Whether or not your far-flung friends have been able to visit you for Thanksgiving 2020, you might be looking for something to do to get out of the house. Here is a big list of free and cheap 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, but please scroll down for a more comprehensive day-by-day list.
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Christmas Lights
Goldman Family Lights in Raleigh
Check out our big list (link above) of magnificent Christmas light displays in the Triangle. Some are on farms and have an entry fee, but many are absolutely free. There’s even a Google Map to help you plan your trek!
Fair Food Drive-Thru
The N.C. State Fair is holding Fair Food Drive-Thru Days on November 27th to 29th, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. each day. Keep on indulging over Thanksgiving Weekend with a giant turkey leg, or Pumpkin Spice Funnel Cake, Deep Fried Snickers, or one of the other many treats.
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, and they’ve made some modifications for safety purposes this year.
Food Truck Flix
Food Truck Flix has been a popular event through the summer and fall. It combines a drive-in movie with food trucks. On Friday and Saturday of Thanksgiving Weekend the movies are in Downtown Raleigh (Deck the Halls on Friday, and Die Hard on Saturday) and cost $35 per car. if you’re interested you’ll want to make reservations quickly, as they’ve been selling out.
Try one of these hikes
Neuse River Trail
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.
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. Free timed-entry tickets are required.
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. Free, timed-entry tickets are required.
