2025 was a big year for Raleigh, to say the least. | Graphic by 6AM City
Your Raleigh Wrapped is here, and it’s been a big year for Oak City. We’re ready for you, Raleighites. You read, and we counted. Let’s dive into your top stories of 2025.
You’ve changed, and so has Raleigh. Let’s look at how you felt throughout the year.
In March, you were cheering for your favorite college basketball team when the NCAA tournament came to town.
In May, TikTok creator Keith Lee was all the rage while he visited the Carolinas and stopped by A Place At The Table.
In June, you couldn’t get enough of Dix Park’s state-of-the-art Gipson Play Plaza and its huge adventure playground.
We know exactly what you watched on TV this year — “Severance” with Raleigh’s own Sarah Bock and “Love Island” with now-superstar Huda Mustafa from the 919. Maybe some “Stranger Things,” too?
The tree is lit, the stores are stocked with seasonal goodies, and a festive atmosphere fills the air.
We recently spent an afternoon in the beautifully decorated district, shopping, sipping, nibbling, and snapping photos with everyone’s favorite jolly gift-giver. Here’s all the fun we had:
🍷 First stop: Toasting the season
Our visit began with drinks at Foxcroft, because is it even the holidays without a toast or two? We don’t think so.
Their friendly team helped us choose wines from their excellent collection to go with our charcuterie bites.
The space felt like a winter wonderland — with every inch decked in holiday decor — and the entire experience was a blast.
Santa and his helpers were fun and playful, and we laughed and chatted while the photographer worked her magic. Bonus: Santa told us that we both made the “Nice List” (thank goodness).
💝 Wrapping up with gifts
Finally, we ended our perfect day strolling through shops for local finds for our gift list, including stops at Quail Ridge Books and Paperbuzz.
No spoilers, but we found some truly stunning items. Book your own Santa visit this way, or check out our reel from the fun-filled afternoon below.
Did it snow? The Storm Team at CBS 17 predicted a wintery mix this morning with minor flurries and cold rain hitting Oak City. If it’s a winter wonderland outside your door, send us some pictures.
Traffic
The westbound lane of Hargett Street will remain closed through June 30, 2026 after being extended for the new City Hall construction. The city made a helpful diagram to keep you moving through downtown as a pedestrian, cyclist, or driver — check it out.
Travel
Frontier Airlines is introducing nonstop flights to connect Raleighites to two vacation destinations at low fares. Next spring, you can fly Frontier to Cancun and Fort Lauderdale starting in March and April, respectively. (The News & Observer)
Closing
Eclectic men’s store Unlikely Professionals will close its doors on Person Street at the end of the year, but you’ll still be able to shop at the Makers Alley location in North Hills, also near the new Standard Beer + Food. (The News & Observer)
State
All 940 Christmas tree growers in WNC held on for another season after Hurricane Helene last year, and you can help growers by purchasing a WNC-grown tree. (The News & Observer)
Sports
According to multiple reports, Canes owner Tom Dundon is looking to sell a minority stake in the team to fund his purchase of the Portland Trailblazers NBA team. Dundon is the full owner of the Canes, and a minority purchase could still cost $1 billion. Any takers? (Triangle Business Journal)
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Real Estate
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Category
Seasonal
❄️ Stroll through a winter wonderland along Hillsborough Street
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We’ll give you the answer to this one — it’s the first option. Fun fact: It’s the same shade of red NC State uses. Can you guess the other four NC icons?
Happy Friday! This week, my friends and I went to the Chinese Lantern Festival and followed it up with at trip to Seol Grille in Crossroads, which made for a lovely winter evening. Pro tip: The lantern festival is a lot less crowded on weeknights.
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