From markets and neighborhood strolls to hockey and the performing arts, Raleigh's the place to be this December. We've got all of Oak City's top December events — and don't fret, it's more than just holiday events.

Annual events you can't miss

Illuminate Art Walk, downtown Raleigh | Starts Friday, Dec. 6 | This self-guided event lights up downtown Raleigh with temporary art installations — this year's signature artwork is a lit-up tunnel.

Homemade Hanukkah Market, Temple Beth Or | Sunday, Dec. 8 | Jewish artisans will sell their work at the temple, including pottery, jewelry, and baked goods.

32nd Annual Boylan Heights ArtWalk, Boylan Heights | Sunday, Dec. 8 | Boylan Heights will become a vibrant scene with a market, local artists, and a juried art show.

Raleigh Night Market, City Market | Sunday, Dec. 8 | Shop local vendors for holiday gifts in one of Raleigh's cutest streetscapes.

Threads Fashion Gala, CAM Raleigh | Tuesday, Dec. 10 | NC State textiles + fashion students will showcase their best work and some borrowed items from Coach.

4th Annual MAKRS Holiday Fest, Fayetteville Street | Saturday, Dec. 14 | This event's got it all, from 170+ vendors, holiday wrestling, 20 food trucks, and Mr. and Mrs. Claus themselves.

53rd Annual Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour, Historic Oakwood | Saturday, Dec. 14-Sunday, Dec. 15 | Ten holiday-decked Oakwood homes will open their wreath-laden doors to visitors — plus, you can learn more about the homes from on-site staff.

Chanukah Parade, Lafayette Village | Sunday, Dec. 29 | This event is complete with a petting zoo, gelt drop, latkes, donuts, and a menorah lighting.

First Night Raleigh, City Plaza | Tuesday, Dec. 31 | Ring in the new year the Raleigh way with the acorn drop, a night of live music, and more on Oak City's birthday.

AADE's 39th Annual Kwanzaa Fest, Durham Armory, Durham | Wednesday, Jan. 1 | Celebrate Kwanzaa and the principle of Imani, or faith, with a wider community complete with dancing + food.

NC Chinese Lantern Festival, Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary | Through Sunday, Jan. 12 | Cary is aglow with countless lanterns celebrating the Lunar New Year.

Performing arts + concerts

"A Christmas Carol," Raleigh Memorial Auditorium | Friday, Dec. 6-Sunday, Dec. 8 | The torch has been passed to Ira David Wood IV — see the holiday classic live.

Mariah Carey, Lenovo Center | Monday, Dec. 9 | It's tiiiiime. The queen of Christmas is coming to RAL — don't miss her dulcet tones and whistle register.

"Cinderella," Raleigh Little Theatre | Friday, Dec. 6-Sunday, Dec. 22 | Celebrate 40 years of this show at the theater, including autographs after the show and a princess boutique.

"The Nutcracker," Raleigh Memorial Auditorium | Thursday, Dec. 12-Tuesday, Dec. 24 | Carolina Ballet presents this stunning take on the classic tale.

More Raleigh fun

Carolina Hurricanes games, Lenovo Center | Various dates | Pick from six December games to grab your Canes sweater and cheer the team on.

NCAA Division I Men's and Women's Soccer College Cup, WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary | Various dates | The best of college soccer will assemble in Cary for a chance at a title and the championship trophy.

GingerBuild Houses & Hops, Marbles Kids Museum | Friday, Dec. 13 | Have some fun like a kid again at this 21+ event featuring brews + gingerbread house building.

Geek and Grub Market: Holiday Nightmare Edition, Fred Fletcher Park | Saturday, Dec. 13 | Shop geeky vendors and get a photo with Santa, Jack Skellington, and Krampus.