We’ve got your weekend lineup, Raleigh! Check out these local things to do to keep you busy this weekend!
Every week, we curate a list of local things to do in and around Raleigh. Our goal is to uplift local businesses and connect you with fun, community-driven experiences.
We prioritize events from our Shop Local Raleigh members, offering you the best local experiences. Want to add your event to our list? Consider becoming a Shop Local Raleigh member or contact us for collaboration opportunities.
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Friday, Dec. 12
🌙 Friday Nights at Sweetwater 12/12
Kick off your weekend with a night full of festive fun, local shopping, and holiday magic.💫 Join us this Friday Night at Sweetwater!
🛍️ 30+ local makers and vendors
🍕 Food Trucks: 454 Grill, Carolina Fish Fry and Grill, Lil Reggie Cookies
❄️ Snow from Southern Snowman
🍷 Beer, wine, seltzer, hot cocoa
🧸 Toys For Tots
🎨 Ornament Painting with Cozy Panda Event Co.
☃️ Festive Kids Activities + Games
🎶 Live Music by Midnight Snack
🎅 Pictures with Santa (5:30pm-7:30pm)
Bundle up, bring your people, and come celebrate the season under the twinkling lights at Sweetwater. 2701 Lawnview Ln, Apex. 5pm-8pm. More info.
🎁 Raleigh Night Market Quarter Market 12/12
The Night Market Co. is bringing soul and good times to John Chavis Memorial Park during their Soulful Holiday Open House. Activities will include, but are not limited to, themed rooms, inflatables, photo opportunities, crafts, carol-oke, light holiday-themed refreshments, live entertainment, and beautiful decorations. John Chavis Memorial Park: 505 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. 5pm-9pm. More info.
❄️ Gingerbread House Decorating Party at Sugar Euphoria 12/12
Cozy up with Sugar Euphoria this holiday season! Their Gingerbread House Decorating Series invites you to step into a festive wonderland full of royal icing, candy décor, and pure seasonal joy. Each guest receives a fully assembled gingerbread house so you can skip the stressful construction and dive straight into decorating. Perfect for families, friend groups, date nights, and team celebrations. 6:30pm-7:30pm. More info.
🎁 A Christmas Carol presented by Theatre in the Park at DPAC 12/12-14
A Christmas Carol presented by Theatre in the Park returns to DPAC this weekend. A musical comedy adaptation of the Dickens classic, the show has been performed annually since 1974 and was named one of the “Top 20 Events in the Southeast.” With over one million people having experienced the magic of A Christmas Carol throughout the years, the show regularly sells out. A few of its honors include being named one of the Top 20 Events In The Southeast, the Metro Ovation Award, the Triangle Arts & Entertainment Reader’s Choice Award, Proclamations from the Mayor of Raleigh and the Governor of North Carolina, and Proclamations from Compiegne, France and Kingston-Upon-Hull, England.
2025 Dates
December 10-14, 2025 at DPAC – www.dpacnc.com or 919-680-2787
December 12th at 7:30pm
December 13th at 2:00pm
December 13th at 7:30pm
December 14th at 2:00pm
❄️ Moore Square Winterfaire 12/12-14
A 4-day annual festival that features 60+ vendors, a food truck rodeo, Live Bands, Santa, S’mores, a Beer Garden and more! Moore Square 201 S. Blount St. Friday: 5pm-9pm, Saturday: 11am-10pm, Sunday: 10am-4pm. More info.
🩰 The Nutcracker by Carolina Ballet at Martin Marietta Center 12/12-14
Step into a world of holiday magic as Carolina Ballet brings The Nutcracker back to the stage in all its sparkling glory. This beloved production is the perfect mix of tradition, enchantment, and pure Christmas nostalgia. Whether it’s your annual family outing or your first time seeing Clara’s dream come to life, this Raleigh holiday classic delivers breathtaking dancing, gorgeous costumes, and a whole lot of festive cheer.
Performance Dates
Friday, December 12th, 7pm
Saturday, December 13th, 2pm
Saturday, December 13th, 7pm
Sunday, December 14th, 1pm
Sunday, December 14th, 5pm
Tuesday, December 16th, 7pm
Wednesday, December 17th, 7pm
Thursday, December 18th, 7pm
Friday, December 19th, 2pm
Friday, December 19th, 7pm
Saturday, December 20th, 2pm
Saturday, December 20th, 7pm
Sunday, December 21st, 1pm
Sunday, December 21st, 5pm
Monday, December 22nd, 2pm
Monday, December 22nd, 7pm
Tuesday, December 23rd, 2pm
Tuesday, December 23rd, 7pm
Wednesday, December 24th, 12pm
More info. Get tickets. For the best rates, contact the box office (919) 719-0900 or boxoffice@carolinaballet.com.
🍻 GingerBuild Houses & Hops 12/12
Holiday cheer is on tap at GingerBuild Houses & Hops. We’ve put a playful spin on this tradition, building and decorating gingerbread houses using candy, icing, hot glue, art supplies, and whimsical trinkets! 7pm-9:30pm. More info. and tickets.
😂 Brandi Denise at Goodnights Comedy Club 12/12-14
Check out Brandi Denise at Goodnights Comedy Club this weekend! Brandi Denise Boyd is a standup comedian, actor, and writer, who can be seen as a series regular on the BET show GAMES PEOPLE PLAY, and can be seen recurring on Starz’ POWER and POWER BOOK II: GHOST. She most recently appeared on ABBOT ELEMENTARY. More info.
🎄 Make It Merry Ornament Making Party 12/12
Create 2 of your very own holiday ornaments with one of amazing vendors, Feral Mama Studio! Choose your material for your ornaments: Pressed Clay, Cloche Domes, Upcycled mason jar lids, or wood cookies! Dye-free and allergen friendly holiday treat bar included! Open to adults and kiddos. 6pm-8pm. More info.
😂 Kelsey Cook at Goodnights Comedy Club 12/12-13
Check out Kelsey Cook at Goodnights Comedy Club this weekend! Kelsey Cook is the daughter of an International Yo-Yo Champion and a Professional Foosball player, which made for a humor-filled life at a young age. She’s performed on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon multiple times, and has also appeared on Comedy Central’s This is Not Happening, EPIX’s Unprotected Sets, NBC’s A Little Late with Lilly Singh, and Greatest Party Story Ever on MTV. Her foosball web-series Wrists of Fury currently has over twenty episodes where Kelsey hustles fellow comedians who don’t know she’s a World Champion foosball player. More info.
Saturday, Dec. 13
🎁 Holidays On Hammell 12/13
Join us at The Weld on Hammell Drive as we celebrate the season, our community, and all things local! We’re bringing together an incredible lineup of makers, small businesses, and festive fun so be sure to explore the entire block!
🛍️ Local vendors + holiday shopping
🍪 Seasonal treats + sips from local favorites
🎅 Photo ops with Santa
📸 Holiday photo spots throughout the event
🎶 Live Jazz
❄️ **And plenty more holiday magic!**
It’s going to be a festive day on Hammell thanks to our amazing local partners and community support. 11am-3pm. More info.
☃️ The Holiday Market at Raleigh Iron Works 12/13
Triangle Pop-Up is hosting their Holiday Market at Raleigh Iron Works! Shop from street vendors and all of the good local spots in the RIW district. Enjoy good food, live music and festive drinks. 11am-4pm. More info.
🎄 Merry Makers Sip & Stroll 12/13
Head to Makers Alley in North Hills for the Merry Makers Sip & Stroll on Saturday, December 13th! Enjoy live carolers, warm hot chocolate, surprise giveaways and shop one-of-a-kind gifts from local makers and artisans. It’s the perfect cozy afternoon to support local this season. 2pm-4pm. More info.
🧑🍳 Gingerbread House Party 12/13
Join Freshly Baked by Meg at The Library at NoRa Cafe for a fun, festive, delicious, and SAFE gingerbread party! 5pm-7pm. More info. and tickets
👗 Cary Vintage Holiday Market 12/13
The holiday season is nearly upon us and The Cary Vintage Market has the perfect afternoon planned for you at the Cary Vintage Holiday Market. Find one of a kind vintage gifts for your loved ones, drink hot cocoa by the fire pit, enjoy a craft beer from 2 different breweries and more. It’s their last vintage market of the year and they aren’t back until Feb 2026 so this is the market to close out 2025 with a bang! Hosted by Vicious Fishes Brewery, South Line Brewing Company & Hummingbird Collective in the West End Biergarten, this event is both family-friendly and dog-friendly! Grab a beer, or a bite to eat from a local food truck, as you shop in a market like no other! 510 Old Apex Rd. Cary. More info.
☃️ Winter Artisan Market at The Hideout 12/13
Join Be Like Missy at The Hideout for a Winter Artisan Market! Sip on delicious drinks while shopping with more than 20 local artisans. Lonerider is family and dog-friendly. 12pm-4pm. More info.
🧑🌾 Midtown Winter Market at North Hills 12/13
Join the Midtown Farmers’ Market each Saturday (November-April) in the Commons at North Hills for the Winter Market. This mini market will feature a variety of fresh produce, meats, and baked goods. Whether you’re picking up your CSA or just browsing, there will be plenty of extra products available for purchase. Plus, if you’re looking to reduce your environmental impact, they’ll have food scraps drop-off and composting available every Saturday. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to support local farmers and artisans while enjoying delicious, fresh food. The Commons, 4191 Main at North Hills Street. 10am-12pm. More info.
☕️ A Stars Hollow Christmas Market 12/13
A holiday market celebrating all things Gilmore Girls! Sip on coffee from Luke’s, compete in trivia, shop Rory’s Bookshelf, get your custom hand drawn portrait made of YOU in Stars Hollow and so much more winter fun! This Stars Hollow themed day will include:
☕️ a pop up coffee shop by WanderBee Coffee Co (who’s ready to try the Sookie?!)
🖊️ Custom hand drawn portraits of you in Stars Hollow by @leanne.reneeillu
📚 Rory’s Bookshelf where you can shop mystery books
✏️ Gilmore Girls trivia at 2pm!
🛍️ Gilmore Girl themed gifts including glass cans, tshirts, sweatshirts, art and more!
🗺️ Hand illustrated Stars Hollow @mapsbymeredith
🎨 30+ other local handmade artist will have tons of unique gifts and treats to shop and finish your holiday shopping!
👚 7+ Vintage vendors with expertly curated clothing and homewares
Bring a friend and spend the day relaxing and finishing your holiday shopping from 10:30am-3:30pm in Downtown Apex at The Studio as we settle the debate: Jess, Dean or Logan! 106 W Chatham Street. Parking is free on the street at the Baptist church across the street. More info.
🚂 Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade 12/13
Bands, mascots, local businesses, community groups, and more. 2pm-4pm. More info.
🎁 Clayton Christmas Parade 12/13
Floats, music, and plenty of Christmas cheer! Main Street, Downtown Clayton. 11am. More info.
🎅 Happy Holly Days Parade 12/13
Floats, bands, dancers, decorated vehicles, marching groups, and more travel Main Street through downtown Holly Springs. 10am. More info.
🌲 Knightdale Christmas Parade 12/13
Floats, vehicles, marching groups, and more. First Avenue near Knightdale Station Run. 10am. More info.
🚂 Family Craft Night Cozy Panda 12/13
Join Cozy Panda Event Co. and James Creek Cider House for a festive afternoon filled with fun holiday crafts including letters to Santa & ceramic ornament painting, cheerful music, a delicious food truck, s’mores by the cozy fire pits, temporary holiday tattoos, free goodies, and more! Come make memories, get crafty, and enjoy a warm, joyful night out! 4pm-6pm. RSVP here
🎄 Three Seasons Vendor Market Christmas Festival 12/13
Enjoy a snowball fight with Santa’s elves, cornhole, soft axe throwing, coloring pages, letters to Santa, games, activities, sweet treats, hot cocoa, coffee, and over 40 amazing vendors to shop with! Wake Crossroads – 3501 Forestville Rd. 10am-4pm. More info.
🐶 Holiday Photoshoot at A Lil’ R & R 12/13
Make your pup the star of your holiday card! Bring your best friend by A Lil’ R & R for photos with Assorted Poppies Photography. They’ll have a cozy setup, cute props, and zero stress. 11am-2pm. More info.
🎄 State of Beer Holiday Market 12/13
State of Beer is hosting a holiday market featuring local vendors. Shop for art, jewelry, records, vintage clothes, hot toddies, and more. Live DJs. 12pm-4pm. More info.
🧑🌾 Farmers Market at Downtown Cary Park 12/13
Shop for freshly-harvested produce, humanely-raised meat, and artisan-made goods at Downtown Cary Park. Children can also get their very own Farmers Market Passport and participate in the Eat-A-Rainbow program, which encourages children to eat healthy, nutritious foods. 9am-12pm. More info.
🎅 Brunch with Santa at Red Bird 12/13
Enjoy brunch with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Red Bird, a new event space next to the Residence Inn Raleigh Downtown. Enjoy a holiday-inspired buffet with French toast, build-your-own pancake bar, eggs, biscuits and gravy and more. After brunch, enjoy a story time with Mrs. Claus, followed by holiday-themed crafts and festive activities for the kids before getting your photos with Santa. Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the magic. It costs $60 per adult, $25 per child (ages 5-12) and free for children age 4 and under. Red Bird is located at 612 S Salisbury Street. 11am-2pm. More info. and tickets
🎉 Ugly Sweater Party at Crank Arm Brewing 12/13
Head to the thrift shop or dig through your family’s closet, don an ugly sweater, and join Crank Arm Brewing for an ugly sweater-themed party & contest! They’ll have holiday specials and festive vibes with LIVE MUSIC from Retro Ukulele! 7pm-11pm. More info.
Sunday, Dec. 14
☃️ Zebulon Christmas Parade 12/14
Watch floats, school groups, balloons, and performances stroll through Downtown Zebulon. 3pm. More info.
🛍️ Raleigh Underground Market at North Hills 12/14
Shop 45+ local vendors, diverse bands from Oak City Music Collective, food trucks, and more from MAKRS. Midtown Park in North Hills. 4011 Cardinal at North Hills St. 11am-3pm. More info.
📖 9th Annual La Chocolatada de Luisito 12/14
Head to the City of Raleigh Museum for the 9th Annual La Chocolatada de Luisito. This is a diverse community literary event focused on sharing culture and literacy. Enjoy Hot Chocolate, Delicious Treats, Reading the Story, Songs, Making Holiday Crafts, and Gifting FREE Bilingual Books. 1pm-3pm. More info.
🕎 Menorah Lighting and Celebration at Lafayette Village 12/14
Join the community at Lafayette Village for a warm and welcoming Menorah Lighting and Celebration hosted annually in partnership with Chabad of Raleigh. This family-friendly event brings neighbors together to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah with music, crafts, festive drinks, a photo booth and more! 3:45pm. More info.
🏒 Canes vs. Flyers 12/14
The Carolina Hurricanes take on the Flyers at the Lenovo Center. 5pm. More info.
😂 Comics Against Humanity at Goodnights 12/14
What does “Punching a Congressman in the Face,” “An Oversized Lollipop” and “Your Grandma” have in common? They’re all potential jokes that can be heard at Comics Against Humanity! A show that brings the beloved and horribly amazing game “Cards Against Humanity” to life! Watch as the best local comedians improvise their sets on the spot using cards from the game as inspiration! More info.
🐶 The Winter Wag at West Street Dog 12/14
The Winter Wag is happening at West Street Dog this Sunday. Enjoy a day of holiday fun:
🎨 Paw print ornaments
🎅 Photos with Santa
✨ Hair tinsel
📸 Photo booth (humans + dogs)
👚 Ugly sweater contest (humans + dogs)
…and more!
They’re also giving back this season by collecting donations for the Wake County SPCA and The Wrenn House. 2pm-7pm. More info.
🪴 Kokedama with Poinsettia Workshop at Bloom Collective 12/14
Come create your very own Kokedama plant with Poinsettias for the holidays! Jeremiah from Love Gaia will walk you through the process, no experience necessary and all supplies are included! 2pm-4pm. More info.
🐶 Puppy Yoga at Crank Arm Brewing 12/14
Join Crank Arm Brewing for a yoga session with adoptable puppies. This event is $35 and covers your yoga class, some puppy love, a $20 donation to Blazin’ Trails Bottle Babies, and your beer afterwards! 10:30am-12pm. Get your tickets here:
🎪 Second Sunday Market at Cobblestone Village 12/14
Join Community Pop Ups for the Second Sundays Market at Cobblestone! Discover a vibrant selection of local vendors, enjoy live music, and bring the whole family. Pets friendly. Free to attend! 12pm-4pm. More info.
✨ Illuminate Art Walk through 1/6
Bundle up and discover glowing art installations throughout downtown. It’s festive, walkable, and perfect for a winter evening stroll. More info.
💫 Cinderella at Raleigh Little Theatre through 12/21
For over 40 years, Raleigh Little Theatre has enchanted audiences with this musical comedy take on Cinderella. With dazzling costumes, toe-tapping tunes, and plenty of laughs, this beloved fairy tale comes to life on stage. Join Ella, her mischievous stepfamily, a charming prince, and a Fairy Godmother who makes the impossible possible in this heartwarming celebration of kindness, courage, and holiday magic! Show Times: Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30am & 3:00pm. More info.
🎭 “Here In America” at Burning Coal Theatre through 12/21
“Here in America” runs through December 21st at Burning Coal Theatre. Dive into a gripping new drama exploring two giants of the American Theatre, Arthur Miller and Elia Kazan, the legendary Marilyn Monroe, and an act of betrayal during the McCarthy era. History, politics, and powerhouse performances collide in this must-see production. More info.
🐲 NC Chinese Lantern Festival at Koka Booth thru 1/11
The North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival is back! Immerse yourself in a world of wonder with thousands of handcrafted, illuminated lanterns showcasing various themes. This walk-through experience also features captivating cultural performances, a variety of concessions, and interactive elements that delight both children and adults. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this enchanting tradition! More info.
🎅 Sippin’ Santa at Wye Hill thru 12/28
Sippin’ Santa is serving up island vibes with tropical-influenced drinks and unforgettable festivities alongside the regular food menu at Wye Hill. This tropical transformation for the holidays features tiki cocktails, over-the-top decorations, and loads of holiday spirit on their beloved patio and in the taproom. More info.
⛸️ The Rink at Red Hat Amphitheater
Enjoy the thrill of ice skating in a winter wonderland in the heart of Raleigh at Red Hat Amphitheater. Reserve your holiday fun at The Rink today!
Winter Wonderland-themed Ice Rink
Cozy Stations featuring outdoor lounging furniture and heat warmers
Fire pits that are perfect for warming up
20ft Decorated Holiday Tree
Decoration stations for a holiday photo opt, including a 6ft lighted bulb display
Snack Bar to purchase refreshments including hot cocoa, beer, wine, sweet treats, and more
Giant Jenga and cornhole game boards
Special community partner nights with local organizations
Tickets and info.
🛍 The Raleigh Market at the State Fairgrounds
Find anything and everything at NC’s largest flea market! Vintage, collectible, antique, handcrafted, home grown, new, used, local, you’ll find it at The Raleigh Market! Each weekend, hundreds of indoor and outdoor vendors showcase an incredible range of items, from high-end antiques to power tools and everything in between. A rotating array of food trucks, fair food, and farm stands ensures you won’t leave hungry! Sat. and Sun. 9am-5pm. More info.
🎶 Live Shows
12/12 The Connells w/ The Vanguard at Lincoln Theatre – Tickets – Sold Out
12/12 TYNAN at The Pour House – Tickets
12/13 Futurebirds at Lincoln Theatre – Tickets
12/13 Happy Bday Jonas: JULIA. with Pink Beds, Cherry Motel at The Pour House – Tickets
12/14 Primitive Man w/ Buffalo Nichols, Great Falls, God Is War at The Pour House – Tickets
