According to Raleigh Mom Club, Hanukkah 2026 runs Dec 4-12, and Downtown Cary Park's free public menorah lighting is Monday, Dec 7. Kwanzaa runs Dec 26-Jan 1, with Durham's two big anchors: Hayti Heritage Center on the first day and the African American Dance Ensemble's Kwanzaa Fest on Jan 1, 2027 at the Durham Armory. Free winter solstice lantern walks in Raleigh and Hillsborough round out the month.
Quick Answers
Hanukkah (Dec 4-12)
Hanukkah is the Jewish Festival of Lights. Families light one more candle on the menorah each night for eight nights, and most celebrations include fried foods like latkes and doughnuts. It begins at sundown on Friday, Dec 4 this year.
Downtown Cary Park (confirmed for 2026). The free menorah lighting is Monday, Dec 7, 5:30-6:15 pm at the DCP Great Lawn Pavilion, 327 S. Academy St. The program includes an activity for kids, holiday music, a sweet treat and the lighting of the menorah. The menorah at Cary Arts Center is lit each evening throughout Dec 4-12, so there is an easy backup if your Monday falls apart. Details live at downtowncarypark.com.
Jewish for Good, Durham (last year's pattern). Jewish for Good, at 1937 Cornwallis Road, held a free Hanukkah Festival on Sunday, Dec 14, 2025, from 2 to 5 pm. It had a kids' corner with crafts and games, dreidel and cookie decorating, a menorah lighting, bounce houses, magic and music, with latkes for sale at the J Cafe. Confirm the 2026 date first.
Beth El Synagogue, Durham (last year's pattern). In 2025 they hosted an outdoor Community Menorah Lighting with a giant menorah and kosher doughnuts on Dec 17, 6-7 pm. Check with the synagogue for 2026.
Downtown Raleigh (check Chabad). Chabad Young Professionals of Raleigh have held a free public menorah lighting with latkes and doughnuts. Check Chabad of Raleigh for 2026.
For more ways to fill the season, see our holiday markets and craft fairs guide.
Kwanzaa (Dec 26-Jan 1)
Kwanzaa is a seven-day, non-religious cultural holiday celebrating African heritage. It is built around seven principles: Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity and Faith. A candle is lit each night.
Hayti Legacy Kwanzaa Celebration, Durham (last year's pattern). Hayti Heritage Center, 804 Fayetteville St., and The Magic of African Rhythm present this annual celebration on the first day of Kwanzaa. In 2025 it was held on Friday, Dec 26, from 1 to 6:30 pm, with a suggested $5 donation and no one turned away. The day included African dance and drumming, intergenerational programming, youth entrepreneurship and the Ujamaa Marketplace. Confirm the 2026 time with Hayti.
AADE Kwanzaa Fest, Durham (confirmed). The African American Dance Ensemble's 41st Kwanzaa Fest is Jan 1, 2027 at the Durham Armory, 212 Foster St. Doors open at noon and performances start at 2 pm. Chuck Davis founded it, and it has been held every Jan 1 since 1986, celebrating the final principle, Imani (Faith). The organizer lists food, dancing, face painting, drum and dance classes, a marketplace and drumming performances. Admission price is not confirmed, so check aadekwanzaafest.com. AADE has also added a Raleigh celebration in recent years.
Our cultural and heritage festivals guide covers more celebrations through the year.
Winter Solstice Lantern Walks
The winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, falls on Dec 21 in 2026. Lantern walks mark it with a quiet evening procession of handmade lights.
NC Museum of Art, Raleigh (last year's pattern). The annual Winter Lantern Walk is free. In 2025 it was Saturday, Dec 13, 4:30-6:30 pm in the Museum Park. The gathering point was the Ellipse, with the procession at 5:30. Bring a homemade lantern lit with LED lights only, no flames. In 2025 they also collected donations of coats, pet supplies and pantry items. NCMA has offered lantern-making workshops too. Confirm the 2026 date.
Hillsborough Solstice Lantern Walk. The Hillsborough Arts Council holds this annually. A solstice market runs 5-8 pm at the Farmers Market Pavilion (144 E. Margaret Ln), and the procession follows the Eno River Riverwalk. It is free with a suggested $5-10 donation per participant, and registration is required. Handmade lanterns are encouraged, pre-made ones are sold at the event, and the Arts Council lists lantern kits and workshops. The 2025 walk was Saturday, Dec 20, so confirm the 2026 date when you register.
Live Nativities
A live nativity is a church-staged scene of the Christmas story. Several Triangle churches stage them each December, and many are free. Dates and details change yearly, so confirm with the church before you load up the car. Recent examples:
If you are also hunting for sparkle, our Christmas light displays guide pairs well with a drive-thru nativity.
Tips for Going With Little Kids
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Hanukkah in 2026?
It begins at sundown on Friday, Dec 4 and ends Saturday, Dec 12, for eight nights.
Is the Cary menorah lighting free?
Yes. The Downtown Cary Park lighting on Monday, Dec 7 is free, from 5:30 to 6:15 pm.
Do we have to celebrate Kwanzaa to attend?
No. Kwanzaa is a cultural rather than religious holiday, and Hayti presents its celebration as a community tradition. Last year's Hayti event had a suggested donation with no one turned away. AADE's admission price is unconfirmed, so check aadekwanzaafest.com.
Can we bring our own lantern to a solstice walk?
Yes. Handmade lanterns are encouraged in Hillsborough, which also sells pre-made ones, and NCMA asks for LED lights only.