PetSmart is offering FREE photos of your pet with Santa again! The event takes place at all PetSmart locations in the United States and Canada (excluding PetSmart Groomery locations.) The photo sessions with Santa at PetSmart will be available from 2 to 5 p.m. on December 13 and 14, 2025. (Times might vary by location, however.) Reservations are required and go quickly. Book your session … [Read more...] about Pets get free pictures with Santa at PetSmart Dec. 13 and 14 (reservations recommended)
Even more free and cheap stuff to do
Holiday Open House at Mordecai Historic Park Dec 13-14
The Mordecai House, 1 Mimosa Street, Raleigh, is the oldest house in Raleigh on its original location. It was build in 1785. Other structures, including the cure barn, the Ellen Mordecai Garden, St. Mark's Chapel, and more, were built in the 1800s. Normally tickets for tours are $7 for adults, and $4 for seniors and youth, with children 6 and under admitted for free. Mordecai Historic Park … [Read more...] about Holiday Open House at Mordecai Historic Park Dec 13-14
Pittsboro Christmas Parade Dec. 14
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 Christmas Parade Dec. 14
Hanukkah Festival at Jewish for Good on Dec. 14
Jewish for Good, 1937 Cornwallis Road, Durham, is celebrating Hanukkah with a Hanukkah Festival. The first of the eight nights of Hanukkah is December 14, 2025. Hanukkah FestivalSunday, December 14, 20252 to 5 p.m.Free Presented in partnership with: Chabad, PJ Library, Triangle Family Shule, The Lerner Elementary School, The Early Childhood Learning Center, Kehillah Synagogue, Judea Reform … [Read more...] about Hanukkah Festival at Jewish for Good on Dec. 14
Apex Chanukah Festival Dec 14: Gelt drop, fire show, free donuts, more…
Chabad of Cary Jewish Center is presenting a free event, Apex Chanukah Festival on Sunday, December 14, 2025. The event takes place at the Apex Senior Center, 63 Hunter Street, Apex, North Carolina. There's no cost to attend. Enjoy games, crafts and food. The celebration ends with lighting a menorah. Chanukah Wonderland from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Grand Menorah Lighting at 5:30 p.m. … [Read more...] about Apex Chanukah Festival Dec 14: Gelt drop, fire show, free donuts, more…
Winterfest at Capital Marketplace on Dec. 14 — free hot chocolate and desserts, and more…
Capital Marketplace, at 6250 Plantation Center Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina, is hosting Winterfest on Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This is a free event. RSVPs are not required, but help with planning. All the activities are free, including taking pictures with Santa, the bounce house and face painting. The event includes: All free items are first come, first … [Read more...] about Winterfest at Capital Marketplace on Dec. 14 — free hot chocolate and desserts, and more…
Bulltown Strutters’ Holiday Throwdown (Free and all-ages) at Blue Note Grill Dec. 13
The Bulltown Strutters’ Holiday Throwdown is a FREE New Orleans-style, all-ages celebration on December 13, 2025, from 1 to 3 p.m., at Blue Note Grill, 709 Washington Street, in Downtown Durham, North Carolina. Come join in! It's just minutes from Durham’s Holiday Parade, which ends at noon. There will be much to enjoy, including: Everyone is also highly encouraged to wear some of those … [Read more...] about Bulltown Strutters’ Holiday Throwdown (Free and all-ages) at Blue Note Grill Dec. 13
Skywatching at Stagville — Geminid Meteor Shower Dec. 13
Join Historic Stagville and the Morehead Planetarium for meteor viewing on the peak night of the Geminid meteor shower. Stagville, at 5828 Old Oxford Highway, Durham, North Carolina, is hosting a skywatching event on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 8 to 10 p.m. This is a free event, but please RSVP. This outdoor event will take place in the open fields at the Horton Grove entrance of … [Read more...] about Skywatching at Stagville — Geminid Meteor Shower Dec. 13
Winter Lantern Walk at N.C. Museum of Art Dec 13
The North Carolina Museum of Art is hosting a Winter Lantern Walk on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. It will take place in the Museum Park. The procession will gather at 5:30 p.m. at the Ellipse. Bring your own homemade lantern. See guidelines, below. The walk is on a paved trail, about 3/4 of a mile long. It's wheelchair-accessible. This is a free event. Look … [Read more...] about Winter Lantern Walk at N.C. Museum of Art Dec 13
Durham Holiday Parade Dec 13
Durham's Holiday Parade will take place on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 10 a.m. The Holiday Parade will feature floats, mascots, hometown bands, drill teams, schools and community groups, and, of course, Santa. The parade will travel down Main Street, and will conclude with a guest appearance from Santa. Seating is not provided. You're encouraged to bring your own. Check back more … [Read more...] about Durham Holiday Parade Dec 13
