Photo courtesy of Village District

36 Things to Do in Raleigh This Week, Dec. 7–13

In December 2023/January 2024, Do by Raleigh MagazineLeave a Comment

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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 1/5
Illuminate Art Walk

Head into the holidays (literally) via this year’s installment of Illuminate Art Walk, lighting up the DTR streets with its signature piece, “Talking Heads,” created by Limelight and distributed by Wireframe. Plus, spy a scad of stunning pieces compliments of NC light artists highlighting our state’s wildlife, along with our innovative past, present and future. Merry and bright, indeed! downtownraleigh.org

Through 1/7
Dutch Art in a Global Age

Talk about going global. Take in myriad masterpieces from the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston that explore the crossways between art, commercial networks and Colonial expansion. ncartmuseum.org

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

Through 1/15
The Rink Presented by UNC Health
Ice, ice baby. Figure-eight your way into the holidays with the return of Raleigh’s festive Rockefeller-esque ice skating rink at Red Hat. redhatamphitheater.com

Through 3/31
Igloos at Unscripted

Just chillin’? Roll up to your own personal igloo experience filled with a pre-set food menu and an immaculate winter wonderland vibe (plus wine pairings and bevs available for purchase). How festive! opentable.com

Opens 12/7
History of Moonshine and Motorsports in North Carolina

Racing and moonshine? It’s the ultimate rural Southern experience. Discover the perseverance and innovation behind the humble beginnings of over a century of distilling and racing. ncmuseumofhistory.org

12/7
Eric Neumann

Channel a bit of nervous laughter as this rapidly rising NYC-based comic works the crowd in Raleigh. And it *isn’t* just a phase! goodnightscomedy.com

12/7
Azura Holiday Open House

Get in the holiday spirit and drop in for a pick-me-up in the form of complementary bites and bevs, NTM special Botox pricing, skin care products and gift baskets. Look good, feel good, indeed! azuraskin.com 

12/7
Rock Around the Block

Rock around the block and ensure your spirits are high via sips and shopping from Edge of Urge and Unlikely Professionals, aka your fave Person Street small businesses. #Sleigh! @edgeofurge

12/7
SKI-Ball Tournament 

Calling all professional skiers! Win some seriously cool prizes while sipping on festive drinks from the Boxcar Jingle Bar. Don’t forget to show off your swanky ski jackets, bibs and goggles for four free game tokens. theboxcarbar.com

12/8
Dogs in a Pile

We double dog dare you to dance along with these paws-itively perfect NJ natives as they jam out to a fusion of psychedelia, funk and rock ’n’ roll. Welcome to the #DogPound. pourhouseraleigh.com

12/8
Figulina Pop-Up Dinner

Pop in for a first taste of new restaurant Figulina—which will be serving up fresh handmade pasta driven by local ingredients and the simplicity of Italian cooking, with a touch of Southern undertones to boot. Pasta la vista, baby! theraleighwineshop.com 

12/8
Majid Jordan

Good people grab tix to see this talented Canadian R&B duo perform live at The Ritz. livenation.com

12/8
Silent Book Club

Every introvert’s social dream: found. Come with your current read or find a new one from Black Bird Books and Coffee before grabbing a hot bev, mingling for a minute and then reading quietly for a while. Shhhhh! @blackbirdbooksandcoffee

12/8–9
Jay Pharoah

Don’t miss former Saturday Night Live cast member Jay Pharoah shredding the stage and spinning comedy gold. BRB, we’re out of office. improv.com 

12/8–10
A Christmas Carol

Bah humbug! Theatre in the Park is back with its 50th annual performance of Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale at Martin Marietta feat. Ira David Wood III taking the stage for his final season as Scrooge. “A Merry Christmas to us all!” theatreinthepark.com 

12/9
Second Annual Blue Hawaiian Christmas

Ready for a “Blue Christmas?” Belly up to Crank Arm for a heck of a holiday celebration, tropical style—and don’t miss the Hawaiian-inspired drinks. Let’s get lei’ed! crankarmbrewing.com

12/9
Chunky Blanket Workshop

Not only is a chunky blanket the “it” item of the season, but it is also easy to make yourself while sipping on a bev and snacking on bites. BYOB! wineanddesign.com 

12/9
Let it Swing! A Holiday Jazz Soiree

“Baby, it’s cold outside.” … Warm up with classic swayworthy jazz and swing music for a vibe worth rockin’ around the Christmas tree at Maywood Hall and Garden. Dancing mode: activated. triangleprideband.com

12/9
NC Holiday Beer Fest

Ring in the holiday season test tasting the 25+ beers on tap from the likes of Hi-Wire Brewing, Gizmo Brew Works, Flat Rock Ciders, and more—along with handrolled cigars, Che Empanadas, and the release of Clouds Brewing and Mystic Distillery’s new barrel-aged imperial stout. ’Tis the season! eventbrite.com

12/9
NCMA Winter Lantern Walk 

For lit evening plans, bundle up and bring a homemade lantern for a serene winter stroll through the Museum Park. This little light of mine… ncartmuseum.org 

12/9
Public Open House for Smoky Hollow Park

Care to comment on the plan for Smoky Hollow Park? This meeting at ​​the Halifax Park Community Center will review design plans, give project updates and open the floor for comments. raleighnc.gov

12/9
Santa Claus Is Coming to Town

The big man of the season will be back in town for photo opts, gift requests and light refreshments at Hillman Real Estate Group at eXp Realty. Hope you’ve been nice! hregsells.com 

12/9
Tar Heel Troubadours: Jim Lauderdale

Battle those winter blues with a bluegrass performance from an NC-native musician sure to hit all the right notes. ncmuseumofhistory.org 

12/9
The Uproar Holiday Special

Ho-ho-ho your way through this festive Triangle Sketch Comedy show in which local comedians will tackle the comical chaos of the holly jolly season at Theatre Raleigh and ComedyWorx. eventbrite.com

12/9–10
Jolly Raleigh Holiday Market

Let’s have a holly jolly time in Raleigh (!) Celebrate Christmas at Raleigh Iron Works while you sip on custom festive bevs and check off the rest of your list with handcrafted treasures, artisanal treats and unique gifts. facebook.com 

12/9–17 
Elf the Musical

“Elves love to tell stories. I bet you didn’t know that about elves.” … No-Buddy is gonna wanna miss NC Theatre’s rendition of this feel-good Christmas classic about our fave orphaned elf’s journey to find his fam—and the true meaning of Christmas, of course. Time to embrace your inner elf! martinmariettacenter.com 

12/9–17
Santa in the Village

“Santa! I know him.” Say hi to the jolly ole elf himself in the Village District by Tiff’s Treats (natch) for a photo op and a sprinkle of holiday magic. Ho, ho, ho! shopvillagedistrict.com 

12/10
Holiday Artist Market

Sip on a holiday drink and browse gifts from local artisans at this festive market perf for getting all your Christmas shopping done. Jingle all the way! theatreraleigh.com

12/10
NC Eat & Play’s S’mores & Hot Chocolate Festival

Beat that seasonal depression with chocolatey bites and bevs! Toast your own marshmallows over the fire and pair with a warm mug of hot cocoa before browsing the works of local vendors. Also enjoy food trucks, a bounce house, games, hay rides, and more! nceatandplay.com 

12/10
Trunkshow Vintage Winter Market

Gifting second hand swag is in! Shop vintage clothing, furniture and decor while warming up with a festive beverage. Wrap up your excursion via the gift-wrapping station. … Procrastinating until Christmas Eve, who?! trunkshowraleigh.com 

12/10
RedBud Winter Gala & Fundraiser

Support your local creative writing nonprofit by doning your best attire and immersing yourself in an evening of literary magic—think food, drinks, music and a writing showcase featuring the work of five students. Write this way! redbudwriting.org

12/10
Santa on the Rooftop

Up on the rooftop… Bring your camera and your holiday wishes—because Santa’s here (!). Snap a holiday photo with a backdrop of the Raleigh skyline while enjoying hot chocolate or a beverage from the bar. thewillardraleigh.com 

12/11
Willard Wine Dinner with Copper Cane Wines

Join fifth gen winemaker Joe Wagner of Napa Valley-based Copper Cane Wine & Provisions for an immersive dining experience with food pairings by The Willard’s chef Kyle Teears. How sip-sational! opentable.com 

12/13
Trans-Siberian Orchestra 

Sleigh what?! TSO’s hauntingly electric holiday tour is back with the best of TSO and more— promising to leave you absolutely amped. pncarena.com

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