Each year, local organizations and community groups in Raleigh and Durham, North Carolina, plus surrounding areas in the Triangle, sponsor Thanksgiving turkey and food giveaways, to make sure families facing food insecurity or financial hardship can gather together for a traditional meal. This list has been updated for 2025. We’re collecting as many of these turkey giveaways and food … [Read more...] about Thanksgiving food giveaways: FREE turkeys and groceries in the Triangle
Holiday
Lights on the Neuse — hayride through Christmas lights
Bring the family to Boyette Family Farms, 1620 Loop Road, Clayton, North Carolina, for Lights on the Neuse during the Christmas season. This attraction is on our list of the best Christmas light displays in the Triangle. Lights on the Neuse features a one-mile long Christmas hayride. This 20-minute long tractor-pulled hayride brings you through the light extravaganza, with Christmas … [Read more...] about Lights on the Neuse — hayride through Christmas lights
State Tree Lighting and Holiday Open House at Capitol Dec. 11 – 13
Celebrate the holiday season at the North Carolina State Capitol at the State Tree Lighting and a three-day Holiday Open House. Both are free events, and no RSVP is required. State Tree Lighting and Holiday Open House State Tree Lighting and Holiday Open HouseThursday, December 11, 20255:30 p.m.1 E Edenton Street, Raleigh, NCFree Join the State Capitol and Gov. Josh Stein for the annual … [Read more...] about State Tree Lighting and Holiday Open House at Capitol Dec. 11 – 13
Letters to Santa with Raleigh Parks & Rec — free program
Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department is making it easier for kids to communicate directly with Santa Claus. From November 20 to December 17, 2025, the department is hosting a FREE Letters to Santa program. It's easy to participate! Can't make it a community center? No problem! Santa is on email! Just fill out the template and email it to … [Read more...] about Letters to Santa with Raleigh Parks & Rec — free program
Fenton’s Skate the Square: Save $3 on Mondays
Fenton in Cary is once again hosting an outdoor ice skating rink in the winter of 2025. The skating rink will be in Fenton Square, 21 Fenton Gateway Drive, Cary, NC. Fenton also hosts many events throughout the week, including fitness, children's activities, live music, holiday events and more. Check out Fenton's event calendar. Tickets for Fenton Skate the Square are $18 per person. That … [Read more...] about Fenton’s Skate the Square: Save $3 on Mondays
Where to Order a Thanksgiving Dinner to Enjoy at Home — 2025
Every year we put together a list of grocery stores, restaurants and catering companies that let you can order your Thanksgiving dinner to go, ahead of time, so that you can enjoy it at home. These meals definitely save time, and for most of them, the price per person isn't too bad. Some arrive hot and some need to be heated up. Make sure to follow the links for full information. Our listings … [Read more...] about Where to Order a Thanksgiving Dinner to Enjoy at Home — 2025
Pittsboro Tree Lighting Nov. 23
Celebrate the holiday season in Downtown Pittsboro, North Carolina! Pittsboro is in Chatham County, about 17 miles to the south of Chapel Hill. Read on to learn about some of the holiday events taking place in Pittsboro, including the Holly Days Tree Lighting and the Pittsboro Christmas Parade. Holly Days Pittsboro Tree Lighting The Pittsboro Business Association invites you to Downtown … [Read more...] about Pittsboro Tree Lighting Nov. 23
Friendsgiving Potluck at Fall Line in Zebulon Nov. 23
The Fall Line, at 114 North Arendell Avenue, Zebulon, North Carolina, is a bar that offers many events throughout the month. You can find the events on their calendar and Facebook page. Food trucks are on site most days. Upcoming Events Friendsgiving PotluckSunday, November 23, 20252 p.m.Free Sign up bring a dish to share. Enjoy live music by 2Digh4 at the event. Recurring … [Read more...] about Friendsgiving Potluck at Fall Line in Zebulon Nov. 23
Durham Art Walk Holiday Market Nov 22-23
Shop for holiday gifts and art for yourself at Durham Art Walk Holiday Market on Saturday, November 22, and Sunday, November 23, 2025. The event features tons of artists, as well as live music and some special features. Art lovers can shop local artists, enjoy live music, and dine at great restaurants, all within Durham's city center. There will be both indoor and outdoor … [Read more...] about Durham Art Walk Holiday Market Nov 22-23
Winter Wonderland at Park West Village: train rides, entertainment, Santa, more… Nov. 21-23
Experience holiday magic at Park West Village's Winter Wonderland from Friday, November 21, to Sunday, November 23, 2025. Park West Village is at 3400 Village Market Place, Morrisville, NC. The event takes place: This is a free event. The event features: … [Read more...] about Winter Wonderland at Park West Village: train rides, entertainment, Santa, more… Nov. 21-23
