Letters to Santa
Santa’s Mailbox will again be located in Town Hall starting on November 28, 2011. We’ve made special arrangements with Santa Claus for Cary Town Hall to be a drop off site for letters to Santa Claus! Have little Johnny and Suzie enjoy this annual tradition as we prepare for Santa’s flight over Cary. Drop off your letters in the Santa Mailbox before December 13th and your child will hear back from our jolly friend in red! Make sure to include your child’s name and address on each letter.

Santa’s Workshop
Location: Herbert C. Young Community Center; 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Cary Teen Council’s annual Holiday Celebration. Children will enjoy a variety of craft stations where they can make a gift for someone special, experience live entertainment by Cary Ballet Company and 3D Project and enjoy visit with a white bearded guy from the NORTH POLE! While at Santa’s workshop, support the Cary Teen Council’s food drive by sending each child with two non-perishable food items or cash donation will be accepted. All contributions will be given to a local charity. There will be a 20 minute break from craft tables at 11:30 a.m., so that everyone may enjoy the entertainment. For more information call (919) 460-4965.

Heart of Cary Association’s Ole Time Winter Festival
Downtown Cary; 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Celebrations begin with the Heart of Cary’s Old Time Winter Festival held on the streets of Downtown Cary.  Festival goers can enjoy arts & crafts, entertainment, food, activities, and more. Santa will be there. Start (or finish) your holiday shopping! 

Heart of the Holidays 1st annual Gingerbread House Competition
Downtown Cary
Create a gingerbread house yummy enough for an elves visit! Entries will be accepted in the following categories:  Family, Teen (13-17), and Adult (18 & up). The houses will be on display in Downtown Cary on December 3rd. Winning houses will be on display during December at the Cary Arts Center. Rules    Registration Form
Winter Wonderland at Bond Park (all ages)
Location: Fred G. Bond Metro Park, Multipurpose Field
9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m./ noon - 1:30 p.m. / 2:30 - 4 p.m.
also Sunday, December 4; 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m./ noon - 1:30 p.m. / 2:30 - 4 p.m.

Bring your sled and come dressed to play at this unique Winter Wonderland experience in Cary’s Bond Park. Over the course of two days, Snow My Yard will make snow for you to enjoy on the popular sledding slope at Bond Park. Pre-registration is necessary. In the event of unfavorable conditions this event will be rescheduled for Sat, Dec 17 and Sun, Dec 18. For more, call (919) 469-4100. Fees: $12(R) $16(N)

Town of Cary Employee Art Exhibition: The Artists Within
Town Hall Gallery, Reception: 3 – 5 p.m. (Exhibition opens Nov 22; closes Jan 4)
Medium: mixed media

Town of Cary employees show off the benefits of art to express their creative side, reduce stress, and build a balanced lifestyle.  Some people shoot hoops and play golf but there are also others that are passionate about painting, photography, pottery, and woodwork projects which are all ways that can contribute to expressing the inner creative person and contribute to a healthy lifestyle.  This diverse show is sure to surprise and engage your creative side!

Page-Walker Arts & History Center Holiday Open House
Location: Page-Walker Arts & History Center, 4-6 p.m.

Get into the holiday spirit with an old-fashioned Victorian Christmas experience at the Page-Walker’s Annual Holiday Open House. Learn about century-old holiday traditions while touring Cary’s own 1868 historic hotel. Enjoy Victorian Carolers, sing Christmas carols around the piano or enjoy a free horse-drawn carriage ride. Enjoy holiday refreshments and view historic rooms decorated for the season by the Friends of the Page-Walker Hotel. Fun for the whole family. 

The Cary Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony                          
Location: Town Hall Campus by the Town Christmas Tree; 6 p.m.        

The official Christmas tree lighting for the Town of Cary will be on this day as well. This community celebration of the season has become incredibly popular over the past years. It’s a wonderful time to bring your blanket and your loved-ones out to the Town Hall campus and welcome in the holiday season with your neighbors. This festive night features talented actors, singers, dancers, and musicians from our community onstage.


Not only will the beautiful 30 foot cedar tree be illuminated for the first time in the season, but we’ll also unveil Cary's Community Christmas Tree located will be inside at the Town Hall. All sorts of groups that serve our local community will be providing handcrafted ornaments to be displayed on the inside tree. Cary's Community Christmas Tree will truly be a representation of the diversity of Cary.

Cary Players presents It's a Wonderful Life
Location:  Cary Arts Center; 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
also Dec 1, 2, 5 - 7:30 p.m. and Dec 4 - 3 p.m.

his faithful, full stage adaptation of the classic film features a joyful Christmas tale. It’s the love story of George and Mary, a descent into the darkest hour of a man trapped by circumstance, and a powerful meditation on what truly makes a meaningful life. Don’t miss this delightful holiday classic live onstage. For more information on It’s a Wonderful Life visit www.caryplayers.org

For more information about any events in the Heart of the Holidays Celebration, call (919) 469-4061.