Embrace the holiday giving season with this guide that’s got something for everyone, including local finds. | Graphic by 6AM City
Season’s greetings, Raleigh. Holiday shopping time is upon us — look no further than these 90+ gift ideas, including unique local treasures and the season’s hottest items.
Ceneda large cooler bag | $24.99 | This insulated, leak-proof tote is perfect for family road trips, beach trips, and everything in between.
Car backseat organizers | $34.99 | Speaking of road trips, these backseat car organizers are every parent’s best friend + come complete with a tablet holder.
200 Kids Conversation Cards | $38.95 | Transform family dinners with a conversation-starting card game that asks kids and adults fun and meaningful questions.
Gifts for your significant other
Local pick:Triangle Wine Company gift card | $10+ | We’ll toast to that. Or give your person a hand-picked bottle of wine to enjoy together.
TheraGun Mini Massage Gun | $199.00 | A compact and travel-sized deep tissue massager that can relieve sore muscles and speed up recovery in between workouts.
Sherpa-lined flannel shirt jacket | $76.95+ | Choose your favorite plaid pattern + snag them a warm jacket great for hiking, trekking, and camping all season long.
“From the library of” book embosser | $18.99+ | For the partner who loves to read, this personalized gift will add flair and meaning to their home library.
Gifts for students
Local pick:321 Coffee X NC State coffee beans | $18 | This one’s for your Wolfpack student — this dark roast will keep them going on late nights.
Crock-pot electric lunch box | $42.99 | Commuting students and interns can have hot meals on the go with this portable Crock-pot.
Cropped puffy vest | $36.97+ | A stylish vest for warmth walking to classes.
Trivia Night: Thanksgiving | 7 p.m. | Sports & Social Cary, Cary | Free | Play a friendly round of Turkey Day trivia.
Karaoke at Neptunes | 9 p.m. | Neptunes Parlour | Free | Sing your heart out to your favorite tunes.
Thursday, Nov. 14
Kim Deal Listening Party | 3 p.m. | The Pour House Music Hall Record Shop | Free | Vibe to the sounds of this all-around musician and alternative rock singer.
Pottery + Plants | 6-9 p.m. | Artspace | $85 | Create a personalized ceramic plant pot from scratch.
NCMA After Hours | NC Museum of Art | Free | Enjoy an evening full of events, including a sound bath and personalized artist-led tours.
Friday, Nov. 15
GLOWFEST | 7-10 p.m. | GLOW Fitness | Free | Celebrate GLOW Fitness’s two year anniversary with a glowing good time, featuring a DJ, activities, drinks, and more.
Thursday, Nov. 21
Village District Holiday Open House | 5-8 p.m. | Village District Shopping Center | Free | Celebrate the start of the holiday season with a free evening of seasonal festivities, including holiday carolers, hot cocoa, photos with Santa, shopping + more.*
Barking Dog NYC will open its first NC location in North Hills’ Park District. The pet-friendly restaurant, known for breakfast, brunch, and comfort food, will offer outdoor seating for guests with pets. Stay tuned for an opening date.
Active
Local fitness coach Sammy Siegel will open Empire Training Academy in Raleigh’s Quail Corners Shopping Center in January. Expect a 4,000 sqft gym that offers a blend of group fitness + strength training. (Triangle Business Journal)
Seasonal
Markers market and community space Hartwell is hosting its third annual Christmas tree sale beginning Friday, Nov. 29 from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. Take your pick of trees, garlands, and wreaths of various sizes sourced from Ashe County.
Travel
Wilkesboro’s MerleFest 2025, set for April 24-27, will feature The Avett Brothers, Bonnie Raitt, The Dead South, Watchhouse, and more. The festival will be ~3 hours from downtown Raleigh and will see the return of the Late Night Jam hosted by Sam Bush. Tickets are on sale now, with additional lineup announcements expected soon.
Open
Sam Nguyen, an education specialist, opened Say It With Glass in Carrboro’s South Green shopping center back in September. The colorful art studio, located in the former Craftboro Brewing Co. space, offers glass art for all skill levels, focusing on creativity and self-expression. (The News & Observer)
Try This
Need appetizer inspo? We’re eyeing these fig and goat cheese bites that are the perfect combination of sweet and savory + ready in 10 minutes or less. Get the recipe.*
Home
Mews at Holding Village brings new meaning to home for the holidays this season with move-in-ready townhomes that offer open-concept spaces, scenic lake views, and modern amenities. Tour a model home on Saturday, Nov. 16.*
Read
Searching for unbiased national news? Subscribe to 1440’s free, daily newsletter for fact-centric reporting on business, entertainment, sports, culture, politics, and more.*
Shop
Unwrap the season’s best audience exposure with us. Our 2024 Holiday Gift Guide is the perfect place for your product to be seen by 62,847+ potential shoppers looking for gifts. Secure your spot just in time for the season’s festivities.
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Traffic
🚘 Free downtown parking in Raleigh
Blount street parking deck is one of four free decks in Raleigh until January. | Photo via City of Raleigh
The City of Raleigh’s free parking pilot launches this Friday, Nov. 15, and it includes five city parking decks. Drivers will be able to park at no cost for two hours once per weekday from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Parking decks included in the pilot program include:
Blount Street Deck, 314 Blount St.
City Center Deck, 429 S. Wilmington St.
Moore Square Deck, 233 S. Wilmington St.
Municipal Complex Deck, 201 W. Morgan St.
Wilmington Street Station Deck, 117 S. Wilmington St.
City owned parking decks not included in the program will remain free after 7 p.m. on weekdays + weekends.
Free parking at the designated decks will run until January, aiming to attract traffic to local businesses. As the holidays roll in, this marks the perfect time to shop local, eat at local gems, and enjoy activities downtown.
I’m getting the details for Thanksgiving ironed out, and it seems like I’ll be hosting a lot more people than I initially bargained for. As you guys know, I don’t like cooking, so I’ll likely be picking up a few items to enjoy at home. Have you finalized your plans yet? Let me know.
