by Raleigh Magazine | Jan 4, 2023 | December 2022/January 2023
Through 1/8
NC Chinese Lantern Festival
The fan-fave fest promises to be lit again this year. Stroll 40+ awe-inspiring Chinese lantern displays and stay for the captivating cultural performances nightly. Glow on! boothamphitheatre.com
Through 1/14
Illuminate Art Walk
See DTR lit up (literally!) for the holiday season as you stroll parts of Fayetteville Street and Glenwood South taking in large-scale interactive and light-based art pieces. … And not to be missed is the new centerpiece exhibit, Sonic Runway, a special installation with the ability to convert audio into light patterns shooting down a long corridor of arches (!). #ItsLit. downtownraleigh.org
Through 1/16
THE RINK
“We’ll go ice skating; then eat a whole roll of Tollhouse cookie dough as fast as we can; then we’ll snuggle.” ’Tis the season to live it up like Buddy the Elf at Raleigh’s festive Rockefeller-esque ice skating rink at Red Hat. redhatamphitheater.com
1/5
Hurricanes v. Predators
Take warning, Predators… this is Canes country. nhl.com
1/6
Winter Full Moon Walk
Enjoy a moonlit walk through NCMA’s Museum Park as a guide helps you experience nature and art in the dark. Prepare to be over the moon! ncartmuseum.org
1/6–7
Donnell Rawlings
It’s getting down to “the wire” with actor, comedian and podcast host Donnell Rawlings taking the stage at Goodnights for two nights of livin’, laughin’ and lovin’ life. goodnightscomedy.com
1/6–7
Erica Rhodes
Actress, writer and comedian Erica Rhodes (Modern Family, New Girl, Veep) is back at Goodnights to tease 20-year-olds, tell personal stories and more. Watch out, millennials. goodnightscomedy.com
1/7
Running Outside the Lines for Make-A-Wish
If a jog is a wish your heart makes, grab your running shoes and run outside the lines for this 5K supporting kids with critical illnesses and their families. Run, run as fast as you can! runsignup.com
1/10, ongoing
Bands at Brookside: James Vicari
Drink in cold brews and live jams at Brookside Bodega’s recurring music event. … Time to play at the patio! brooksidebodega.com
1/11
Stargazing at The Willard
Calling all super stars! Gaze at Jupiter, Mars and the constellation of Orion with the Raleigh Astronomy Club while sipping celestial-inspired cocktails. Sounds over the moon! thewillardraleigh.com
1/11
Taylor Swift Trivia
If you think you know T. Swift all too well, make your way to Chubby’s Tacos for some Swiftie trivia—from song titles and lyrics to facts about the singer herself. You’re gonna wanna stay up til midnight to study… chubbystacos.com
by Raleigh Magazine | Dec 27, 2022 | December 2022/January 2023
Through 1/1
St. Nick’s: Raleigh Jolly Pop-Up House
There’s snow place like St. Nick’s for the holidays! This decked-out Christmas pop-up bar features holiday decor galore, themed rooms, spirited cocktails, treats and a Grinch bus outside. Read: Plenty of photo opps for the ’Gram! Also don’t miss live music, DJs and comedy shows on select nights! stnicksnc.com
Through 1/8
NC Chinese Lantern Festival
The fan-fave fest promises to be lit again this year. Stroll 40+ awe-inspiring Chinese lantern displays and stay for the captivating cultural performances nightly. Glow on! boothamphitheatre.com
Through 1/14
Illuminate Art Walk
See DTR lit up (literally!) for the holiday season as you stroll parts of Fayetteville Street and Glenwood South taking in large-scale interactive and light-based art pieces. … And not to be missed is the new centerpiece exhibit, Sonic Runway, a special installation with the ability to convert audio into light patterns shooting down a long corridor of arches (!). #ItsLit. downtownraleigh.org
Through 1/16
THE RINK
“We’ll go ice skating; then eat a whole roll of Tollhouse cookie dough as fast as we can; then we’ll snuggle.” ’Tis the season to live it up like Buddy the Elf at Raleigh’s festive Rockefeller-esque ice skating rink at Red Hat. redhatamphitheater.com
12/29–31
Dusty Slay
You can take the boy out of the trailer park, but you can’t take the trailer park out of the boy (see Slay’s signature trucker hat). Watch as this down- home comedian riles up audiences with his jokes on growing up poor, waiting tables and more. improv.com
12/31
Adam Cayton-Holland
Ring in the New Year with national headliner Cayton-Holland, named one of Variety Magazine’s “10 comics to watch,” at Goodnights Comedy. And for “those who can’t”… you’re missing out. goodnightscomedy.com
12/31
Marcus King
Belt out tunes from singer, songwriter and guitarist Marcus King as the clock strikes midnight at The Ritz. livenation.com
12/31
New Year’s Eve
We rounded up 11 New Year’s Eve celebrations at bars/restaurants throughout Raleigh (and beyond!) that are worth toasting 2023 at. See our list here. Cheers to the new year!
1/4
NC State v. Duke
Go Devils… straight back to Durham with an L. gopack.com
by Raleigh Magazine | Dec 22, 2022 | December 2022/January 2023
Through 12/24
Santa in Winter Wonderland
Spreading holiday cheer in a North Pole-inspired igloo in Fenton is the jolly ol’ man himself—aka our favorite Santa, JD Thomas. Snap a pic with the man in red for a happy holiday mem to hold onto. … “There’s room for everyone on the nice list!” fentonnc.com
Through 12/30
Magic of Lights
Baby it’s cold outside, so stay warm in the comfort of your car as you wind through a mile of light displays at Walnut Creek. magicoflights.com
Through 12/30
Miracle at The Haymaker
Rock around the Christmas decor at The Haymaker’s annual holiday pop-up bar—and nab naughty (or nice!) cocktails to cheers to the holiday season. Deck the halls, indeed! thehaymakerraleigh.com
Through 1/1
St. Nick’s: Raleigh Jolly Pop-Up House
There’s snow place like St. Nick’s for the holidays! This decked-out Christmas pop-up bar features holiday decor galore, themed rooms, spirited cocktails, treats and a Grinch bus outside. Read: Plenty of photo opps for the ’Gram! Also don’t miss live music, DJs and comedy shows on select nights! stnicksnc.com
Through 1/8
NC Chinese Lantern Festival
The fan-fave fest promises to be lit again this year. Stroll 40+ awe-inspiring Chinese lantern displays and stay for the captivating cultural performances nightly. Glow on! boothamphitheatre.com
Through 1/14
Illuminate Art Walk
See DTR lit up (literally!) for the holiday season as you stroll parts of Fayetteville Street and Glenwood South taking in large-scale interactive and light-based art pieces. … And not to be missed is the new centerpiece exhibit, Sonic Runway, a special installation with the ability to convert audio into light patterns shooting down a long corridor of arches (!). #ItsLit. downtownraleigh.org
Through 1/16
THE RINK
“We’ll go ice skating; then eat a whole roll of Tollhouse cookie dough as fast as we can; then we’ll snuggle.” ’Tis the season to live it up like Buddy the Elf at Raleigh’s festive Rockefeller-esque ice skating rink at Red Hat. redhatamphitheater.com
12/22
Cream Cabaret Deco Ball
Flashback to the glitz and glam of the Roaring ’20s—and the secrecy of the prohibition era, of course—at Watts & Ward’s burlesque and live jazz soiree. Sounds like it’ll be the bees knees! wattsandward.com
12/22
NC State v. Louisville
All we want for Christmas is a Wolfpack win. gopack.com
12/22–23
Jourdain Fisher
Born-and-raised NCer (now based in NY) Jourdain Fisher is bringing his quick wit and social observations back home to the Improv stage for a weekend of stand-up sillies. improv.com
12/23
Hurricanes v. Flyers
Watch the Canes as they send Philly flying. nhl.com
12/23
Ugly Sweater Christmas Party
Everyone loves an excuse to wear an ugly Christmas sweater, so dig yours out of your closet and join Killjoy for a Christmas Eve-Eve party feat. music by Uncool Kev and spirited drinks, natch. killjoycocktail.com
12/27
Hurricanes v. Blackhawks
Cheer on the Canes as they send the Hawks squawking back to Chicago. nhl.com
by Raleigh Magazine | Nov 15, 2022 | November 2022
11/17
2022 Turkey Ball
Without feather ado… putting the spirit of giving in the season, your $45 ticket lets you have a ball (!) while sponsoring a local family’s Thanksgiving turkey. Gobble, gobble, good. mulinoraleigh.com
11/17
Benny T’s Vesta Anniversary Party
Hey, hot stuff! Spice it up and celebrate Raleigh-made Benny T’s Vesta dry hot sauce’s 15th birthday (!) with specialty food, cocktails, merch and samples at Whiskey Kitchen. And, naturally, be sure to ask your server for Benny T’s to sprinkle on everything. bennytsvesta.com
11/17
Ice Skate Giveback Days: Thanksgiving Food Drive
Giveback to those in need this giving season! Fenton and Dorcas Ministries are working together to support Cary community members with a food drive. Donate your nonperishable pantry items and receive $3 off your skate rental from Fenton Skate Shop (!). … Because being charitable is always cool. fentonnc.com
11/17–20
Beethoven: Symphony No. 9
Well, cello there. Robert Weiss’ interpretation of Maurice Bejart’s Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 is a can’t-miss. dukeenergycenterraleigh.com
11/18
Caitlin Krisko & The Broadcast
Hailing from Asheville, this powerhouse soul rock band delivers powerhouse female vocals with a combo of soul, blues and psychedelia sounds. Rock on! thepourhousemusichall.com
11/18
DTR Tree Lighting
Start off the holiday season light in DTR with the annual tree lighting (natch!), vendors, food and a photo with Santa. Happy holidays, indeed. downtownraleigh.org
11/18–19
Steve Trevino
“America’s favorite husband” offers a lighthearted and laughable take on fatherhood, husbandhood and lifehood in general during what’s sure to be a relatable night of laughs. improv.com
11/19
27th Annual American Indian Heritage Celebration
Celebrate American Indian heritage with an all-day event highlighting the cultural, historical and scientific contributions of American Indians in NC. ncmuseumofhistory.org
11/19
Family Volunteer Day
Kick off the holiday season this year with kindness! Gathering families around the Triangle to volunteer together, Activate Good helps kiddos (plus their parents) learn about local causes and help serve the community together. Happy holidays, indeed! activategood.org
11/19
Handmade Paper Lanterns
“And at last we see the light.” … Craft your own paper lantern to bring to the Museum Park on Dec. 10 for its annual Winter Lantern Walk and/or Hillsborough’s Solstice Lantern Walk Dec. 21. It’s gonna be lit! ncartmuseum.org
11/19
Light the Square
For a tree-mendous time, take a quick drive over to Fenton for its first annual tree lighting event feat. performances, a laser light show, delicious drinks and an appearance from the man in red himself. Talk about a glow up! fentonnc.com
11/19
Family Volunteer Day
Activate Good is bringing back its beloved family volunteer day in-person at Marbles Kids Museum. ’Tis the season of giving back! activategood.org
11/19
Night of Lights 5K
What’s more lit than an evening jog? Running a 5K around Dix Park lit up with holiday lights. event.racereach.com
11/19
Raleigh Christmas Parade
“Oh, my God! Santa, here?! I know him! I know him!” Spot Santa—and the others—from the streets or the couch (on ABC11) in the largest Xmas parade between DC and Atlanta. Buddy would be so proud. grma.org
11/19
The Taylor Party: Taylor Swift Night
Calling all Swifties! “Can’t stop, won’t stop groovin’” during this T. Swift-inspired dance party feat. all your faves, naturally. Are you ready for it? taylorswiftnight.com
11/19
North Hills Tree Lighting
Sleigh your holiday at North Hill’s annual tree lighting event complete with crafts, food trucks, vendors, face painting and live music. visitnorthhills.com
11/19–20
KoreaFest
Bibim-bop on over to this two-day fest featuring Korean food, K-pop merch, cultural lessons and taekwondo. ncstatefair.org
11/19–1/16
The Rink
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
11/20-21
Mandolin Friendsgiving
Belly up to Mandolin for a family-style fall feast featuring all your fave Turkey Day fare, with a portion of proceeds going to Now Serving, a nonprofit organization with a mission to provide prepped meals to people in need. Time to get stuffed! mandolinraleigh.com
11/20–12/24
Santa in Winter Wonderland
Find the jolly old man himself spreading holiday cheer and snapping pics with the kiddos—and cheery adults. Do it for the ’Gram! fentonnc.com
11/20
Cozy Candlelit Sound Bath for Gratitude
Celebrate your #blessings with the community during a reading of a Native American Thanksgiving prayer and bathe in soundscapes crafted to nourish your mind and body. You’ll be thankful to relieve some stress! doseyogaraleigh.com
11/23
Oyster Pop-Up
Aww, shucks! Want to add some NC coastal flair and flavor to your Thanksgiving Day celebrations? Head to State of Beer to pick up a package of oysters to bring home… or ask to have them shucked on the spot to enjoy with a brew. Slurp on! merabrothersoysters.com
11/23, 25
The Polar Express
All aboard! Baritone Scott MacLeod and a chorus of children will join the NC Symphony to bring the magic of this beloved holiday book/movie to life. “Seeing is believing.” ncsymphony.org
by Emma Brennan | Nov 18, 2021 | Do, November 2021, Web Exclusive
WEB EXCLUSIVE Raleigh ice skating—NYC style. We’re getting major Big Apple vibes from this open-air DTR ice skating rink at Red Hat offering skyline views and a winter wonderland state of mind.
Let’s break the ice. Raleigh’s very own Rockefeller-esque ice skating rink is opening this Saturday, Nov. 20, at Red Hat Amphitheater in DTR, and as the chill master himself—Ice Cube, of course—would say, it “ain’t got no haters.” So if you were daydreaming of ice skating scenes a la Serendipity, Home Alone 2 and Elf, you’re in luck.
Figure-eight your way into the holidays with your eyes on the sky—quite literally, as the natural, open-air ice rink offers stunning views of the Raleigh skyline. Presented by UNC Health, THE RINK runs through Jan. 1, with special programming planned throughout—think a vendor village hosted by Shop Local Raleigh on Nov. 27 and DRA’s First Friday collab on Dec. 3.
“We’re thrilled to bring some festive holiday spirit to downtown Raleigh this year,” says Kerry Painter, director/GM of Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex. “This is the perfect opportunity to start a new holiday tradition as Red Hat Amphitheater is transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland.”
Fun for everyone, this big city in a small city ice rink is a must-do this season. Have an ice day! redhatamphitheater.com/the-rink
