Ugly Sweaters + Grownup Holiday Magic at Pullen Park

Here’s your excuse to do the holiday lights thing—without wrangling kids or pretending you’re not freezing. Merry & Bright turns Pullen Park into a twinkly, adults-only winter playground for one night, and it’s basically a choose-your-own festive adventure. Start with a slow stroll around the lake while everything sparkles, then post up on the event lawn for live music from Sidecar Social Club. From there? Go full kid-at-heart: ride the carousel (yes, there’s a reindeer), hop the holiday train, and jump into whatever reindeer games are calling your name. There are also postcard-making stations if you’re feeling wholesome and want to mail a little cheer.

And because this is a holiday evening for grownups, you can pair all that whimsy with beer, wine, and bites from the Pullen Café plus visiting food trucks and breweries. Even better, your ticket helps fund Play It Forward, Raleigh Parks’ program that supports families and individuals who need financial assistance to access recreation. So you get a magical night out and a warm-fuzzy reason to toast to it.

📍 Location: Pullen Park – 520 Ashe Ave, Raleigh
🗓 Date & Time: Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025 • 7–10 p.m.
💸 Cost: $35 / Ages 21+ only / Tickets via Ticketmaster (limited, no other outlets) / Beer, wine & food for purchase

Author
Recent Posts

Tara Pupilli

Director of Content at Raleighwood Media Group + Raleighwood Event Group

Tara Pupilli, a 2011 graduate of East Carolina University, is a veteran broadcast media alum who started her professional career in radio, grew into digital and television marketing roles, and is now enjoying life in an agency setting. She loves spending time with her husband, two kids, two dogs, and heads to the coast any chance she can get.