Raleigh Weekend

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

Your Weekend Guide to Raleigh

Your go-to weekend cheat sheet for Raleigh. Think of it like having a well-informed friend pointing out the coolest shows, food popups, and reason-to-get-out-of-bed plans — all tailored to what’s happening locally this weekend.

All Aboard for Peak Holiday Cheer: Christmas Trolley Tours With The Great Raleigh Trolley

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If your holiday calendar is still just a little open—or you’re just not ready to let the season slow down—The Great Raleigh Trolley is running Christmas-themed tours nearly nonstop through Tuesday, Dec. 23. With festive options like Santa Express, Hidden Holiday, and Cocoa & Caroling, there’s no shortage of ways to pack in one more dose of seasonal fun.

Saturday, Dec. 20, is especially stacked, with 10 departures throughout the day, making it easy to fit a trolley tour in between shopping, parties, and all the other holiday hustle. Departure times vary by tour, and tickets start at just $27.

📍 1610 Automotive Way, Raleigh
💸 Cost: Tickets start at $27
📅 Now through Dec. 23 (multiple daily departures; 10 tours on Saturday, Dec. 20)

When a Target Gift Card Won’t Cut It: Handcrafted Holiday Market at the NC State Fairgrounds

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If you’re staring down your holiday gift list and realizing a last-minute big-box gift card just isn’t going to impress, the Handcrafted Holiday Market is here to save the day. Packed with artisan-made goods, this two-day market is the perfect place to find thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gifts that actually feel personal.

Hosted at the NC State Fairgrounds Exposition Center, the market runs Saturday and Sunday, with admission covering both days—so you can browse, circle back, and shop with intention. Bonus: the Fairgrounds offers plenty of free parking, making this an easy stop during the holiday rush.

📍 NC State Fairgrounds – Exposition Center, Gate 12, 4285 Trinity Rd., Raleigh
💸 Cost: $5 online, $7 at the door; children 16 and under free (admission valid both days)
📅 Saturday, Dec. 20 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
📅 Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 | 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Last-Minute Holiday Card Energy: Pet Photos With Santa at Raleigh Brewing Company

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For anyone who didn’t quite pull off the coordinated outfits, professional photographer, printing and mailing timeline this year—first of all, you’re in good company. Second, Raleigh Brewing Company has a festive solution on Saturday that’s perfect for your social feed (or enthusiastic email oversharing).

Bring your real bestie 🐾 to Pet Photos With Santa for a cheerful, low-pressure photo session with the big guy himself. Dress your pup in their holiday finest, grab a pic with just your pet or the whole crew, and let Santa do the heavy lifting when it comes to holiday content. Digital photos will be provided after the event, so you can share far and wide—seriously, bring it on.

A suggested $20 donation supports Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue, and all pets must remain leashed or in carriers during the event.

📍 Raleigh Brewing Company, 3707 Neil Street, Raleigh
💸 Suggested donation: $20 (benefits Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue)
📅 Saturday, Dec. 20 | 2–4 p.m.

One Last Sweet Stop Before Santa Arrives: Gingerbread House Party at Wolfe & Porter

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Wolfe & Porter is hosting a Gingerbread House Party on Sunday, Dec. 21, offering a cozy, competitive way to squeeze in one more holiday memory with your pals before Santa makes his rounds. From 6–8 p.m., guests can grab a drink, build a gingerbread house, and enter it into a friendly competition for a prize.

Gingerbread house kits and decorating supplies are provided on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Once the decorating is done, the houses will be featured on Instagram, where the public will vote to crown the winner. It’s equal parts holiday cheer, creative fun, and festive fuel—perfect for a final seasonal night out.

📍 Wolfe & Porter, 905 W. Morgan St., Raleigh
💸 Cost: Free to attend; drinks available for purchase
📅 Sunday, Dec. 21 | 6–8 p.m.

A No-Clutter Gift for the Bourbon Lover in Your Life: Bourbon & Bites Saturdays at The Oak

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If you’re hunting for a holiday gift that doesn’t add another bottle to an already crowded bar cart, Bourbon & Bites at The Oak checks just about every box. These Saturday tasting experiences run throughout January, making them an easy buy-now, enjoy-later gift for the whiskey fan—or food lover—in your life.

Each semi-private session features a guided bourbon tasting paired with thoughtfully prepared culinary bites, blending education, flavor, and hospitality into one memorable afternoon. Whether you’re shopping for a seasoned bourbon enthusiast or someone who simply enjoys a great experience, this is a gift that feels both elevated and approachable.

📍 The Oak, 4035 Lake Boone Trail, Raleigh
💸 Cost: $60 + tax + gratuity per person
📅 Saturdays: Jan. 3, Jan. 10, Jan. 17, Jan. 24, or Jan. 31 | 1:30–3 p.m.

Friday Five: Walkin’ in a (Raleigh) Winter Wonderland

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We may have only gotten a little bit of snow in Raleigh—but stick around because there’s a flurry of events happening around town this weekend! Holiday event season is officially in full swing, and the City of Oaks is keeping your cals full with holiday markets, pop-up bars, and lots of other merry festivities. And there’s ~snow~ place like home this time of year! Without further ado, here’s your Friday Five.

But First… Help Us Spread a Little Extra Cheer

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Instead of a giveaway this month, we’re asking Raleigh Weekend readers to choose where we donate $100 on Wednesday, Dec. 31. Choose from our list of local nonprofits: The Women’s Center, Friends of Wake County Animal Center, Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, Read and Feed, and CASA—or suggest your own favorite cause. Cast your vote and help us make an impact in our community this holiday season!

Get in the Holiday Spirit(s) 🍸

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Eat, drink, and be merry at a slew of holiday pop-up bars around Raleigh, all featuring decor galore and drink specials that are sure to get you in the jolly spirit. From Wye Hill’s tropical-esque Sippin’ Santa to Watts & Ward’s new A Dickens Christmas to Miracle at Killjoy, Raleigh Mag’s curated list has a themed pop-up with your name on it—most of which are running through the end of the year. ‘Tis the season!