Plus, short-term holiday rentals + holiday movies.
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📈 Your healthiest year yet starts with better data

Presented by Labcorp
A person sitting on an apartment floor holding a green juice.
Photo courtesy Labcorp
Are you actually getting healthier? It can be tough to tell.

Even if your mile time is improving, and you’re squatting more than ever, surface-level changes only show part of the story.

For a better sense of full–body health heading into 2026, precise health indicators are key: metrics like hormone levels, cholesterol, blood count, and metabolic vitality.

Labcorp OnDemand makes it easy to set a health baseline before the calendar flips with fast, accurate health tests you can purchase yourself.

đŸ§Ș Get the same trusted tests your doctor orders


Their tests are the same ones your doctor relies on, and now you can purchase them on your own without a doctor’s appointment.

With 100+ tests to choose from, you can focus on the markers that give you the clearest picture of your health heading into 2026.

Popular picks include:

  1. Heart health: Monitor cholesterol, lipids, ApoB, and more.
  2. Hormone health: Assess your hormone levels for energy and well-being.
  3. Annual wellness for men and women: Giving you a comprehensive view of your overall health.

Bonus: Tests are FSA/HSA eligible, meaning you can turn those expiring dollars into meaningful data before the year ends.

đŸ§© Customize your health insights


Not everyone needs the same testing — and now, with new custom test options, you can build a personalized panel that fits your body, your goals, and your budget. Only pay for the metrics that matter to you.

Ready to get ahead of the new year? Use code 6AMCITY for up to 20% off most tests.
Better data, better performance

Asked

What area of your health are you prioritizing in 2026?

A. Longevity
B. Hormone Health
C. General Wellness
D. Nutritional Health
E. Heart Health
Share your 2026 goal
Coastal Credit Union

Events

Monday, Dec. 15

Illuminate Art Walk | Through Tuesday, Jan. 6 | 5-11 p.m. | Downtown Raleigh | Free

Holiday Cookie Decorating Class | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Peck & Plume, Cary | $65

The Raleigh Ringers Holiday Concert | 7:30 p.m. | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts | $20+

2025 NCAA DI Men’s College Cup Championship | 8 p.m. | WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary | $100+

Tuesday, Dec. 16

Menorah Lighting Celebration | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Moore Square | Free

Carolina Ballet presents: “The Nutcracker” | Tuesday, Dec. 16-Thursday, Dec. 18 | 7 p.m. | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts | $35+

Wednesday, Dec. 17

Lifelong Hike: Beech Bluff Park | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences | Free

Lunch and Learn: Pear of Kings | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Wyntons World Cooking School, Cary | $55

Disney On Ice presents “Jump In!” | Wednesday, Dec. 17-Thursday, Dec. 18 | 6:30 p.m. | Lenovo Center | $32+

Thursday, Dec. 18

The Rink at Red Hat Amphitheater | 5 p.m. | Red Hat Amphitheater | $15+

Austin Hope Tasting with Eric Smith | 6-7:30 p.m. | Westgate Wine Bar | $25

Jewish Film Series: “Bad Shabbos” | 6:30 p.m. | North Carolina Museum of Art | $13
See our full events calendar
Feature your event here, or make a bigger splash

News Notes

Mansion Monday

This home isn’t quite a mansion, but it’s been dubbed The Tower, and for good reason. This three story loft-style unit at Caraleigh Mills near Trophy Maywood is complete with a vintage billboard, a spiral staircase, and giant brick archways. When can we move in?

Film

If “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” is on your watchlist this December, you’re in good company. The 1989 film is the most popular holiday film in NC, per a new PixlParade report. Pro tip: Fuel your movie night with takeout from a new local restaurant.

Seasonal

It’s the most bun-derful time of the year. Google Trends data shows that December typically brings about an increased interest in baking at home. If you prefer your baked goodies made by an expert, there’s an abundance of excellent loaves around the 919.

Travel

The approaching New Year is befitting a time as any for a healthy dose of wanderlust. That’s what we’re doing with CondĂ© Nast Traveler’s 26 hottest travel destinations for 2026. Whether you’re after natural wonder, buzzy cities, or a vibrant food scene, you’ll get there quicker by starting at Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

Cause

$7.1 billion. That’s how much philanthropist MacKenzie Scott donated to nonprofits this year. Here in Raleigh you don’t need deep pockets to do your part. You can give your time, kindness, or a few hours of hard work to one of these deserving volunteer opportunities instead. (ABC News)

Real Estate

We call this the location trifecta: 10 steps from the YMCA, 30 steps from bike + trails, and 5 minutes from groceries, entertainment, and nightlife. Peek inside these high-end townhomes to see where you’d be waking up every morning.*

Try This

We recently visited the new and oh-so-magical Santa Town in North Hills, and it felt like stepping into a winter wonderland. See our reel from our festive day in the neighborhood.*

Finance

You’re smart — but your spending can still be dumb. These are the 11 dumbest things smart people waste money on.*

Travel

Give a gift that never gets old this year: cherished memories from a festive weekend away. Winston-Salem is filled with historic traditions, one of the largest light displays in the Southeast, seasonal art installations, and yes, visits with Santa. Explore 50+ holiday events and plan your visit.*

Real Estate

This new community checks all our boxes: Spacious floor plans, unique amenities like a rock climbing wall, on-site coffee shop + bar, expansive green spaces, and a private dog park — all just minutes from Raleigh transportation hubs. Explore your options at NOVEL Morrisville.*
Novel Morrisville

City Guide

🏡 Homes for the holidays

A leather futon in a living room.
This two bedroom stay can fit up to six thanks to the leather futons. | Photo via Vrbo
Got out-of-towners visiting for the holiday season? Check out these comfy short-term rentals to make them feel right at home in RAL.

Pineview Place | Hayes Barton

This house has a large furnished outdoor area, a light and airy interior, and a picturesque front entrance. Bring your activewear for the Peloton, then freshen up with the spa-like shower + bidet, or walk to grab a caffeinated sip from Idle Hour Coffee.

The Cozy Cottage | Midtown

Staying with a large group but don’t want to sacrifice on style? This three bed, one bath cottage is cute with white and pink colors and has a sprawling, tranquil fenced-in lawn, stocked kitchen, marble shower, and firepit.

Home with Outdoor Oasis | Hayes Barton

A large outdoor couch and glass fireplace take this house to the next level. Bring some friends along to stay in this three bed, two bath outdoor oasis to enjoy features like a grill, private backyard fit for entertaining, and plenty of books + games to stay busy.

City Guides are presented by Coastal Credit Union.
More local stays

The Buy

Fresh, small-batch coffee from Trade. Take the quiz + get matched with coffee blends that align with your tastes and preferences. Bonus: Our readers get an exclusive 50% off their first month subscription — no code necessary.
Find your perfect roast
RALtoday Games

The Wrap

Did you know? When you send an email to RALtoday’s email or reply to a newsletter, you’re messaging me directly. If you have questions, recommendations, or just want to share your thoughts on a recent newsletter, I’ll be the one to see that. Always feel free to say hi. I love hearing from you!
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