12.21.2023

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Weekend weather

Editor’s Note

Our offices will be closed Saturday, Dec. 23-Monday, Jan. 1 — meaning this will be the last edition of RALweekend this year. We’re sending everyone warm wishes and will be back in your inboxes in 2024.

A Christmas tree in front of Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts.

Happy holidays from RALtoday. | Photo by RALtoday

Happy holidays, friends. Your city editors wanted to take some time to reflect on how much fun our team had in the Raleigh community this year.

We got our hands dirty to help beautify a local trail with The Great Raleigh Cleanup — stay tuned for more in the new year — we broke news + watched dreams turn into reality, we had the chance to feature a ton of movers-and-shakers in our community, and we dove into local history.

Thank you for your readership and support — we can’t wait to see what stories Raleigh has up its sleeve for 2024. 💚

P.S., your city editor’s work was fueled by — too many to count — lattes from local coffee shops like Jubala, Iris Coffee Lab, and Black & White Coffee Roasters in 2023 (and most likely in 2024, too).

Keep reading to fill your days with even more holiday cheer.

Events

Friday, Dec. 22

Oakwood24 Run/Walk 24 Hours to Support Recovery | Friday, Dec. 22-Saturday, Dec. 23 | 9 a.m. | Historic Oakwood Cemetery, 701 Oakwood Ave., Raleigh | Free | This 24-hour run benefits addiction recovery center Healing Transitions — register for six, 12, and 24-hour time slots or a new relay to help raise money for those facing addiction.
Petty Thieves: A Tribute to Tom Petty | Friday, Dec. 22 | 7 p.m. | The Pour House Music Hall, 224 S. Blount St., Raleigh | $12-$15 | Rock along to Tom Petty classics like “Free Fallin” with these heartbreakers + a White Stripes-influenced opener.
Goodnights Presents: Gareth Reynolds | Friday, Dec. 22-Saturday, Dec. 23 | 7:30 + 10 p.m. | Goodnights Comedy Club, 401 Woodburn Rd., Raleigh | $10-$36 | Laugh along with this American-British comedian.
Craig Shoemaker | Friday, Dec. 22-Saturday, Dec. 23 | Times vary | Raleigh Improv, 1224 Parkside Main St., Cary | $22-$72 | Laugh along with this stand-up comedian known for a variety of ‘90s TV shows and movies.

Saturday, Dec. 23

“The Polar Express” 3D | Thursday, Dec. 23-Sunday, Dec. 24 | Times vary | Marbles IMAX, 201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh | $9-$12 | Watch this holiday classic on the biggest screen in Raleigh.
Bring Out Yer Dead | Saturday, Dec. 23 | 7 p.m. | Lincoln Theatre, 126 E. Cabarrus St., Raleigh | $14-$130 | Rock out at this Grateful Dead tribute band’s holiday party.

Sunday, Dec. 24

Carolina Ballet Presents the Nutcracker | Sunday, Dec. 24 | 12 p.m. | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St., Raleigh | $40-$150 | Be blown away by the Carolina Ballet’s reimagined production of this classical performance.
The Rink Presented By UNC Health | Sunday, Dec. 24 | Times vary | Red Hat Amphitheater, 500 S. Salisbury St., Raleigh | $15 | 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.
Illuminate Art Walk | Sunday, Dec. 24 | 4:45 p.m. | Fayetteville Street, Raleigh | Free | Explore a variety of large-scale installations that glow in the night throughout the city.

Happy holidays (fun events this way)

Click here to have your event featured.

Great Escapes

Our guide to Helen, GA

Great Escapes: Our guide to Helen, GA

Get a taste of Germany in a small town in Georgia. | Photo by @stephdantravel

If fall and winter are your favorite seasons, then I have the perfect getaway for you. Check out Helen, GA, an alpine village that’s known for its nature scenes, having one of the best Oktoberfest celebrations in the country, and transforming into a winter wonderland.

Why go? Despite only having a population of ~545 people, this alpine village is one of Georgia’s most visited cities (with plenty of reason) with fun for the whole family.
Act like a local: Hofer’s of Helen Bakery & Café is a must-try. This cafe’s menu + ambiance makes you feel like you’re in Germany. The Schwarzwälder Kirsch (Black Forest Torte) is to die for.
Where to stay: VRBO — Spectacular mountain chalet, short walk to downtown + activities ($270/night)

Helen is absolutely worth the planned trip. Trust us, you’ll make fall and winter memories that will last a lifetime.

More recs for Helen

Bonus message from our partner: If you’re looking to book this trip, Going offers all the affordable flight hacks from your home airport. Sign up here.*

The Buy

Weekend The Buy 12.21.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

A heated vest, jacket, or socks from Ororo so you’re actually comfortable this winter. Bonus: They make great holiday gifts, too.

Let us know what you think about RALweekend, a product of RALtoday, by answering a few quick questions.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
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