All aboard, next stop is Boyce Farms. | Photo courtesy of Boyce Farms
The picturesque + real Christmas tree you’ve been looking for is closer than you think. We’ve rounded up four farms in Raleigh to shop, and we’re dropping tips to pick the perfect tree for you.
Raleigh farms
Boyce Farms | This family-owned + operated farm has choose-and-cut options as well as pre-cut options. Plus, the farm prides itself for fresh affordable trees.
Back Achers | For 40+ years, this family farm has offered hand-planted trees ranging from Carolina sapphires and Green Giant Arborvitaes to Virginia Pines and Cedars.
Cranberry Tree Farm | With three Triangle locations, this farm has plenty to offer, from classic Fraser Fir to White Pine.
Phillips Farms | Whether you’re searching for the perfect tree or a made-to-remember family experience, this farm is equipped with trees, wreath classes, and pictures with Santa.
Crochet Basics: Winter Headband | 4:30-6:30 p.m. | Athens Drive Community Library | Free | Get ahead of winter’s chills by learning to make a cozy headband.
Manhattan and Stone Fence Class | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Crude Bitters & The Bittery | $15 | Learn how to make two classic cocktails perfectly with unique ingredients.
Drop-In Improv Class | 7-9 p.m. | Raleigh Founded — North Street | $20 | Drop into this multi-level class to learn the basics of improv through play, expression + much more.
Friday, Dec. 6
“Cinderella” | 7:30 p.m. | Friday, Dec. 6-Saturday, Dec. 7 | Raleigh Little Theater | $30 | Celebrate 40 years of this classic rendition at this community theater.
Special Event: Tacarra Williams | Times vary | Goodnights Comedy Club | $25 | See this viral comical sensation do her thing live.
Saturday, Dec. 7
Cary Ballet Company’s “The Nutcracker” | Times vary | A.J. Fletcher Opera Theater | $25 | See this classic rendition performed by a 919-based ballet company.
Raleigh Foodie Fare | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Raleigh Iron Works | Price of purchase | Show up hungry to this mini food truck rodeo featuring food + art vendors, drinks, and more.
Try your hand at The TUNNEL, an interactive installation in City Plaza where visitors can control the speed, color, and patterns of the lit structure. | Photos provided by Downtown Raleigh Alliance
Looking for some lighthearted fun, RAL?
Downtown Raleigh Alliance’s Illuminate Art Walk returns for its fifth year on Friday, Dec. 6, and runs through Monday, Jan. 6.
New this year, join Raleigh Walking Tours for the Illuminate Art Walk Sip n’ Stroll Tour this Friday and Saturday or next weekend (Dec. 13 + 14) at 5:30 p.m.
City Club Raleigh announced that it will close after 45 years of business on Tuesday, Dec. 31. The social and business club will be replaced by Smith Anderson law firm, which will expand its offices into the floors currently occupied by City Club at the former Wells Fargo Tower. (Triangle Business Journal)
Weather
Please, let it snow. The Triangle may see flurries Saturday night into Sunday morning as a cold front moves through. This comes after a chilly start to the week with temperatures expected to remain well below average. Find more weather trend insights for this winter in our winter weather guide. (The News & Observer)
Community
Raleigh City Council has approved contracts with local organizations to help prevent and reduce homelessness through a trio of strategies. Each program focuses on supporting people with maintaining their homes, finding quick housing for those who lose theirs, and helping those in shelters move into permanent housing faster.
Edu
Wake County schools will now have two full weeks off for winter break. The school board voted to change the return date from Friday, Jan. 3, to Monday, Jan. 6 after teachers raised concerns about low attendance. No makeup days will be required. (The News & Observer)
Try This
Chimney Rock Village in WNC, a ~5 hour drive from Raleigh, will host a holiday event Saturday, Dec. 14 to celebrate progress in rebuilding after Hurricane Helene’s devastation. The event, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., includes activities like photos with Santa, music, and free food, showcasing the community’s resilience as recovery continues. (The News & Observer)
More destinations to explore are popping up at RDU. | Photo via RDU Newsroom
Raleigh-Durham International Airport is expanding its international offerings with new flights in the new year. Yesterday, the airport announced routes to Montego Bay, Jamaica and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, adding to its ongoing expansion of destinations.
Beginning June 5, 2025, Air Canada will launch service to Vancouver, marking the 12th international route at RDU. The airline will also double its flights to Montreal starting May 2025.
Additionally, RDU announced new destinations to Bermuda starting April 11, 2025, operated by BermudAir. Trips will be available on Mondays + Fridays.
Quick facts: RDU has seen significant growth in international travel with an 88% year-over-year increase. Nearly 5.1 million passengers have flown through the airport this year, fueling its ongoing expansion.
Taking a flight from RDU soon? Save our RDU guide to have everything you need to know from food to parking information at your finger tips.
The Buy
The Buy
Champagne bottle savers. They fit all standard bottle necks to keep your sparkling wine from going flat — the perfect hack for upcoming holiday events and New Year’s Eve parties.
I wrote this newsletter while working in a cozy corner at Deja Brew Coffee House, and my working experience was seamless. My iced chai latte was delicious, the seating + outlets were plentiful, and the internet information was easy to find.
}})
