Looking for things to do across Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, and beyond? Thursday, December 18, 2025 is packed with free holiday fun, family-friendly activities, live music, giveaways, skating, lights, and community events across the Triangle. From free Santa photos and toy giveaways to concerts, trivia, and Christmas light displays, here’s your complete Triangle Event Guide.

🎁 Freebies, Giveaways & Community Events

Kick off the day with deals, giveaways, and family-friendly activities across the region.

Burger King: Free Croissan’wich with $5 Purchase All Day | FREE | Burger King (participating locations) Free Santa Photos & More at Bass Pro Shops Santa’s Wonderland All Day | FREE | Bass Pro Shops (multiple locations) Free Food Giveaway – Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | FREE | Central Carolina Community Campus – Sanford Winter Clothing Giveaway & Free Vaccine Clinic 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. | FREE | GoRaleigh Bus Station Toy Giveaway 5:00–7:00 p.m. | FREE | Dorothy N. Johnson Community Center, Hillsborough 5:00–7:00 p.m. | FREE | Peach Road Cultural Center, Raleigh

🎄 Holiday Events, Lights & Seasonal Fun

Celebrate the season with lights, skating, concerts, and festive meetups across the Triangle.

The RINK: Outdoor Skating at Red Hat Amphitheater All Day | $6–$15 | Red Hat Amphitheater, Raleigh Phillips Farms of Cary Walk-Through Christmas Light Show 5:00–9:00 p.m. | $15 | Cary Menorah Lighting (Nightly During Hanukkah) 5:00 p.m. | FREE | Cary Arts Center Chanukah Celebration at 1870 Farm 3:00–5:00 p.m. | $13 | Chapel Hill Piper Lights 5:30–9:00 p.m. | FREE | Wake Forest Lake Myra Christmas Lights 5:30–10:00 p.m. | FREE | Wendell Contentnea Fire Department Christmas Light Display 5:30–9:00 p.m. | FREE | Wilson Lights on the Neuse (Hayride) 6:00–8:00 p.m. | $11 | Boyette Family Farms, Clayton

🖼️ Arts, Culture & Family Attractions

North Carolina Zoo – Just $5 Day 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. | $5 | Asheboro Durham Community Day at Museum of Life + Science 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. | FREE (Durham County residents) Little WORLD Charity Holiday Model Train Show 10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. & 1:30–5:00 p.m. | FREE | Durham County Main Library Illuminate Art Walk 4:45 p.m. | FREE | Downtown Raleigh

🎶 Live Music, Comedy & Performances

Live Music: Sterling Scott 6:00–9:00 p.m. | FREE | Blackbird Brewery, Wake Forest Five Points Christmas Concert 6:30 p.m. | FREE | Emmanuel Baptist Church, Raleigh Bell Durham Concert 7:00–8:00 p.m. | FREE | First United Methodist Church, Cary Raleigh Uke Jam 7:00–9:00 p.m. | FREE | Church of the Nativity, Raleigh Comedy Night 7:30 p.m. | FREE | Sneaky Penguin Brewing Company, Raleigh Jazz Jam Open Mic 8:00–11:00 p.m. | FREE | Bond Brothers Eastside, Cary

🍻 Trivia, Games & Social Nights

Bricks & Brews 4:00–10:00 p.m. | FREE | Gizmo Brew Works, Raleigh Vinyl Nights 6:00–9:00 p.m. | FREE | Gizmo Brew Works, Durham Game Night 6:00–9:00 p.m. | FREE | The Beerded Lady Bottle Shop, Garner Music Bingo 7:00–9:00 p.m. | FREE | Fortnight Brewing, Cary Board Game Night 7:00–11:00 p.m. | FREE | Moon Dog Meadery, Durham Air Hockey Tournament 8:00–10:00 p.m. | FREE | Boxcar Bar + Arcade, Durham Skee-Ball Tournament 9:00–11:00 p.m. | FREE | Boxcar Bar + Arcade, Raleigh Thursday Karaoke 9:00–11:00 p.m. | FREE | Tap Yard, Raleigh

🎅 Santa Sightings & Sweet Treats

Santa & Mrs. Claus 6:00–8:00 p.m. | FREE | Morgan Street Food Hall, Raleigh Free Santa Selfies & Holiday Cookie Bake-Off 6:30 p.m. | FREE | West 94th Street Pub, Durham

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DoRaleigh.com brings you the most comprehensive guides to free events, holiday happenings, live music, family activities, and things to do across the Triangle. Check back daily for updated guides and weekend previews.

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