Santa

Santa Rolls Into UP!

Escorted by Chapel Hill Fire and Police, with s’mores, games and holiday cheer at UP Social

Santa is making a grand entrance at University Place, riding in with our hometown heroes from the Chapel Hill Fire Department and Chapel Hill Police Department. Line up early to wave him in, then follow the fun to the UP Commons for a festive welcome.

Once Santa arrives, the party’s on. Roast s’mores by the fire, play holiday games, warm up with seasonal sips, and grab a photo with the big guy himself. Bring the kids, bring the grandparents, bring the whole crew. This is the kind of night that becomes a family tradition.

Make a night of it at UP Social. UP Social is University Place’s new Entertainment District, the place to Sip. Stroll. Socialize. Before or after Santa, grab dinner with the family, meet friends for a holiday drink, and stroll the shops for gifts. It’s your new favorite Friday night in Chapel Hill.

When: Friday, December 4, 6 to 9 PM. Santa arrives at [time].
Where: The Commons, University Place, 201 S. Estes Dr., Chapel Hill
What: Santa’s arrival with Chapel Hill Fire and Police, photos with Santa, s’mores, kids’ games, holiday drinks and live holiday music
Cost: Free and open to the public
Thanks to our sponsors: [Presenting sponsor], First Horizon, [S’mores Station sponsor]

Sip. Stroll. Socialize. And make it merry.

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Parking & Getting Here

Where do I park at University Place?

Free parking is available throughout University Place.

Is there accessible parking?

Yes. Accessible spaces are located near businesses throughout University Place.

Can I get to UP without driving?

Yes. Bus stops are nearby on S. Estes Dr. and Willow Dr. Bike racks are located at [confirm]. Rideshare drop-off is at [confirm].

UP Social

What is UP Social?

UP Social is University Place’s Entertainment District. You can buy a drink to go at a participating restaurant and enjoy it while you stroll, shop and catch live music within the district. Sip. Stroll. Socialize.

Where is the UP Social district?

It runs from Stoney River Steakhouse through the Commons and Pop-UP Park, down to Solidcore. Boundary signs are posted throughout, and you can see the district map here.

What are the hours?

UP Social is active daily from 10 AM to 11 PM. Restaurant hours vary, so check with each restaurant.

Which restaurants participate?

Stoney River Steakhouse, Silverspot Cinema, bartaco and Hawkers. Look for the UP Social logo in restaurant windows, and check the UP Social page for the latest list.

How does it work?

Order your drink “to go” at a participating restaurant. It comes in an official UP Social cup, and you can enjoy it anywhere inside the marked boundary.

What do official cups look like?

They’re non-glass, hold up to 16 oz, and show the UP Social logo, the restaurant’s logo and a “Drink responsibly. Be 21.” message.

Can I bring my own alcohol?

No. Only drinks bought from participating restaurants at UP, served in an official UP Social cup, are allowed.

Can I take my drink into stores?

That’s up to each business. Look for the window stickers: “Yes. Bring It.” means drinks are welcome, and “No. Finish It.” means please finish your drink first.

Can I take my drink to my car or outside the district?

No. Finish or toss your drink before leaving UP Social. Disposal stations are at every exit. Open containers are never allowed in vehicles, including bikes and scooters.

Do I need ID?

Yes. You must be 21 or older with a valid ID to buy alcohol. Restaurants check ID at purchase.

Is UP Social family-friendly?

Absolutely. UP Social is for the whole community. Adults can enjoy a drink responsibly while families shop, dine and play together.

Who do I contact with questions or concerns?

For non-emergency help on site, call UP security at (919) 428-6158. For emergencies, call 911. For general questions, contact the management office at (919) 945-1900 or universityplace@jll.com.

Santa Night

Is the event free?

Yes, Santa’s arrival, photos with Santa, s’mores and kids’ games are free and open to the public.

Can adults enjoy a drink during the event?

Yes. The Commons is inside UP Social, so adults 21+ can bring an official UP Social cup from a participating restaurant. Please enjoy responsibly around the kids.

What time should we arrive?

Santa arrives at 6:00 p.m. Come 15 to 20 minutes early to find parking and grab a spot along the route.

What if it rains?

Check UP’s Instagram and Facebook for day-of updates.