Sponsored Content
Culture

See downtown light up at the Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting 🎄

November 4, 2022 • 
Downtown Raleigh Alliance, Michaela Leung
Sponsored by
A crowd gathered at the annual Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting event.

This year’s annual Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting is sponsored by Publix.

Photo provided by Downtown Raleigh Alliance

Are you ready for the most wonderful time of the year, Raleigh? The holiday season officially kicks off with the annual Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting happening Fri., Nov. 18, 2022.

Savor the season in the heart of the city and experience the festive fun, which takes place 5:30-8 p.m in front of the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts. (Pro tip: Arrive by 6:15 to see the tree light up.)

This family-friendly event features something for everyone, including:

  • Live entertainment from Ricardo Diquez & the Tropic Orchestra, the Platinum Sound Shaw University Marching Band, and the Triangle Sax Ensemble
  • A free photo with Santa himself
  • Local vendors and a night market (great way to support local this season)
  • Food trucks, beer + wine
  • And more

Can’t make it downtown? Portions of the event will be televised live on ABC-11.*

More from RALtoday
RAL_PeregrineIftar_FEB2026
Food
Peregrine reimagines traditional Iftar feast
With flavors from chef + co-owner Saif Rahman’s culinary journey, this fast-breaking meal offers new tastes for Ramadan.
February 16, 2026
 · 
Allie Remhof
The interior of the NCMA.
Food
Spend a day in Raleigh like it’s Milan
With the Winter Olympics well underway, we’re craving an Italian day without having to leave the 919. Here’s how to have a Milanese staycation right here in Raleigh.
February 12, 2026
 · 
Allie Remhof
RAL-Northerncardinal-April23
Travel and Outdoors
Bird watchers needed for The Great Backyard Bird Count in Raleigh
The annual Great Backyard Bird Count attracts over a million bird lovers nationwide to help record the bird population — here’s how you can get involved in Raleigh.
February 11, 2026
 · 
Maria Adnado
TG Floristry resized
City
5 local gifts for your valentine in Raleigh
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Don’t be caught empty-handed — use our guide to classic gifts fit for your sweetheart right here in Raleigh.
February 10, 2026
 · 
Allie Remhof
A group of people enjoying pizza at an event.
Live
45+ places to get pizza in Raleigh
Dig into Raleigh’s must-try pizza shops including NC State hangouts, high-end Detroit-style pizza, and bagel shops moonlighting as pizzerias. Whatever style you prefer, there’s pizza in Raleigh for you.
February 10, 2026
 · 
Staff
People playing table tennis in a bar. The table is blue, the person hitting the ball is smiling, and there are people sat a table behind them speaking to a server, possibly ordering food.
Sports
Is table tennis having a moment? Try it for yourself in Raleigh
Move aside pickleball, there’s a new racket sport in town.
February 4, 2026
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
The NC State Capitol covered in snow in 2022.
History
The history of snow and cold weather in Raleigh
Get your hats and mittens — it’s finally snow season in Raleigh. While the 919 isn’t known for its wintery weather, we’re holding out hope for some history-making snowfall soon.
February 3, 2026
 · 
Staff
RALtoday Sports & Social
Events
Where to watch the 2026 Super Bowl in Raleigh
The Super Bowl is right around the corner, and we’ve got five local sports bars to catch the big game at with everything from raffle prizes to a soup showdown.
February 2, 2026
 · 
Allie Remhof
A group of three in snow gear riding a ski lift.
Wellness
10 places to ski, snowboard, and tube near Raleigh
Plan your next snowy adventure with these 10 resorts to ski, snowboard, and tube within five hours of Oak City.
February 2, 2026
 · 
Anne Weber
The Olympic and Paralympic Symbols in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy.
2026 Winter Olympians with Raleigh + NC ties to watch
The Olympics are nearly here, and there are plenty of Olympians with local ties, from NHL players to college students.
January 29, 2026
 · 
Allie Remhof