Ring in 2026 in style at The Willard’s rooftop lounge. | Photo by Anna Routh Barzin
The City of Oaks is ready to ring in the New Year with style, sparkle, and plenty of Champagne. Here’s where you should be counting down to the new year.
First Night Raleigh on Fayetteville Street | $15
Ring in 2026 in the heart of downtown with the iconic acorn drop, live performances, and a fireworks show.
New Year’s Eve at The Parlor at Heights House | $460
This all-night and all-inclusive party features a multi-course dinner, wine service, and more dancing than you can imagine. Plus, gussy up in your best black tie apparel.
New Year’s Eve at Figulina | $145+
Chef David Ellis has prepared a four-course meal with the most luxurious ingredients around, including Wagyu beef, canneloni with rabbit, and Banoffee pie.
New Year’s Bash at Whiskey Kitchen | $40
Your ticket includes complimentary bubbly + party favors — we’d love to ring in 2026 with a slice of shoo fly pie.
Catch this blockbuster exhibition before it’s gone
Presented by South Carolina State Museum
Created by The Walt Disney Archives, the exhibition includes costumes from the film “Mary Poppins Returns” and many more. | Photo provided by the South Carolina State Museum
No pressure,but you’d better hurry, because the exhibition closes Sunday, Jan. 4. And now through Tuesday, Dec. 23, visitors can snag $10 off tickets with code HOLIDAYEM.
Did NC State men’s soccer take home its first National Championship last night? See how the Wolfpack fared against Washington last night in Cary and if we’re lighting it up red. (ESPN)
Weather
Yesterday’s temps might have been the coldest in the Triangle since Christmas 2022, over 1,000 days ago. Wind chills got as low as 6 degrees yesterday, but experts are saying we could see a warmer-than-average Christmas in Raleigh. (The News & Observer)
Development
All eyes are on the West at Peace Street development downtown, and a group of Glenwood-Brooklyn residents have filed a lawsuit against Raleigh + city council over the 30-story zoning, saying it violated due process. (Triangle Business Journal)
Community
GoRaleigh is hosting a clothing giveaway and vaccine clinic this Thursday, Dec. 18 at the Moore Square bus station from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Got extra winter gear? Donate them to a local nonprofit to get coats + gloves to those in need.
Try This
Have you had super soft Japanese milk bread? Cary resident Yukie Segnini is bringing the fluffy bread to markets across Wake County — read her story and learn how to get your own.
Sports
Canes defenseman Jaccob Slavin is back on the ice after a 29-game absence with a lower body injury. Slavin + the Canes beat the Flyers in a 3-2 shootout this weekend — catch him again tomorrow against the Predators. (The News & Observer)
Don’t forget to use your FSA or dental benefits before they expire. Schedule a free consultation at Gladwell Orthodontics + enjoy peace of mind knowing you’re maximizing your benefits. Find your nearest location and get started.*
Announced
Spotlight on: Callie W., the official winner of our Downtown Raleigh Holiday Adventure Giveaway. Curious where they’ll be celebrating? Peek at the festive fun awaiting them.*
Read
Staying behind on tech trends can be a career killer. The Code is a twice weekly newsletter with curated tech news, practical resources, and insights decoded. Join 100,000+ engineers who read The Code to stay ahead of the curve.*
City Guide
☕️ Raleigh’s freshest coffee
Photo by RALtoday
Something’s brewing in Raleigh — new coffee shops. Take a peek at Raleigh’s newest shops, including new locations and expansions. Jubala Coffee | This fan-favorite coffee shop roasts its own beans at its North Hills location and is set to open another cafe downtown.
The Green Room | This new coffee shop is part of Theatre Raleigh and features the theater company’s plays and musicals in latte form. Drift Coffee & Kitchen | Originally hailing from Wilmington, this eatery serves beachy bites like a smoked salmon benny, chia pudding, and a protein breakfast bowl. Foxhole Coffee | Visit this neighborhood fave for a tasty latte, a Tepuy sourdough donut, and a Gussie’s breakfast sandwich.
Add some fun and laughter to holiday gatherings with a few of our favorite card and board games. We love these five:
🎲 Put your drawing skills to the test in Telestrations — perfect for 4-8 players.
🎲 The award-winning game Flip 7 is self proclaimed “the greatest card game of all time.”
🎲 Shut the Box is an easy-to-play dice game for up to six players.
🎲 Perfect for parties, Ransom Notes will have your entire crew belly laughing.
🎲 Connect words with colors in an engaging game of Hues and Cues.
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