City of Raleigh Museum's mission is to "Preserve Raleigh's Past for the Future." It debuted its first exhibit in 1993, and operated as a nonprofit until 2012, when the City of Raleigh assumed operational control. It's supported by the nonprofit Friends of the COR Museum. It's at 220 Fayetteville Street, in the 1874 Briggs Building in historic downtown Raleigh. Admission is free, although a … [Read more...] about Festive Family Fun Day at City of Raleigh Museum Dec. 13
Kids
Smashfest returns to The Scrap Exchange Nov 28 — smash stuff, listen to live bands, more…
Do you ever feel like smashing things? Or do you NEED to smash things? Head to The Scrap Exchange, 2050 Chapel Hill Road, Durham, for SmashFest on Friday, November 28, 2025, from 2 to 6 p.m. At this event you[ll be able to let out your frustrations by throwing various breakables against a wall. Enjoy a fun, carnival atmosphere with a large crowd, music, food and other … [Read more...] about Smashfest returns to The Scrap Exchange Nov 28 — smash stuff, listen to live bands, more…
Piper Lights: Free Drive-thru Lights Display in Wake Forest opens Nov. 28
One of the most spectacular Christmas light displays in the Triangle is in Wake Forest. Piper Lights is the project of a family who really loves Christmas. They're at 5725 Fixit Shop Road, Wake Forest, North Carolina. The display includes 7 acres of lights. This is a free, dirve-thru attraction. Make sure to check Piper Lights' Facebook page for updates and schedule changes. Weather can … [Read more...] about Piper Lights: Free Drive-thru Lights Display in Wake Forest opens Nov. 28
Hillsborough Last Fridays Art Walk Nov. 28
The last Friday of every month, from February to November, 2025, rain or shine, Downtown Hillsborough showcases its art scene with the Last Fridays Art Walk from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Starting in March, Hillsborough Arts Council will present special programming each month. Explore art galleries, artist studios, fine jewelers, boutique shops and award winning restaurants. There will also be live … [Read more...] about Hillsborough Last Fridays Art Walk Nov. 28
Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Downtown Wendell
One of the largest and most spectacular Christmas light displays in North Carolina is at 10 S. Cypress St, Wendell, North Carolina, and it's free to visit. Lake Myra Christmas Lights features almost a quarter of a million lights that dance in a synchronized show, with special effects, to holiday music. Lake Myra Christmas Lights will run from November 26 to December 31, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. … [Read more...] about Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Downtown Wendell
Christmas in Smithfield: Tree Lighting and Holiday Market Nov. 28
Smithfield, North Carolina, is in Johnston County, about 31 miles to the southeast of Raleigh. Celebrate Christmas in Historic Downtown Smithfield, NC, at one of these events. While you're there, make sure to patronize the local businesses. Christmas Festival Kick Off to Christmas: Tree Lighting Festival and Holiday MarketFriday, November 28, 20253 to 8 p.m.Downtown … [Read more...] about Christmas in Smithfield: Tree Lighting and Holiday Market Nov. 28
Contentnea Fire Department’s Christmas Light Display in Wilson — Santa will be there many nights
The Contentnea Fire Department, at 4146 NC Highway 42 W, Wilson, North Carolina, presents one of the most impressive Christmas light displays every year, and it's free to visit! it boasts a 60-foot tall tree and over 25,000 lights. The schedule was announced on Contentnea Fire Department's Facebook page. There will be a soft opening for the annual Christmas light display on Saturday, … [Read more...] about Contentnea Fire Department’s Christmas Light Display in Wilson — Santa will be there many nights
Santa Paws at Durham Armory Dec 5
Durham Parks & Recreation is hosting Santa Paws on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Durham Armory, 212 Foster Street, Durham. Admission is free. The event includes: Photos provided by Assorted Poppies Photography. Photos are free, but with a suggested donation of $10, benefiting Carolina Boxer Rescue. … [Read more...] about Santa Paws at Durham Armory Dec 5
Toy giveaways, with free food, in Durham and Raleigh Dec 13
Crimey Dealers is presenting toy giveaways in both Durham and Raleigh on Saturday, December 13, 2025. The events will also feature free food for the family, music and a dance competition for kids. Can you donate toys? Contact @crimeytoydrive on Instagram. Attending one of these events? Arrive early! Durham Toy Giveaway Saturday, December 13, 202512 p.m. to 2 p.m.AJ's Cheesecakes2506 … [Read more...] about Toy giveaways, with free food, in Durham and Raleigh Dec 13
Holidays with the Popes — Celebrate at the Pope House Museum Dec. 20
Experience the holidays at the Pope House Museum, 511 South Wilmington Street, Raleigh, North Carolina, on December 20, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Holidays with the Popes is a free event, and no registration is required. Enjoy period-accurate Christmas decorations, music, and games. Relax with the Popes as you learn about 20th-century Christmas traditions. This guided tour will also … [Read more...] about Holidays with the Popes — Celebrate at the Pope House Museum Dec. 20
