Get ready to party like it’s 1999. | Photo courtesy of Rocky Top Catering
The City of Oaks is ready to ring in the New Year with style and sparkle. From unforgettable parties to family-friendly celebrations, these seven celebrations will leave you excited for the year ahead.
First Night Raleigh | Fayetteville Street | $13 Partake in an Oak City tradition and bring in 2025 in the heart of downtown with live performances, the acorn drop, and a fireworks show.
Five-Course Feast | Poole’s Diner | $117 Make a reservation to have a hearty meal prepared by chef Ashley Christenen to bring in a 2025 filled with amazing dishes.
New Year’s Eve Gala | Union Hall | $170 This annual event will provide a black tie theme with gourmet bites, an open bar, and spacious dance floors to enjoy the two DJs.
Noche De Luna | Madre | Price of purchase Enjoy live music and celebrate another year with glasses of bubbly + small plates like the Calabrian chicken paired with honey + a peppered aioli. Pro tip: Secure a reservation.
Fancy vs. Frugal: A Wine Tasting Series | 6-7:30 p.m. | Westgate Wine Bar | $15+ | Taste high-end and low-end priced wines to decide if the price tag is worth it.
🎥 Catch a new release at this swanky, newly-renovated theatre
Presented by AMC Theatres
Relax and unwind like never before with a cinema experience so lifelike that you’ll forget you’re at the movies. | Photo courtesy of AMC Theatres
Whether going to the movies is a new or existing holiday tradition, there’s something for fans of all ages and interests at AMC DINE-IN Holly Springs 9 this holiday season.
Grab some popcorn, and see these new releases now playing:
“Wicked”
“Gladiator II”
“Moana 2"
“Y2K”
“Kraven the Hunter”
“Lord of the Rings: War of the Rohirrim”
Mark your calendar for these flicks releasing on Dec. 20:
Frontier Airlines has suspended 40% of its flights at RDU, including its only routes to Buffalo, New York and Indianapolis. The airline cited seasonal suspensions and excess domestic capacity. Despite the cuts, Frontier continues to serve several major cities from RDU with plans for new flights en route. (Triangle Business Journal)
Sports
Canes head coach Rod Brind’Amour was awarded NC’s highest citizen honor, The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, following Sunday’s 4-1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Gov. Roy Cooper recognized Brind’Amour’s contributions to the state and hockey, calling him a “cornerstone” of the Hurricanes. (WRAL Sports Fan)
Development
Highwoods Properties, Raleigh’s largest office landlord, is revitalizing Fayetteville Street by offering incentives to attract restaurants and businesses. Efforts include significant renovations to office towers and City Plaza kiosks. Recent openings like Diced and Chido Taco aim to boost foot traffic with plans for further improvements ahead of the Omni Hotel’s construction. (Axios Raleigh)
Cause
Raleigh Water employee Michael Carpenter organized a two-month toy drive for children affected by Hurricane Helene. The community donated over 1,200 gifts, including bikes and toys. With help from the Pantheon Project and Marines, the toys were delivered to remote areas of western NC, spreading holiday cheer.
Try This
Forest Ridge Park is offering winter night programs, including glow disc golf, night hikes, and trail runs, every Wednesday through February from 6 to 8 p.m. Register to join the fun and “seize the night” at this unique winter event.
Eat
Chipotle will open its third Cary location today, featuring a new “Chipotlane” drive-thru for pickup orders. The restaurant, at 3402 Kildaire Farm Rd., will operate daily from 10:45 a.m. to 11 p.m. The chain continues expanding its Chipotlane concept, aiming for 7,000 North American locations. (The News & Observer)
Giveaway
Local giveaway alert: We’ve partnered with Wake Forest’s brand-new apartment community, Hawthorne at Traditions, to give away $1,000 worth of gift cards to some of our fave spots in Raleigh + Wake Forest. Enter to win on Instagram now through Friday, Dec. 20 at noon.*
Cause
Did you know? When you donate blood, you can save lives andget rewarded (think: gift cards). The Blood Connection hosts blood drives across Raleigh seven days a week, making it convenient to find a location + give back. Make an appointment.*
Plan Ahead
There are just two weeks left in 2024. Use the remainder of your end-of-year budget + get your business in front of thousands. For a limited time, take 25% off ads in our self-service ad portal when you use promo code “2025" at checkout.
Shop
These best-selling men’s flannel pajama pants are comfortable, warm, and soft to the touch. Hello, new favorite pants of the season.*
Travel
Going the EV route could save you more than just gas money. Many auto insurance companies now offer up to 10% off EV and hybrid vehicle premiums, rewarding your eco-friendly choice with additional savings. View Money’s Best Car Insurance list to find coverage tailored to your ride (and wallet).*
Category
Development
🛍️ Now open + coming soon
The future looks brighter by the month in North Hills. | Photo by RALtoday
North Hills has experienced a lively transformation this year, making it a hub for both Raleighites and visitors. With new businesses opening and more on the horizon, the development continues to evolve.
Open
November brought quite the roster of new eateries, retailers, and other fun additions. The North Hills Innovation District (NHID) welcomed HomeTurf, a premier exercise studio that offers a range of cycling, strength, and hybrid classes.
Recent additions have taken over Main District, including:
J. Crew | Elevated casual clothing
Lululemon | Athleisure retailer
RH | Upscale furniture store + restaurant
True Food Kitchen | Health-inspired restaurant
Sweetgreen | Fast casual salad spot
Coming soon
The Lassiter District will soon welcome Foxcroft Wine Co., a wine bar and restaurant with an opening date to be announced. Looking ahead to 2025, eateries including Barking Dog, a casual dog-friendly spot in Park District, and local faves Benchwarmers Bagels and Standard Beer + Food will expand with locations in NHID.
I’ve been enjoying Wake County Animal Center’s daily display of fur friends in need of a forever home. What better gift to give than a home to an animal in need and a loyal companion? Take a look at what paw pals need a safe home.