone who forgets. This event is free and open to all. Please plan to take your own photos.

Last updated November 6, 2026