Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting and Holiday Market
Guests gather in the historic green space of Moore Square to celebrate the lighting of the Raleigh Christmas Tree. The festivities include a bustling Holiday Market where visitors can browse and shop for goods from local vendors.
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Plan Your Visit
Website / Tickets
When
Hours
Holiday Vendor Market: 5:30 - 8:00 pm.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Raleigh
Parking
Nearby parking includes the City Market Parking Lot and Lot A8 on E Martin St, the Moore Square Lot on E Hargett St and the Moore Square Parking Deck on S Wilmington St.
Going?
Location
Tips & Advice
- Vendors who want a spot in the Holiday Market should submit the interest form before the Friday, October 23 deadline.
- Expect a big crowd, since the tree lighting and Holiday Market draw more than 4,000 people to Moore Square.
- Park at the City Market lot on East Martin Street or the Moore Square Parking Deck, both a short walk from the square.
- Grab dinner nearby at spots like Lucky Tree, Kokoro Ramen & Izakaya or City Market Sushi, all just steps from Moore Square.
- Dress warmly, because the market and tree lighting take place outdoors in Moore Square on a November evening.
Special Events & Promotions
- This year the tree lighting is part of the City of Raleigh's Raleigh for the Holidays celebration.
Links & Contact
Run by Downtown Raleigh Alliance
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I shop for at the Holiday Market?
The tree lighting includes a Holiday Vendor Market where you can shop from local vendors.
How do I become a vendor at the market?
Submit the interest form by Friday, October 23, 2026. Questions about the market or the process go to Nicole Drake, Events Project Manager.
Where can I park near Moore Square?
The closest options are the City Market Parking Lot at 228 E Martin St, the Moore Square Lot at 304 E Hargett St, Lot A8 at 313 E Martin St and the Moore Square Parking Deck at 233 S Wilmington St.
Where can I eat nearby?
Lucky Tree, Kokoro Ramen & Izakaya, City Market Sushi and Blackbird Books & Coffee are all just steps from the square.
How can a business sponsor the tree lighting?
Contact Ileana Rodriguez, Vice President of Communications and Community Relations at the Downtown Raleigh Alliance.
Browse Christmas in Raleigh
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.