Benny & The Gins 🥃

1. Add brown sugar and water to a saucepan over medium-high heat; stir until sugar is dissolved.
2. Remove syrup from heat.
3. Let the syrup cool to a room temperature in the pan for about one hour.
4. Combine the syrup and spirits over ice in a mixing glass and stir.
5. Serve in a festive stemmed glass and garnish with four dashes of bitters.

Provided by Young Hearts Distilling

Winter Boulevardiers 🍊

1. Combine all spirits in a large container.
2. Store in an airtight bottle in your fridge or freezer for up to one month.
3. When ready to serve, garnish with an orange peel.

Provided by Young Hearts Distilling

Sleigh Bells 🧊

1. Combine the vodka, cranberry juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup in an ice-filled glass (we like a Collins glass).
2. Give it a stir and add the St. Germain.
3. Garnish with rosemary and cranberries.

• Visit Santa | Friday, Dec. 16-Saturday, Dec. 24 | 10 a.m.-8 p.m. | Crabtree Valley Mall, 4325 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh | $34.95-$45.95 | Share your wish list with Santa — plus, don’t miss a special photo opportunity with an ice princess on Saturday, Dec. 17.*
• GingerBuild Houses and Hops | Friday, Dec. 16 | 7-9 p.m. | Marbles Kids Museum, 201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh | $25 | The perfect date night or friend group activity — build and decorate your own edible gingerbread house at Marbles’ 21+ holiday event.*

• Winter Farmers’ Market | Saturday, Dec. 17 | 10 a.m. | The Commons, 4191 Main at North Hills St., Raleigh | Free | Shop this mini market with produce, seafood, meats, and baked goods.
• Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl | Saturday, Dec. 17 | 3-10 p.m. | Whiskey Rose, 401 N. West St., Raleigh | $9-$40 | Grab a tacky sweater and ring in the holidays with themed drink and food specials.
• Pattern Printed Gift Wrap Paper | Saturday, Dec. 17 | 3-5 p.m. | Artspace, 201 E. Davie St., Raleigh | $70 | Make your own gift wrapping paper through block printing and additive color mixing with instructor Nick Satinover (16+).

• Soccer Fan Fest | Sunday, Dec. 18 | 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. | Moore Square, 201 S. Blount St., Raleigh | Free | Watch the 2022 World Cup final as Argentina takes on France, plus, play games like Knockerball and soccer darts, and enjoy arts, crafts, a DJ, food trucks, and a beer garden.
• George Birge, Scotty McCreery & Kylie Morgan | Sunday, Dec. 18 | 5:30 p.m. | Lincoln Theatre, 126 E. Cabarrus St., Raleigh | $40 | Enjoy this Christmas show featuring Garner’s own Scotty McCreery.

• 53º | Sunny | 10% chance of rain ☀️

• CrossFit SERVE, a Raleigh-based gym, is opening a second location on Fayetteville Street on the ground level of the First Citizens Bank building. The new wellness spot is expected to open in January. 💪

• New Jersey-based biotech firm Catalent is expanding in NC with a new RTP facility. On Tuesday, the company received a Job Development Investment Grant from the NC Economic Investment Committee to create 201 jobs in Durham County over the next five years. (The News & Observer)

• Hanukkah sameach. This Sunday evening (Dec. 18) marks the beginning of Hanukkah — the Festival of Lights that lasts for eight days. Celebrate by attending the Downtown Raleigh Menorah Lighting at Duke Energy Center for Performing Arts at 5:30 p.m. 🕎

• The current influx of animals at the Wake County Animal Center endangers the center’s six-year record of avoiding euthanasia. Starting Monday, Dec. 19, any dog that’s been at the shelter for more than two weeks will be available for $25 and cats will be “name your price.” More ways to help.

• Cardinal Bikeshare, Raleigh’s bikeshare system, is seeking community feedback. Take this five-minute survey to let them know how they did in 2022 for a chance to win a free Annual Membership. 🚲

• Too cold to go outside? Experience Raleigh’s parks and perseveres through a new lens by taking a mobile tour. The tour is offered through text, audio, photos, and videos to help Raleighites explore at home.

• Congrats to @ohmyitsmaris, the winner of our North Hills Staycation Giveaway sponsored by North Hills. We wish you all some well-deserved rest + relaxation this holiday season. 🎉 *

• Searching for a last minute present? Give the gift of relaxation — Synergy Face + Body spa packages make a great gift for anyone in need of some TLC. 🧖 *

• As a full-service commercial real estate firm, Trinity Partners serves clients ranging from corporate users and investors to private developers and businesses. Bonus: The firm boasts 10 service lines including office leasing, property management + project management.*

• Calling all globetrotters. If exploring bucket list destinations while meeting like-minded travelers is one of your 2023 goals, consider booking a small group trip with Encounters Travel. See one of the seven wonders of the world on the Jordan & Egypt Explorer Trip or snorkel among diverse marine life on the Maldives Uncovered Tour.*

• Of all the challenges people have faced in 2022, 43% of buyers said finding a home that best suits their needs was the toughest challenge.*

• This Princeton grad’s startup raised $161 million to help people plan for retirement — its free tool can match you with up to three vetted financial advisors serving your area who can help you work towards financial freedom. Try it out for yourself.*

• Still shopping for the hunter or angler in your life? Sportsman’s Box, the leading gear discovery service for outdoorsmen, is adding a free $100 credit for all new members through Saturday, Dec. 31. Choose from nine leading brands with your first Sportsman’s Box and claim your free gift. 🎣 *

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Raleigh tours

• Raleigh Area’s Best Christmas Lights (Part 1) – South and West | Covers south Raleigh, Holly Springs, Cary, Apex, and Morrisville.
• Raleigh Area’s Best Christmas Lights (Part 2) – North and East | Covers north Raleigh, Wake Forest, Knightdale, and Wendell.