Saturday, December 7

Kick off your Saturday in Raleigh with a variety of exciting events for everyone. Start your morning with Brunch with Santa at the Sheraton Raleigh Hotel from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. For some festive cheer, head to Moore Square for the Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., or enjoy the family-friendly Celebrate the Holidays at Moore Square, featuring performances, food trucks, and fun activities for kids starting at 11 a.m.

If holiday shopping is on your agenda, visit The Holiday Market at the NC Museum of Art from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., where you can browse local artisan goods while exploring the museum. Food lovers can head to Raleigh Iron Works for the Raleigh Foodie Fare, a mini food truck rodeo with drinks, art vendors, and more from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Meanwhile, enjoy sweet treats and festive fun with Gingerbread and a Jolly Trolley Ride at Fred Fletcher Park from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Afternoon and evening entertainment options include Hell Yeah I Have Bingo! at The Green Monkey from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and the holiday theater classic A Christmas Carol, presented by Theatre in the Park at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts (showtimes vary). Theater lovers can also attend Burning Coal’s The Rainmaker at the Burning Coal Theatre Company from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

For music enthusiasts, experience Classical Christmas with Carlos performed by the North Carolina Symphony at 8 p.m., or catch blues music by Tommy Thunderfoot and Eric “E-Train” Manning at Slim’s Downtown from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. Wrap up your night with the 5th Annual Illuminate Art Walk, best viewed after sunset on Fayetteville Street, or join the Illuminate Art Walk Sip n’ Stroll Tour at 5:30 p.m. for a guided experience.

Sunday, December 8

Sunday brings more opportunities to explore Raleigh. Start your day with 1/2 Price Spaghetti & Meatballs + $4 Drafts at Gravy, available every Sunday. For history enthusiasts, join the Historian-Guided Downtown Walking Tour from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. or the Downtown Raleigh Guided African American History Tour from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., both departing from Jimmy V’s Osteria + Bar.

Theater lovers can enjoy a matinee of Burning Coal’s The Rainmaker from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., while adventurers can participate in the Downtown Raleigh Holiday Treasure Hunt, a walking team scavenger hunt starting at Crank Arm Brewing.

In the evening, fashion enthusiasts can attend the Pink Holiday Fashion Frenzy at CAM Raleigh from 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. ($75 admission), a pink tie event showcasing the season’s best styles. Finish your weekend with another chance to enjoy the 5th Annual Illuminate Art Walk, running from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. along Fayetteville Street.

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