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57º | Clear skies | 2% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:17 a.m. | Sunset 5:02 p.m.

 

🍿 Straight out of a holiday movie

Answered: Our readers create a Hallmark holiday movie fit for Raleigh

Christmas decor at The Angus Barn
Is The Angus Barn the perfect setting for a Hallmark movie? Our readers share their thoughts. | Photo by RALtoday
Raleigh has not yet been home to a Hallmark holiday movie set, so we decided to do the hard work for the TV channel. We asked our readers to cast + write a Raleigh-themed holiday movie — here are your responses.

Where does the meet cute happen?

"Miracle at The Haymaker. He orders a ‘Yippie Ki Yay Mother F------!’ and she comments that ‘Die Hard’ isn’t a Christmas movie. Chaos ensues!” - Elizabeth C.

Saving Grace. They are passionate about rescuing animals!” - June G.

“They’ve run into each other before, she was a vendor at the NC State Fair, and he was nothing but rude. Now when he took his niece to the NC Asheboro Zoo, they quite literally run into each other again.” - Jordan B.

“On the greenway network.” - Nanette N.

Two festive holiday drinks.

Try this: The Christmapolitan served in a classic coup glass at The Haymaker.

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Photo by RALtoday

How do they bond?

“Shared love for the most heavily seasoned everything bagel in town at Benchwarmers.” - Sarah B.

“Over love of coffee — chain brand versus local favorite like 321 Coffee.” - Mary S.

“He works at Angus Barn as the sommelier and tries to smooth over her holiday reservation incident with a bottle of wine.” - Vanessa N.

“Tobacco Road college sports rivalries.” - Betsy A., K. H., Casey S., Justice D., and Cyndi W.

What other plot points are there?

“He shows her the magic of a cookout tray, definitely with a giant Cheerwine.” - Riley B.

“British bloke falls for local man during a hockey tailgate.” - George S.

“They would have to help create a float for the Cary holiday parade, when Santa’s float suddenly goes kaput.” - Jordan B.

“Small town protagonist is scared of the big city and that it won’t be welcoming. They turn to find out Raleigh is a small-feeling big city. They learn this by experiencing the art, culture, holiday pop-ups, markets, and charm of Raleigh.” - Kevin B.

Find out the romantic ending + who our readers cast as the leads by clicking the link below.
A festive third act
 
Events
Friday, Dec. 15
  • Special Event: Joe Dombrowski | Friday, Dec. 15-Saturday, Dec. 16 | Times vary | Goodnights Pop-Up Club, 511 Woodburn Rd., Raleigh | $20-$25 | Laugh with this former teacher turned stand-up comedian.
  • “The 1940’s Radio Hour” | Friday, Dec. 15-Sunday, Dec. 24 | Times vary | Theatre Raleigh, 6638 Old Wake Forest Rd., Raleigh | $32-$45 | This award-winning play includes music from the ‘40s and musical characters.
  • Frost and Flame Fest | Friday, Dec. 15 | 4-9 p.m. | Downtown Cary Park, 327 S. Academy St., Cary | Free | In addition to treats, ice skating, and a holiday market, watch an ice carving battle, fire dancers, take photos with Santa, and much more.
Saturday, Dec. 16
  • Raleigh Holiday Sip N’ Stroll Treasure Hunt | Saturday, Dec. 16-Sunday, Dec. 24 | 2-3 p.m. | Crank Arm Brewing, 319 W. Davie St., Raleigh | $12-$20 | Complete festive puzzles and challenges throughout downtown to get into the holiday spirit.
  • Art Exhibit | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 7-9 p.m. | CAM Raleigh, 409 W. Martin St., Raleigh | $25 | Works from six artists will revolve around the question “What is it you’re calling into your life?” — tickets include food + bevs.
Sunday, Dec. 17
  • Indoor Yoga | Sunday, Dec. 17 | 3:30 p.m. | Dorothea Dix Park, 1030 Richardson Dr., Raleigh | Free | Connect with a yogi from Blue Lotus to recenter yourself in this open-level vinyasa-based flow.
  • Raleigh Ringers: Holiday Concert | Sunday, Dec. 17-Monday, Dec. 18 | 4 p.m. | $26 | Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St., Raleigh | $30 | This annual Raleigh tradition features music secular, religious, and with a rock-and-roll twist.
Monday, Dec. 18
  • Bingo Night | Monday, Dec. 18 | 7-9 p.m. | The Long Leaf Hotel, 300 N. Dawson St., Raleigh | Free | Get cozy on the heated patio and enjoy bevs while you mark your board.
  • North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival | Monday, Dec. 18-Monday, Jan. 8 | 6-10 p.m. | Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Pkwy., Cary | $9-$30 | Explore a variety of huge dazzling lanterns and cultural performances.
Happy Friday, Raleigh
Click here to have your event featured.
 
News Notes
Health
  • Wake County officials have confirmed three cases of norovirus stemming from Sushi Nine on Western Boulevard. Over 200 complaints have been yielded by the restaurant. Try to keep safe from the spread of this disease by taking necessary precautions like washing your hands thoroughly + regularly and follow food safety protocols.
Coming Soon
  • A new beer, wine bar, and bottle shop will open tomorrow, Dec. 16 in Cary. W.E.L.D. will welcome guests near Lochmere Golf Club and serve 13 rotating draft beers alongside wine by the glass and take-home options. Keep an eye out for trivia nights and more from this locally owned spot. (Triangle Business Journal)
Edu
  • Saint Augustine’s University has chosen a new interim president, Dr. Marcus H. Burgess. Dr. Burgess follows previous president Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail, who was fired from the university without explanation. (ABC11)
Open
  • Today, Durham will welcome its first Black-owened brewery, Proximity Brewing Company. The brewery specializes in IPAs — celebrate its grand opening with live music, Utensilz Optional food truck, and more fun tonight from 6 to 9 p.m. on Driver Street. Cheers! (The News & Observer)
Plan Ahead
  • Mark your calendars for March 6, 2024 for a book signing + talk from No. 1 New York Times bestselling author Holly Black and her new book “The Prisoner’s Throne,” a fantasy romance novel. This event will be held at NC State Witherpoon Student Center Cinema and tickets are on sale now — a seat includes a copy of the book.
Try This
  • Raise a mug to Escazú. Local chocolatier Escazú Chocolates’ hot chocolate was named one of the best in the nation, according to Yelp. The sweet shop has many variations, including spicy hot chocolate, peanut butter-infused, chocolate chai, and Xochiaya, which is more bitter and contains corn + honey.
Eat
  • In more sweet news, impress the whole holiday crew with treats from Layered Croissanterie — pre-orders are open now for a selection of flaky croissant creations, including layered rolls. Your pre-order window closes next Thursday, Dec. 21, so don’t wait. We’re eyeing the Santa Claws, savory Christmas Thyme, and Wrapper’s Delight.
Plan Ahead
  • Break out the boogie shoes + bell bottoms and ring in the new year with groovy beats, glitz, and glam at City Club Raleigh’s New Year’s Eve Disco Party, Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. Festivities include a disco dance-off, costume contest, bottomless bubbles, and lots of funky fun.*
Finance
  • This no-annual-fee balance transfer offer now lasts until 2025. Transferring your existing balance to a no-interest card could be the simple solution you’re looking for to finally get ahead of your payments. (Oh, and it offers cash back rewards on everyday purchases.)*
Seasonal
  • It’s time to Buck the Halls. There’s two days left of PBR Cary’s exciting holiday event, featuring drink specials, swag giveaways, and the chance to win big prizes. Join the fun on Friday, Dec. 15 for a Redneck Xmas, and on Saturday, Dec. 16 for a Ho Ho Hoedown. See details + RSVP.*
Holiday
  • We still remember our first visit with Ole Saint Nick, and we bet you do, too. Everyone’s favorite jolly gift-giver is back at Crabtree, taking photos, spreading cheer, and hearing kids’ holiday wishes. Details (including ways to win a $25 gift card) this way.*
Travel
  • Dashing through downtown in a one-horse open sleigh. Timeless tune, or weekend in New Bern, NC? Take advantage of a Hallmark-esque Holiday Event itinerary this season with a Winter Wonderland weekend getaway featuring carriages, ice skating, pup parades, and more. See what’s in store.*
 
Sports

⛹️‍♀️ Alley-oop

What to know about NC State’s undefeated women’s basketball team

A group of alumni on the court at Reynolds Coliseum.
A game in Reynolds Coliseum — or the Woodshed — gets loud as Wolfpack fans cheer on the women’s basketball team. | Photo by Mari Fabian
As of Dec. 15, the 2023-24 Wolfpack women’s basketball squad is undefeated after 10 games and ranked at No. 3 in the nation, according to the AP’s weekly poll — and the team is already making history.

In NC State’s matchup against Liberty on Dec. 10, freshman Zoe Brooks earned the team’s first triple-double — three stats hitting double digits in one game — since 2001 and second in team history. Brooks hit 12 rebounds, 10 assists, and 40 points in the game.

Tickets to support the Pack are only $10, even if you’re a Duke or UNC fan — just don’t call Reynolds Coliseum a small gym. Exciting upcoming games include the start of home ACC play against Florida State on Thursday, Jan. 4, and Duke + UNC matchups on Sunday, Jan. 21 and Thursday, Feb. 1, respectively.
The Buy

The Buy 12.15.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

This smart mug warmer that keeps beverages the temperature of your choice and has automatic shut-off.
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The Wrap
 
Allie Remhof.jpg

Today’s edition by:
Allie

From the editor
It was so fun reading all 30+ entries for today’s Hallmark holiday movie story, but I have to shout out some of my favorite submissions. George S. had an idea for a hockey love story between a “British bloke” and a local man falling in love at a Canes tailgate, played by P.J. Brennan and Matt Doyle.

Another submission by Major H. followed a story of a man from Cincinnati falling in love with the City of Oaks + a Raleighite — played by Cincy-connected George Clooney and ECU alum Sandra Bullock. I’m originally from Ohio, so this one really spoke to me. Thanks for your festive + heartwarming submissions — let us know if you have any more Raleigh holiday movie ideas to share.
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