Holiday time is here at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Our Christmas Tree is up, special events are planned and the first of many holiday travelers are passing (way) over the river and (high) above the woods to get to grandmother’s house for family gatherings.
All of us at RDU look forward to this time of year. There’s simply no greater joy in our jobs than to stand near The Meeting Place, if only for a few moments, and see the tears of joys, hear the squeals of excitement and feel the warmth of beaming smiles as families are reunited for the holidays.
It’s our privilege to get to set the mood year after year for these joyous homecomings. Whether it’s the sounds of our annual holiday music series, the beauty of our 20-foot tall tree or the celebration of light reflected in our Menorah, we love bringing the holidays to you each year. However, it wouldn’t be possible without help from, literally, people across the state.
Each year, the N.C. Christmas Tree and the Avery County Christmas Tree associations provide beautiful N.C. Fraser Fir trees to the terminals, administrative offices and various locations around the airport.
Our main Christmas Tree, in Terminal 2, is fresh from the mountains. It was harvested and graciously provided by Mountain Top Fraser Fir, owned by Larry and Lynn Smith in Newland, N.C. Accompanying wreaths were given by C&G Nursery, also of Avery County.
Rohr Chabad of UNC Chapel Hill and Duke University once again provided a Menorah that was displayed in Terminal 2 to celebrate Hanukkah, which occurred early in the holiday season this year.
From December 20-23 listen for the sounds of the season from local groups performing live throughout the airport. The groups bring a variety of musical genres to the ticketing and bag claim areas.
On the concourse, look for carolers, clowns, a grand piano, a singing Christmas Tree and even Santa Claus on December 20, 23 and 24 as The Shops of RDU celebrates the holidays.
This time of year is often referred to as the season of giving. While traveling through RDU over the holidays, please look for donation boxes benefitting the USO of NC. The USO provides support for active and retired service members and their families as they travel. The boxes are located in many of the shops and restaurants throughout the terminal.
There is so much to look forward to at RDU this season. We hope you’ll take time to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season as you travel. Don’t forget to check out travel tips and a complete list of holiday activities on our web site.