This month, enjoy winter walks in the evenings, niche gallery exhibitions, live music and more.
by Addie Ladner
Enjoy the Night Sky
“The nice thing about stargazing in the winter is that the humidity is generally lower than in warmer months,” says Patrick Treuthardt, assistant head of astronomy at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. “This reduces atmospheric distortion of the incoming light from celestial objects, giving you a clearer view.” This month through February, Treuthardt says to keep an eye out for the Parade of Planets, when Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Venus, Neptune and Saturn can be seen in an arc across the sky. Head downtown to catch the end of the Illuminate Art Walk, an exhibition headlined by The TUNNEL on Fayetteville Street, an interactive, 100-foot long LED light structure (Jan. 1 – 6; after sunset; free and self-guided; downtownraleigh.org). At the North Carolina Museum of Art’s outdoor park, take a guided Winter Full Moon Walk to view the sculptures in their lunar-lit glory (Jan. 13; 6 – 7:30 p.m. free; 2110 Blue Ridge Road; ncartmuseum.org). Read on for more wintery things to do this month!
See Artist Deborah Kruger’s Latest Body of Work
Multifaceted artist, environmentalist and activist Deborah Kruger has a moving solo show at the Block Gallery in the Raleigh Municipal Building titled TURBULENCE: Birds, Beauty, Language & Loss. Stacy Bloom Rexrode, the Block Gallery’s curator, says Kruger’s work beautifully illustrates how environmental issues can be related to societal ones. “As areas are impacted by climate change and wildlife habitats are reduced, Indigenous communities are also often displaced,” Rexrode says. “Kruger’s meticulous method of printing, cutting and sewing these complex sculptural works calls attention to the plight of these vulnerable communities.” To make the pieces for this show, Kruger drew images of birds and screen-printed them, along with quotes from environmentalist Rachel Carson, onto sheets of recycled plastic. She then cut the plastic into long strips, to mimic feathers, and sewed them into various forms, a process that often took days. “My work can be very sad,” says Kruger. “But making art that is beautiful is also healing.” The show will be on display through April. Free; 222 W. Hargett Street; raleighnc.gov
Experience the NC Chinese Lantern Festival
Catch the last weeks of the spectacular NC Chinese Lantern Festival at Cary’s Koka Booth Amphitheatre. There, find a gorgeous display of Chinese lanterns in all sizes and forms, including a glowing-red phoenix, an embarrassment of pandas and an ocean-themed area with coral reefs and seaweed reflecting off the water. Little ones can enjoy an interactive play area with illuminated ring-shaped swings, bubbles, a light-up floor, musical instruments and more. The cafe is offering an Asian-themed menu for the event, including items like Koka Miso Ramen, Five Spice Donut Holes and Korean Fried Chicken sandwiches.
From $36; 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary; boothamphitheatre.com
Take a First Day Hike
Start the year off on the right foot (truly!) with a nature-loving tradition at the Eno River State Park. Organized by the Eno River Association since 1971, this community-wide New Year’s Day walk is for hikers of all levels. Arrive early because parking at the Fews Ford Access fills up; park rangers will be there to assist with traffic. After checking in, opt for one of two hikes: an easy 2.6-mile walk along the Buckquarter Creek Trail or a more challenging 4-mile trek along Cox Mountain Trail. Afterward, stop by the Fews Ford picnic shelter for hot chocolate and fellowship. Free; Cox Mountain Trailhead, 6101 Cole Mill Road, Durham; enoriver.org
See Gallery C’s Le Paris de la Belle Époque’s Show
Gallery C is hosting French painter Fabienne Delacroix for Le Paris de la Belle Époque, an exhibit of more than 20 pieces depicting the city in the late 1800s and early 1900s, an era when arts and culture flourished. An internationally recognized artist, Delacroix is best known around here for being the official artist of North Carolina’s then-largest sporting event, the 1999 Special Olympics World Games. She created three oil paintings representing different areas of the Triangle where the games were hosted: the Bell Tower at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the Executive Mansion in Raleigh and Duke University Chapel in Durham. The original painting of the governor’s mansion will be included in the exhibition. Jan. 1 – 4 | Various times; Free to view; 540 N. Blount Street; galleryc.net
Ring in 2025 with a New Year’s Day Yoga Session
Bundle up and bring your mat, water bottle and open mind to Moore Square Park downtown for a rejuvenating start to 2025. Nova Retreats is hosting this fun outdoor yoga class and live music session in the open air. Founder and certified yoga instructor Diala Hamed will lead a gentle yoga practice combining Vinyasa and Hatha elements while local folk music artist Charlie Craichy provides background music. $15;
Jan. 1 | 12 – 1:30 p.m.; 201 S. Blount Street; search “New Years Yoga Raleigh” on eventbrite.com
Head to DPAC for Live from Laurel Canyon
Head back to the 1960s and 1970s and take a stroll through Laurel Canyon in Hollywood Hills, an area in the Santa Monica Mountains of Los Angeles. This free-spirited neighborhood attracted musical and movie legends like Joni Mitchell, Carole King, Jackson Browne and Natalie Wood and will forever be associated with folk rock and the free-thinking spirit of the era. Live from Laurel Canyon: Songs & Stories of American Folk Rock will showcase a collection of some of the iconic melodies and tales about the famous folks who lived there. Jan. 4 | 8 p.m.; From $35; 123 Vivian Street, Durham; dpacnc.com
Stock your Pantry at the Midtown Winter Market
Winter means hearty dinners of roasted root vegetables, slow-cooked meats and warming teas — and the Midtown Winter Market is a great place to get the fixings for this cozy cooking season. This smaller version of its Farmers Market will feature a variety of artisan pantry staples, seasonal fruits and vegetables and local meats. Vendors include Olive Oil Grove, Irish Bakers, Shrooms 2 Grow, Decaf Tea Company and Apex Seafood. Save your food scraps to drop off for composting if you like! Saturdays | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.; Free to attend; 4191 Main at North Hills Street; midtownfarmers.com
Cheer on the Hurricanes vs. Maple Leafs
Watch our hometown NHL team, under the leadership of coach Rod Brind’Amour, play the Toronto Maple Leafs on home ice at the Lenovo Center (formerly PNC Arena). The last time the Hurricanes played the Maple Leafs it was a close victory — so they need your support to get loud for another win! Jan. 9 | 7:30 p.m.; From $39; 1400 Edwards Mill Road; nhl.com/hurricanes
Help Welcome our NC’s New Governor at the Inaugural Ball
Help welcome North Carolina’s new first couple, Governor Josh Stein and his wife, Anna, while raising funds for the community at the Inaugural Ball, which is hosted by the Junior League of Raleigh (JLR). “We are proud of our longstanding tradition of hosting the N.C. Governor’s Inaugural Ball, which we’ve done since 1933,” says JLR president Laura Barnes. This year, the ball will raise money for Western North Carolina relief efforts. This three-day event kicks off on Thursday, Jan. 9, with Celebrate North Carolina, a reception for young professionals. On Friday, the Council of State Reception at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences will celebrate our state’s 10 elected officials. And on Saturday, the black-tie Inaugural Ball will be held at Marbles Kids Museum’s Venture Hall, complete with food, dancing and a warm welcome for the new governor and first lady. Jan. 9 – 11 | Various times; From $250; 201 E. Hargett Street; ncinauguralball.org
Go to Pour House for Dead Letter Office: A Tribute to R.E.M.
Dead Letter Office is bringing the spirit and energy of iconic rock band R.E.M. to Raleigh at the Pour House Music Hall. Named after R.E.M.’s 1987 album, the tribute band tours internationally, playing major hits like “Losing My Religion” and “Everybody Hurts,” as well as lesser-known tracks, for devoted fans. Jan. 10 | 9 p.m.; From $20; 224 S. Blount Street; pourhouseraleigh.com
Enjoy a Night Out at Holly Jolly Raleigh Prom
Just because the holidays are over doesn’t mean festive celebrations are done! The City of Raleigh is hosting a 21-and-up prom-themed charity night at All Faiths Chapel on Dorothea Dix Park’s campus. Enjoy seasonally inspired cocktails and mocktails, light bites and dancing to music from the ‘80s, ‘90s and 2000s, as well as today’s hits. On brand with the prom theme, they will even crown a Winter King and Queen! “The Adult Prom brings our community together for a night of winter wonderland magic, but it’s also a night of giving back,” says Allie Crawford, program director with Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources. “By attending, you’re contributing to our Play It Forward financial assistance program, which helps make recreation programs accessible to all.” Jan. 11 | 8 – 11 p.m.; $35; 1030 Richardson Drive; raleighnc.gov
Take a Mid Day Break at COR Museum’s Lunchbox Lecture
Have you resolved to spend your down time learning something new? Bring your sandwich to the City of Raleigh (COR) Museum for its Lunchbox Lecture series, which focuses on both historical and current-day events related to our home city. The monthly program will start shortly after 12 p.m. and will last 30 to 40 minutes. Jan. 16 | 12 – 1 p.m.; Free; 220 Fayetteville Street; cityofraleighmuseum.org
Honor Martin Luther King Jr.
In the Triangle, tributes to the late civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. take many forms beyond the celebration of the national holiday on Monday, Jan. 20. The Town of Cary is hosting its annual Dreamfest weekend, a multiday celebration with a variety of programs focused on themes of equity, representation and community service. Tellebration, the youth component to the festival, will be a day of arts, crafts and live storytelling at the Page Walter Arts & Cultural Center. And on Monday, participate in the MLK 5K Walk for Hope. Starting at Mt. Zion Church in Cary, it’s a walk that will symbolize unity. Bring non-perishable food to donate to Dorcas Ministries (Jan. 17 – 20; various times and locations; free; 9119 Ambassador Loop, Cary). On Monday, Jan. 20, United Way of the Greater Triangle is hosting its 20th annual MLK Day of Service, encouraging Triangle residents to transform the day off of school and work into a “Day On.” Partnered with the Boys and Girls Club of Raleigh, the event is a great opportunity for children and youth to participate in community service (Jan. 20; 12 – 3 p.m.; free; 721 N. Raleigh Boulevard; unitedwaytriangle.org).
See Jazz Performer Matthew Whitaker through NC State LIVE
NC State LIVE’s series Bistro & a Show offers a three-course fixed-price dinner at 1887 Bistro followed by a performing arts event at Stewart Theatre. This month, they’ll feature Matthew Whitaker, a renowned jazz musician who has collaborated with stars like Jon Batiste and performed on stages around the world. “We have a rich history of presenting jazz greats and Matthew Whitaker fits right into that legacy — his talent has even prompted a scientific study on his brain!” says Liza Wade Green, interim director of NC State LIVE. “I can’t wait for our community to experience his awe-inspiring music.” The New Orleans jazz-inspired menu at 1887 Bistro includes jambalaya, boudin balls and beignets. After the performance, guests can stick around for a chat with Whitaker, who has been blind since birth, to learn about his journey and artistic process. Jan. 24 | 7:30 p.m.; From $35; 2610 Cates Avenue; live.arts.ncsu.edu
Experience NC Opera’s Florencia en el Amazonas
Float down the Amazon with the North Carolina Opera’s performance of Florencia en el Amazonas. Composed by Daniel Catán, the story follows an esteemed opera singer on a boat journey to find her lover while encountering gripping conditions like harsh weather and a cholera outbreak. In addition to this being a company premiere, it’s the company’s first opera in Spanish. “This stunning production brings the sounds and stories of South America to life and is a rare chance to experience the power of contemporary opera,” says Angela Grant, marketing manager for the company. Colombian American soprano Vanessa Vasquez, an audience favorite from last year’s La Traviata, returns to Raleigh in the starring role. Jan. 31 & Feb. 2 | Various times; From $24; 2 E. South Street; ncopera.org
See Iris DeMent at A.J. Fletcher Theatre
One of the most famous and romantic duets of all time might be “In Spite of Ourselves” by John Prine and Iris DeMent, which was released in 1999. DeMent, a longtime folk singer, is coming to town this month with her timeless twang and talent. Catch her at A.J. Fletcher Theatre, the opening act of PineCone’s 2025 Down Home Concerts Series. No doubt we can expect to hear some of her most beloved tunes, including “Let the Mystery Be” and “Our Town.” Jan. 31 | 7:30 – 10 p.m.; From $18; 2 E. South Street; pinecone.org
This article originally appeared in the January 2025 issue of WALTER magazine.