Plus, this week's top events + pizza spots.
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🌸 Cultivate a mini national park

Pink and purple hydrangeas sit in front of a white bird house with greenery surrounding.
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.

Ready to get started on your own turf? Learn how to register your green space and browse beginner-friendly planting tips.

Events

Monday, Dec. 8

Modern Calligraphy & Ornament Lettering & Blinging at Foxcroft Food & Wine | 6:30-8 p.m. | Foxcroft Food & Wine | $70

2025 Hurricanes Alumni Game | 7 p.m. | Lenovo Center | $20+

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival | Through Sunday, Jan. 11 | 6-9:30 p.m. | Booth Amphitheatre, Cary | $16+

Tuesday, Dec. 9

Holiday Pop-up Bar | 4 p.m.-12 a.m. | Wolfe & Porter | Price of purchase

A French Christmas Dinner | 6-9 p.m. | Home for Entertaining, Cary | $109

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Columbus Blue Jackets | 7 p.m. | Lenovo Center | $50+

Wednesday, Dec. 10

The Book of Esther in the Age of Rembrandt | Through Sunday, March 8 | Times vary | North Carolina Museum of Art | $20+

Modern Calligraphy, Tumbler Lettering and Blinging for Beginners at Komana | 6:30-8 p.m. | KOMANA Brewing Company, Cary | $75

Trivia at the Brewery | 7-9:30 p.m. | Incendiary Brewing Raleigh | Free

North Carolina State Wolfpack vs. Liberty Flames | 7 p.m. | Lenovo Center | $12+

Thursday, Dec. 11

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.*
See our full events calendar
Feature your event here, or make a bigger splash
Novel Morrisville

Wellness

Since your skin has no place to go… let it glow

Presented by Woodhouse Spa
A person receiving a scalp massage, and a decorative display showing the Woodhouse Spa gift card bundle.
Photos courtesy Woodhouse Spa
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.
Start spreading the dew

News Notes

Mansion Monday

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 sceneperuse 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.
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.

Seasonal

This new “Santa Town” in North Hills is a true winter wonderland, with stunning decor, photo ops with the jolly gift-giver, kid-friendly activities, and snow much more. Book your own magical visit.*

Number

$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

Red Hat Ampitheater is transformed into an ice skating rink, decorated with Christmas lights, ribbons, and green and red lights.
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.

Illuminate Art Walk Sip n’ Stroll Tour | Explore the annual display of lights in downtown Raleigh.

Seasonal

Marbles Evening with Elves | Your kiddos can visit a magical elf village complete with snacks, activities, and letters to the man in red.

Winter Lantern Walk | Enjoy the quiet beauty of winter and bring donations to help your community.

Menorah Lighting Celebration | Head downtown to watch the first candle be lit to celebrate Hanukkah.

Winter 2025 Historic Oakwood Tour | Explore historic homes with some holiday surprises along the way.

New Year’s Eve Celebration | Ring in 2026 in downtown Raleigh.

City Guides are presented by Coastal Credit Union.
More December events

The Buy

Holiday gifts for every price point:

🎁 Under $10: This best-selling warm winter beanie with a built-in head lamp.
🎁 Under $25: These popular retinol under eye patches that brighten + de-puff.
🎁 Under $50: A 4.8-star rated massage gun with multiple attachments.
🎁 Under $100: This ultra-soft cashmere crew neck sweater.
💰 Splurge: Le Creuset’s Signature Oval Dutch Oven — available in six different sizes.
More great gifts this way
RALtoday Games

The Wrap

From Allie

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.
RAL_TiffaniBTroll_DEC2025

Photo by Tiffani B.

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