Looking for the best things to do across Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill, Pittsboro, and the rest of the Triangle? Today’s guide is full of free events, discounted activities, holiday experiences, and local nightlife favorites. Whether you’re planning a family outing, a date night, or something fun after work, there’s something for everyone.
🎄 Free Santa Photos & Holiday Fun at Santa’s Wonderland
📅 All Day
📍 Bass Pro Shops (Multiple Locations)
💲 FREE
The holiday season is officially here! Stop by Bass Pro Shops for free Santa photos, crafts, activities, giveaways, and a fully immersive Christmas wonderland experience. No ticket required, but early arrival is recommended.
⛸️ Blades & Badges Day at Skate Fenton
📅 All Day
📍 Fenton, Cary
💲 First responders & military receive $3 off
(Check website for skate session hours.)
A special discounted day honoring first responders and military members. Enjoy quality ice time at one of the Triangle’s newest outdoor winter attractions.
🌿 Sculpture in the Garden
⏰ 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
📍 North Carolina Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill
💲 FREE (Suggested $5 donation)
Enjoy the beauty of local and regional artists displayed throughout the gardens. A serene, family-friendly daytime outing.
🥃 Tequila Tuesday at bmc brewing
⏰ 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
📍 Pittsboro
💲 Discounted
A weekly favorite at bmc brewing featuring tequila specials, cocktails, and a relaxed neighborhood vibe.
🐢 Window on Animal Health
⏰ 1:30 p.m.
📍 Nature Research Center, NC Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh
💲 FREE
Learn directly from scientists and wildlife experts during this educational afternoon program focusing on animal care and research.
🍻🐶 Pints & Pups
⏰ 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
📍 Ponysaurus, Durham
💲 FREE
Bring your pup, grab a pint, and enjoy a pet-friendly, community-focused evening.
🏮 North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival
⏰ 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
📍 Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary
💲 $16.74–$30.64
One of the season’s biggest cultural attractions returns! Walk through glowing handcrafted lanterns, illuminated tunnels, and nightly stage performances.
🎨 Adult Coloring Night
⏰ 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
📍 Hi-Wire Brewing at Golden Belt, Durham
💲 FREE
Unwind with coloring pages, craft beer, and chill vibes—perfect for a relaxing Tuesday.
🏃 Bond Brothers Run Club
⏰ 6:00 p.m.
📍 Cary
💲 FREE
Meet new friends, get your miles in, and enjoy post-run brews at one of the Triangle’s favorite beer spots.
🎉 TST Cary Kick-Off Party
⏰ 6:15 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
📍 Sports & Social, Cary
💲 FREE
Celebrate the start of TST Cary with music, games, drinks, and high-energy nightlife.
🎻 Beer & Banjos – Raleigh Edition
⏰ 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
📍 Bowstring Pizza & Brewyard, Raleigh
💲 FREE
A beloved Triangle tradition blending local string musicians, beer, food, and community.
🚲 Tricycle Trivia
⏰ 7:00 p.m.
📍 Crank Arm Brewing, Durham
💲 FREE
Test your knowledge, compete for prizes, and enjoy one of Durham’s favorite brewery trivia nights.
📚 Book Reading: Source to Sea by John Pugh
⏰ 7:00 p.m.
📍 Crank Arm Brewing Company, Raleigh
💲 FREE
Hear author John Pugh discuss his newest work in a cozy, community-minded atmosphere.
🎶 Music Bingo
⏰ 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
📍 Gizmo Brew Works, Durham
💲 FREE
A fun twist on classic bingo—match the songs and win prizes.
🎤 Open Mic Night
⏰ 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
📍 The Williams House Craft Taproom, Cary
💲 FREE
Share your talent or cheer on local musicians and creators.
🎻 Beer & Banjos – Carrboro Edition
⏰ 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
📍 Speakeasy, Carrboro
💲 FREE
Another chance to catch the region’s favorite bluegrass-inspired music series.
🎮 Video Game Night
⏰ 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
📍 Moon Dog Meadery & Bottle Shop, Durham
💲 FREE
Retro and modern gaming setups + mead = the perfect Tuesday hangout.
🎤 Open Mic – Hillsborough
⏰ 7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
📍 Yonder: Southern Cocktails & Brew
💲 FREE
A cozy, artsy open mic night in downtown Hillsborough.
🎷 International Jazz Open Jam: Collin Williams
⏰ 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
📍 Neptune’s Parlour, Raleigh
💲 FREE
Bring an instrument or simply enjoy one of Raleigh’s most iconic weekly jazz nights.
🎤 Karaoke Night
⏰ 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
📍 Boxcar Bar + Arcade, Durham
💲 FREE
Old-school karaoke meets arcade games for a high-energy Tuesday.
🎤 Open Mic with a Live Band at Slim’s
⏰ 9:00 p.m. – 11:59 p.m.
📍 Slim’s Downtown, Raleigh
💲 FREE
One of Raleigh’s longest-running late-night open mic traditions—featuring a live house band.
Explore the Triangle Every Day
For more daily event guides, nightlife updates, and family-friendly activities, bookmark DoRaleigh.com and follow us for nonstop Triangle happenings.
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