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
Even more free and cheap stuff to do
Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Downtown Wendell — open on Christmas
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 — open on Christmas
Order your fully cooked New Year’s Eve dinner or New Year’s Day meal to enjoy at home
If you prefer to leave the cooking to someone else when you ring in 2026, consider ordering your New Year's Eve dinner or New Year's Day meal from a grocery store, caterer, or restaurant. We've put together a list of businesses in the Triangle where you can order a fully-cooked New Year's meal. There are even a couple of "traditional, lucky New Year's Day meals" available! In many cases, … [Read more...] about Order your fully cooked New Year’s Eve dinner or New Year’s Day meal to enjoy at home
ZincHouse Winery & Brewery’s New Year-Z Celebration (free!)
ZincHouse Winer & Brewery, at 6225 Wake Forest Hwy, Durham, North Carolina, is hosting New Year-Z, a New Year's Eve celebration, with no cover charge. Age 21+ only. ZincHouse announced this event on Facebook. The party is on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Doors open at 5 p.m., and the celebration is from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. It will feature a performance by Amazing Lounge … [Read more...] about ZincHouse Winery & Brewery’s New Year-Z Celebration (free!)
Kwanzaa Celebration at Eno River Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Dec. 28
Eno River Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, at 4907 Garrett Road, Durham, North Carolina, is hosting a Kwanzaa celebration on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at 11 a.m. You can find it listed on the calendar. Come together to celebrate the Kwanzaa value of Ujima, the commitment to build and maintain the community together, and to solve the community’s problems together. A Karamu, the traditional … [Read more...] about Kwanzaa Celebration at Eno River Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Dec. 28
The RINK at Red Hat Amphitheatre — outdoor ice skating ends Dec. 28
This winter, once again enjoy outdoor ice skating in Downtown Raleigh, at The RINK, presented by UNC Health. Enjoy skating on a natural ice skating rink in the heart of Raleigh. The RINK is at Red Hat Amphitheater, 500 South McDowell Street, Raleigh, from November 22, 2025, to December 28, 2025. Please note that this is earlier than the planned end date, due Keep reading to see the specific … [Read more...] about The RINK at Red Hat Amphitheatre — outdoor ice skating ends Dec. 28
Kwanzaa celebrations in the Triangle in 2025/2026
Kwanzaa is a communal, cultural celebration that honors African-American people and their heritage. The holiday lasts seven days, starting December 26th, each one with a focus on a different principle: Day 1. Umoja means unity. Day 2. Kujichagulia means self-determination. Day 3. Ujima means working together. Day 4. Ujamaa means supporting each other. Day 5. Nia means purpose. Day 6. Kuumba means … [Read more...] about Kwanzaa celebrations in the Triangle in 2025/2026
Seize the Night Trail Run at Forest Ridge Park Jan. 21
Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources is hosting Seize the Night Trail Run. This after-dark run takes place on Wednesdays, January 21 and February 25, 2026, at Forest Ridge Park, 2100 Old NC 98 Hwy, Wake Forest, North Carolina. The runs are from 6 to 8 p.m., and for ages 16+. The cost is $2, and registration is required. Register here. Short on daylight? Training for a trail race? … [Read more...] about Seize the Night Trail Run at Forest Ridge Park Jan. 21
“A Christmas Carol” Concert with Brendan White at Grace Lutheran Church in Durham Dec. 27
Grace Lutheran Church, 824 N Buchanan Blvd, Durham, North Carolina, is hosting "A Christmas Carol" Concert with Brendan White on Saturday, December 27, 2025, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. This special concert features Grammy Award-winning pianist Brendan White. His program will showcase masterworks by Liszt, Mendelssohn-Hensel, and Tchaikovsky, offering a beautiful and reflective conclusion to the … [Read more...] about “A Christmas Carol” Concert with Brendan White at Grace Lutheran Church in Durham Dec. 27
Kwanzaa Celebration in Carrboro Dec. 27
The Town of Carrboro is hosting a Kwanzaa celebration on Saturday, December 27, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Drakeford Library Complex, 203 S Greensboro Street, Carrboro, North Carolina. This is a FREE event. The Kwanzaa celebration will honor the rich cultural heritage and enduring spirit of the African American community. This joyous gathering will feature live performances, … [Read more...] about Kwanzaa Celebration in Carrboro Dec. 27
