The WRAL Azalea Garden has so many colorful flowers. | Photo by RALtoday
Want more from your lawn than just grass? Meet Homegrown National Park, a nationwide grassroots movement that invites property owners to restore wildlife habitats through sustainable planting and the removal of invasive species.
Here’s how it works: Swap a portion of your lawn for native plants that support food webs for local fauna, then watch your yard transform into a natural oasis where wildlife thrives.
Registered habitats are tracked on a digital biodiversity map, so you can see which Oak City neighbors are pitching in.
Moore Square Winterfaire | Thursday, Dec. 11-Sunday, Dec. 14 | Times vary | Moore Square | Free | Stroll through four days of local vendors, food trucks, live performances, s’mores, holiday crafts, games, a beer garden, and even Santa during this free downtown fair.*
Cold air outside, dry heat inside — it’s no secret that winter weather is rough on skin.
When your natural barrier is drained and dry, expert estheticians say the secret to season-long glow comes down to two things: boosted hydration and barrier protection.
❄️ The facial your winter routine needs
The Signature Skin Barrier Renewal Facial at Woodhouse Spa is designed to do just that: deeply hydrate, soothe, and rebalance your complexion. (Think of it as your winter reset for the icy months ahead.)
This luxe treatment helps strengthen your skin’s defenses against harsh seasonal conditions, with dewy add-ons like the Babor Ampoule to amplify moisture and plumpness.
🎁 Give the gift of glow
Know anyone whose moisturizer never seems to be enough?
Spread the love this holiday season with a Woodhouse Spa gift card, available online and in North Hills. They’ll love the renewed radiance, and you’ll love the beautiful packaging + personalized message for a touch of luxury.
This four-bedroom North Raleigh house is near UNC Rex and Umstead State Park, but you might not ever want to leave home. With recent renovations like new baths, an elevator, and a stunning kitchen, this home is perfect for multigenerational living or aging in place.
Try This
The 2026 Winter Olympics begin in just 60 days. Soon, athletes from across the globe will head to the picturesque slopes of Northern Italy to compete for the highest accolades in Alpine athletics. Here in NC, a visit to local ski slope will help get you in the spirit of the Games.
Eat
Craving a slice of ‘za? Chowhound just named its top hole-in-the-wall pizza spot in NC, and a pizzeria in Wilmington claimed the title. We think they’re sleeping on Raleigh’s pizza scene — peruse our pizza guide to find your new favorite slice.
Number
27,400+. That’s how many active job listings you can find on our Job Board. Explore openings in manufacturing, sales, marketing, and beyond. Roles for all experience levels are hiring now. Find a new gig for 2026.
Trending
Meet the latest holiday trend taking over the internet: “Tacky Christmas.” The look leans into nostalgic kitsch — think rainbow lights, sparkly tinsel, and mismatched ornaments. Want to join in? Raleigh’s thrift shops are a great place to start. (House Beautiful)
Travel
$45. That’s the fee you’ll owe at TSA checkpoints starting in February if you show up without a REAL ID and still want to fly. Save yourself the cash (and the hassle) by securing your REAL ID in Raleigh ahead of travel time.
$0. That’s how much 94% of patients pay to see a licensed dietitian with Nourish. Find a dietitian covered by insurance and build a personalized nutrition plan — a structured, supportive way to map out your 2026 wellness goals now.*
Plan Ahead
🗓️ More winter events
Skater admission is $15 per person, including skate rentals; igloo packages are $200-$300. | Photo provided by Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex
We’ve got something to do in Raleigh every day of the month so your calendar is always full.
All month
The Rink at Red Hat Amphitheater | Book online through Ticketmaster and upgrade to a private igloo package for your group with a hot chocolate bar + snacks to fuel up between skating.
Reader Tiffani B. sent in this stunning pic of one of the Dix Park trolls, and I had to show everyone. If you ever take any cool snaps around Raleigh, I’d love to see them and share in the Wrap! You can always reply to our newsletters or reach out to hello@raltoday.com.