December has finally arrived — and to help you get the most out of your last month in 2020, we’re rounding up some of the top local events (both virtual and in-person) to help you stay connected. ❄️
Disclaimer: It is up to readers’ discretion to determine whether they feel comfortable participating in the following events based on COVID-19 protocols and precautions. If you have questions, please contact the event’s organizers directly.
Tuesday December 1 - Sunday December 6
Tuesday December 1
Edu
○ Selective College Admission: How Are Decisions Made? | Tues., Dec. 1 | 7 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Students and parents will learn more about how college admissions make their decisions, the most crucial elements of a high school transcript, and what successful applicants are doing to get ahead.
Parents
○ Choosing and Using Childcare Webinar | Tues., Dec. 1 | 6:30–7:30 p.m. | Virtual | $5 per couple | People across all stages of parenthood will get more information on finding quality care for their children from UNC Health’s Women’s Health Information Center.
Wednesday December 2
Civic
○ 2020 First Responders Breakfast | Wed., Dec. 2 | 8–9 a.m. | Virtual | Free, $20 to sponsor a first responder | Cary Chamber of Commerce is celebrating first responders and frontline workers during this virtual ceremony.
Show
○ Scotty McCreery Live Virtual Acoustic Concert | Wed., Dec. 2 | 8–10 p.m. | Virtual | $5–$20 | Triangle-native and country music star Scotty McCreery will be streaming an acoustic concert live from here in North Carolina. He will play songs from his newest album, along with some older hits and Christmas music as well.
FeaturedEvent
○ Campbell University Adult & Online Education Virtual Info Session | Wed., Dec. 2 | 10-11 a.m. | Virtual | Free | Got questions about college? Get some answers. Join Campbell University Adult & Online Education Enrollment Facilitator David Williams for a live Q&A with new students interested in the Raleigh campus. Ⓟ
Thursday December 3
Film
○ Movies Under the Stars–Krampus & Christmas Vacation | Thurs., Dec. 3 | 7-10 p.m. | 3336 Raleigh Road, Henderson | $5–$8 | Raleigh Road Outdoor Theatre is having a Christmas movie double-feature for people to watch from inside their cars or out under the stars.
Talk
○ Science Tonight: Book Night–Wicked Plants | Thurs., Dec. 3 | 7–8 p.m. | Virtual | Free | New York Times best-selling author Amy Stewart is discussing her book “Wicked Plants” about dangerous, frightening, and peculiar botanicals.
FeaturedEvent
○ Campbell University MBA Program Virtual Information Session | Thurs., Dec. 3 | 12-1 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Join a virtual information session to learn more about Campbell’s MBA program, currently offered at 3 locations -- downtown Raleigh, 100% online and on the main campus in Buies Creek. They’ll cover the features, benefits, and application process, and also allow time for Q + A. Ⓟ
Friday December 4
Arts
○ First Friday with United Arts | Fri., Dec. 4 | 6 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Attendees will get an early look at the artists being featured in the 27th Annual Boylan Heights ArtWalk.
Holiday
○ A Drive Through Christmas Village | Fri., Dec. 4–Sat., Dec. 5 | 5–8 p.m. | 709 N. Church Street, Kenly | $10 per car | The Tobacco Farm Life Museum and the Town of Kenly will be decorating the grounds of the museum to look like a life-sized Christmas village. Visitors will be able to drive through the festive scenes and learn about some of the town’s historical Christmas traditions.
Film
○ Festive Flix - The Grinch | Fri., Dec. 4 | 5:30–7 p.m. | 4203 Spring Forest Road | $5 per vehicle | Raleigh Parks is kicking off the holiday season with drive-in theater viewings of classic and festive movies.
Saturday December 5
Arts
○ Open Mic Night | Sat., Dec. 5 | 7–9 p.m. | Virtual | Free | The LGBT Center of Raleigh is holding its monthly open mic night for those interested in sharing their writing and music.
Film
○ Movies Under the Stars– Frozen & Gremlins & Die Hard | Sat., Dec. 5 | 4–10 p.m. | 3336 Raleigh Road, Henderson | $5–$8 | Raleigh Road Outdoor Theatre is having a festive movie triple-feature for people to watch from inside their cars or out under the stars.
Film
○ Festive Flix - Elf | Sat., Dec. 5 | 5:30–7 p.m. | 4203 Spring Forest Road | $5 per vehicle | Raleigh Parks is kicking off the holiday season with drive-in theater viewings of classic and festive movies.
Sunday December 6
TheBuy
○ Pop-Up at North Hills Midtown | Sun., Dec. 6 | 11 a.m.–3 p.m. | 4011 Cardinal at North Hills Street | The MAKRS Society is having its pop-up market with over 30 local vendors selling handmade goods–plus a food truck for lunch.
Show
○ Sunday Sessions with Chatham Rabbits | Sun., Dec. 6 | 3–5 p.m. | 219 South White Street, Wake Forest | $25 | The NC-based folk duo Chatham Rabbits is playing at Magnolia Roots Music Lounge in downtown Wake Forest for a limited capacity audience.
FeaturedEvent
○ Campbell University Adult & Online Education Virtual Info Session | Wed., Dec. 2 | 10-11 a.m. | Virtual | Free | Got questions about college? Get some answers. Join Campbell University Adult & Online Education Enrollment Facilitator David Williams for a live Q&A with new students interested in the Raleigh campus. Ⓟ
Monday December 7 - Sunday December 13
Monday December 7
Holiday
○ Santa Claus at Maple View Farm Ice Cream | Mon., Dec. 7 | 2–5:30 p.m. | 6900 Rocky Ridge Rd, Hillsborough | Santa + his workers will be sitting out on the porch and working the drive-up service for ice cream orders. Kids can bring their letters to be deposited into the North Pole mailbox.
Holiday
○ Holiday Ornaments and Crafts | Mon., Dec. 7 | 2–4 p.m. | 2000 Noble Road | $5 | An instructor will lead a class for adults on making DIY holiday decorations–such as ornaments. The barcode to access the class is 270229.
Tuesday December 8
ForKids
○ Experiment Expressway | Tues., Dec. 8 | 10:30–11:30 a.m. | Virtual | $20 for up to 9 viewers | A professional at the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center will be demonstrating exciting science experiments and answering questions about them. This program is ideal for kids K–5.
TryThis
○ Trivia Tuesdays | Tues., Dec. 8 | 6–7 p.m. | Virtual | Free | The NC Museum of Natural Sciences hosts its weekly, interactive trivia night, where you and your friends can compete in a battle of the brains.
Wednesday December 9
Arts
○ Close Looks at Cocktail Hour: Barton Lidice Beneš | Wed., Dec. 9 | 5–5:45 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Ackland Art Museum’s Object-Based Teaching Fellow will lead an informal chat dissecting the elements of Barton Lidice Beneš’ piece, Talisman. Using the museum’s “Close Looks” digital feature, viewers can get a more detailed look at the art than ever before.
Arts
○ Songwriting Workshop with Graham Sharp | Wed., Dec. 9 | 7–8:30 p.m. | Virtual | $10 suggested donation | Steep Canyon Rangers band-member Graham Sharp will instruct viewers on how to improve and refine their bluegrass songwriting abilities.
Show
○ King Mackerel & The Blues Are Running: Songs & Stories of the Carolina Coast | Wed., Dec. 9–Sat., Dec. 12 | All day | Virtual | Free | Coastal NC music and theatrical group King Mackerel & The Blues Are Running are live-streaming their original PBS stage production over four nights to commemorate the group’s 35th anniversary.
Thursday December 10
Show
○ NCMOH Jazz Series: Nnenna Freelon | Thurs., Dec. 10 | 7–8:30 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Grammy-nominated and NC local vocalist Nnenna Freelon is exploring and performing popular music from the 1940s in this NC Museum of History jazz concert mini-series.
Edu
○ Rise Up: A Community College Q&A from an African American Perspective | Thurs., Dec. 10 | 4–5 p.m. | Virtual | Free | A group of experienced community college students and alumni will have a conversation and then a Q&A session about their college experiences. The focus of the panel will be on helping African American men access these educational resources.
Friday December 11
Film
○ Festive Flix - It’s a Wonderful Life | Fri., Dec. 11 | 5:30–7 p.m. | 20 Anderson Point Drive | $5 per vehicle | Raleigh Parks is kicking off the holiday season with drive-in theater viewings of classic and festive movies.
Show
○ NCMOH Jazz Series: T. S. Monk | Fri., Dec. 11 | 7–8:30 p.m. | Virtual | Free | The NC Museum of History is live-streaming a jazz concert performed by T.S. Monk, the son of North Carolina native and jazz-pianist legend Thelonious Monk.
Saturday December 12
TheBuy
○ Holiday Bazaar at Moore Square | Sat., Dec. 12–Sun., Dec. 13 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m. + 12–5 p.m. | 226 E. Martin Street | Free | Raleigh Night Market is throwing a 2-day holiday shopping event in Moore Square. Over the weekend there will be 40 different local artisan vendors to shop from, plus The Brew Box coffee trunk + live entertainment.
Film
○ Festive Flix - The Polar Express | Sat., Dec. 12 | 5:30–7 p.m. | 20 Anderson Point Drive | $5 per vehicle | Raleigh Parks is kicking off the holiday season with drive-in theater viewings of classic and festive movies.
Sunday December 13
Show
○ We Are Stars | Sun., Dec. 13 | 1–3 p.m. | 250 E. Franklin Street, Chapel Hill | $9.95–$11.95 | The Morehead Planetarium and Science Center is hosting planetarium showings of “We Are Stars”–a visually-exciting animated film that addresses humans’ cosmic chemistry and the evolution of life on Earth from the astronomical perspective.
TheBuy
○ Durham Craft Market Holiday Fair | Sun., Dec. 13 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | 501 Foster Street, Durham | Free | Over 70 different artist and craft vendors will be located in Durham Central Park for the ultimate present shopping experience.
Monday December 14 - Sunday December 20
Holiday
○ Nights of Lights Drive-Thru Light Show | Wed., Dec. 16–Thurs., Dec. 31, closed Dec. 25 | 5:30–11 p.m. | 75 Hunt Drive | $15–$30 per car | WRAL and City of Raleigh present the first-ever Nights of Lights Drive-Thru Light Show at Dorothea Dix Park. Light displays and art pieces will cover a 1.3-mile route through the park for viewers to watch in 30-minute time blocks.
Monday December 14
Edu
○ Nursing Information Session | Mon., Dec. 14 | 3–4 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Durham Technical Community College is holding an information session about nursing programs at the school including transfer + career opportunities, specific program details, and admission requirements.
Civic
○ Board of Adjustment Meeting | Mon., Dec. 14 | 1 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Raleigh’s Board of Adjustment focuses on zoning regulation and will make decisions about zoning requests + changes.
Tuesday December 15
Holiday
○ Nights of Lights Bike Night | Tues., Dec. 15 | 5:30–6:30 p.m. | 75 Hunt Drive | $4 a person | Instead of watching the show from inside the car, viewers can immerse themselves deeper into the experience and ride their bikes through the festive wonderland. During this designated time there are no motor vehicles allowed on the route.
Talk
○ Coffee with a Curator: Chatting about the Sports Hall of Fame | Tues., Dec. 15 | 10–10:30 a.m. | Virtual | Free | Curator of Popular Culture at the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame Katie Edwards will talk about her work in the Hall of Fame, collection curation highlights, and open the floor to questions after the presentation.
Talk
○ C-Suite Perspectives | Tues., Dec. 15 | 9–10:30 a.m. | Virtual | $20–$70 | Wolfspeed CEO Gregg Lowe will talk about his experience successfully leading a company despite unprecedented times and provide advice for how event participants can do the same.
Wednesday December 16
Talk
○ History at High Noon: Moravian Christmas Traditions | Wed., Dec. 16 | 12–1 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Johanna Metzgar Brown, Curator of Moravian Decorative Arts at Old Salem Museums & Gardens, will use her own experience as Moravian and items from the museum’s collection to recount stories of Moravian Christmas celebrations over the years.
Holiday
○ Virtual Trivia–Holidays | Wed., Dec. 16 | 7:30– 9:00 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Durham Parks and Recreation is hosting a holiday-themed trivia night for ages 18 and up.
Thursday December 17
TryThis
○ History + Mocktails: Decorating Biltmore | Thurs., Dec. 17 | 7–8 p.m. | Virtual | Free | The NC Museum of History presents Lizzie Borchers the Floral Displays Manager at Biltmore House & Gardens to talk about the history and decorating processes of Christmas at the Biltmore Estate. The presentation includes a quick lesson about mixed drinks and cocktails.
ForKids
○ Ornament Extravaganza | Thurs., Dec. 17 | 10–11 a.m. | 2525 Noble Road | $7 | Kids 3-5 years old will get to make various Christmas tree ornaments during this program. The barcode to access the class is 270082.
FeaturedEvent
○ Campbell University MBA Program Virtual Information Session | Thurs., Dec. 17 | 12-1 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Join a virtual information session to learn more about Campbell’s MBA program, currently offered at 3 locations -- downtown Raleigh, 100% online and on the main campus in Buies Creek. They’ll cover the features, benefits, and application process, and also allow time for Q + A. Ⓟ
Friday December 18
Family
○ Holiday Movie Night | Fri., Dec. 18 | 6–8 p.m. | 2623 Sanderford Road | Free | Sanderford Road Park is showing a kids holiday movie and handing out complimentary hot chocolate for viewers.
TheBuy
○ The Downtown Durham Streetery | Fri., Dec. 18–Sat., Dec. 19 | Downtown Durham | Free | Multiple streets of downtown will be adorned with festive lights and closed off for pedestrian traffic + live music. Visitors are encouraged to shop at local restaurants or stores and enjoy their food outside in sitting areas.
Saturday December 19
Cause
○ Remote Walk-A-Thon | Sat., Dec. 19–Sun., Dec. 20 | Sat., 12 a.m.–Sun., 11:45 p.m. | Virtual | The LGBT Center of Raleigh is encouraging people to help raise money for the center and take to the streets of Downtown Raleigh to #WalkForEquality. Walk-A-Thon contributors can pledge money to the cause and find deals at participating local businesses while downtown.
Arts
○ Sketching from Home: Kiki Farish | Sat., Dec. 19 | 10–11 a.m. | Virtual | Free | The Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University is live-streaming a sketching + doodling workshop with artist Kiki Farish using collection pieces to inspire drawings.
Sunday December 20
Show
○ Carolina Skies | Sun., Dec. 20 | 3–5 p.m. | 250 E. Franklin Street, Chapel Hill | $9.95–$11.95 | The Morehead Planetarium and Science Center is hosting showings of “Carolina Skies”– a live viewing of the NC night sky guided by Morehead staff. Viewers will hear stories about astronomical phenomena and learn how to identify celestial bodies such as stars + constellations.
TheBuy
○ Pop-Up Raleigh | Sat., Dec. 20 | 12–5 p.m. | 656 Maywood Avenue | Free | Visitors can shop from a variety of local artisan and vintage vendors located right outside of Trophy Brewing
Monday December 21 - Sunday December 27
Holiday
○ Nights of Lights Drive-Thru Light Show | Wed., Dec. 16–Thurs., Dec. 31, closed Dec. 25 | 5:30–11 p.m. | 75 Hunt Drive | $15–$30 per car | WRAL and City of Raleigh present the first-ever Nights of Lights Drive-Thru Light Show at Dorothea Dix Park. Light displays and art pieces will cover a 1.3-mile route through the park for viewers to watch in 30-minute time blocks.
Monday December 21
Outdoors
○ Solstice Stroll | Mon., Dec. 21 | 2–3:30 p.m. | 8500 Camp Durant Road | Free | Participants will walk through Durant Nature Preserve and watch the sun go down on the shortest day of the year. There will be a campfire for socializing and reflection after the short hike. The barcode to access the class is 261135.
Arts
○ Mindful Museum: Winter Astrology and Meditation Workshop | Mon., Dec. 21 | 6:30–8:30 p.m. | Virtual | $27.89+ | Raleigh yoga teacher and author Andrea Rice will be leading mediation and discussing the connection with astrology, specifically the winter solstice. Rice will help participants create goals for the new year and practice mindfulness.
Tuesday December 22
Civic
○ Transportation and Transit Committee | Tues., Dec. 22 | 3 p.m. | Virtual | Free | The committee will meet to discuss and make decisions on matters related to city transit.
Dish
○ Global Kitchen | Tues., Dec. 22 | 6:30–7:30 p.m. | Virtual | Free | NC State’s Office of International Services is holding a cook-along led by international students and affiliates where participants will learn to make a new, culturally-inspired dessert or meal.
Wednesday December 23
ForKids
○ Breakfast with the Grinch | Wed., Dec. 23 | 9:30–11:30 a.m. | 6548 Glenwood Ave | $12 | Visitors at the Little Doodles Play Cafe will get a breakfast, meet-and-greet with the Grinch, and free-play time while parents can grab a coffee in the cafe area.
Show
○ Holiday Favorites with Brass & Organ | Wed., Dec. 23 | 8 p.m. | Virtual | $21.46 | The NC Symphony brass section and guest organist David Jernigan will play Christmas carols and other classic holiday songs.
Thursday December 24
Active
○ Christmas Eve Skate | Thurs., Dec. 24 | 11 a.m.–4 p.m. | 2901 Trawick Road | $5+ | The United Skates of America is giving the gift of reduced admission and skate rentals for Christmas Eve.
Friday December 25
Holiday
○ The Nutcracker - Carolina Ballet | Fri., Dec. 25 | 7 p.m. | Virtual | Free | The Carolina Ballet’s annual performance of The Nutcracker will air on WRAL-TV Christmas night.
Dish
○ The Carolina Inn Christmas Brunch | Fri.., Dec. 25 | 11 a.m.–3:15 p.m. | 211 Pittsboro Street, Chapel Hill | $85 | The Carolina Inn’s Executive Chef Jeremy Blankenship is cooking up classic holiday favorites for a Christmas brunch buffet.
Saturday December 26
Holiday
○ 26th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration | Sat., Dec. 26–Thurs., Dec. 31 | All day | Virtual | Free | The Town of Cary and the Ujima Group Inc are celebrating Kwanzaa with virtual programming such as arts + crafts, story-telling, and movies.
TheBuy
○ The Raleigh Market | Sat., Dec. 26 | 9 a.m.–5 p.m. | NC State Fairgrounds, 1025 Blue Ridge Road | Free | Visitors can shop for vintage, handmade, and antique treasures both inside and outside.
Sunday December 27
Active
○ SAGE Walk and Talk | Sun., Dec. 27 | 10–11 a.m. | 2200 Laura Duncan Drive | Free | SAGE--an advocacy & service organization for the LGBTQ+ elder community--is hosting their weekly walk and talk at the Apex Community Park.
Outdoors
○ A Walking Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour | Sun., Dec. 27 | Any time | 418 N. Person Street | Free | Take a dive into Raleigh’s past and walk through one of its oldest and most beautiful neighborhoods in the city: Historic Oakwood. Using the app or brochure, participants will take a self-guided tour through the neighborhood to view 23 different homes and learn about their long histories.
Monday December 28 - Thursday December 31
Holiday
○ Nights of Lights Drive-Thru Light Show | Wed., Dec. 16–Thurs., Dec. 31, closed Dec. 25 | 5:30–11 p.m. | 75 Hunt Drive | $15–$30 per car | WRAL and City of Raleigh present the first-ever Nights of Lights Drive-Thru Light Show at Dorothea Dix Park. Light displays and art pieces will cover a 1.3-mile route through the park for viewers to watch in 30-minute time blocks.
Monday December 28
Holiday
○ Nights of Lights Discounted Tickets | Mon., Dec. 28–Tues., Dec. 29 | 5:30–11 p.m. | 75 Hunt Drive | $10 per car | For two nights only, tickets for the Nights of Lights Drive-Thru Light Show at Dorothea Dix Park will be sold at a discounted rate.
Holiday
○ Winter Wonders Walk at American Tobacco Campus | Mon., Dec. 28 | 5–11 p.m. | 318 Blackwell Street | Free | Take an illuminated walk along the Old Bull River at American Tobacco Campus’s Winter Wonders experience. Festive lights will cover the space and the surrounding restaurants will be offering outdoor seating options with heaters if you want to grab a bite to eat.
Holiday
○ Lake Myra Christmas Lights | Mon., Dec. 28 | 5:30–10 p.m. | 10 S. Cypress St., Wendell | Donations accepted | Recognized as one of the largest Christmas light shows in NC, Lake Myra Christmas Lights puts on a 45-minute show synchronized to music and featuring 250,000+ lights.
Tuesday December 29
Outdoors
○ Back Country with Ranger Dave | Tues., Dec. 29 | 2–5 p.m. | 6101 Cole Mill Road, Durham | $3-5 | Retired ranger Dave Cook will lead a 5.8-mile hike to the Bacon Quarry for the more experienced + adventurous outdoor enthusiasts.
Health
○ Mobile Testing for Coronavirus | Tues., Dec. 29 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | 173 High House Road, Cary | Free | Advance Community Health is offering free COVID-19 testing for anyone, with or without insurance.
Holiday
○ Christmas Plugged — Synchronized Light Show | Tues., Dec. 29 | 5:30 p.m.–12 a.m. | 4109 Guess Road, Durham | Free | Rose of Sharon Baptist Church is holding their nightly synchronized light show viewable from your car. There are over 40,000 LED lights and will light up to the tune of 9 different Christmas songs.
Outdoors
○ Evergreens of Occoneechee | Tues., Dec. 29 | 10–11 a.m. | 625 Virginia Cates Road, Hillsborough | Free | A park ranger will talk about local evergreens and then give participants a chance to make art using nature’s paintbrushes.
Wednesday December 30
Film
○ Dogwood Movie Night: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 | Wed., Dec. 30 | 7:30–10:30 p.m. | 610 Glenwood Avenue | Free | The Dogwood Bar & Eatery will be doing a free showing of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 with special menu items based on the movie. Each ticket reserves a table for up to 8 people.
Cause
○ Wine & Weeds | Wed., Dec. 30 | 4–6 p.m. | 1321 Athens Drive | Free | A weekly event where volunteers can drink a complimentary glass of wine while weeding the gardens at the Well Fed Community Garden.
Holiday
○ Piper Lights Christmas Display 2020 | Wed., Dec. 30 | 5:30–9 p.m. | 5725 Fixit Shop Road, Wake Forest | Free, donations welcome | Starting out with just a small manger scene 30 years ago, this family-operated Christmas light display now spans 7-acres filled to the brim with decorations. This year the display is available only for drive-thru viewing.
Dish
○ Chocolate & Wine Tasting | Wed., Dec. 30 | 7–9 p.m. | 459 East Main Street, Clayton | $49 | Joy Worthy Co. and Corked & UnTapped are teaching a workshop on pairing wine and chocolate. Those in attendance will get to sample a wide variety of chocolate and 4 different wines.
Thursday December 31
Show
○ Lu’s Jukebox: A Tribute to the Rolling Stones | Thurs., Dec. 31 | 8 p.m. | Virtual | $20 | Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter Lucinda Williams will be covering songs by the Rolling Stones to celebrate the start of the new year.
Show
○ Ring in 2021 with The Avett Brothers | Thurs., Dec. 31 | 8 p.m. | Virtual | $39.99+ | NC natives and renowned folk-rock band The Avett Brothers are ringing in 2021 with a livestream concert hosted by Dax Shepard with special guests including Willie Nelson.
ForKids
○ Light it Up! Noon Year’s Eve | Thurs., Dec. 31 | 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Virtual | $12.50 | Kidzu Children’s Museum is celebrating Noon Year’s Eve with a dance party, virtual world tour, and craft–perfect for the whole family. Kids will get the chance to make glow-in-the-dark instruments and then a museum staff member will do a picture tour of landmarks around the world as they light up for New Years.
Dish
○ New Years Eve 5 Course Meal | Thurs., Dec. 31 | 4:30–9 p.m. | 201 South Boylan Avenue | $75 per person | Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing is cooking up a New Years Eve feast with five courses including braised short rib, quail roulade, and winter green salad.