City Editor Anne here. 👋 As you fill your weekend with fun plans, consider making time to give back to the City of Oaks. We’ve rounded up a handful of December causes to help spread the love in Raleigh. Check it out here.
Illuminate Art Walk | Friday, Dec. 2 | All evening | Fayetteville St. and Glenwood South districts, Raleigh | Free | Sip N’ Stroll your way through the opening night of this light installation featuring an international exhibit that’s made appearances at Burning Man.
First Friday Holiday Party & Market | Friday, Dec. 2 | 4-8 p.m. | The Burrow, 119 E. Hargett St., Raleigh | $5-$10 | This holiday party will feature live music, art, drinks, and vendors.
Tree Lighting Ceremony | Friday, Dec. 2 | 6-8 p.m. | Brier Creek Commons, 8181 Brier Creek Pkwy., Raleigh | Free | Meet at the Clock Tower to see Santa light the tree.
Saturday, Dec. 3
The Holiday Market at NCMA | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | NCMA, 2110 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh | Free | Browse the galleries, enjoy the Museum Park, and shop from a curated selection of local artists.
2022 Christmas Open House | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Joel Lane Museum House, 160 S. Saint Mary’s St., Raleigh | Free | Explore the oldest house in Raleigh during the holidays — there will be kids crafts like tin punching, candle dipping, and doll making.
Sip and Salsa | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 1-3 p.m. | Atlantic Gardening Company, 5217 Atlantic Ave., Raleigh | Free | Enjoy this salsa class led by instructor Jenny Geska — discounted happy hour drinks will be available for purchase.
Christmas sing-a-long | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 7 p.m. | Sola Coffee Cafe, 7705 Lead Mine Rd., Raleigh | Free | Join other carolers on the patio while you sip hot cider and munch on popcorn.
Sunday, Dec. 4
A Very Cheeni Holiday Open House | Sunday, Dec. 4 | 2-5 p.m. | Cheeni Indian Food Emporium, 1141 Falls River Ave., Raleigh | $15 | Be the first to sample the holiday cocktail menu, snack on small bites, shop from the bazaar, and enjoy wine and beer pairings.
An Evening with Chatham Rabbits | Sunday, Dec. 4 | 7 p.m. | Lincoln Theatre, 126 E. Cabarrus St., Raleigh | $19.50-$25 | Listen to this Americana duo from NC perform live.
Ripken can sit on top of fire hydrants, walk backwards up stairs, and do a handstand.
Photo provided by Melissa O’Donnell
Plan Ahead
Fill your calendar with seasonal fun with help from our guide to winter and holiday-themed events happening in and around Raleigh. Psst... there are 45+ events happening now through January to choose from. ❄️
Try This
The week of Thanksgiving, City Editor Anne had the pleasure of joining localchef and restaurateur Ashley Christensen in her kitchen to learn how to make Beasley’s iconic Pimento Mac and Cheese Custard. Check out the recipehere. 🧀
Feel Good
Meet Ripkin, the official bat dog for the Durham Bulls and the tee retriever for NC State Football. Bonus: He has an adorable younger brother. 🐶
Planning a getaway? Check out Atlanta, GA, a historic city with world-class arts, eats, and experiences.
Why go? The Georgia Aquarium — the largest aquarium in the country and among the largest in the world — is an awe-inspiring spot that’s perfect for the entire family.
Act like a local: Eat your way along Buford Highway, making sure to enjoy the pillowy, budget-friendly Dim Sum at Dim Sum Heaven.
Where to stay: This charming home that’s within walking distance to the Atlanta Zoo and the BeltLine.
Bonus message from our partner: If you’re looking to book this trip, Scott’s Cheap Flights offers all the affordable flight hacks from your home airport. Sign up here.*
SHOP
Seasonal
The perfect gift doesn’t exi — meet our local makers gift guide. Browse unique, handmade gifts crafted right here in Raleigh by sellers on Etsy. We’re talking holiday tic tac toe sets, personalized coloring books, and adult and child-size matching ear warmers. Get shopping. 🎁
Wellness
It’s officially December. The key to keeping your spirits up and avoiding seasonal affective disorder this time of year? Sunlight. Magic up more sunshineindoors with a light therapy lamp. This glare-free mood light is height and angle adjustable, while this subtly designed lamp lets you adjust light warmth and brightness. ☀️*
Pets
A holiday gift your pet (or your friend’s pet) will love: a monthly BarkBox filled with treatsand toys, all customized to your pup. There’s even monthly themes — we can’t wait to see what cuteness the December box will bring. 👀*
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