Ring in 2026 with the kids at these family-friendly Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill area celebrations. These events are either free or very affordable. Make sure to follow the links to get the details. Also, have you subscribed to Triangle on the Cheap yet? You'll receive one email a day and be in the know. Start 2026 out the cheap way! Looking for a more comprehensive list of New Year's events? … [Read more...] about Family friendly New Year’s celebrations in the Triangle, including Noon Year’s Eve and early countdowns
Even more free and cheap stuff to do
Noon Year’s Eve Parties at Durham County Library
Durham County Library is hosting early New Year's Eve parties so that children can ring in 2026 on a kid-friendly schedule. Read on to learn about each event. Make sure to follow the links to register if required. Noon Year's Eve Party: A Countdown for KidsWednesday, December 31, 202511:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.East Regional Library211 Lick Creek Lane, Durham, NCFree Party at the library with … [Read more...] about Noon Year’s Eve Parties at Durham County Library
Early New Year’s Eve Parties for Kids at Wake County Libraries
Bring the kids to one of these early New Year's Eve parties at Wake County Public Libraries. They are all free events, intended for preschool children and their families. Please follow each link for more information, and to register, if necessary. Noon Year's EveWednesday, December 31, 202511 a.m. to 12 p.m.Middle Creek Community Library111 Middle Creek Park Avenue, Apex, NCFree Activities, … [Read more...] about Early New Year’s Eve Parties for Kids at Wake County Libraries
Noon Year’s Eve celebration at Museum of Life + Science (part of regular admission)
Museum of Life + Science, at 433 W Murray Avenue, Durham, North Carolina, is presenting Noon Year's Eve on Wednesday, December 31, 2025,, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This special New Year's event for children and their families is included in regular admission, which is $24 for adults, $22 for seniors ages 65+ and military members, $19 for children ages 3-12, and free for ages 2 and … [Read more...] about Noon Year’s Eve celebration at Museum of Life + Science (part of regular admission)
Noon Year’s and New Year’s Eve parties at United Skates of America
Keep United Skates of America, 2901 Trawick Road, Raleigh, in mind for entertaining the kids over Winter Break, or when planning fun for your out of town guests. United Skates of America has a several special events planned. Here are some New Year's Eve events. Noon Year's Eve Skate with CharactersWednesday, December 31, 202510 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.$20 online, $25 at the door Noon Year’s Eve Skate … [Read more...] about Noon Year’s and New Year’s Eve parties at United Skates of America
Marbles Kids Museum Noon Year’s Eve Party
Marbles Kids Museum, 201 E Hargett Street, Raleigh, North Carolina, is hosting Noon Year's Eve on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Celebrate the New Year' with crafts, games, music and a special bubble wrap pop. Count down together as the ball drops at noon in Curiosity Square. Noon Year's Eve is included with museum admission: … [Read more...] about Marbles Kids Museum Noon Year’s Eve Party
Wendy’s celebrates National Bacon Day with 1¢ Jr. Bacon Cheeseburgers Dec. 30
Wendy's is celebrating National Bacon Day with a special deal. On Tuesday, December 30, 2025, fans can snag a Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger (JBC) for $0.01 with any purchase by redeeming the offer in the Wendy's app. Wendy's Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger features a fresh, never-frozen square beef patty, topped with two strips of bacon, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, and creamy mayo on a toasted … [Read more...] about Wendy’s celebrates National Bacon Day with 1¢ Jr. Bacon Cheeseburgers Dec. 30
Celebrate Kwanzaa with SpiritHouse South: free photo shoot and more
SpiritHouse South is hosting some Kwanzaa events in 2025. Make sure to follow each link and register if necessary. Kwanzaa Celebration: Family Vision BoardingSaturday, December 27, 202512 to 3 p.m.Cocoa Cinnamon2013 Chapel Hill Road, Durham, NCFree (register) Enjoy a fun Kujichagulia (Self Determination) event where families come together to create vision boards that reflect their dreams and … [Read more...] about Celebrate Kwanzaa with SpiritHouse South: free photo shoot and more
Meet Birds of Prey at Starrlight Mead Jan. 31
Starrlight Mead specializes in honey wine, also known as mead. The mead is made right on the property, from local North Carolina honey. Starrlight Mead is at 130 Lorax Lane in Pittsboro, behind Chatham Marketplace, under the water tower. Starrlight Mead also hosts frequent events, which you can find on their Facebook page or website calendar. Upcoming Events A Visit with Friends: … [Read more...] about Meet Birds of Prey at Starrlight Mead Jan. 31
Contentnea Fire Department’s Christmas Light Display in Wilson — open on Christmas night
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 — open on Christmas night
