Illuminate Art Walk is back in DTR now through Monday, Jan. 6, and it promises to be both merry and bright! The art- and light-filled winter wonderland features installations across the city, with this year’s highlight an interactive 100-foot mirrored LED structure dubbed The TUNNEL that allows patrons to control colors, patterns, speed, and more. Let there be light, indeed!
Party With St. Nick 🎅
Santa, I know him! Get in the holiday spirit via St. Nick’s Christmas House, a nontraditional pop-up bar experience featuring themed rooms, fun decor, and festive drinks. Open now through Sunday, Jan. 12, the holly jolly pop-up located in a historic house near Moore Square also boasts regular events like open mic night, comedy night, karaoke, and live music.
Light Up the Night 🎆
Say goodbye to 2024 and hello to 2025 at the annual WRAL First Night Raleigh, taking place New Year’s Eve in DTR! Festivities begin at 2pm at City Plaza with live music and a children’s celebration, followed by more activities and musical performances throughout multiple indoor venues—and culminating with the famous Acorn Drop and fireworks show. Thank you, 2024, next!
Friday Five: Season’s Greetings & Eatings! 🍽️
It’s that time of year again when schedules are packed with holiday events and getting *stuffed* on the couch with all your favorite eats (Pie! Turkey! Cookies! Carbs!) is excusable. Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and areas all over the city are already getting decked out in festive lights and decorations. It’s the most wonderful time, indeed! Here are five events around Raleigh to get you in the spirit this weekend.
But First… It’s Ham(mer) Time 🐷
ICYMI, the holiday Ham Jam is back! To help you avoid the extremely long lines at Honey Baked Ham this Thanksgiving, we’ve partnered with Annie Meadows and Ryan Boone at Hudson Residential to give away not one, but two $50 gift cards. Enter to win by Nov. 30!
Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree 🎄
Both North Hills and Downtown Raleigh are lighting it up this weekend to officially mark the start of the holiday season. Head Downtown to the plaza in front of Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts on Friday, Nov. 22, to watch the tree light up—plus enjoy free pics with Santa, a vendor market, performances from local artists, and local food and bevs. Then, on Saturday, Nov. 23, go over to North Hills Commons for its annual tree-lighting celebration, complete with live entertainment, kids crafts, a vendor village, and an appearance from the Big Man.
Sweetness Overload 🧁
Calling everyone with a sweet tooth! The Dessertery returns to Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts Friday, Nov. 22, through Monday, Dec. 23, 2024. The holiday-themed dessert cafe features all-you-can-eat sweets and hot cocoa, plus live entertainment on select nights. Yum! Keep reading for Peyton’s take on this delicious holiday hotspot.
Jingle Bells and All That Jazz
Come one, come all to Raleigh’s 80th annual Christmas Parade Saturday, Nov. 23! The largest Christmas parade between DC and Atlanta kicks off at 9:30 a.m. streetside and on ABC11, making its way through ~1.4 miles of DTR. Some of your fave local bars and restaurants even open early so you can snag a drink/meal to watch all the festivities.