Holiday activities to do this December

Caroline Newcomb and Siddharth Kumar

December 10, 2025

Many people enjoy skating the Square Ice Skating rink at Fenton in NC.

The holiday season is coming up! And with the mix of sparkling lights, chilly weather, and the yearly question: What should I do this December? Whether you are just trying to escape the chaos of school, enjoy the cozy traditions of Christmas and New Year’s, looking to make memories with friends and family, or just want something to break the routine, this month is packed with opportunities. December offers a lot more than just gift shopping and hot chocolate. Here’s a guide to make this holiday season fun, meaningful and anything but boring.

Skate the Square is back this season from Nov. 8th to Feb. 6th, bringing the community together for a winter full of holiday cheer and fun. Fenton’s town square transforms into a sparkling ice rink where families and friends can glide under twinkling lights. Alongside music, seasonal treats and festive décor, visitors can enjoy a joyful, interactive experience perfect for celebrating the holidays and making memories that last a lifetime.

Picture of light structure at the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival. (Caroline Newcomb)

From summer concerts to ice skating, our very own Red Hat Amphitheater has transformed into a winter wonderland right in the heart of Downtown Raleigh. Including skate rentals for only $15, visitors can enjoy ‘Igloo Lounges’ with holiday drinks, seasonal snacks and treats and of course, the ice rink!

Twinkling just on the other side of the Triangle, Downtown Cary hosts the angles of lights, illuminating the streets, yards and communities. Meet Santa as well as food and snacks with selective gifting vendors.

Following an ancient tradition, going into this year’s 10th anniversary, the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival is back for another season full of lights and color. Celebrations through centuries of Chinese-lantern making traditions, with roots right here in North Carolina. From Nov. 25 to Jan. 11, Koka Booth Amphitheater transforms into an unimaginable experience of lights, lanterns and performances; representing the honorable Chinese culture. As visitors walk and interact through the self-guided exhibits, you’ll experience more than 40 new lanterns, all appreciating the art of lantern making, connecting cultures from all around the triangle.

Carolina Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” returns to Raleigh Memorial Auditorium from Dec. 11 to Dec. 24, 2025, bringing back one of the region’s most cherished holiday traditions. Each performance transforms the stage into a warm, shimmering world of dancing snowflakes, toy soldiers and Tchaikovsky’s familiar score. Families and friends can share the experience as Clara’s journey unfolds through colorful sets, detailed costumes and the classic magic that keeps audiences coming back each year.

The production remains a seasonal staple for many in the Triangle, offering a mix of nostalgia and spectacle that appeals to longtime fans and first-time viewers alike. With its blend of music, movement and holiday spirit, The Nutcracker continues to be a celebration that marks the season and creates memories that carry well beyond December.

This December offers plenty of fun holiday opportunities: from Lantern Festivals to Ice skating, people can enjoy the wintery season beyond just hot chocolate and Christmas presents. Many activities, such as the downtown ice spots of the Triangle or a calm visual of light, foster opportunities for people to build experiences and tradition.

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About the Contributors

Caroline Newcomb, Staff Writer

Caroline Newcomb is a senior at Green Hope, and this is her first year writing for the GH Falcon. She believes that writing can unite a community, and has always been fascinated by the ability to captivate an audience, which led her to join the staff. She flourishes in the media world – whether that be working behind the scenes for our school news or writing for the GH Falcon. Volleyball plays a major role in Caroline’s life. Not only does she play for Green Hope, but she also runs the social media page for both her volleyball and the school’s softball team. With a lot on her plate, Caroline’s coordination comes in handy, making her organization one of her most admirable traits. When Caroline is not playing sports, you can find her working out, at the beach or listening to her favorite artist, Drake. If you catch Caroline a decade from now, expect to see her working with a sports team, focusing on curating their image and helping them grow as an athlete.

Siddharth Kumar, Staff Writer

Siddharth Kumar is a junior at Green Hope, and this is his first year writing for the Green Hope Falcon. He joined this class to build his leadership skills and increase his writing capabilities while also having fun. He was raised to be independent and hardworking, while also being inspired to become a better student. Outside of school, Kumar finds a love for outdoor activities, including soccer, which he has been playing for a couple of years. Motivated by his family and community, Kumar aspires to have enough skill to further his education after high school, maybe pursuing his love for sports. He is looking forward to being a staff writer this year.

Lyla Mehmet, Staff Writer

Originally from Palo Alto, California, Lyla Mehmet is a junior at Green Hope High School and a first-year writer for the GH Falcon. For as long as she can remember, Lyla has had a strong passion for reading and enjoys other hobbies such as bike riding and serving as the club baker for “Random Acts of Kindness.” Lyla currently runs for the GH Cross Country team and is looking forward to the track & field season this upcoming spring. When she’s off the clock, she enjoys playing pickleball with her family as well as going to the YMCA for workouts. In the coming years, Lyla plans to major in Earth Science so she can go into environmental field research and make an impact on climate change. She is excited to work with the GH Falcon to tell all the stories she has.