Heads up: We’re taking next week off. RALweekend will be back in your inbox on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023. Happy holidays, Raleigh.
City Editor Anne here. ❄️ It’s going to be extra cold this weekend, so be sure to bundle up if you plan to be outside. Pro tip: Warm up with a steaming cup of local hot chocolate. I hope your weekend is merry and bright. ✨
Still looking to make plans? Check out these nine events happening in Raleigh this weekend, Friday, Dec. 23-Sunday, Dec. 25.
Visit Santa | Friday, Dec. 23-Saturday, Dec. 24 | Times vary | Crabtree Valley Mall, 4325 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh | $34.95-$45.95 | Share your wish list and snap a photo with Santa.
The Dessertery | Friday, Dec. 23 | Times vary | Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St., Raleigh | $25 | It’s the last night to enjoy this holiday-themed dessert café featuring elaborate holiday decor, all-you-can-eat sweets, and hot cocoa.
Saturday, Dec. 24
Winter Farmers Market | Saturday, Dec. 24 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | North Hills, 4191 Main at North Hills St., Raleigh | Free | Shop produce, seafood, meats, and baked goods at this mini market.
WRAL Nights of Lights | Saturday, Dec. 24 | Dorothea Dix Park, 1030 Richardson Dr, Raleigh | $30-$60 | It’s the last night to experience this drive-thru light show featuring local art installations, illuminated trees, and holiday light displays.
The Rink | Saturday, Dec. 24 | 12 p.m.-7 p.m. | Red Hat Amphitheater, 500 S.Salisbury St., Raleigh | $6-$11 | In addition to a large outdoor ice skating rink, this winter wonderland has fire pits, a 20-ft decorated tree, games, and a snack bar featuring hot cocoa.
Miracle at The Haymaker | Saturday, Dec. 24 | 5 p.m.-1 a.m. | The Haymaker, 555 Fayetteville St., Raleigh | Free | Sip on holiday drinks like the Yippee Ki Yay served in Santa’s boot at this holiday pop up bar.
Sunday, Dec. 25
Illuminate Art Walk | Sunday, Dec. 25-Saturday, Jan. 14 | All evening | Fayetteville St. and Glenwood South districts, Raleigh | Free | Sip N’ Stroll your way through this year’s light installation featuring an international exhibit that’s made appearances at Burning Man.
NC Chinese Lantern Festival | Sunday, Dec. 25 | 6-10 p.m. | Koka Booth Amphiteatre, 8003 Regency Pkwy., Cary | $15-25 | This year’s event will feature 40+ new displays, all crafted by Chinese artisans and comprised of hundreds of parts and thousands of lights.
Impress your guests with these three holiday cocktails, courtesy of Young Hearts Distilling. 🍹
Outdoors
ICYMI, new biking trails will son open to the public at RDU. The land, known as the “286 property,” will become an extension of Lake Crabtree County Park. 🚴🏻
Plan Ahead
Looking for New Year’s Eve plans? Check out these 23 NYE events to ring in 2023. From 12 p.m. to well past 12 a.m., the City of Oaks has plenty of opportunities to celebrate. 🎉
Asked
What can we answer for you about Raleigh in 2023?Tell us your burning questions about the City of Oaks — we’ll go out and find the answers.
GREAT ESCAPES
Our guide to Cedar Key, Florida
Great Escapes: Our guide to Cedar Key, Florida
There’s not a lot of places to go for a swim in Cedar Key, but you can go for a dip at the City Park or enjoy a nighttime stroll. | Photo by 6AM City
North Florida’s Cedar Key is a tiny island the size of about two Ybor Citiesand has fewer than 900 permanent residents, but it pulls in thousands of visitors throughout the year for its amazing seafood, arts festivals, and fishing.
Why go? Nothing screams Old Florida quite like Cedar Key. Yes the island is home to incredible fishing and funky artists, but also reminds us of the beauty of slow, outdoorsy Florida living.
Outdoors: Book a ride with Tidewater Tours. The guides walk you through both the history of the area and the surrounding keys, and point out native wildlife along the way ($35).
Vrbo: A downtown cottage right in town (~$154/night)*
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.*
Need a gift that only takes a few mouse clicks? Gift three, six, or 12 months of an Audible Premium Plus membership. They’ll get one credit a month good for any title, plus instant access to thousands of books and podcasts inThe Plus Catalog. Hello, future book club. 📚*
Travel
How does Scott’s Cheap Flights work? Sign up for free, follow up to five airports, and Scott’s will notify you when flights are 40-90% off. Bonus: You can browse deals immediately after signing up (like a $300+ round trip to Bermuda). 🌴*
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