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.

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: We’re All Checking Out Early

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Happy Thanksgiving, Raleigh friends! We’re sliding into your inbox early this week because, let’s be real—by Friday, most of us are going to be fully checked out (and honestly, we hope you are). Whether you’re in a food coma, road-tripping to see family, or strategically avoiding the sink full of dishes, the last thing you need is a newsletter arriving while you’re already mentally in sweats.

So yes, I’m one of those people too. I’ll be shopping, snacking, and pretending I’m “just browsing,” thank you very much. With that energy in mind…without further ado, here is your Friday Five—early!

What’s For Thanksgiving Dinner?

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Still have no idea? No worries! The Raleigh Food & Wine team rounded up a handy list of restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 27—so whether you’re craving the full turkey-and-trimmings spread or just want someone else to handle dinner, you’ve got options. Skip the kitchen chaos and check out every Raleigh spot serving on Turkey Day.

But First… It’s Your Last Chance to Win Four Tickets to The Great Raleigh Trolley’s Santa Express

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All aboard for some holiday magic! We’re partnering with our besties at The Great Raleigh Trolley to give away four tickets to this year’s Santa Express, a festive ride filled with Christmas cheer, story time, and a special visit from the big man himself. It’s one of Raleigh’s most charming holiday traditions—and you could be on board.

📅 Santa Express runs Saturday, Dec. 6–Tuesday, Dec. 23 (mostly weekends)

💸 Enter for your chance to win four tickets
📍 Winner will book their preferred date based on availability

Ready to make some merry memories? Register here for your chance to win—and keep an eye on your inbox to see if you’re our lucky winner!

Miracle® at The Haymaker Is Holiday Chaos—in the Best Way

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If Jack Skellington and Buddy the Elf ever teamed up to open a cocktail bar, it would absolutely look like Miracle at The Haymaker. I got a sneak peek earlier this month, and the whole place feels like you stepped into a delightfully spooky Christmas fever dream—twisted tinsel, moody “Nightmare Before Christmas” energy, and photo ops that are basically begging for your camera roll.

Miracle® started in New York City back in 2014 and has become a worldwide holiday pop-up tradition, and Raleigh’s Haymaker goes all in every year. For 2025, the theme is A Very Scary Merry Christmas—think classic Miracle sparkle with a mischievous, Tim Burton-ish wink. The drink menu is stacked with seasonal cocktails (plus non-alcoholic options), and the immersive decor is half the reason to go. It’s over-the-top, campy, and ridiculously fun—exactly the kind of place that makes a night out feel like an event.

📍 Location: The Haymaker – 555 Fayetteville St #115, Raleigh
🗓 Date & Time: Runs through Wednesday, Dec. 31
💸 Cost: $5 GA Thurs–Sat / Fast-pass $20 at door (limited) / 21+ only / Cocktails & NA options for purchase