15 Things to Do in Raleigh This Thanksgiving Week

Through 12/23
The Dessertery

It’s beginning to taste a lot like Christmas… especially at Martin Marietta’s all-you-can-eat seasonal sweets cafe. And calories don’t count during the holidays, so be sure to treat your elf! martinmariettacenter.com

Through 12/24
Designed For Joy Holiday Pop-Up

Purse-sue your handbag dreams and pop into this pop-up to snag some stylish bags and support women in crisis this holiday season. designedforjoy.com

Through 1/14
NC Chinese Lantern Festival 

The fan-fave fest promises to be *lit* again this year thanks to 40+ new awe-inspiring Chinese lantern displays, plus captivating cultural performances nightly. Glow on! boothamphitheatre.com

11/22
A Magical Cirque Christmas

Step aside, Rockettes. Simply have a magical (cirque) Christmastime at this variety show full of awe-inspiring performances for all ages.  magicalcirquechristmas.com

11/22–25
Holidays at Hogwarts

“Yer a wizard, Harry!” Settle in for a spellbinding night of magical music via NC Symphony’s highly anticipated concert featuring scores from the Harry Potter movies. Wands up!  ncsymphony.org

Starting 11/24
Miracle at The Haymaker

The best way to spread Christmas cheer is with a festive drink! Belly up to The Haymaker for a decked-out bar experience and a slew of seasonal sips. Merry, indeed! thehaymakerraleigh.com 

Starting 11/24
Tinsel Tavern Holiday Pop-Up

Don’t get your tinsel in a tangle. Deck the halls with Sports & Social as it transforms into a sparkling holiday bar with seasonal small plates, festive photo ops and holiday-inspired cocktails. sportsandsocial.com

Starting 11/24
Winter Wonderland With Goats

Whatever floats your goat! Wander into a goat-filled winter wonderland feat. Christmas trees, hot cocoa, s’mores and a create-your-own ornament craft. springhaven.farm

11/24
Martina McBride

This one’s for the girls—and the boys. Experience the joy of Christmas via holiday carols from the renowned soprano country crooner. ’Tis the season! martinmariettacenter.com

11/24
Skatepark Black Friday Market Skate and Shop

See ya later, skater! Avoid the chaos of the mall and roll up to the Conlon Family Skatepark for a slew of holiday shopping ops. skateraleigh.com

11/24–26
Christmas Carousel Holiday Gift Market

Thanksgiving marks the official start to holiday season, so ditch the mall and work off those cals from your feast with some local retail therapy in the form of this Triangle shopping tradition (one of the largest Christmas gift shows in the state!) touting 250+ exhibitors showcasing arts, crafts, gourmet foods, gifts, decorations and more. ncstatefair.org 

11/25
A Drag Queen Christmas

Get ready to slay for the holiday! See your favorite queens strut their stuff and perform live on stage via the longest running drag tour in the country, hosted by Miz Cracker and featuring special guest Todrick Hall. martinmariettacenter.com 

11/25
NC State vs. UNC 

Silence of the rams. gopack.com

11/25
The Triangle Pop-Up Small Business Saturday

Happy Small Business Saturday! Shop the works of local artisans and makers this holiday season for all your gift-giving necessities—and maybe even snag a present for yourself! trianglepopup.com

11/28
Beach Fossils 

Meet this easygoing surf rock band “down the line” as they embark on a tour spotlighting their newest album alongside some old hits. What a pleasure! livenation.com