Setting the scene

Where does the meet cute happen?

How do they bond?

Where is the final scene?

• Bingo Night | Monday, Dec. 11 | 7-9 p.m. | The Long Leaf Hotel & Lounge, 300 N. Dawson St., Raleigh | Free | Get cozy on the heated patio and enjoy bevs while you mark your board.
• Illuminate Art Walk | Monday, Dec. 11 | Until 11 p.m. | Fayetteville Street, Raleigh | Free | Explore a variety of large-scale installations that glow in the night throughout the city.

• NC State Men’s Basketball vs. UT Martin | Tuesday, Dec. 12 | 7 p.m. | PNC Arena, 1400 Edwards Mill Rd., Raleigh | $10-$35 | Back the Pack against the Skyhawks.

• The Christmas Centerpiece Class | Wednesday, Dec. 13 | 6:30-8 p.m. | The English Garden Raleigh Florist, 8820 Gulf Ct., Ste. A, Raleigh | $65 | Make your holiday table shine and create a festive table addition with tips and tricks from a pro.
• Birth-Tay Ball | Wednesday, Dec. 13 | 7 p.m. | The Pour House Music Hall, 224 S. Blount St., Raleigh | $13-$18 | Celebrate Taylor Swift’s birthday with a night of dancing, drinks, and more Swiftie fun.
• “The 1940’s Radio Hour” | Wednesday, Dec. 13 | 8 p.m. | Theatre Raleigh, 6638 Old Wake Forest Rd., Raleigh | $32-$45 | This award-winning play includes music from the ‘40s and musical characters.

• Winter Candle Making at Ky’s Candles | Thursday, Dec. 14 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Fifi + Talbot, 300 W. Hargett St., Raleigh | $65 | Learn the science behind candle making and craft your own with Kyla from Ky’s Candles — all materials and extra treats will be provided.

1. The Savvy Oak Dough Bowl Candle is unique and smells amazing.
2. Holiday parties just got better with the savory Appalachian Trail Mix.
3. Glassware featuring our city’s skyline is a festive way to toast to the holidays.
4. Celebrate the city and state we all love with artwork great for any home or office.
5. Perfectly curated gift sets are excellent go-to presents for the holidays.

• Last week, we shared the news that Fiction Coffee was closing its doors. Today, the space is reopening as The Optimist, giving the popular coffee shop + local haunt a second location near Crabtree. The Optimist will also open a new location in 1000 Social + you can pick up brews in PNC Arena, too.

• Luxury handbag retailer Brahmin will open doors in Crabtree Valley Mall in February 2024. Brahmin sells fine leather goods ranging from $95 to upwards of $600 and is headquartered in Massachusetts. This is the seventh Brahmin store in the US and second in NC after Charlotte. (Triangle Business Journal)

• Get ready to ring in the new year with Umbrella Dry Bar — the zero-proof space will start serving guests Sunday, Dec. 31 for a ticketed New Year’s Eve party before a grand opening on Sunday, Jan. 5. Get tickets for the event and peruse the menu before stopping into this unique alcohol-free environment.

• The Zen Succulent is turning a new leaf and closing its downtown Raleigh location. The plant shop has stood on South Wilmington Street for nearly six years and will close for good after Sunday, Dec. 24. You can still visit the Durham location or order over 100 different plants online with nationwide shipping.

• UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz will become the next president of Michigan State University and step down as chancellor at UNC. Guskiewicz has been chancellor at UNC since 2019 and has been employed by the university for nearly 30 years. Guskiewicz will trade Tar Heel blue for Spartan green on March 4, 2024. (The News & Observer)

• The Geminids meteor shower is predicted to peak this Wednesday, Dec. 13 + Thursday, Dec. 14. According to NASA, this dazzling annual shower is considered “one of the best and most reliable.” Read up on where and when to catch the cosmic light show.

• Earlier this year, PBS program “Antiques Roadshow” traveled to Raleigh to meet vintage wares + their owners. The one-day event attracted folks from all over the state, and one piece was revealed to be worth $100,000. Three episodes filmed at the NC Museum of Art will air on PBS on April 1, 8, and 15. (INDY Week)

• Bon appétit. Start planning the ultimate foodie getaway to Greenville, SC. Choose from 200+ restaurants in downtown Greenville, a quarter of which are international dining destinations.*

• The only gift chocolate lovers want to see in their stocking? The sweet + oh-so-rich taste of custom (and often crunchy) holiday chocolate treats, poured daily at Brier Creek’s Rocky Mountain Chocolate.*

• Support your state’s soccer squad with North Carolina FC 2024 season tickets, available as you read this for as little as $12 per match. Membership perks are aplenty, like merch discounts + superb seating, and even special pricing for extra tix when friends and family tag along.*

• Here’s your chance to snag high-quality furniture at a serious discount. Ambiente Modern Furniture just announced its end-of-year Warehouse Clearance Sale, and everything from couches to dining chairs is available. Tip: Keep an eye on their stories to ask about any pieces that catch your eye.*

• Choose from luxurious retreats with beautiful views to affordable escapes close to the action. Book a stay in Greenville, SC.*

• Need a fun outing for a holiday girls’ night or a space to host your team for a work event — what about your kiddo’s next birthday? The Community Table at Lowes Foods has an abundance of two-hour private event options for parties up to 12. Here’s three parties we’d love to host (and attend).*