• Raleigh Fashion Fest: Holiday Shop & Show at Crabtree 2023 | Thursday, Dec. 14 | 5-9 p.m. | Crabtree Valley Mall, 4325 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh | $0-$20 | Shop from vendors, watch a collaborative fashion show at 7 p.m., and participate in a silent auction benefiting The American Cancer Society.
• Art of the Brick: An Exhibition of LEGO® Art | Thursday, Dec. 14-Saturday, Jan. 6 | Pleasant Valley Promenade, 6240 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh | $20-$25 | See the “12 Days of Christmas” sculpture along with more than 90 colorful exhibits before the exhibition leaves Raleigh on Jan. 7.

• GingerBuild Houses & Hops | Friday, Dec. 15 | 7-9 p.m. | Marbles Kids Museum, 201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh | $25 | Decorate your own edible gingerbread house at this special 21+ holiday event.

• Museum Tour in ASL | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | NC Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh | Free | Adults who are deaf or hard of hearing can join this two-hour docent-led museum tour in American Sign Language.
• Blount St. Historic Homes Raleigh Walking Tour | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 11 a.m. | Sidewalk outside of the Heck-Andrews House, 309 N. Blount St., Raleigh | Pay-what-you-can | Explore the rich history and architectural beauty of the Blount Street neighborhood.
• Kill ‘Em With Kindness Drag Brunch | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 11:30 a.m. | Fox Liquor Bar, 237 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh | $50 | Gather down in the den (below Beasley’s) for a day of food, drink, and drag.

• Carolina Hurricanes vs. Washington Capitals | Sunday, Dec. 17 | 6 p.m. | PNC Arena, 1400 Edwards Mill Rd., Raleigh | $42-$350 | Watch the Canes challenge the Caps on home ice.

• NC State football signed a new quarterback to the Pack. Coastal Carolina transfer Grayson McCall committed to the team yesterday with one year of eligibility left. The new QB is a three-time Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award semifinalist. (The News & Observer)

• GalaxyCon is adding a vibrant event to its fandom calendar called Animate. Featuring voice actors — like Richard White, the voice of Disney’s Gaston — costume contests, panel discussions, and more, this celebration of all things animated will take place at the Raleigh Convention Center from Jan. 5 to Jan. 7, 2024.

• Southern Entertainment recently announced a new three-day outdoor music festival in CLT’s uptown called Lovin’ Life Music Fest. Running May 3 through May 5, 2024, Post Malone, Stevie Nicks, and Noah Kahan will headline the fest with more artists to come — dreams do come true.

• Help decide how city funds are distributed in next year’s budget. Vote for your favorite project to decide how $200,000 per district is utilized. Raleighites have until Dec. 31 to share their thoughts.

• Did you know? Lowe’s Home Improvement stores host free kid’s workshops, and there are two fun ones coming up. Sign your child up to build a holiday delivery truck this Saturday, Dec. 16 or let your mini DIYer create their first toolbox on Jan. 20, 2024. Both workshops are located at 1575 US Hwy. 70 W., Garner.

• Raleigh ranked No. 1 on online marketplace ConsumerAffairs’ list of the best cities for first-time homebuyers. The report dove into nine key factors related to finances + quality of life, which found that the City of Oaks has the fifth highest financial friendliness score.

• Add some extra pep in your step during holiday shopping with festive tunes from legend Craig Woolard, lead vocalist for The Embers. Woolard will be making merry + spreading cheer in Crabtree’s Center Court every Saturday in Dec. from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.*

• North Carolina FC 2024 season tickets are currently on sale, starting as low as $12 per match. Secure your spot in the stands for you and your loved ones and enjoy killer perks like member discounts on merchandise + exclusive gifts and event invitations.*

• Enjoy a full 20% off the Fjord furniture collection at Ambiente Modern Furniture now through Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. Shop stylish + ergonomic recliners in a variety of fabrics and designs from the 82-year-old Norwegian furniture icon.*

• Tomorrow, Dec. 15, is your last chance to make a child’s holiday season with the Salvation Army Angel Tree program, which provides gifts for thousands of kids around the country. Simply select an Angel Tag at Crabtree, shop for your angel + drop off your gift at the Salvation Army table.*

• This FDA-registered, doctor-recommended vibrator is clinically proven to heighten arousal and help alleviate dryness, thanks to its ultra-flexible shape designed to hit all the right spots. (Even better? Our readers get 30% off.)*

FedEx deadlines

• Friday, Dec. 15 | 5-Day shipping
• Monday, Dec. 18 | 4-Day shipping
• Tuesday, Dec. 19 | 3-Day shipping (ground) + express saver
• Wednesday, Dec. 20 | 3-Day shipping (home) + 2-Day shipping (ground)
• Thursday, Dec. 21 | 2-Day shipping (home) + 1-day shipping (ground)
• Friday, Dec. 22 | 1-Day home delivery + same day

UPS deadlines

• Tuesday, Dec. 19 | UPS 3-Day Select
• Wednesday, Dec. 20 | UPS 2nd Day Air
• Thursday, Dec. 21 | UPS Next Day Air

United States Postal Service deadlines

• Saturday, Dec. 16 | USPS Ground Advantage + First-Class Mail
• Monday, Dec. 18 | Priority Mail
• Wednesday, Dec. 20 | Priority Mail Express