Shepherd’s Way Farms is in Laurel Springs and sells its WNC-grown Fraser firs here in Raleigh. | Photos provided by Shepherd’s Way Farms
North Carolina is the No. 2 producer of Christmas trees in the US thanks to the native Fraser fir. We talked to an expert about the industry and the effects Hurricane Helene had on WNC Christmas tree growers + farms.
According to Dr. Justin Whitehill, an assistant professor in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources at NC State, six to eight WNC Christmas Tree farms were severely impacted by Hurricane Helene and collectively lost $30+ million.
“As a whole, though, I would say the industry is very resilient,” Whitehill told RALtoday. “Since Christmas trees are a long term crop, in five to 10 years, we might see some impact from [Helene].”
Holiday Sips | Through Monday, Dec. 30 | 4 p.m.-12 p.m. | The Willard Rooftop Lounge | Price of purchase | Try up to four holiday-themed bevs featuring the Creature Comforts + Gather ‘Round the Campfire cocktails.
Illuminate Art Walk Sip n’ Stroll Tour | Friday, Dec. 13 + Saturday, Dec. 14 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Starts at NC Court of Appeals Building | Free | Grab a bev of choice and take a guided tour of seasonal lights — don’t forget to register in advance.
Saturday, Dec. 14
Brunch with Santa | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Birdie’s Barroom & Kitchen | $10+ | Have an all-you-can-eat brunch with Santa and grab family photos to cherish.
The Market at Seaboard Station | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Seaboard Station | Price of purchase | Shop local pop-ups at this homegrown market.
Gingerbread Jamboree | Saturday, Dec. 14 + Dec. 15 | Times vary | Marbles Kids Museum | $18+ | Create a core memory and make a personalized gingerbread masterpiece.
Sunday, Dec. 15
DIY Chunky Knit Blankets | 1-3 p.m. | Joy Worthy Co. | $29+ | Cozy up under your own homemade blanket this winter.
Magnet program applications are due January 23, 2025. | Photos provided by Wake County Public School System
Does your little one already seem to love all things science, exploration + tech? Are you hoping to help them build concrete life skills like critical thinking, computation, and problem-solving?
Enter: Wake Forest Magnet Elementary School iSTEM Program — an innovative curriculum that pairs the principles of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) with an engaging, hands-on learning environment.
At Wake Forest iSTEM, student spaces are designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and encourage collaboration and analysis. The goal? To prepare children K-5 to thrive in a world that’s rapidly changing by equipping them with the flexible skills they need to succeed academically and socially.
Plus, Wake Forest iSTEM also offers language classes in Mandarin and Spanish, giving students valuable cultural insights and helping them build in-demand language skills to prepare for an increasingly global economy.
Want an inside look? Sign up for a tour or stop by the Magnet Showcase Open House on Thursday, Jan. 16 at 5:30 p.m.
Benchwarmers Bagels is expanding into the North Hills Innovation District with its own 2,800 sqft building. The local fixture will continue offering its artisanal bagels and fire-wood pizzas and will feature outdoor seating connected to Makers Alley and Standard Beer + Food.
Closing
After 15 years, Trophy Brewing will sell its original downtown location, currently Young Hearts Distilling, on Wilmington Street. The space, which started as Busy Bee Cafe in 2009, later became Trophy Tap & Table and Raleigh’s first distillery. A New Year’s Eve event is planned to bid farewell to the iconic spot. (The News & Observer)
Eat
The Salty, a Miami-based doughnut shop, leased a 2,500+ sqft at Fenton with plans to open in late 2025. Known for unique doughnuts like brown butter + salt and gingerbread French toast and specialty coffees, the sweet spot will join a mix of retailers and restaurants at the complex. (Triangle Business Journal)
Community
The Lawyers in Your Library program, offering free family law consultations, is expanding across Wake County in 2025. Since launching in March, the program has assisted over 75 families. Starting in February, the program will occur every other month. The final session of the year is tomorrow, Dec. 14 at North Regional Library. (WUNC)
Edu
Approved. The NC Charter Schools Review Board approved its third statewide virtual charter school, NC Connections Academy, set to open in 2026. Despite concerns over low performance at its existing virtual schools, the approval was granted due to the operator’s track record in other states. (The News & Observer)
Transit
Wake County’s updated transit plan aims to invest nearly $1 billion over the next decade to improve public transportation. The plan includes faster connections to Durham, expanded bus rapid transit, and new mobility hubs. Give your input to help organize + prioritize projects.
‘Tis the season to reflect on your year + and start making plans for 2025. Labcorp OnDemand can help you access your health info with easy lab testing you can purchase yourself. Get 20% off purchases over $100 with code 6AMCITY. (Most tests are FSA/HSA eligible.)*
Arts
Illuminate Art Walk is back and brighter than ever. Explore downtown Raleigh through 19 light-based art pieces from local and international artists, on display now through Jan. 6. See the lights before they go out.*
A cute custom gift under $20 — we like this custom name necklace and this minimalist personalized wallet. Personalize it just for them and watch their face light up when they open it. You’re so thoughtful.
Reading is one of my favorite pastimes. | Photo by RALtoday
The gift from my Secret Santa arrived, and I’m obsessed. I’ve already created my 2025 reading calendar, and “Queen Move” by NC’s own Kennedy Ryan is how I’m kicking off my New Year reading goal. If you’re a fellow book lover, check out some Raleigh bookstores and authors with local ties.
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