Triangle on the Cheap

Live well in the Triangle on a budget. Find fun, free things to do in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, NC

Even more free and cheap stuff to do

Big list of free and cheap things to do with kids during Winter Break in the Triangle 2025/2026

If you purchase a Groupon from this page, Triangle on the Cheap will earn a commission.

Wondering what to do with the kids over break? Look no further. Here's a list of some things that will be fun for kids. Many are free!  Scroll down for a day-by-day list of free and cheap kid-friendly and family-friendly events. Make sure to subscribe to Triangle on the Cheap by email so you will learn about all the free and cheap events all year. Check out Groupon for kids' activities in … [Read more...] about Big list of free and cheap things to do with kids during Winter Break in the Triangle 2025/2026

Posted by Jody Mace Filed Under: Kids

Christmas Day at Lapin Bleu: Potluck and jazz

Lapin Bleu, at 106-A N. Graham Street, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, is hosts frequent events. Christmas Day Lapin Bleu opens at 1 p.m. on December 25, 2025. There will be a potluck starting at 3 p.m., through the evening, and live jazz from Mahalo Jazz at 6 p.m. Announced on Facebook. New Year's Eve It's hosting a New Year's Eve party on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, starting at 7 p.m. There's … [Read more...] about Christmas Day at Lapin Bleu: Potluck and jazz

Durham Rescue Mission’s 48th Annual Toy Giveaway and Community Dinner Dec. 23

Durham Rescue Mission is hosting its 48th Annual Christmas Toy Giveaway and Community Dinner on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at 1201 East Main Street, Durham, North Carolina. The event starts at 12 p.m., with the line forming at 11 a.m. Activities for the day will include free toys for children in attendance. They have a ton of bikes to give away. Also, enjoy a free hot turkey & ham dinner … [Read more...] about Durham Rescue Mission’s 48th Annual Toy Giveaway and Community Dinner Dec. 23

Free pictures with Santa at Bass Pro Shops

Bass Pro Shops, at 801 Bass Pro Lane, Cary, NC, and 201 Cabela Drive, Garner, NC, are hosting Santa's Wonderland, with a FREE Santa experience. On November 1, 2025, officially kick off the Santa's Wonderland experience with Santa's grand entrance. Santa's Grand Entrance Santa will arrive on a boat at both stores on November 1, 2025, at 5 p.m. There will be a parade, tree lighting, … [Read more...] about Free pictures with Santa at Bass Pro Shops

Halftime Lounge offering a free dinner Dec. 22

Halftime Lounge, at 133 E Hargett Street, Raleigh, North Carolina, announced on Instagram that it's hosting a free dinner for the community on Monday, December 22, 2025, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. No reservations needed. Just come on by. If you'd like to contribute to this or a future event, please contact Halftime Lounge. … [Read more...] about Halftime Lounge offering a free dinner Dec. 22

Visit the Shangri-La Stone Village Near Hillsborough

One of North Carolina's most fascinating roadside attractions is the Shangri-La Stone Village, at 11535 NC-86, Prospect Hill, NC. It's 17 miles north of Hillsborough and 31 miles north of Chapel Hill, so it's an easy day trip for anyone in the Triangle, or a great little side trip for visitors. Henry Warren, a retired tobacco farmer, started creating the village in 1968, at the age of 72, as … [Read more...] about Visit the Shangri-La Stone Village Near Hillsborough

Posted by Jody Mace Filed Under: Art

Free Christmas Musical, at Grove Park Chapel, plus food and fellowship Dec. 21

Grove Park Chapel, 605 Sherron Road, Durham, North Carolina, is presenting a Christmas Musical: Peace Has Come! The Birth of Jesus on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at 6 p.m. Please RSVP here. This is a free event. This powerful evening of music and worship tells the story of Jesus' birth through beautiful choral arrangements and heartfelt soloists. Many have described it as deeply moving, a … [Read more...] about Free Christmas Musical, at Grove Park Chapel, plus food and fellowship Dec. 21

Toy Giveaway with Bull City Chargers Dec. 21

Bull City Chargers, a youth football organization, along with Toys for Tots, is hosting a toy giveaway on Sunday, December 21, 2025, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., at 401 N Driver Street, Durham, North Carolina. This event was announced on Facebook. First come, first served for toys. There will also be cookies and hot chocolate to enjoy. … [Read more...] about Toy Giveaway with Bull City Chargers Dec. 21

Menorah Lighting in Morrisville Dec. 21

The Town of Morrisville is hosting a Menorah Lighting on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. It will take place at the Indian Creek Greenway and Trailhead, 101 Town Hall Drive. This is a free event. Parking will be available at Town Hall (100 Town Hall Drive) and behind the Town Connector building (240 Town Hall Drive). … [Read more...] about Menorah Lighting in Morrisville Dec. 21

Free TubaChristmas concert in Apex Dec. 21

TubaChristmas is an annual holiday concert that takes place in 270 cities in the United States and several other countries. Founded in 1974 by renowned American tuba artist and teacher, Harvey Phillips, TubaChristmas features traditional Christmas carols arranged for tuba and baritone horn players. It offers low brass players a chance to get together and perform, and a chance for audience … [Read more...] about Free TubaChristmas concert in Apex Dec. 21

Member of the Living on the Cheap Network

Triangle on the Cheap is a member of Living on the Cheap, a network of websites published by frugalistas, journalists and consumer advocates. Find practical advice on saving money on groceries, travel and shopping, plus tips from our experts on how to live the good life for less at Living on the Cheap.