This month, celebrate the season with festive balls, holiday performances and markets — plus some wintery libations.
by Addie Ladner
Deck the Bars!
This time of year, Raleigh is sparkling with holiday cheer. Illuminated snowflakes hang from the lamp posts, gorgeous Christmas trees have popped up on plazas and the insides of a few watering holes have transformed into jolly scenes, too. Downtown bar The Haymaker will again host its Miracle at The Haymaker, where you can expect staff dressed in their gaudiest sweaters, wrapping paper adorning the walls and drinks served in Santa-shaped mugs (555 Fayetteville Street; #115; thehaymakerraleigh.com). Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing will have its third Sippin’ Santa pop-up, a holiday soiree with a tropical, tiki-inspired twist (201 S. Boylan Avenue; wyehill.com). And new to the holiday pop-up scene this year is W. Morgan Street’s Wolfe & Porter. They’ll be hosting themed events like holiday karaoke nights and a gingerbread house showdown, all while serving specialties like a boozy peppermint mocha and cocktails infused with pomegranate-flavored spirits. “It’s the most wonderfully tacky time of the year here, that’s equal parts festive and delightfully rowdy,” says general manager Richie Reno. “Our upstairs transforms into a holiday bar decked out in over-the-top decorations, perfect for your best — or worst — holiday photos.” (905 W. Morgan Street; wolfeandporter.com). Aside from holiday barhopping, there is plenty to do in town this month whether you want to relish in holiday events or skip the merriment all together.
Explore Holiday Markets!
‘Tis the season for finding that perfect gift for your loved ones — and these local artisan markets are a great place to start, with entertainment and great food options, too! A few to consider: The Jolly Raleigh Holiday Market at Raleigh Iron Works, which will include kids’ activities and a fun mix of giftable crafts and food items (Dec. 6; 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.; 2200 Atlantic Avenue; raleighironworks.com). The downtown MAKRS Holiday Fest has block-party vibes — live music, food trucks, face painting and a magician — with vendors selling everything from giftable foods to quirky handcrafted items to plants and more (Dec. 6; 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Fayetteville Street; makrs.com/makrs-holiday-fest). Triangle Pop-Up will be hosting the Holiday Market at NCMA on the museum’s plaza with an emphasis on artsy gifts by local makers. There will be live music, too (Dec. 6; 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.; trianglepopup.com). The annual Saint Nicholas European Christmas Market at the NC State Fairgrounds will offer unique gifts from various cultures, from Scottish scarves to Ukrainian ornaments, alongside food like German kielbasa, Polish pierogies and Italian pasta, to enjoy there or take home (Dec. 12, 5 – 9 p.m.; Dec. 13, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; 4285 Trinity Road; saintnicholasmarketnc.com). The Boylan Heights Art Walk is a longtime art-centered market where residents turn their porches and yards into mini-markets featuring jewelry, pottery, paintings and more (Dec. 12; 9 a.m. -5 p.m.; Boylan Avenue; boylanheights.org/art-walk).
Hit The Rink!
Outdoor ice skating returns at The Rink! inside the Red Hat Amphitheater. Your admission gets you two hours to show off your skills (or use the skate assistants), ice skates and access to on-site activities like lounge areas, games, fire pits and more. Bringing a group of friends or family? Reserve an igloo for an extra fee — it comes with comfy seating, a hot chocolate setup, wait service and wintery snacks.
All month | Various times; $15; 500 S. McDowell Street; redhatamphitheater.com
Check out a New Bar or Restaurant before 2026
2025 was a banner year for the Raleigh bar and restaurant scene. After a slowdown due to the pandemic, it seems we’ve finally got momentum in our food and bar scene. Local and regional pros have been opening new concepts and second locations and we’ve got our first listings in the MICHELIN Guide American South! As you head into the last month of the year, the high time for hosting out-of-town visitors and planning holiday gatherings, consider visiting one of these Raleigh bars and restaurants that opened in 2025.
Hear Liam St. John at The Pour House
Chart-topping blues-meets-rock artist Liam St. John is coming to The Pour House for a powerful show celebrating the release of his latest and most personal album, Man of the North, which includes new songs that touch on themes of mental health, vulnerability and growth. Expect a deep, soulful and uplifting performance from this Nashville-based musician.
Dec. 1 | 8 p.m.; $24; 224 S. Blount Street; pourhouseraleigh.com
Check out the Trolls at Dix Park!
The Dutch artist’s “The Grandmother Tree” includes seven trolls across North Carolina, making their residence at Dix Park the largest of his permanent installations in the United States. Read about them here.
Head to Boyce Farms for Wine & Wreaths
Boyce Farms — a quaint Raleigh grower that offers a selection of Christmas trees and cuttings from the North Carolina mountains in the winter — hosts a series of popular wreath-decorating events each year. Bring your own beverage of choice, then all supplies are provided, including greenery, a wreath form and cutting tools, to work alongside relaxed, friendly instructors. A few of the events are themed, including a mother-and-daughter session on
Dec. 1 – 5 | Various times; Dec. 4 and Date Night on Dec. 5. From $56; 2813 Mount Vernon Church Road; boycefarms.com
Watch NC State vs. Wake Forest at Lenovo Center
Watch two North Carolina college basketball teams battle it out when the Wake Forest Demon Deacons take the North Carolina State University Wolfpack on the court at the Lenovo Center.
Dec. 3 | 7 p.m.; From $38; 1400 Edwards Mill Road; gopack.com
See Burning Coal’s “Here in America“
History buffs might enjoy this fictional one-act play set in the early 1950s during the rise of McCarthyism. It follows theater legends Arthur Miller and Elia Kazan, who both have a tempestuous relationship with Kazan’s wife, Marilyn Monroe. “Miller and Kazan were like brothers — they both came from the same city and same economic class, fought their way to the top and for a time believed strongly in the ideals of Roosevelt’s New Deal,” says director Jerome Davis. Against this political backdrop — and with the fear of being blacklisted — they are forced to negotiate their political and personal beliefs over a conversation in Kazan’s Connecticut home. “The play looks at the decision each faced when confronted at the McCarthy hearings — to name names or not to name names — and how those decisions affected their friendship and their careers,” says Davis.
Dec. 4 – 21 | Various times; From $20; 224 Polk Street; burningcoal.org
Take the Kids to Raleigh Little Theatre’s “Cinderella“
Dress-up attire is welcome at Raleigh Little Theatre’s popular, kid-friendly production of Cinderella! This comical interpretation of the Charles Perrault classic pits the kind, bookish Ella and the Fairy Godmother’s hapless helpers against Ella’s oafish, quarrelsome stepsisters. It’s a humorous, modern spin on the story that ends in a grand Christmastime ball.
December 5 – 21 | Various times; From $39; 301 Pogue Street; raleighlittletheatre.org
Laugh Along to “A Christmas Carol“
Don’t miss Theatre in the Park’s musical comedy adaptation of A Christmas Carol, a national treasure right here in Raleigh. This Broadway-caliber show created and directed by Ira David Wood III turns the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge into a delightful musical full of spirit and heart. After playing the title role for more than 50 years, this year Wood III will play the Lamplighter and his son, actor Ira David Wood IV, will star as Scrooge.
Dec. 5 – 7 | Various times; From $30; 2 E. South Street, Raleigh or 123 Vivian Street, Durham; theatreinthepark.com
Enjoy Festive Fridays at Dix Park
Dorothea Dix Park is hosting a series of fun-themed Fridays throughout its grounds to get into the holiday spirit. On Dec. 5, Holiday Lights will have a couple brilliant twinkling displays and festive activities in Fountain Plaza. On Dec. 12, enjoy a group ride through the park on your bike or scooter in your merriest outfit. Dec. 19 is Silent Disco Night, an invitation to boogie under the stars in your tackiest sweater to celebrate the winter solstice.
Dec. 5, 12, 19 | Various times; Free; 1030 Richardson Drive; dorotheadixpark.org
Sip Your Way Through a Burgundy Tasting
Burgundy is a verdant, rural area in eastern France known for its Romanesque architecture and sprawling vineyards — and both the red and white wines from this region are loved for their minerality and earthiness. Local retailer Westgate Wine is hosting a tasting of burgundies from this region to help inspire pairings for your holiday menu or a thoughtful gift.
Dec. 9 | 6 – 7:30 p.m.; From $30; 6405 Westgate Road, #115; westgatewinestore.com
Enjoy the NC Master Chorale’s “Joy of the Season“
The North Carolina Master Chorale’s annual holiday concert never disappoints. The nearly 200-member Symphonic Choir — along with Chamber and Youth Choirs — will perform a selection of traditional and new interpretations of seasonal favorites. This year, expect a lovely, brassy rendition of “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming,” a pop-music take on “Jingle Bells” and, of course, a rousing chorus of “Joy to the World,” the crowd-favorite finale.
Dec. 9 | 7:30 p.m.; From $30; 2 E. South Street; ncmaster-chorale.org
Be Awed by Carolina Ballet’s “The Nutcracker“
See Carolina Ballet’s annual production of The Nutcracker, accompanied by musicians from the North Carolina Symphony. This whimsical story with some of the genre’s most famous dances — including “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” “Waltz of the Flowers” and “Trepak” — uses mesmerizing costumes and props to follow Clara’s journey through the Land of Sweets alongside her Nutcracker prince.
December 11 – 24 | Various times; From $65; 2 E. South Street; carolinaballet.com
Rise with the Birds at Prairie Ridge
Are you an early bird? If so, grab your coffee and head to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Science’s outdoor sanctuary, Prairie Ridge Ecostation. One Friday a month, they open a few hours ahead of the usual time to offer folks an opportunity to watch the sun rise, see nature wake up or go for a quiet walk or trail run. This time of day can be especially active for wildlife, so bring binoculars, your favorite camera or just your own eyes to see what emerges.
Dec. 12 | 7 – 9 a.m.; Free; 1671 Gold Star Drive; naturalsciences.org
Dress Up to Support a Good Cause at Jingle Ball
For more than 30 years, the Capital City Clauses, a nonprofit that works to help bring joy to our youth, especially during the holidays, has hosted the Jingle Ball Charity Gala. Don your most glamorous, festive attire for this black-tie event and celebration of generosity, compassion and giving. “It’s an honor to be part of something that not only raises funds but also reminds us of the magic that happens when our community comes together to make a difference,” says Kathleen Alexander with the Capital City Clauses. Last year, the ball raised over $70,000 and the hope is to exceed that this year.
Dec. 12 | 7 p.m.; From $165; 201 E. Hargett Street; capitalcityclauses.org
Walk the Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour
Let there be candlelight! Visit Ralegh’s Historic Oakwood neighborhood, which is filled with Victorian, craftsman and Queen Anne-style homes that date to the 1800s, for its annual Candlelight Tour. You’ll see the insides of 10 homes, all dressed up in their holiday finest, with docents on hand to share their history. Check in at the historic Tucker House, where they’ll be serving warm apple cider and cookies, before this self-guided tour. The homes can be seen in any order and at your own pace, though it’s recommended to allow three hours. Advance tickets are required.
Dec. 13 & 14 | 1 – 7 p.m.; From $43; 418 N. Person Street; historicoakwood.org
Catch the Raleigh Ringers’ Holiday Concerts
Raleigh’s 19-member handbell group has a special performance planned for two nights this month. Enjoy a mix of pop, rock and classic holiday songs arranged by longtime director David M. Harris, an award-winning handbell musician who played all over the world before co-founding the group in 1990.
Dec. 14 & 15 | Various times; From $30; 2 E. South Street; rr.org
Volunteer at Raleigh Rescue Mission’s Turkey Meal Community Event
Local nonprofits Raleigh Rescue Mission and Meals on Wheels Wake County are teaming up for one day to distribute a good meal to those in need in the community for the holidays — and they need volunteers to help pull this off! Sign up to help pack a meal of a juicy turkey, sides and bread at Christ the King Presbyterian Church or to deliver the meals afterward. No training is required, just your generous spirit. Can’t make it Dec. 19? Raleigh Rescue Mission hands out free meals every day to those in need and they are always looking for folks to sign up to prepare and donate meals to the hungry.
Dec. 19 | Various times; Free; 1417 Clifton Street; raleighrescue.org
Enjoy Some Holiday Hockey
Watch the Carolina Hurricanes take the ice to battle the Florida Panthers for a holiday-themed fan night at the Lenovo Center. Expect lots of Caniacs accessorizing their red-and-white gear with green flair, plus Christmas-inspired fan chants, giveaways and the high-energy play the Canes are known for.
Dec. 23 | 7 p.m. From $56; 1400 Edwards Mill Road; nhl.com/hurricanes
Celebrate the New Year!
There are lots of fun ways to ring in 2026 in Raleigh — here are just two options. For a family-friendly extravaganza, head downtown to see our famous acorn drop at the annual WRAL First Night Raleigh celebration, presented by Artsplosure. There, enjoy live music, tons of kids activities and a marvelous fireworks show — with an early ball drop for younger kids or adults who don’t want to stay up until midnight (Pricing not yet available; 2 p.m. – 12 a.m.; 336 Fayetteville Street; artsplosure.org). For a more intimate, 21+ evening, head to The Willard Rooftop for Champagne & Spotlights: A Vintage Holiday Affair. At this old-Hollywood themed party, expect a red carpet, music by Helena Redman Quintet and a champagne toast at midnight (8 p.m. – 1 a.m.; $120; 9 Glenwood Avenue; thewillardraleigh.com).
This article originally appeared in the December 2025 issue of WALTER magazine.
