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.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and X(Twitter) to stay in the loop on all things local. Let’s get out and show some local love to our community!
Friday, Dec. 5
🎁 A Christmas Carol presented by Theatre in the Park at Martin Marietta 12/5-7
A Christmas Carol presented by Theatre in the Park returns to Martin Marietta 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.”
2025 Dates
December 5-7, 2025 at Martin Marietta Center for The Performing Arts (Raleigh Memorial Auditorium)
December 5th at 7:00pm
December 6th at 2:00pm
December 6th at 7:00pm
December 7th at 2:00pm
December 10-14, 2025 at DPAC – www.dpacnc.com or 919-680-2787
December 10th at 7:30pm
December 11th at 7:30pm
December 12th at 7:30pm
December 13th at 2:00pm
December 13th at 7:30pm
December 14th at 2:00pm
❄️ Evening With Elves at Marbles 12/5
Jingle, twirl, twinkle, PLAY! The Marbles elves are on their way! Dress in your festive best and step into a cozy night of winter wonder and joyful cheer. Chipper’s Bake Shop is open for business, and letters are flying out the Fed Elf doors! Immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of the season with a visit to Elfland, a bustling little village where holiday magic comes to life! Light snacks will be served to fuel your fun, and the Snowflake Fairy will flutter by before the night is done. Beer, wine and soda will be available for purchase. 6pm-8:30pm. More info.
💫 Cinderella at Raleigh Little Theatre 12/5-21
A magical holiday tradition returns! 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. Show Times: Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30am & 3:00pm. More info.
🐰 A Peter Rabbit Christmas at Downtown Cary Park 12/5-7
Join Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle and all of the animals in Mr. McGregor’s garden patch as they search for Peter Rabbit in this light-hearted Christmas mystery. A co-production between Applause! Cary Youth Theatre and Seed Art Share, this show is a perfect way for the whole family to experience the magic of the holiday season. More info.
😂 Mandal at Goodnights Comedy Club 12/5-7
Check out Mandal at Goodnights Comedy Club this weekend! MANDAL is a comedian based out of Atlanta, Georgia. He has been seen and heard on Adult Swim, Netflix Is A Joke Radio, and Don’t Tell Comedy. More info.
🎭 “Here In America” at Burning Coal Theatre
“Here in America” runs December 4-21st 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.
😂 Zarna Garg at Goodnights Comedy Club 12/5-6
Check out Zarna Garg at Goodnights Comedy Club this weekend! Garg is a comedy trailblazing Indian immigrant mom from New York City. She masterfully infuses humor, wit, and fearless social commentary into her comedy special for Amazon Prime, ‘One in a Billion,’ and her insightful podcast, ‘The Zarna Garg Family Show,’ dissecting modern family dynamics. More 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.
🎁 Holiday Sip n’ Shop at City of Raleigh Museum 12/5
Holiday cocktails and mocktails, local vendors, music, Holiday Express raffle, crafts, and more at the City of Raleigh Museum. 5:30pm-9pm. More info.
🎄Lighting of Wake Forest 12/5
Experience the wonder and magic of the holiday season at the 2025 Lighting of Wake Forest. Centennial Plaza in front of Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St. 5pm-8pm More info.
🎄Wendell Wonderland 12/5
Enjoy a craft market and food trucks of all kinds and access to the Lake Myra Christmas Light Show and a festive trolley ride. Downtown Wendell. 5pm-9pm More info.
🎄Christmas On First Avenue Tree Lighting – Knightdale 12/5
Take pictures with Santa, watch local entertainment, enjoy holiday treats and activities, and then help countdown the lighting of the Christmas Tree. Knightdale Station Park 6pm-8pm. More info.
🎄Apex Tree Lighting Ceremony 12/5
Join community members and the Apex Town Council as the tree is lit for the very first time on Town Hall Campus! Santa and Mrs. Claus will join in on the fun for attendees to grab the season’s first photos. Town Hall Campus, 73 Hunter Street. 4:30pm-7:00pm. More info.
🌲 Tree Lighting Ceremony at Brier Creek 12/5
Get ready for festive cheer, twinkling lights, and bring your wish list to hand-deliver to Santa himself! Brier Creek Commons. 6pm-8pm. More info.
✨ Illuminate Art Walk 12/5-1/6
Bundle up and discover glowing art installations throughout downtown. It’s festive, walkable, and perfect for a winter evening stroll. More info.
Saturday, Dec. 6
🎄 Jolly Raleigh Holiday Market at Iron Works 12/6
Join us as we celebrate the season and support local makers! We’ve got a fantastic lineup waiting for you:
🛍️ 60+ local vendors indoors and outside
⛄ Holiday activities for kids
🎨 Face painting
🍸 Festive drinks and bites from Cape Fear Distillery, Bulkogi, Cafecito, Gussy’s Greek, The Naked Empanada and more.
🎂 Sweet treats from Baked By Bowerman, Bundts by Brenée, The Blue Ox Bakery, and more.
🎷 Entertainment from Triangle Sax Ensemble (12-2pm) and Carolina Harmony Chorus (4:15-4:45pm)
🎅 Photo ops with Santa Claus
❄️ And more holiday fun!
Round up your friends and show some local love at the Jolly Raleigh Holiday Market at Iron Works! 11am-5pm. More info.
☃️ Gateway Merry Market 12/6
Come shop, eat, sip, and celebrate at this local makers market at Gateway Plaza. Breakfast pop-ups by Mala Pata, Fiction Kitchen, Escazú. Featuring Mordecai Beverage Co., Dogwood Country Club, Union Special, Natural Science Bar, The Bomb Bar, Arrichion Hot Yoga, Hidden Block Games, and more! 9:30am-1pm. More info.
🎁 Holiday Market at Page 158 Books 12/6
Page 158 Books is hosting a Holiday Market on December 6th from 11am-4pm! Shop local vendors, purchase a book from Page 158, and grab some lunch from the Lemon Tree! Check out the vendor lineup:
🧶 Clever Fox Crochet: crochet items inspired by books, plants, & fantastical things
💎 The Crafty Olive Boutique: polymer clay earrings & charms
☕ Jeludes Coffee Company: roasted coffee bags and brewed coffee
🧵 Kendra Being Creative: handsewn & embroidered fabric items
🎨 Pour by EmilyMarie: resin art & home decor
🕯️ Torch & Tome Candle Co: bookish candles, wax melts, & t-shirts
The event is free, but RSVPs on their Eventbrite are appreciated! 11am-4pm. More info.
🎄 Tree Lighting Celebration at Downtown Cary Park 12/6
Kick off the holiday season with festive cheer at the FREE Tree Lighting Celebration in Downtown Cary Park. Throughout the day, enjoy holiday activities, programs, and performances all leading to the official Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6 p.m. Don’t miss this magical evening that promises to ignite your holiday spirit! More info.
🥅 Canes vs. Nashville 12/6
The Canes take on the Nashville Predators at the Lenovo Center. 7pm. More info.
🎅 Apex Rotary Christmas Parade 12/6
Enjoy Christmas carols, a marching parade, shopping, and a visit from Santa. 5pm. More info.
❄️ MAKRS Holiday Fest 12/6
200+ vendors, food trucks, alcohol and beverages, live music, fun activities for families and more. 11am-6pm. More info.
Sunday, Dec. 7
🎅 Santa on the Roof at The Willard 12/7
Santa Claus will be at The Willard Rooftop Lounge from 1pm-3pm. The visit with Santa is free, and no professional photography will be provided; please be prepared to take photos on a phone or a camera. The Willard bar will be open so guests can enjoy a warm cup of coffee, cocoa or an adult beverage from the bar before and after visiting Santa. The Willard is located at the AC Hotel Raleigh Downtown, 9 Glenwood Ave. More info.
🎨 Boylan Heights Art Walk 12/7
Stroll tree-lined streets turned into galleries as local artists exhibit their creations on porches and lawns. From paintings and pottery to glasswork and jewelry, ArtWalk celebrates creativity in every form. 12pm-5pm. More info.
🛍️ Cary Underground Market at Bond Brothers 12/7
Shop with 40+ local vendors, enjoy live music, food trucks, and more at Bond Brothers Beer. 12pm-4pm. More info.
🎁 Fuquay-Varina Christmas Parade 12/7
A festive hometown parade featuring marching bands, floats, local businesses, dancers, and of course Santa rolling through Main Street to spread holiday cheer. 4pm. More info.
🌲 Rolesville Christmas Parade 12/7
Floats, local talent, a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Main Street, Rolesville. 2pm. More info.
Mini Christmas House Workshop at Bloom Collective 12/7
Come craft and decorate your own mini Christmas house with us! Pick from a selection of unpainted wooden houses and decorate your own magical holiday themed home. Learn how to add snow drifts and snack on some holiday goodies. Perfect for gifts or home decor! Open to adults and kiddos. All supplies included and no experience necessary! 2pm-5pm. More info.
😂 Sienna Hubert Ross at Goodnights Comedy Club 12/7
Check out Sienna Hubert Ross at Goodnights Comedy Club this weekend! Ross is a Boston-Born, New York-based comedian, actor, writer, and content creator known for her incisive wit and unfiltered performances. Sienna made her mark in the comedy world with her viral impressions, some of her most famous being her portrayal of Kamala Harris as well as Cynthia Erivo during the Wicked press tour. More info.
🎄 Trunkshow’s Holiday Open House 12/7
The holiday magic is happening at Trunkshow! Vintage vendors outside, selling tons of vintage clothing, gifts, and holiday items! Mulled wine, treats, and all the décor your retro-loving heart could want. 1526 Wake Forest Rd. 11am-4pm. More info.
🏆 Stanley Cup 20th Anniversary Celebration – Canes vs. Sharks 12/7
Join the Canes from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7, for an exclusive pre-game celebration before the Canes and Sharks square off at 5 p.m. All guests will receive a replica 2006 Championship ring, an opportunity to take pictures with the Stanley Cup, and will enjoy a roundtable discussion featuring key players from some of the biggest moments in Hurricanes history. Reception tickets are available below and benefit the Carolina Hurricanes Foundation. More info.
🐱 Holiday Pottery Painting at Purr Cup Cafe 12/7
Join Cozy Panda Event Co. at Purr Cup Cafe for a fun and creative afternoon of painting pottery! Unleash your creativity at this self-guided Painted Pottery Workshop. 10am-11:30am. 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 BACK and 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. Secure your tables early at Wye Hill. More info.
⛸️ The Rink at Red Hat Amphitheater thru 1/4
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.
Live Shows
12/4 AZUL w/ Donnie Deneil & Scrumptions at The Pour House – Tickets
12/5 AHEE at Lincoln Theatre – Tickets
12/5 Pearl Jam & Temple of The Dog Tribute Nite at The Pour House – Tickets
12/6 Start Making Sense at Lincoln Theatre – Tickets
12/6 Joslyn & The Sweet Compression at The Pour House – Tickets
12/7 David J (Bauhaus, Love And Rockets) at The Pour House – Tickets
