Plus, happy New Year.
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Editor’s Pick

A black-and-white night-sky image showing a circular camera view filled with stars. A bright meteor streak cuts diagonally across the lower-right portion of the circle, leaving a thin, glowing trail against the dark sky.

A view of the Quadrantid Meteor over North Georgia in January 2016.

Photo by NASA

The Quadrantid meteor shower is expected to peak this weekend. If you’re trying to spot these elusive meteors streaking through the sky, bundle up and head somewhere dark. Consult this chart for the best viewing hours for your location + check out the Dark Skies International map for spots with lower light pollution. By our count, the darkest skies within driving distance are at Staunton River State Park in Virginia. 💫

Events

Friday, Jan. 2

January First Friday | 4-10 p.m. | Artspace | Free

Illuminate Art Walk - Free Downtown Holiday Light Art | 5-11 p.m. | Downtown Raleigh | Free

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival | Booth Amphitheatre, Cary | $16+

Saturday, Jan. 3

Fighting for Freedom: Black Civil War Reenactors | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Pope House Museum | Free

NC State Wolfpack Men’s Basketball vs. Virginia Cavaliers | 11 a.m. | Lenovo Center | $43+

Raleigh Women in Business Vision Board Party | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Fresh Collective NC | $20

The Music of Harry Potter - NC Symphony | 1 p.m. + 4 p.m. | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts | $49+

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Colorado Avalanche | 7 p.m. | Lenovo Center | $71+
See our full events calendar
Feature your event here, or make a bigger splash

Edu

New year ➡️ new academic paths for your child

Presented by Wake County Public School System
Four children looking up at the camera while lying on their backs.
Photo courtesy WCPSS Smith Magnet Elementary School
Find the right magnet school for your family’s needs at next week’s Magnet Elementary Mini Fair.

Held at Brooks Magnet Elementary on Jan. 9 from 9:30-11 a.m., this free informational session is here to help you learn about Wake County’s wide range of award-winning magnet elementary schools.

You’ll have the chance to connect with reps from 20 local magnet schools for info on applications, enrollment, and programs that fit your child’s strengths and interests all in one place.
Map their academic future

The Buy

Are you resolving to make 2026 your year of better sleep? The Buy Editor Emily swears by these simple yet effective products for restorative sleep:

👁️ A blackout eyemask with Bluetooth so you can listen to your favorite music or podcast while falling asleep.
🛏️ These fluffy, breathable pillows with a sophisticated, hotel-style gusseted design.
💤 A 100% cotton sheet set that gets softer with every wash + doesn’t pill.
🌜 This portable white noise machine so you can get a restful night’s sleep while on the go.
More worth The Buy
RALtoday Games

The Wrap

Today’s edition by: Cat Gillihan

Happy New Year’s, friends. I typically spend New Year’s Eve downtown — an espresso martini at either Sir Walter or Bittersweet — then hop over to the Acorn Drop.

This year, we spent it making dinner at home in our comfy clothes. Feeling like venturing out this weekend? There are plenty of events to kick off your year.

I hope this year treats you kindly and brings lots of good things your way.
An acorn drop in downtown Raleigh.

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