Meet Holiday Hub: Downtown Raleigh’s all-in-one gift guide, events cal + directory
Presented by Downtown Raleigh Alliance
Shop local this season. | Photos provided by Downtown Raleigh Alliance, Videri Chocolate Factory, Parcero Gift Shop, Raleigh Wine Shop
Downtown Raleigh is made up of over 90% locally owned stores. And shopping local is not just a great way to uplift our community and economy — it’s also one of the best ways to find one-of-a-kind gifts for your loved ones, like:
Beer and wine: For the local who loves sampling bevs at Tasty Beverage Co. or Hippo Wine Bar, who’d love to add Triangle products to their collection
Clothing and accessories: For the fashion-forward friend who adores curating looks from shops like Edge of Urge and Ealdwine
Vintage and resale shops: For retro enthusiasts who love browsing Unorthodox Vintage, finding history-laden gems for their homes
Flowers and plants: For the green thumb-holder who frequents Copperline Plant Co. or brightens up their home with blooms from TG Floristry
Gourmet foods: For the culinary explorer who loves local flavor, how about a Best in Snow sampler from Videri Chocolate Factory or beans from 321 Coffee?
Art + antiques: For the decor devotees searching for pieces that capture Raleigh’s artistic spirit from Munjo Munjo, DECO, Parcero Studio, or Father & Son
Jewelry: For the king or queen who loves sparkle, like pieces from local artisans Kenda Kist or Quercus Studio
Music: For those who live for shows at The Pour House or Sorry State, and who are always on the lookout for new sounds
Wellness: For locals who hike Umstead Park, take classes at Current Wellness, or are always at Adara Spa or Self Care Marketplace
To make celebrating the season locally even easier, Downtown Raleigh Alliance has put together the Holiday Hub, a complete guide to all things festive and fun for the holidays in Downtown Raleigh:
The DTR Gift Guide: Curated guide with hand-selected products + gift ideas from Downtown Raleigh retailers
Celebrate the Season: Listings of family-friendly and special holiday experiences, including the Illuminate Art Walk
Savor the Season: Holiday-themed sweet treats, cocktails + more
Silent Night Disco | 9-11 p.m. | AVA Rooftop Bar, Cary | $15 | Put on headphones and dance to the beat of your own little drummer boy at this holiday-themed silent disco.
Gladys Knight | 8 p.m. | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts | $100+ | This legendary singer has been performing since the ‘60s and is still belting at 80 — see her live.
Under the Harvest Moon — Paint and Sip | 7 p.m. | Pinot’s Palette | $39 | Celebrate autumn with this fall-themed masterpiece — no artistic talent needed.
Sunday, Nov. 24
Raleigh Ghost and Urban Legend Walk | 8-9 p.m. | Williams Courtyard | $10 | This spooky tour shares some of Raleigh’s scariest true crime and ghost stories.
SuperBloom Comedy Show | 7:30 p.m. | The Pour House Music Hall | $10 | This monthly comedy show features the best + brightest comics from the area and the nation.
Crafted by the renowned five-time James Beard-nominated Chef Scott Crawford, Crawford’s Genuine serves up NC Southern dishes for lunch and dinner, and now breakfast, at the airport. (We have our eyes on the savory Short Rib Hash and the sweet French Toast. Yum.)
Take a swing. Indoor golf club + lounge Golf Golf Golf will open its doors in east Raleigh on Monday, Dec. 2. Featuring two hitting bays and an indoor green, owner Sam Ratto says the spot will have a laid-back vibe with prices starting at $40 an hour — it gets cheaper the more friends you bring.
Coming Soon
Local vibrant coffee shop Lucky Tree will open a new location in Moore Square, the former home of Square Burger, in 2025. The space has a sweeping patio and will serve the same coffee and menu as its west Hillsborough Street location across from Meredith College. (Triangle Business Journal)
Plan Ahead
Here’s what you need to know ahead of tomorrow’s Raleigh Christmas parade as it makes its way through downtown. The parade will block portions of Hillsborough, Salisbury, Morgan, Fayetteville + Lenoir streets, and all downtown parking decks are free for the parade. Permitted vehicles have gone through rigorous safety checks before joining the parade. (The News & Observer)
Seasonal
Do you wish you had a seat at the Thanksgiving table of Raleigh’s top chefs? Read up on their top holiday meal tips, from seasoning your bird the right way to embracing the chaos of Turkey Day. (The News & Observer)
What locally owned business will you be shopping at for Small Business Saturday? Let us know your favorite Oak City small business for a chance to be featured in an upcoming newsletter. Bonus points if you share what items you’re excited to buy.
Giveaway
Win the ultimate Wolfpack sweepstakes: an NC State Football Jersey Autographed by QB Grayson Allen, RB Jordan Waters, OT Tim McKay & WR KC Concepcion; a booth for 6 during the game vs. North Carolina, and a $150 gift card for Cary’s Sports & Social. See details + enter to win.*
Open
Did you know there’s a new, private pre-performance lounge space downtown at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts? Showergoers can stop by before performances (and again at intermission, of course) for a complimentary drink + small bites. Take a peek inside.*
Real Estate
Dreaming of a new home for the holidays? This brand-new, move-in-ready townhome community in Wake Forest features outdoor amenities in all directions, plus an open-concept kitchen and living area that will have you ready to host the entire family. Explore the luxe spaces.*
Listen
What happens when you combine German engineering with the world’s most trusted name in hearing care? The biggest breakthrough in hearing technology in more than a decade. Join 400,000+ people hearing better than ever with the Horizon hearing aid. (Did we mention the 45-day no-risk trial?)*
Category
Live
♐️ Street signs, meet star signs
Some might say Raleigh’s neighborhoods are written in the stars. | Photo by RALtoday
One of the most lovable things about Raleigh is the distinct character found in each neighborhood, district, and corner of town. They all have their own personalities and purposes — some would say it was written in the stars. Let’s take a look at how our neighborhoods align with the zodiac signs.
Sagittarius: Brier Creek | Nov. 22-Dec. 21 As an adventure seeker, you’ll be able to make a speedy getaway from Brier Creek with close proximity to Raleigh-Durham International Airport.
I can’t wait for the Christmas parade tomorrow — I’m planning on watching from State of Beer’s patio with a breakfast burrito in one hand and Left Hook in the other.
