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As the end of 2021 comes to a close, we round up a ton of fun ways to keep yourself busy through the first of the new year. From holiday light shows and pop-up markets to NYE celebrations and more, here’s 22 things to do through Jan. 1!
THROUGH 12/24
DEWEY’S BAKERY HOLIDAY STORE
“Me want cookies!” The Athens Drive Magnet High School Band Program is hosting a fundraiser at Dewey’s Bakery’s Village District and Waverly Place locations. Grab a Dewey’s Moravian Cookie gift tin for a friend or fam member with a sweet tooth, then get a Moravian Sugar Cake for yourself. A portion of the proceeds from each sale will go toward ADMHS’s band program. athensdriveband.com
THROUGH 12/24
THE POLAR EXPRESS 3D
All aboard The Polar Express with Tom Hanks at this Marbles Kids Museum’s 3D showing of the beloved adaptation of Chris Van Allsburg’s popular picture book. marbleskidsmuseum.org
THROUGH 12/24
WRAL NIGHTS OF LIGHTS
Illuminate your holiday season with more lights—and more nights—at WRAL’s second annual Night of Lights Drive-Thru Light Show at Dix Park. wral.com
THROUGH 12/31
IN THE MOMENT EXHIBITION
Wake County’s 2019-20 Artist-in-Residence, photographer Christopher Janaro, showcases Wake County life “in the moment”—predominantly through the lens of the vibrance and diversity of the artistic landscape—at Duke Energy Center. unitedarts.org
THROUGH 12/31
LEAPING OFF THE DRAWING BOARD
“A person’s a person, no matter how small.” Explore the art of Dr. Seuss at LaMantia Gallery, and listen as Jeff Schuffman shares stories about the collection and its inspiration. lamantiagallery.com
THROUGH 1/2
MAGIC OF LIGHTS
“I’ve got the magic in me…” For the first time ever, Coastal Credit Union Music Park will be lit up for a magical 1-mile drive-through holiday lights display with various holiday light features, including a Blizzard Tunnel, 12 Days of Christmas, Winter Wonderland and The Night Before Christmas for what’s sure to be a lit event. magicoflights.com
THROUGH 1/9
NC CHINESE LANTERN FESTIVAL
Get lit with this uberpopular hip holiday light show tradition, back for its fifth installment with all new displays and can’t-miss nightly performances at Cary’s Koka Booth. boothamphitheatre.com
THROUGH 1/21
ABSTRACTO/LATINO
Explore diverse art movements— from French Cubism to Russian Constructivism—through work from local Latinx abstraction artists at Block Gallery. raleighnc.gov
THROUGH 2/6
BREAK THE MOLD: NEW TAKES ON TRADITIONAL ART MAKING
In hue of the technological era, the NCMA will be spotlighting contemporary artists and traditional artmaking in its latest innovative exhibit. Break the Mold will highlight fresh approaches to time-honored crafts such as embroidery, ceramics, quilting and fashion. Color us intrigued! ncartmuseum.org
12/27
CAROLINA HURRICANES VS. FLORIDA PANTHERS
The Panthers might be on the prowl, but a mighty hurricane is on the radar. nhl.com
12/27
PINECONE BLUEGRASS JAM
Get ready to jam out at Transfer Co. Food Hall, where musicians will gather in a circle and play together (via instruments or vocal songs) in a “circle jam.” All skill levels are welcome! transfercofoodhall.com
12/29–1/1
BIG SOMETHING
Bring in the new year with this Burlington-based band that fuses that rock, pop, funk and improv—they’re really something. lincolntheatre.com
12/31
FIRST NIGHT RALEIGH
If you’re on a mission to protect tradition, The City of Oaks’ annual NYE celebration is for you, featuring a day full of festivities spread over 30 different locations around town featuring interactive art installations, drama, magic, music, comedy and dance. And at midnight, you’ll have front-row seats to Raleigh’s signature Acorn Drop. firstnightraleigh.com
12/31
LITTLE CITY BREWING’S ALL-INCLUSIVE NYE 2022
Fizz the season! Pop your way into the new year with craft cocktails and beer, a live DJ, and a Champagne toast at midnight at Little City Brewing. littlecitybrewing.com
12/31
NYE 2022 ON THE HILL
Byeee, 2021! Ring in the new year at Wye Hill for the best skyline and fireworks views—plus a bomb buffet; heated, covered outdoor seating; late-night snacks; a Champagne toast; and more. Three… two… one… Happy New Year! wyehill.com
12/31
NEW YEAR’S EVE 2022 AT THE ARCHITECT BAR & SOCIAL HOUSE
Gather your your friends, homies, loved ones, dance partners, ride-or-dies and other various partners in crime to ring in the new year in style at The Architect. There will be party favors, DJ Triple B and a Champagne toast at midnight. Three cheers for 2022! architectbar.com
12/31
NEW YEAR’S EVE AT THE WILLARD ROOFTOP
If you wanna scream “Happy New Year!” from the rooftops literally (who doesn’t?), The Willard is the spot for you. Post up for its fab NYE celebration, complete with spectacular views, Mediterranean-inspired bites and complimentary Champagne. Plus, you can shake what your mama gave ya and leave those 2021 woes on the dance floor. thewillardraleigh.com
12/31
NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION AT RALEIGH UNION STATION
Eagle Eye Entertainment invites you to what’s sure to be one of the most lit parties of the year. The event features a red carpet entry with a photo op (#pose), DJs and live music acts, an open bar, photo booth, and more. eagleeyesevent.com
12/31
THE GREEN LIGHT COCKTAIL EXPERIENCE NYE 2022
Celebrate the new year 1920s style by ducking into The Green Light speakeasy for an exclusive pre-fixe cocktail menu, premium Champagne toast, charcuterie and mini-dessert pairings. architectbar.com/the-green-light
12/31
THE MERCHANT’S NYE 2022
2022 vibes, found, at The Merchant. A live DJ will be spinning tracks as you enjoy a four-course dinner with cocktail pairings—plus, countdown to the new year with (what else?!) some bubbly. Sip, sip, hooray! themerchantnc.com
12/31
VIRGIL’S NYE 2022
Taco bout a good New Year’s Eve party! Virgil’s Cocktails and Cocina will be featuring a pre-fixe dinner and cocktail menu, as well as a premium Champagne toast for its early ball drop. virgilstacos.com
1/1
NC STATE VS. FSU
Let’s put the W in Wolfpack against the Noles. gopack.com
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