The free ATC Tower Lighting is 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2, on the American Tobacco Campus lawn, with the Lucky Strike tower lit and live music from 6 p.m.

The ATC Tower Lighting is the American Tobacco Campus’s free annual evening that lights the Lucky Strike tower to start the holiday season. This year it is 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2, on the campus lawn at 318 Blackwell St., with live music from 6 p.m.

Last checked 2026-11-07.

The tower is lit in coordination with the WRAL Tower in Raleigh and the Rocky Mount Mills tower in Rocky Mount, the campus says, and part of the evening goes out live on WRAL with on-air personality Dan Haggerty, leading into NBC’s broadcast of the tree lighting at Rockefeller Center.

Upcoming dates

  • Wed. Dec. 2, 5 to 9 p.m.

The campus calls it an annual event and lists this one date for 2026.

Where it is and parking

The event is on the American Tobacco Campus Lawn, 318 Blackwell St., under the Lucky Strike water tower, with the music on the campus’s Tower Stage.

The campus’s visitor page says it has three parking decks, all paid through the ParkMobile app or the pay stations in each deck. Parking is generally free for the first two hours unless there is a Durham Bulls game or another special event; longer stays are charged. Our American Tobacco Campus guide lists the three deck addresses.

Expect the decks to be busy. The campus calendar also lists FestiBull of Lights at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park from 5:30 p.m. and Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Twas The Night Before at DPAC at 7:30 p.m. the same evening. For other downtown garages and street parking, see getting around Durham.

Tickets and cost

The tower lighting is free and open to the public. No ticket or registration is needed.

What to know

  • Music: Jeanne Jolly & The Mistletoes open the Tower Stage at 6 p.m., and Durham’s own Fust plays from 7:15 p.m.
  • Families: the campus promises family-friendly activities all evening.
  • It is outdoors on the lawn, so dress for a December night.
  • Drones are not allowed anywhere on the campus, which bans them for safety and privacy.
  • Questions go to the campus events contact, Scott Strickland, at sstrickland@cbcrealestate.com.

The tower lighting is one of several free lightings this season; our holiday lights and Christmas events page has the rest, including FestiBull of Lights, and things to do this month covers the rest of the calendar. The Lucky Strike tower is also the meeting point for the Saturday historian-guided downtown walking tour.

Dates and venues as listed on the Experience Downtown Durham, North Carolina calendar and confirmed on the organizer’s site.

Frequently asked questions

When is the ATC Tower Lighting in Durham?

The 2026 ATC Tower Lighting is 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2, on the American Tobacco Campus lawn.

Is the American Tobacco Campus tower lighting free?

Yes. The campus says the event is free and open to the public, and no ticket is needed.

Who is playing at the ATC Tower Lighting?

Jeanne Jolly & The Mistletoes start the music at 6 p.m. on the Tower Stage, and Durham band Fust plays from 7:15 p.m.

Where do I park for the ATC Tower Lighting?

The American Tobacco Campus has three parking decks, all paid through the ParkMobile app or pay stations. The campus says parking is generally free for the first two hours unless there is a Bulls game or other special event.

Is the ATC Tower Lighting on TV?

Part of it is televised live on WRAL with Dan Haggerty, leading into NBC’s broadcast of the Rockefeller Center tree lighting.