As December arrives in the Triangle, the region’s entertainment scene explodes with holiday favorites, national touring acts, iconic tributes, comedy showcases, symphony performances, and high-energy concerts spanning Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Carrboro, Wake Forest, Rocky Mount, Fayetteville, and beyond. This Triangle Live Big Ticket Events Guide highlights the week’s most anticipated shows from December 1–8, 2025, giving residents and visitors a comprehensive look at the major performances defining the start of the holiday season. With dozens of showtimes across multiple cities, this guide helps you navigate the biggest cultural moments happening across the Triangle—day by day, stage by stage.
The week kicks off on Monday, December 1, with the beloved regional holiday tradition Christmas Jubilee returning at 12:45 PM to Rudy Theatre in Selma. This festive production is known for its high-energy choreography, elaborate costumes, and nostalgic musical arrangements that draw families back year after year. Monday night shifts gears to hip-hop as J.I.D. brings his unmatched lyricism and stage presence to The Ritz in Raleigh, offering fans a rare chance to see one of the most respected voices in modern rap up close.
Tuesday, December 2, continues with another midday performance of Christmas Jubilee before the spotlight shifts to Carrboro, where rising indie band Little Image performs at Cat’s Cradle. Their atmospheric sound and captivating live show make them a standout pick for Triangle music lovers seeking something fresh and intimate.
The entertainment calendar accelerates on Thursday, December 4, with a full day of options across the region. Rudy Theatre hosts Christmas Jubilee twice more at 12:45 PM and 6:45 PM, while the Triangle’s laughter lovers head to Raleigh Improv in Cary for a 7:00 PM performance by the legendary Rickey Smiley. Theatergoers can enjoy The Outsiders at DPAC in Durham at 7:30 PM, bringing Broadway-level production quality and powerful storytelling to one of the state’s top performing arts venues. Indie rock fans can also catch Willis at Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro at 8:00 PM.
Friday, December 5, marks the busiest night of the week with a long list of major shows spanning all genres. Christmas Jubilee returns for two more showtimes at 12:45 PM and 6:45 PM, while Smithfield’s Paul A. Johnston Auditorium hosts the Country Music Showcase at 7:00 PM. The Outsiders returns for another evening performance at DPAC, and holiday-favorite The Raleigh Ringers bring their world-renowned handbell artistry to the Jones Performing Arts Center in Louisburg.
Tribute lovers can experience the iconic 1964 Beatles at the Dunn Center in Rocky Mount, while Wake Forest hosts a special performance from Rod Abernethy at the Magnolia Roots Listening Room. Comedy dominates Raleigh with Mandal, Zarna Garg, and a late-night Rickey Smiley show at Goodnights Comedy Club and Raleigh Improv. For classical music fans, the North Carolina Symphony presents Handel’s Messiah at Meymandi Concert Hall. Rock fans can enjoy Steve Gunn at Kings or Susto Stringband & Oliver Hazard at Cat’s Cradle. Electronic music takes the late-night spotlight as Ahee hits the stage at Lincoln Theatre at 8:30 PM.
On Saturday, December 6, the Triangle continues its entertainment marathon. Noon kicks off with another Christmas Jubilee performance, followed by afternoon shows of The Outsiders at DPAC and Handel’s Messiah with the NC Symphony. Smithfield’s Country Music Showcase returns for two more performances at 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Evening events feature a diverse mix: Travis Ledoyt brings his Elvis-inspired show to Wilson, while Matt Lewis performs at The Acorn Center in Littleton. Raleigh’s Mandal continues his comedy run at Goodnights.
Saturday night’s major concerts include Ok Go bringing energetic alt-rock to The Ritz in Raleigh, Jessica Kirson headlining Carolina Theatre in Durham, and the huge Blues Is Alright Tour lighting up Fayetteville with King George, Tucka, Pokey Bear, and West Love. Raleigh fans can also enjoy The Last Waltz – A Musical Celebration of The Band at Kings or dance the night away to Start Making Sense, a Talking Heads tribute, at Lincoln Theatre. Mandal closes out the night with a 10 PM show at Goodnights.
On Sunday, December 7, the week slows into a more relaxed rhythm with a 2:15 PM showing of Christmas Jubilee, followed by Handel’s Messiah at Memorial Hall in Chapel Hill. Mandal returns for one last weekend performance at 7:30 PM in Raleigh, and the evening ends with Chokecherry performing at Cat’s Cradle Back Room in Carrboro.
The week concludes on Monday, December 8, with another midday performance of Christmas Jubilee, wrapping up an incredible run of live entertainment across the region.
From Broadway shows and holiday spectacles to hip-hop concerts, indie performances, symphonic masterpieces, comedy showcases, and iconic tributes, early December in the Triangle delivers some of the most diverse and exciting entertainment of the year. Whether you’re planning a festive family outing or a night out with friends, this guide ensures you won’t miss the biggest shows lighting up the Triangle’s stages.
Follow DoRaleigh.com for daily updates on government meetings, local festivals, and community happenings — your one-stop guide to everything Raleigh!
DoRaleigh 