The fun starts early on Dec. 31, at Tap Yard. Their family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration is perfect for all ages and starts at 5 p.m. with a host of exciting activities that your kids will love! There will be a balloon drop at 6 p.m., a dance party, face painting, a bubble machine, and more. And for the adults, the fun doesn’t stop! Stick around as they welcome the band “Vertigo” at 9:30 p.m. to rock the night away. Enjoy great music, drinks, and the company of friends to count down to midnight.
Friday Five: Sorry Thanksgiving Fans, Christmas Starts This Weekend in Raleigh
I know, I know, it’s November, but I can’t control what events are happening this weekend. While I do have one Thanksgiving event in the lineup, this Friday Five is all about Santa Claus coming to town. So, get ready to jingle those bells, it’s time for your Friday Five and it’s going to be a merry one.
But First… Nog, Nog. Who’s There?
It’s Lonerider with the return of their famous Southern Nog! For this month’s giveaway, two lucky winners will receive two bottles of this tasty spirit that is perfect for the season. Chill, pour into a glass, and garnish with cinnamon, mint leaves, or nutmeg. If you are a real outlaw, skip the garnish. Entering is as easy as serving this concoction; just complete the form for your shot!
Get Lit: Christmas Tree Lightings This Weekend
Kick off the holiday season with Downtown Raleigh’s Annual Tree Lighting on Friday, Nov. 17, and the North Hills Tree Lighting celebration on Saturday, Nov. 18. Both events will feature a vendor village, music, and more!
The Downtown Raleigh lighting is a Sip N’ Stroll Downtown event meaning you can walk into the footprint with a beverage from your favorite participating bar or restaurant. Cheers!
Deck the Halls: The Downtown Raleigh Christmas Parade is Saturday
There’s no surer sign of the holiday season quickly approaching than the return of one of Raleigh, N.C.’s best (and biggest) annual traditions—the ABC11 Raleigh Christmas Parade, on Sat., Nov. 18! An event truly made for the whole family, the parade provides endless entertainment in downtown Raleigh for one Saturday morning each year. visitRaleigh has a great guide of everything you need to know—the when, where, and how—about the this year’s parade!
Food Drive, Bike Ride, It’s Cranksgiving!
Cranksgiving at Crank Arm Brewing Company on Sunday, Nov. 19, is a fun choose-your-own-adventure event, all about riding a bike and giving back to our communities in need during the holiday season. Crank Arm will provide you with a list of essential food items to purchase, offer some challenges for bonus points, and give you a map of nearby grocery stores. However, how you choose to participate is entirely up to you!
Shop ‘Till You Drop: Raleigh Winter Festival Market
Head to the cobblestone streets to shop with THE BEST local craft artisans for all of your holiday shopping needs on Sunday, Nov. 19. Bring your pup out in a costume for a chance to win the dog holiday costume contest and enjoy a Carriage Ride by J&L Carriage. There is something for everyone!
An Early Christmas Present… WRK by The Optimist to Open at The Exchange Raleigh
I was excited to receive an email this week that included some exciting news… Dewitt Carolinas, Inc. announced that WRK by The Optimist would be their first food and beverage tenant at The Exchange Raleigh, its 40-acre mixed-use development in Midtown. The full-service coffee shop/cafe will be located within the retail suite of the lobby at 1000 Social, the flagship 12-story office tower at The Exchange, and adjacent to the main pedestrian entrance from the parking deck.