The Holidays are Coming Up in Hillsborough!
October 27, 2025
Photo by Alexandrea Lassiter
The holidays in Hillsborough are pure magic. Our charming town transforms into a cozy, glittering hub of creativity, tradition, and community spirit. From handmade gifts and historic home tours to lantern walks and parades, every weekend brings a new reason to celebrate. Whether you’re shopping local, sipping cocoa, or strolling under twinkling lights, Hillsborough invites you to slow down, savor the season, and make lasting memories with family and friends. Here’s what will be going on this Holiday season in Hillsborough… check this page regularly as more events and details are added!
OCAC Hillsborough Holiday Bazaar
November 15 | Historic Courthouse Lawn | 10 AM–4 PM | Free entry
Get a head start on your holiday shopping at the Hillsborough Holiday Bazaar, presented by the Orange County Arts Commission and Orange County Arts Alliance! This event brings together some of the region’s finest artists and craftspeople for a day filled with creativity, color, and community spirit. The Historic Courthouse Lawn will come alive with beautifully crafted jewelry, pottery, textiles, paintings, woodwork, and more, each piece made with care and originality. Visitors can browse, shop, and meet the talented makers behind every booth while enjoying festive music and refreshments. Whether you are on the hunt for a special handmade gift or simply looking to soak up the creative holiday atmosphere, the Bazaar is the perfect way to kick off the season in downtown Hillsborough.
HAC Last Fridays & The Art Walk
November 28 | Downtown Hillsborough | Free entry
Close out the year with one last Last Fridays & the Art Walk hosted by the Hillsborough Arts Council. This final art walk of the season leads straight into Small Business Saturday. This event is full of cheer, art, and community. Downtown galleries, shops, and restaurants will open their doors for a festive evening filled with live music, art displays, and special holiday sales. The streets will twinkle with lights, and Hillsborough’s creative energy will be on full display. Bring your friends, family, and visiting relatives for an evening stroll, and discover why Hillsborough’s art scene shines brightest during the holidays.
Shop Small Business Saturday
November 29 | Downtown Hillsborough
Support local this holiday season by spending Small Business Saturday in the heart of Hillsborough! Our downtown merchants will be ready to welcome shoppers getting ready for their holiday shopping. Every purchase you make supports our vibrant local economy. It’s a great day to cross names off your gift list and feel good doing it!
Tinsel and Traditions and the Tree Lighting Celebration
December 6 | Hillsborough Visitor’s Center and Downtown | Free Celebration + Ticketed Event
The spirit of the season shines bright at Tinsel and Traditions, a brand-new celebration blending holiday magic, multicultural traditions, and Hillsborough’s rich history. This festive day begins at the Hillsborough Visitor Center, where families can enjoy free activities, storytime with Mrs. Claus, and a chance to meet Santa himself. Explore the holiday fair on the lawn to learn about diverse winter celebrations. You can also purchase tickets for the Tinsel and Traditions Home Tour, where six historic Hillsborough homes will showcase how the holidays were celebrated across different eras, from the 1770s through the 1990s. Each home tells a story through decorations, oral histories, and local memories. The evening will conclude with the Chamber of Commerce Tree Lighting, filling the night with sparkle and community joy.
Burwell School Holiday Tours
December 6–19 | Burwell School Historic Site | Free
Step back in time at the Burwell School Historic Site, where holiday history comes alive. From December 6 through 19, visitors can tour the beautifully decorated 19th-century home and experience the season as it might have looked in Hillsborough generations ago. Twinkling lights, traditional greenery, and candlelit charm make for a truly magical experience. Knowledgeable guides share stories about the Burwell School and the inspiring story of Elizabeth Keckley. It’s an intimate and meaningful way to celebrate the season, surrounded by history and warm holiday spirit.
Light Up the Night Hillsborough Holiday Parade
December 7 | 4 PM | Downtown Hillsborough
Get ready for one of Hillsborough’s most beloved traditions, the Light Up the Night Holiday Parade! Thousands of residents and visitors will line Churton Street for this dazzling display of holiday spirit. Marching bands, dance troupes, local businesses, and community groups will fill the streets with lights, laughter, and holiday cheer, followed by special appearances from Santa and Mrs. Claus. The parade begins at Corbin Street and travels south to Margaret Lane, ending just in time for an evening of shopping and dining downtown. Don’t forget to check out the “Homes for the Holidays” Gingerbread Competition displays in shop windows and vote for your favorite!
Cookies and Cocoa Parade Party at the Burwell School
December 7 | After the Parade
Warm up after the parade with sweet treats at the Burwell School Historic Site! Enjoy fresh cookies and steaming cups of cocoa on the Burwell lawn as you bask in the afterglow of Hillsborough’s most joyful evening. This cozy gathering is a simple but heartwarming way to continue celebrating with neighbors and friends.
Homes for the Holidays Gingerbread Contest
December 7–January 5 | Downtown Hillsborough | Free
The Homes for the Holidays Gingerbread Contest transforms Hillsborough into a sugary wonderland! Local bakers, artists, and creative spirits of all ages craft delightful gingerbread houses that are displayed in participating downtown businesses. Visitors are invited to stroll through town, admire each masterpiece, and vote for their favorites. It’s a sweet way to celebrate the creativity of our community while supporting local shops and soaking in the festive atmosphere. Whether you are a contestant or a cookie enthusiast, this event is a true Hillsborough holiday highlight.
Candlelit Toast at the Burwell School
December 9 | 7 PM | $30 per ticket
Raise a glass to the holidays at the Candlelit Toast, an elegant evening at the Burwell School Historic Site. Guests will enjoy decadent desserts and a curated wine selection while surrounded by the soft glow of candlelight and the twinkle of holiday décor. Harpist Amy Ims will fill the air with beautiful music, creating a serene and magical ambiance. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your ticket early for this unforgettable holiday experience.
Holiday Cheer Market
December 13 | Eno River Farmers Market | 9 AM–12 PM
Celebrate the season with local flavor at the Holiday Cheer Market! From handmade gifts and artisan crafts to fresh produce, meats, and baked goods, the Eno River Farmers Market has everything you need for festive feasts and thoughtful presents. Shoppers can browse stalls filled with holiday treats while sipping hot cider and listening to live music. Wear your best ugly sweater, don your Santa hat, and bring your holiday spirit. This cheerful market celebrates every December holiday with warmth and community pride.
Solstice Lantern Walk
December 20 | 5–8 PM | Farmers Market Pavilion and Riverwalk
Wrap up the season with one of Hillsborough’s most magical traditions, the Solstice Lantern Walk. Hosted by the Hillsborough Arts Council, this winter celebration invites everyone to create handmade lanterns and join a glowing procession along the Riverwalk in honor of the Winter Solstice. Before and after the walk, the Solstice Market at the Farmers Market Pavilion will be buzzing with live music, hot food, and local art vendors. The evening is peaceful, family-friendly, and full of light, marking the turning of the season with hope and connection. Registration is free with a suggested donation, and all are welcome to take part in this luminous Hillsborough tradition.