Looking for fun, festive, and free things to do across the Triangle today? From Santa photos and holiday light displays to craft nights, board games, family programming, and stargazing, today’s calendar is packed with options for all ages. Here’s your full guide for Wednesday, December 3, 2025.
🎅 Free Santa Photos at Bass Pro Shops Santa’s Wonderland
All Day | FREE | Multiple Bass Pro Shops locations
Stop by Santa’s Wonderland for free photos, holiday activities, and magical winter displays. Lines can get long—arrive early for the best experience.
🌿 Sculpture in the Garden
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | FREE ($5 suggested donation) | NC Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill
Walk through a stunning outdoor exhibit of regional artists’ sculptures placed throughout the garden’s natural setting.
🧸 Total Tot Time (Kids up to age 5)
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | FREE | W.D. Hill Recreation Center, Durham
A fun, open-play space designed for toddlers and preschoolers. Perfect for caregivers seeking an easy mid-morning outing.
🕎 Grand Menorah Lighting at UNC
12:00 p.m. | FREE | The Pit, UNC Chapel Hill
Kick off the Hanukkah season with a public menorah lighting, music, and community celebration.
🎲 Board Game Day at Gizmo Brew Works
12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | FREE | Durham
Bring friends or join a table for all-day games at Gizmo’s Durham taproom. Great beer, great people, and plenty of strategy.
🐾 Window on Animal Health
1:30 p.m. | FREE | Nature Research Center, Raleigh
Learn from experts at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences during this fascinating look into wildlife health and veterinary science.
🎲 Board Game Night at PourWorks
4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | FREE | Raleigh
More chances for tabletop fun! Grab a drink and settle in for a relaxed evening of casual gaming.
🤸 Free Acro Yoga (Indoors)
5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | FREE | Pullen Park / Method Road Park, Raleigh
A beginner-friendly indoor acro yoga session. No partner required—just bring comfortable clothing and an open mind.
✨ Piper Lights in Wake Forest
5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | FREE | Wake Forest
A beloved, family-friendly drive-through light show that has been delighting visitors for over 30 years.
🚒 Contentnea Fire Department Christmas Light Display
5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | FREE | Wilson
A charming small-town light experience hosted by the Contentnea Fire Department.
🎄 Lake Myra Christmas Lights
5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | FREE | Wendell
One of the region’s most impressive synchronized light shows, featuring music, dancing lights, and plenty of holiday cheer.
🎁 21st Annual American Tobacco Tower Lighting
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | FREE | American Tobacco Campus, Durham
One of the Triangle’s biggest holiday traditions! Enjoy performances, treats, and the lighting of the iconic water tower.
🌲 Holiday Tree Lighting at JB Duke Hotel
6:00 p.m. | FREE | Durham
Warm beverages, festive décor, and holiday music set the tone at this elegant tree-lighting event.
🏮 North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival
6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | $16.74–$30.64 | Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary
Walk through stunning illuminated lanterns and cultural displays at this world-famous festival.
🧵 Bring Your Own Craft Night
6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. | FREE | Raleigh Brewing, Raleigh
Bring your knitting, drawing, scrapbooking, or any craft and enjoy a creative night with others.
🥁 Raleigh Drum Circle & Hoop Jam
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | FREE | Method Road Park, Raleigh
An energetic outdoor drum circle and flow arts jam—perfect for creatives, dancers, and percussion lovers.
🔭 Stargazing from The Willard Rooftop
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | FREE | The Willard Rooftop Lounge, Raleigh
Enjoy telescope views of the night sky with help from astronomy volunteers in one of downtown Raleigh’s best rooftop settings.
🌌 Astronomy on Tap
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | FREE | Durty Bull Brewing, Durham
Enjoy astronomy talks, Q&A sessions, and space-themed trivia over local beer.
🧶 Stitch N’ Bitch Craft Night
7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. | FREE | Steel String Brewery, Carrboro
A cozy weekly craft night for makers of all kinds.
🎤 Karaoke at The Backyard Bar
8:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. | FREE | Apex
Sing the night away with a friendly crowd at one of the Triangle’s favorite casual karaoke spots.
🎳 Weekly Skee-Ball Tournament
8:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. | FREE | Boxcar Bar + Arcade, Durham
Compete for prizes or just play for fun at this lively weekly tournament.
🎤 Karaoke at Moon Dog Meadery
8:00 p.m. – 11:45 p.m. | FREE | Durham
A late-night karaoke favorite with great mead, great music, and great vibes.
🎙️ Open Mic Week at Abbey Road Cary
8:00 p.m. | FREE | Cary
Musicians, poets, comics, and storytellers take the stage—new performers always welcome.
🏓 Beer Pong Tournament
8:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. | FREE | Boxcar Bar + Arcade, Raleigh
Grab a partner and compete in Boxcar Raleigh’s weekly beer pong showdown.
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