The North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival is returning to Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary, in 2025, for the 10th time! The popular holiday event features dazzling displays made from thousands of handcrafted, illuminated lanterns showcasing various themes. There are many interactive elements. In addition, enjoy stage performances several times each night. The … [Read more...] about 10th Annual North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival
winter holiday
Downtown Raleigh Illuminate Art Walk
Downtown Raleigh Alliance's Illuminate Art Walk returns to Downtown Raleigh on December 5, 2025. It will shine each night through January 6, 2026. Illuminate Art Walk will include 22 large-scale, interactive, light-based art pieces from local, regional and international artists. It will create a holiday light experience free to enjoy every night during the holiday season. Visit three … [Read more...] about Downtown Raleigh Illuminate Art Walk
40th Kwanzaa Fest in Durham Jan 1
The African American Dance Ensemble is hosting the 40th Kwanzaa Fest on Thursday, January 1, 2026, from 12 to 5:30 p.m., at Durham Armory, 212 Foster Street, Durham, North Carolina. The doors open at 12 p.m. and performances will start at 2 p.m. This is a free event. Enjoy performances, a marketplace, art, a drum circle, dance, music, poetry, food and more. In memory of Baba Chuck Davis, … [Read more...] about 40th Kwanzaa Fest in Durham Jan 1
Liberty Arts’ Iron Heroes Exhibit Reception at Durham Food Hall Jan. 11
Liberty Arts, 918 Pearl Street, Durham, NC, is a sculpture studio, foundry, gallery and art space. It serves as an incubator in which artists learn from each other. Liberty Arts offers classes in welding, casting, stone-carving, woodworking, plasma-cutting and ceramics. They are known for their work in iron. Each year they hold a public iron pour in Durham Central Park. In addition, they … [Read more...] about Liberty Arts’ Iron Heroes Exhibit Reception at Durham Food Hall Jan. 11
WRAL’s First Night Raleigh — all the details!
WRAL's First Night Raleigh returns for New Year's Eve 2025, offering a fun, jam-packed way to welcome 2026. Head to Downtown Raleigh on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, for an exciting, low-cost New Year's Eve celebration. The festivities include the Children's Celebration, which starts at 2 p.m., outdoor musical performances at City Plaza in the afternoon, an early New Year's Eve countdown and … [Read more...] about WRAL’s First Night Raleigh — all the details!
Fuss-Free NYE Party at Boxcar Bar + Arcade Durham
Boxcar Bar + Arcade, 621 Foster Street, Durham, North Carolina, is hosting a Fuss-Free New Year's Eve party for those who don't want to spend a ton of money. There's no cover, no tickets, no dress code. Just show up ready to welcome 2026! The party takes place Wednesday, December 31, 2025, from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Free to attend. The party features: … [Read more...] about Fuss-Free NYE Party at Boxcar Bar + Arcade Durham
Two New Year’s Eve Parties at Tap Yard, including one for families
Tap Yard Raleigh, at 1610 Automative Way, Raleigh, North Carolina, is hosting two New Year's Eve events to welcome in 2026. There's an early event for families, and then one for ages 18+. Mini Midnight Madness Mini Midnight Madness is a family event, to welcome 2026 a little early. It takes place Wednesday, December 31, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. It's free to attend. Enjoy arts and crafts, face … [Read more...] about Two New Year’s Eve Parties at Tap Yard, including one for families
Fuss-Free NYE Party at Boxcar Bar + Arcade Raleigh
Boxcar Bar + Arcade, 330 W Davie Street, Raleigh, North Carolina, is hosting a Fuss-Free New Year's Eve party for those who don't want to spend a ton of money. There's no cover, no tickets, no dress code. Just show up ready to welcome 2026! The party takes place Wednesday, December 31, 2025, from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Free to attend. The party features: … [Read more...] about Fuss-Free NYE Party at Boxcar Bar + Arcade Raleigh
Braswell Family Farms New Year’s Eve Egg Drop in Nashville, NC
Looking for an early, low-cost New Year's Eve celebration with the family? If you're willing to drive just a bit east, here's one for you! The 3rd Annual Braswell Family Farms New Year's Eve Egg Drop takes place Wednesday, December 31, 2025, from 4 to 8 p.m., at Nashville Junction, 723 S Barnes Street, Nashville, North Carolina. This is 45 miles to the northeast of Raleigh, and 23 miles from … [Read more...] about Braswell Family Farms New Year’s Eve Egg Drop in Nashville, NC
New Year’s Eve Party at West 94th Street Pub in Durham
West 94th Street Pub, at 4711 Hope Valley Road, Suite 6C, Durham, North Carolina (Woodcroft Shopping Center) is hosting a New Year's Eve party. It takes place Wednesday, December 31, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.! It's free to include. There will be a special dinner menu available. The celebration includes: … [Read more...] about New Year’s Eve Party at West 94th Street Pub in Durham
