Looking for something to do with friends and family Thanksgiving weekend, 2023? Here is a big list of things to do in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and beyond. More will be added! What do you think should be on the list?
We’ve highlighted a few major attractions and fun ideas, but please scroll down for a more comprehensive day-by-day list.
On Triangle on the Cheap, we generally focus on the cheap, and preferably, free, events, but we are including some pricier events in this list, in case a splurge is a possibility for you. But there are still lots of cheap stuff to do!
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Christmas Lights
Check out our big list of magnificent Christmas light displays in the Triangle. Some are on farms or other venues and have an entry fee, but many are absolutely free. There’s even a Google Map to help you plan your trek!
Go Ice Skating
Enjoy ice skating at Red Hat Amphitheater, with a view of the Raleigh skyline. The RINK will not be open Thanksgiving Day, but will be open the rest of the weekend. The cost is $15 + taxes and fees to skate (including skate rental) and $6 to watch. Alternately, Skate the Square at Fenton in Cary. It will be open on Thanksgiving Day, from 4 to 10 p.m., and the rest of Thanksgiving weekend as well. Tickets are $17 + taxes and fees per person. That includes 75 minutes of ice time, plus skate rental.
Smash Something
Need to let off some steam? Go to The Scrap Exchange’s SmashFest on Friday, November 24, 2023. This free event has a fun, festival atmosphere as you smash stuff! Smashables will be available for purchase. This is a fundraiser for The Scrap Exchange.
Repticon
Repticon will be at North Carolina Fairgrounds on November 25 and 26, 2023. Get up close to some of the most fascinating animals on earth. Tickets are $10-12 for adults, $5-6 for kids ages 5-12, and free for children ages 4 and under.
Santa’s Wonderland
Take the kids to either Bass Pro Shops, 801 Bass Pro Lane, Cary, or Cabela’s, 201 Cabela Drive, Garner, and you and get a free picture of them with Santa. This is going on every day through Christmas Eve. You need to make reservations in advance. We also have a growing list of other opportunities for a free picture with Santa in the Triangle.
Shop at a Holiday Market
Instead of going to the big box stores for Black Friday, check out our big list of holiday markets around the Triangle. You’ll get to shop for unique gifts and, in many cases, even meet the artist who created it.
Hillsborough Last Fridays
The last Friday of the month, Hillsborough presents Hillsborough Last Fridays Art Walk, which features live music throughout the town, special interactive arts events and displays, street performers, art gallery receptions, and much more. It’s definitely worth checking out!
Sculpture in the Garden
North Carolina Botanical Garden is hosting Sculpture in the Garden through December 2, 2023. It’s closed on UNC Chapel Hill university holidays, including Thanksgiving. It’s free to visit, but a $5 donation is suggested. Check out over 60 sculptures in the garden.
Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge’s Day with the Turkeys Tour & Explore
Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge is a non-profit organization that works to protect animals from factory farms. It’s a sanctuary that cares for rescued chickens, turkeys, ducks, sheep, goats, pigs and cows. Join Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge for ‘A Day with the Turkeys,’ a special Tour & Explore event at Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge. It takes place Saturday, November 25, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The standard price is $15, but there’s a sliding scale — pay what you can. Enjoy special turkey-themed activities such as: treat bowls for the turkey residents, turkey trivia, a raffle, and one-time holiday turkey sponsorships.
Try one of these hikes
Get outside and try one of these 15 hiking trails around the Triangle. If you’ve got young kids in your pack, try one of these Triangle hikes that are especially great for kids. Also, several North Carolina State Parks are offering guided hikes Thanksgiving Weekend.
Go Christmas Tree Shopping
Many of the Christmas tree farms and lots open the day after Thanksgiving. Check out our list of Christmas tree farms and lots in the Triangle. At many, you can choose your own tree and have it cut for you. Others offer Fraser Firs pre-cut, from the mountains.
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
North Carolina Museum of Natural Science in downtown Raleigh is closed on Thanksgiving Day but open the rest of the weekend. Admission is free.
North Carolina Museum of History
The North Carolina Museum of History is also closed on Thanksgiving Day but open the rest of the weekend. Tickets are not required.
North Carolina Museum of Art
As with the other two state museums, North Carolina Museum of Art is closed on Thanksgiving Day, but open the rest of the weekend, and is free to visit.
North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival
This is one of the “splurge events,” but is not to be missed! After a year off, the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival is at Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary from November 17, 2023, to January 14, 2024. You can save a little bit of money by purchasing tickets for specific days, in advance. There are also discounts for seniors (age 55+), military, college students, and kids ages 3-12. Kids under 3 are admitted or free.