Happy Sunday folks. Welcome to the December Monthly! Can’t believe we are wrapping up the year already. But read on to see all the biggest events of the month.
Quick Info for Today
Did you know we have a Facebook Page too? It’s a bit more lighthearted over there but check it out if you want another source of Raleighwood info.
We’ve got a Black Friday deal for Dinner Club. Use Code BF25 for 25% off your December ticket, ends today folks! So grab yours while you can — dinner club!
— All Month —
The holiday season brings more long running events than any other time of the year, we’ve listed out a few below to help you make your plans.
THE RINK @ Red Hat: Open now through January 4th — details here.
NC Chinese Lantern Festival in Cary: Running through January 11th — info.
The Holiday Popup at Haymaker: Open through Christmas — info here.
Festive Fridays at Dix Park happen on the 5h, 12th, & 19th this month — details.
A Christmas Carol takes place at Martin Marietta the 5-7th and then DPAC from the 10th-14th — event info and dates.
— December 5th —
First Friday in Downtown Raleigh — Schedule
When & Where: Multiple Venues Downtown, 5:30-9PM
Featuring Cookies & Milk, Custom Ornaments, Live Music, Christmas Shopping, & much more! Come out this month for the festive season kickoff.
December 5th: Sip & Shop with CoR Museum on First Friday — Info
December 6th: Jolly Raleigh Holiday Market @ Iron Works — from 11-5PM.
December 6th: Cary Ballet Company, presents The Nutcracker — one day only.
December 6th: Threads Fashion Gala w/ NC State Textiles — tickets here.
— December 6th —
MAKRS Market Holiday Fest — Info
When & Where: Fayetteville Street, Downtown — 11-6PM
One of the largest events this holiday season, grab your local gifts, meet Santa, and have a few NC Beers, Wines, & Spirits. Even the Grinch will be there!
— December 10th —
The Raleighwood Inbox Dinner Club — Join Here!
When & Where: Various Bars & Restaurants, Downtown Raleigh
• Take a personality quiz, match with 5 strangers for Dinner Reservations based on your answers and dietary preferences. While at dinner, get the secret invite to the after party where all the dinner guests meet to mingle.
Use Code: BF25 for 25% off your December ticket, Ends Today (11/29)!
— December 11th —
Illuminate Art Walk: Downtown — Details
When & Where: Downtown Raleigh, Through January
The Art Walk downtown features 12 different interactive installations scattered around town, find the map at the link above to see each and every spot!
— December 11th —
Illuminate Art Walk: Downtown — Details
When & Where: Moore Square, 5-9PM (through 14th)
Moore Square will transform into a festive destination filled with local makers, food trucks, live performances, and even a visit from Santa!
December 11th: Trans-Siberian Orchestra @ Lenovo Center — starts at 7PM.
December 11th: Carolina Ballet “The Nutcracker” (through 24th) — tickets.
December 12th: Holiday Quarter Night Market, 5 to 9PM — details here.
December 14th: Geek and Grub Market (Holiday Nightmare Edition) — info.
— December 15th —
NCAA Men’s College Cup: Championship Final — Bracket
When & Where: WakeMed Soccer Park, 7PM
The seminfinals take place on the 12th before this but if you want to catch the College Cup Finals, be sure to snag your tickets. Duke, UNC, NC State, and UNC Greensboro are all contenders going into the 3rd Round a of 11/30.
— December 16th —
Downtown Raleigh Menorah Lighting — Info
When & Where: Moore Square, 5:30PM
Join Mayor Janet Cowell in Moore Square for celebrating the festival of lights with a Menorah lighting ceremony. There will be hot chocolate and snacks too!
December 16th: The Ugly Sweater Holiday Run w/ Crank Arm — starts 6:30PM.
— December 23rd —
Holiday Hockey: Canes vs. Panthers Theme Night — Info
When & Where: Lenovo Center, 7PM
The Hurricanes taking on Conference rivals Florida Panthers for a holiday showcase game, expect seasonal themes and merch at the game! Check the link below for all theme nights:
— December 25th —
Christmas Day, Falls on a Thursday This Year
No events today, just enjoy the holiday time with friends and family if you celebrate or take the time to rest if you have other plans!
— December 31st —
WRAL + Artsplosure: First Night Raleigh — Details
When & Where: Downtown Raleigh, 2PM to Midnight
Raleigh’s long running New Year’s Eve Celebration, tickets on sale tomorrow for their musical lineups and festivities as we head into 2026.
Editors Note: Most things were front loaded to the start of December this year, will update the web version of this post as more things are announced for later.
Hey all, thanks for reading today, appreciate the time and apologies for the delay.
Just a heads up that unfortunately, for the same reason as today there likely won’t be a newsletter this upcoming Wednesday due to a family emergency.
Will aim to get a shortened version here by the weekend if not, otherwise will see you next week for the first of our December themed newsletter.
See you then.
— Mason @ The Raleighwood Inbox