Raleigh Weekend

The Local's Guide to Things to Do in Raleigh, NC

Peyton Tucker

Skate into the Season at The Rink!

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Embrace the chill and bundle up for The Rink—an outdoor, winter-wonderland ice rink at Red Hat Amphitheater! Glide across the ice during a 2-hour skate session (skates included), or grab a seat and enjoy the winter vibes from the stands. Want to level it up? Private igloo lounges and the “Glide and Gather” group space make it perfect for cozy hangouts. Can’t make it this weekend? No worries—it’s open through early January!

📍 Location: Red Hat Amphitheater — 500 S. McDowell St., Raleigh
🗓 Dates: Friday, Dec. 5–Sunday, Jan. 4 (sessions vary—see site for times)
💸 Cost: $15 + fees for skaters (includes skates), $6 + fees for spectators

Don’t Miss This “Bah Humbug” Performance

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Step into the magic of the season with A Christmas Carol presented by Theatre in the Park! This beloved holiday classic comes to life with spirited performances, music, humor, and heart as Ebenezer Scrooge is guided through past, present, and future on a journey of redemption. It’s a timeless story filled with warmth, wonder, and just the right dose of holiday cheer—perfect for a festive night out with family, friends, or a holiday date.

📍 Location: Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts — 2 E. South St., Raleigh
🗓 Dates & Times: Fri, Dec. 5 | 7 p.m., Sat, Dec. 6 | 2 p.m. & 7 p.m., Sun. Dec. 7 | 2 p.m.
💸 Cost: Tickets range from $46-$135; prices vary by seating (advance purchase recommended)

🎄 (Holiday) Shop Till You Drop

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Downtown Raleigh turns into a festive outdoor marketplace with MAKRS Holiday Fest! Hosted by The MAKRS Society, this one-day holiday pop-up features 200+ local vendors, food trucks, live music, and plenty of holiday cheer. It’s the perfect spot to knock out your holiday shopping while soaking up the downtown buzz.

📍 Location: Fayetteville Street, Downtown Raleigh
🗓 Date & Time: Saturday, Dec. 6 | 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
💸 Cost: Free

Art Walk This Way…

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The beloved Boylan Heights ArtWalk returns for another vibrant afternoon of local creativity and community charm! Stroll the historic streets as front yards and porches transform into open-air galleries filled with paintings, pottery, jewelry, woodwork, and more. With festive neighborhood energy and dozens of local artists, it’s the perfect way to get out of the house while shopping small and supporting the creative community.

📍 Location: Boylan Heights, Raleigh
🗓 Date & Time: Sunday, Dec. 7 | 12–5 p.m.
💸 Cost: Free

Where the Lasagne Meets the Jazz ✨

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Get ready for a monthly dose of swing, soul, and savory comfort food—Sidecar Social Club is back with a residency at Figulīna! Catch their eclectic, high-energy sets from 5–8 p.m. on the first Sunday of every month, starting this Sunday, Dec. 7!

Spanning jazz, R&B, ’50s rock-and-roll, and funk, their sound is made for dancing, mingling, and soaking up vintage lounge energy. Pair the music with the special Lasagne Lounge menu by Chef David Ellis, featuring two types of lasagne and a curated selection of aperitivo bites—plus a full bar to keep the night flowing. 🕺

📍 Location: Figulīna — 317 S Harrington St., Raleigh
🗓 Dates: First Sunday of every month: Dec. 7, Jan. 4, Feb. 1, March 1 | 5–8 p.m.
💸 Cost: $10 at the door; reservations recommended but not required

Friday Five: Cue the November Vibes

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Spooky season’s behind us, and Raleigh’s easing into full-on fall mode with just a dash of pre-holiday magic (don’t worry, I’m not skipping over Thanksgiving like Joey). The air’s crisp, the coffee’s cozy, and the weekend’s packed with ways to soak up the season. From glowing gardens to early holiday markets, it’s the perfect time to slow down, bundle up, and savor these golden November days.

Without further ado… here’s your Friday Five.

But First… Santa’s Sneaking In

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We had such a blast riding The Great Raleigh Trolley last month for our Raleigh Dream Homes Trolley Tour that we couldn’t resist teaming up again—this time for a festive giveaway! 🎅✨

We’re giving away four tickets to The Great Raleigh Trolley’s Santa Express—a magical ride filled with Christmas cheer, story time, and a special visit from Santa himself. Visit their website to view available Santa Express dates (running Saturday, Dec. 6–Tuesday, Dec. 23, primarily on weekends). The winner will be contacted directly to book their four tickets based on availability.

Hop aboard this holiday adventure through the heart of Raleigh and make some merry memories along the way. Enter by Sunday, Nov. 30, for your chance to win!

Raleigh Just Got Brighter 🌙

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Moonlight in the Garden is back for another enchanting season! For the next three weekends, JC Raulston Arboretum transforms into a luminous wonderland of botanical beauty. Wander winding paths aglow with artful lighting, enjoy live music and local food trucks, and soak in a crisp November night surrounded by nature’s magic. Get your tickets early—this beloved Raleigh tradition sells out fast!

📍 Location: JC Raulston Arboretum – 4415 Beryl Road, Raleigh
🗓 Date & Time: Fridays and Saturdays, Nov. 7–22 (timed entries vary; view schedule online)
💸 Cost: $30 (+fees) general admission (advance purchase recommended)