18 Things to Do in Raleigh This Week, Nov. 18–24

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… and there’s plenty of fun things to do around Raleigh to get in the holiday spirit.

11/18
HOLIDAY MARKETPLACE

It’s the most holly jolly time of the year to get ahead on all your holiday shopping (we’ve said it once and we’ll say it again… it’s never too early!). Mark off everyone on your shopping list through the many shops at the Village District—and get a $25 gift card when you spend $150 or more—and let the kiddos run down their own wish lists with Old Saint Nick himself. shopvillagedistrict.com

11/18–20
JASON MEWES

Stop everything. The man behind the vocal half of Jay and Silent Bob—aka “Oh, I’m Jay, and this is my hetero-lifemate Silent Bob”—of Kevin Smith cult classics fame (Mallrats, Chasing Amy, Clerks and more) brings the raunch to Goodnights for three nights in Raleigh. goodnightscomedy.com

11/18–21
25TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF TREES

Promising to light up your life… Christmas decorations, well, grow on trees at The Carolina Hotel’s Festival of Trees, where volunteer designers create amazing trees, wreaths, garlands, centerpieces, gift baskets and other handmade items that are auctioned off during a raffle. Money raised benefits children who have special developmental needs at Sandhills Children’s Center in Rockingham and Southern Pines—so, you’ll end up getting a gift for yourself and for children in need as well. festivaloftrees.org

11/18–21
UNIQUE DEPARTURES/INNOVATIVE VARIATIONS

Carolina Ballet takes a unique departure from its classical ballet repertoire through new ballets from Founding Artistic Director Robert Weiss, Principal Guest Choreographer Lynne Taylor-Corbett and Carolina Ballet’s Jenny Palmer—plus, don’t miss guest choreographer Mariana Oliveira’s critically acclaimed Pagliacci, which follows a clown’s tragic descent, for a show that’s sure to be on pointe. carolinaballet.com

11/18–12/11
CRABTREE ANGEL TREE

Seeking out ways to give back this season? Snag an Angel Tag from the Salvation Army Angel Tree at Crabtree Valley Mall and shop for Christmas gifts that are sure to bring a great big smile to an underprivileged child’s face somewhere. shopcrabtree.com 

11/19
A’VERDE COCINA + TEQUILA LIBRARY POP-UP

Give your taste buds a sneak peek of chef Katsuji Tanabe’s menu at his upcoming modern Mexican restaurant A’Verde Cocina + Tequila Library in Cary at Vidrio. Be there or be square. averdecary.com

11/19
PINK FRIDAY AT ROSE & LEE CO.

Think pink! Apex’s Rose & Lee Co. is participating in the second annual Pink Friday small business shopping experience, a traditional spin on the traditional Black Friday shopping experience that emphasizes #ShopSmallFirst. Gear up for a weekend of holiday arrivals and giveaways for the first 100 shoppers both in store and online. roseandleeco.com

11/19–20
TREE LIGHTINGS

Get lit at tree lightings across town. In DTR, sip, shop, savor and support while you kick off the holiday season with Triangle Pop-Up and Downtown Raleigh Alliance for Downtown’s official tree lighting by Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin and the holiday pop-up market (Nov. 19)—P.S. we’ll be there! Start checking off your good list with curated selects of custom gifts and goodies by local artists and makers while getting in the spirit with live music, food, drinks and holiday fun. Next, head to Waverly Place for restaurant tastings, retail sales and promotions, stilt-walking, face-painting, live music, and a tree lighting countdown by yours truly—Santa Claus (“I know him!”). Over in North Hills Commons, get your holiday on with snow slopes, trackless train rides, a vendor village, kids’ crafts, a bounce house and a visit from the jolly ‘ole elf himself—not to mention the massive tree set aglow to the chorus of “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.” In North Raleigh, get in your holiday feels as you stroll (and shop) through The Village while enjoying tunes before taking in the annual tree lighting ceremony at Lafayette Village (Nov. 20). downtownraleigh.org; waverlycary.com; visitnorthhills.com; lafayettevillageraleigh.com

11/19–21
JURASSIC QUEST

Just when you thought dinosaurs were extinct… they’re heading to the Raleigh Convention Center for an interactive exhibit including over 80 lifelike dinosaurs, rides, shows, activities, bounce houses and more. jurassicquest.com

11/20
77TH ANNUAL ABC11 RALEIGH CHRISTMAS PARADE

Santa Claus is coming to town to help you sleigh your holiday with the 77th installment of the popular milelong Christmas parade, presented by Shop Local Raleigh. abc11.com 

11/20
CLTURE + TRANSFER CO. FALL BAZAAR

Shopping, music, food and art—oh, my! Whether you’re looking to get a head start on your holiday gift list or just treat yo’self to some local offerings, you’re gonna wanna head to Transfer Co Food Hall for the first annual CLTure + Transfer Co. Fall Bazaar on Saturday, Nov. 20. transfercofoodhall.com

11/20
HOLIDAY CLOTHING DRIVE

Need a reason to finally sort through your closet? We’ve got it. Drop your new or gently used clothing at Crabtree Valley Mall to help underprivileged women in our community achieve their goals. shopcrabtree.com

11/20
NC STATE VS. SYRACUSE

Come pull for the Pack to beat the cute out of those Syracuties. gopack.com

11/20–21
DURHAM ART WALK HOLIDAY MARKET

Transition from harvest to holidays with Durham Arts Council’s free fam-friendly ho-ho-Holiday Market to kick off the season in Downtown Durham. Festive finds abound at this holiday-inspired art walk chock-full of ’tis-the-season makers, live music and more at easily strollable venues and world-class restos (plus food trucks) in Durham’s city center. durhamartwalk.com

11/20–12/8
ABC11 TOGETHER FOOD DRIVE

“Together, let’s put hope on the table.” Partner with ABC11 as they help restock the shelves at local food banks this season. abc11.com

11/21
BOXCAR’S THANKS FOR GIVING EVENT

“Feed the need” and have fun doing it with Boxcar’s Thanks for Giving Food Drive supporting the Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC. theboxcarbar.com

11/22
PET NIGHTS WITH SANTA

Fido has a Christmas list too, ya know. Take your pet out on a night on the town to meet Santa, share a few barks and, of course, snag a picture-pawfect portrait. shopcrabtree.com

11/22
PINECONE BLUEGRASS JAM

Let’s all gather around and (circle) jam at Transfer Co. Food Hall. Meet new folks and share your enthusiasm for good food and good bluegrass. transfercofoodhall.com