Support Us Button Widget
Sponsored Content
Culture

A bright idea for your weekend

December 3, 2024 • 
Bethany Osborn
Sponsored by
A series of images featuring large lighted structures in square and pyramid shapes with people looking that the structures and taking pictures with their phones.

Try your hand at The TUNNEL, an interactive installation in City Plaza where visitors can control the speed, color, and patterns of the lit structure.

Photos provided by Downtown Raleigh Alliance

Looking for some lighthearted fun, RAL?

Downtown Raleigh Alliance’s Illuminate Art Walk returns for its fifth year on Friday, Dec. 6, and runs through Monday, Jan. 6.

Embark on a free, self-guided tour to see Fayetteville Street and Glenwood South transformed by thousands of colorful lights and towering structures, including a 16-foot tall Christmas ornament.

New this year, join Raleigh Walking Tours for the Illuminate Art Walk Sip n’ Stroll Tour this Friday and Saturday or next weekend (Dec. 13 + 14) at 5:30 p.m. Let’s glow.

More from RALtoday
RAL_WickedLittleBlueBakeshop
How to have a “Wicked” day in Raleigh... for good
“Wicked: For Good” hits theaters Friday, Nov. 21. Here’s how we’d spend one short day in Oak City like Elphaba + Glinda.
November 20, 2025
 · 
Allie Remhof
Kevin Aponte talks to actors in the seats during a Cruel Intentions rehearsal
Inside the local Raleigh theater scene: An interview with Kevin Aponte
We asked this local performer about his favorite venues, plays, and the best barbecue in North Carolina.
November 20, 2025
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
A crowd gathered at the annual Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting event.
Events
13 festive holiday season experiences in Raleigh
The 2024 holiday season is officially among us, and Oak City isn’t short on festive experiences. Grab your calendar and check out these experiences filled with tons of holiday cheer.
November 19, 2025
 · 
Allie Remhof
42nd Street Oyster Bar's neon signs glows in Raleigh.
Food
42nd Street Oyster Bar will reopen in February
After its March 2025 closure, a new team with ties to the former ownership group of 42nd Street Oyster Bar will reopen the Raleigh staple as early as February 2026. Read up on readers’ memories from this local gem.
November 18, 2025
 · 
Allie Remhof
RAL_SippinSantaWyeHill_NOV2025
Food
Start the holiday festivities at Sippin’ Santa at Wye Hill
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and Sippin’ Santa at Wye Hill — AKA the tropical holiday event of the year — is back through Dec. 28.
November 14, 2025
 · 
Allie Remhof
RAL_SlicePieCompany_AUG2025
Food
Where to buy holiday pies and desserts in Raleigh
Whether you’re shortening on time or need to impress the in-laws, our com-pie-lation of local bakeries will help you find the perfect sweet treat.
November 13, 2025
 · 
Allie Remhof
Two runners/walkers dressed as turkeys crossing a turkey trot finish line.
Sports
Run now, gobble later at these local turkey trots
Get ready to dash for drumsticks — there are seven turkey trots to get you up and moving on Thanksgiving Day around the City of Oaks.
November 11, 2025
 · 
Cat George
A Thanksgiving spread with turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and more.
Food
13+ reasons to not cook this Thanksgiving in Raleigh
Take the stress out of prepping and planning on Thanksgiving with these 13 restaurants + eateries offering takeout and dine-in seasonal feasts.
November 10, 2025
 · 
Cat George
GivingCampaignNov2025MapGREEN.png
City
Local news, powered by readers like you
Over the next 10 days, we’re launching a reader-driven campaign to sustain what we do best.
November 10, 2025
 · 
Staff
Flowers Filed in Dorothea Dix Park in June 2022.
Travel and Outdoors
Your guide to Dorothea Dix Park
Explore all 308 acres of Dorothea Dix Park and its top landmarks, history, and more.
November 6, 2025
 · 
Allie Remhof