Christmas Carousel Holiday Market in Raleigh 2024, North Carolina

The Christmas Carousel Holiday Gift Market has been a Thanksgiving and Christmas tradition in Raleigh for more than 30 years. It features over 250 exhibitors showcasing thousands of one-of-a-kind creations in art, fabric, pottery, wood, apparel, floral, jewelry, holiday foods, and many other unique gifts for everybody. Thousands of shoppers come to the 90,000-square-foot Jim Graham Building (North Carolina State Fairgrounds) to rejoice in this shopping experience and have fun.

Market Activities

Hundreds of local vendors come to the Christmas Carousel market to display their goods, which later might end up as gifts in someone's stockings. Jewelry, glassware, ceramics, Christmas tree decorations, holiday-themed clothing—all of this and much more is available at the annual market. At the center of it all is Santa Claus, who is at the market every day, giving his advice to children and adults alike. Santa welcomes kids to his warm embrace from 10 am until 12 pm and 2 pm until 4 pm on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, you can visit him from 12 pm until 1:30 pm and from 2:30 pm until 4 pm.

Schedule & Tickets

This display of festiveness and merriment is open from 9 am until 6 pm on Friday and Saturday and from 11 am until 5 pm on Sunday. Tickets cost $10 for adults, $9 for people over 60 and military personnel, and $6 for children between 6 and 12 years old. Children 5 years old and under can enter for free. Tickets give you access to all three days of the festivities with a Return Pass, which you can grab at the exit. Service animals are welcome at the event, but regular pets are best left at home since this is an indoor event.

Location

The market takes place annually at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds, in the Jim Graham Building, opposite Carter Finley Stadium. The city of Raleigh, capital of North Carolina, is home to North Carolina State University and is easy to get to from other cities. Raleigh is situated 78 miles (125 km) from Greensboro and 59 miles (95 km) from Fayetteville.

Parking & Transportation

North Carolina State Fairgrounds have many parking spaces, including handicapped parking, situated near the entrance. Parking is also available near Murphy Center, Stadium East Lot, and the Carter Finlet Stadium. You can travel to the venue by getting on a GoRaleigh bus, mainly routes 100, 27, and 60.