Looking for free or affordable fun in the Triangle today? From Santa photo experiences and holiday light shows to family play sessions, comedy nights, NFL watch parties, craft beer hangouts, and discounted skating nights, this Monday is packed with events across Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Wake Forest, Wendell, Wilson, and Carrboro.
Whether you want kid-friendly holiday excitement, date-night ideas, or after-work hangouts, the Triangle has something for everyone on Monday, December 8, 2025.
🎅 Holiday & Seasonal Events
Free Santa Photos — Bass Pro Shops Santa’s Wonderland
📅 All Day
💲 FREE
📍 Bass Pro Shops – multiple locations
One of the Triangle’s most popular holiday traditions continues with free Santa photos, crafts, and festive displays at Bass Pro Shops Santa’s Wonderland. Expect themed décor, holiday music, and plenty of family photo ops.
Cary’s Gingerbread House Competition
📅 All Day
💲 FREE
📍 Downtown Cary
Browse incredibly creative gingerbread house displays throughout downtown Cary. This annual competition features entries from families, local artists, and culinary enthusiasts.
Cheapskate Day at Skate the Square at Fenton
📅 All Day
💲 Discounted admission – $3 off (check website for hours)
📍 Fenton, Cary
Enjoy discounted skating at Cary’s seasonal ice rink. Perfect for winter family fun, holiday date nights, or playful group outings.
Piper Lights – Wake Forest
📅 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
💲 FREE
📍 Piper Lights, Wake Forest
A beloved Wake Forest tradition featuring enchanting displays, drive-through routes, and walkable holiday areas. A Triangle favorite for all ages.
Contentnea Fire Department’s Christmas Light Display
📅 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
💲 FREE
📍 Contentnea Fire Department, Wilson
A community-driven holiday display perfect for a festive evening drive or family outing.
Lake Myra Christmas Lights – Wendell
📅 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
💲 FREE
📍 Lake Myra Christmas Lights
A massive synchronized light show featuring music, dancing displays, and colorful LED elements. Expect crowds and tons of Christmas cheer.
A Jolly Evening with Santa
📅 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
💲 FREE
📍 Ruckus Pizza, Cary – Tryon Village
Kids can meet Santa while families enjoy pizza and holiday fun at Ruckus.
North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival
📅 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
💲 $16.74 – $30.64
📍 Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary
A stunning international light festival with handcrafted lanterns, glowing sculptures, live entertainment, and cultural artistry.
⭐ Family-Friendly Events
Total Tot Time — Free Indoor Play
📅 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
💲 FREE
📍 W.D. Hill Recreation Center, Durham
A free, community play program for children up to age 5. Ideal for parents, caregivers, and little ones needing space to explore, socialize, and play.
🍻 Triangle Food & Drink Specials
Durham Beer Garden — 75¢ Wings
📅 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
💲 $0.75 per wing (dine-in only)
📍 Durham Beer Garden
Grab some of the cheapest Monday wings in the Triangle paired with local brews.
🏈 Sports & Watch Parties
Monday Night NFL Football Watch Party
📅 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
💲 FREE
📍 Crank Arm Brewing Company, Raleigh
Craft beer, football, and laid-back community vibes at one of downtown Raleigh’s favorite breweries.
🌆 Outdoor Art & Community
Illuminate Art Walk – Downtown Raleigh
📅 4:45 PM
💲 FREE
📍 Downtown Raleigh
An immersive artistic light walk through downtown Raleigh featuring glowing sculptures, public art, and seasonal installations.
🎤 Nightlife, Music, & Open Mic
Open Mic Night
📅 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
💲 FREE
📍 Steel String Brewery, Carrboro
Singer-songwriters, musicians, and storytellers are welcome to perform.
Raleigh Brewing’s Smut Book Club
📅 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
💲 FREE
📍 Raleigh Brewing, Raleigh
A casual and lively book club community gathering with craft beer.
Cosmic Chuckles — Weekly Comedy Show
📅 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
💲 FREE
📍 Flying Saucer Raleigh
Enjoy stand-up comedy in a relaxed bar atmosphere.
Adult Coloring Night — Cary
📅 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
💲 FREE
📍 KōMANA Brewing Company, Cary
A creative, relaxing community coloring event for adults.
Game Night — Crank Arm Brewing
📅 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
💲 FREE
📍 Crank Arm Brewing Company, Raleigh
Board games, brews, and good company.
Board Game Night — Moon Dog Meadery
📅 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
💲 FREE
📍 Moon Dog Meadery & Bottle Shop, Durham
Perfect for game lovers, mead enthusiasts, and social groups.
Air Hockey Tournament
📅 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
💲 FREE
📍 Boxcar Bar & Arcade, Raleigh
Competitive air hockey meets arcade nostalgia.
Carrboro Open Mic at Speakeasy
📅 8:00 PM – 11:59 PM
💲 FREE
📍 Speakeasy, Carrboro
Night owls and musicians can jam late into the evening.
Why This Guide Matters
This hyper-local Monday guide makes discovering free, discounted, and family-friendly activities across the Triangle easy. Whether you live in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Carrboro, Wake Forest, Wendell, or Wilson, there’s something happening near you today.
Bookmark DoRaleigh.com for:
Daily and weekly event guides Budget-friendly things to do Local holiday activities Free community programs Brewery hangouts and nightlife Seasonal light displays and Santa visits
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