Triangle on the Cheap

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

winter holiday

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

Chanukah Parade and Menorah Lighting at Lafayette Village in Raleigh Dec. 14 — with cirque performance, gelt drop and more

Celebrate Chanukah with Chabad Center of Raleigh at their Menorah Lighting and Gelt Drop at Lafayette Village, 8450 Honeycutt Road, Raleigh, on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at 3 p.m. This event is presented by Lafayette Village and Chabad Center of Raleigh. Watch as the Menorah Car Parade arrives! It will leave Chabad at 2:45 p.m., drive past senior homes in the area, and then arrive at Lafayette … [Read more...] about Chanukah Parade and Menorah Lighting at Lafayette Village in Raleigh Dec. 14 — with cirque performance, gelt drop and more

Paws with Claus: Photos of your dog with Santa at Downtown Cary Park Dec. 14

Bring your dog to Paws with Claus for a FREE picture with Santa at Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy Street, Cary, North Carolina. The event takes place on Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 2 to 5 p.m., at Downtown Cary Park's Bark Bar. Enjoy a festive setting while your dogs meet Santa. In addition to complimentary photos with Santa, you can choose to have a holiday photo session with … [Read more...] about Paws with Claus: Photos of your dog with Santa at Downtown Cary Park Dec. 14

Pets get free pictures with Santa at PetSmart Dec. 13 and 14 (reservations recommended)

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)

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

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

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

The Up Down (Holiday) Market at GeerHouse in Durham on Dec. 13

Celebrate the holidays and shop local at the Up Down (Holiday) Market at GeerHouse, 620 Foster Street, Durham, North Carolina, on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 2 to 6 p.m. 16+ local makers, artists and food creators will come together for this market. It's free to attend. … [Read more...] about The Up Down (Holiday) Market at GeerHouse in Durham on Dec. 13

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