Triangle Holiday & Community Highlights
Tuesday, December 9, 2025 is packed with free family fun, holiday displays, brewery events, and nightlife across Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Pittsboro, Wake Forest, and Wilson. Whether you’re searching for a family activity, a festive evening experience, or a cozy taproom event, the Triangle has something for every mood and every budget.
Events below are free unless otherwise noted, and times may vary based on weather conditions.
🎄 All-Day Triangle Holiday Fun
Free Santa Photos at Bass Pro Shops Santa’s Wonderland
📍 Bass Pro Shops – multiple Triangle locations
💲 FREE | All Day
The annual Santa’s Wonderland tradition continues with free Santa photos, seasonal displays, crafts for kids, and a winter-themed setup. Early arrival recommended at peak hours.
Cary’s Gingerbread House Competition
📍 Downtown Cary
💲 FREE | All Day
Explore creative gingerbread house designs, built by families, local bakers, schools, and community teams. A festive stroll perfect for kids and holiday photo ops.
Blades and Badges Day at Skate Fenton
📍 Fenton, Cary
💲 Discounted | All Day
First responders and military receive $3 off admission at Skate Fenton. Check venue website for public skating hours.
🎅 Santa Experiences in Cary
Photos with Santa – Downtown Cary Park
📍 Downtown Cary Park
⏰ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
💲 FREE
A charming park-side Santa experience with holiday décor and families in line for festive photos.
Sensory-Friendly Photos with Santa
📍 Downtown Cary Park
⏰ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
💲 FREE
Created for families who prefer a low-sensory environment, with quieter lines and calmer lighting.
🎉 Afternoon & Evening Triangle Events
Tequila Tuesday
📍 bmc brewing, Pittsboro
⏰ 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
💲 Discounted
Enjoy specials on tequila and tequila cocktails in a relaxed local brewery setting.
Window on Animal Health
📍 Nature Research Center, Raleigh
⏰ 1:30 pm
💲 FREE
A fascinating presentation on animal wellness, veterinary science, and natural science topics. Hosted by the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.
Illuminate Art Walk
📍 Downtown Raleigh
⏰ 4:45 pm
💲 FREE
A self-guided walk through interactive light installations, murals, and creative winter art along downtown streets.
Piper Lights – Wake Forest
📍 Piper Lights, Wake Forest
⏰ 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm
💲 FREE
A beloved local Christmas light display, perfect for an evening stroll or drive-through.
Contentnea Fire Department Christmas Display
📍 Contentnea Fire Department, Wilson
⏰ 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm
💲 FREE
A wholesome family holiday tradition with thousands of lights and festive inflatables.
Lake Myra Christmas Lights – Wendell
📍 Lake Myra Christmas Lights, Wendell
⏰ 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm
💲 FREE
One of the Triangle’s largest synchronized light shows with music and community crowds.
📚 Family, Art & Community
Nighttime in the Neighborhood: PJ Storytime
📍 Book Harvest, Durham
⏰ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
💲 FREE
Wear pajamas and settle in for storytime with Fred Rogers Productions — a cozy family event.
North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival
📍 Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary
⏰ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
💲 $16.74 – $30.64
A stunning display of illuminated sculptures, music, and immersive lantern art — a regional holiday favorite.
Adult Coloring Night
📍 Hi-Wire Brewing at Golden Belt, Durham
⏰ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
💲 FREE
A creative and relaxing way to unwind with craft beer and artistic energy.
Bond Brothers Run Club
📍 Bond Brothers Beer Company
⏰ 6:00 pm
💲 FREE
A community run through downtown Cary, followed by taproom socializing.
🍺 Nightlife, Music & Trivia
Beer & Banjos – Raleigh
📍 Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard, Raleigh
⏰ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
💲 FREE
Live bluegrass, folk, and Americana in a lively indoor/outdoor setting.
Pony Ride
📍 Ponysaurus, Durham
⏰ 6:30 pm
💲 FREE
A beloved weekly gathering with music, communal vibes, and brewery fun.
Music Bingo
📍 Gizmo Brew Works, Durham
⏰ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
💲 FREE
High-energy bingo meets playlist fun — a Triangle brewery classic.
Open Mic Night
📍 The Williams House Craft Taproom, Cary
⏰ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
💲 FREE
Local performers, musicians, comedy, spoken word, and community crowd energy.
Beer & Banjos – Carrboro
📍 Speakeasy, Carrboro
⏰ 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
💲 FREE
Sister event to the Raleigh series with a lively acoustic crowd.
Open Mic Night with Jonathan Hose
📍 Downtown Public House, Wilson
⏰ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
💲 FREE
A friendly open mic night for performers and local artists.
Video Game Night
📍 Moon Dog Meadery and Bottle Shop, Durham
⏰ 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
💲 FREE
A social gaming night surrounded by meads, board games, and local taps.
Tricycle Trivia
📍 Crank Arm Brewing, Durham
⏰ 7:00 pm
💲 FREE
Trivia night in a bike-themed taproom filled with cycling culture and great brews.
Falconry Talk: “A Partnership with a Wild Bird of Prey”
📍 Nature Research Center, Raleigh
⏰ 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm
💲 FREE
A rare educational program about falconry, conservation, and wildlife stewardship.
BEERthoven: Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle
📍 Atomic Clock Brewing Co., Durham
⏰ 7:30 pm
💲 Pay What You Can
An immersive mix of live orchestral performance, brewery culture, and community atmosphere.
Karaoke Night
📍 Boxcar Bar + Arcade, Durham
⏰ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
💲 FREE
Arcade games, pinball, bar snacks, and a lively karaoke crowd.
Late-Night Open Mic with Live Band
📍 Slim’s, Raleigh
⏰ 9:00 pm – 11:59 pm
💲 FREE
A Raleigh nightlife staple with live musicians and late-night performances.
Weather Advisory
Some event start times may be delayed or canceled due to weather. Always check venue pages or city/local updates before traveling.
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