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

Shop Local Raleigh presents Holidays on Hammell Dec. 13

Shop Local Raleigh presents Holidays on Hammell on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at The Weld Raleigh, 1020 Hammell Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina. Admission is free. Wander through an array of local vendors offering crafts, gifts, and seasonal goodies. Take a break to enjoy a meal or treat from local food trucks and soak in the cheerful holiday atmosphere. Whether … [Read more...] about Shop Local Raleigh presents Holidays on Hammell Dec. 13

Triangle Cinemas hosting free Santa event, including pictures, Christmas movies, more Dec. 13

Triangle Cinemas, at 9500 Forum Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina, is hosting a free Meet Santa event on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event includes: Kids' snack trays will be available at a discounted rate. … [Read more...] about Triangle Cinemas hosting free Santa event, including pictures, Christmas movies, more Dec. 13

Krampus Night Market in Durham Central Park Dec. 13

Krampus Night Market is a holiday event for adults only (18+) on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 6 to 10 p.m., at Durham Central Park, 501 Foster Street, Durham, North Carolina. It will be full of mischief, magic and a little mayhem. Learn more, and see who the vendors will be, on the Facebook event. There will be photo ops with Krampus and Mz. Claws (Stormie Daie.) This market will be … [Read more...] about Krampus Night Market in Durham Central Park Dec. 13

Holiday Open House at Capitol Dec. 11 – 13

Celebrate the holiday season at the North Carolina State Capitol at the State Tree Lighting and a three-day Holiday Open House. Both are free events, and no RSVP is required. State Tree Lighting and Holiday Open House State Tree Lighting and Holiday Open HouseThursday, December 11, 20255:30 p.m.1 E Edenton Street, Raleigh, NCFree Join the State Capitol and Gov. Josh Stein for the annual … [Read more...] about Holiday Open House at Capitol Dec. 11 – 13

Journey to Bethlehem–Walk-through Christmas Drama at Salem Baptist Church in Apex Dec. 11-13

Salem Baptist Church, 1821 N. Salem Street, Apex, North Carolina, is presenting Journey to Bethlehem, a free family event, on December 11 to 13, 2025, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Journey to Bethlehem is a walk-through Christmas drama that takes about 40 minutes to complete. Journey to Bethlehem has been a beloved Apex tradition for many years, and now it’s back! Depart on a guided tour through the … [Read more...] about Journey to Bethlehem–Walk-through Christmas Drama at Salem Baptist Church in Apex Dec. 11-13

Town of Knightdale Christmas Parade Dec. 13

Knightdale, North Carolina, is in Eastern Wake County, about 10 miles east of Raleigh. The Town of Knightdale is holding two Christmas celebrations in 2025, the tree lighting and the Christmas Parade. Tree Lighting The Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m., at Knightdale Station Park. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there, for free pictures, taken … [Read more...] about Town of Knightdale Christmas Parade Dec. 13

Happy Holly Days Parade in Holly Springs Dec 13

Holly Springs North Carolina, is in Southern Wake County, about 20 miles to the southwest of Raleigh. Happy Holly Days Parade will take place in Holly Springs on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 10 a.m. Floats, bands, dancers, decorated vehicles, marching groups and all sorts of entertaining entries travel on Main Street through downtown. … [Read more...] about Happy Holly Days Parade in Holly Springs Dec 13

Toy giveaways, with free food, in Durham and Raleigh Dec 13

Crimey Dealers is presenting toy giveaways in both Durham and Raleigh on Saturday, December 13, 2025. The events will also feature free food for the family, music and a dance competition for kids. Can you donate toys? Contact @crimeytoydrive on Instagram. Attending one of these events? Arrive early! Durham Toy Giveaway Saturday, December 13, 202512 p.m. to 2 p.m.AJ's Cheesecakes2506 … [Read more...] about Toy giveaways, with free food, in Durham and Raleigh Dec 13

Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade Dec 13

The Annual Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade will take place on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Downtown Cary. The parade will feature bands, mascots, local businesses, community groups and churches. The parade starts on E. Chatham Street at Ward Street, proceeds down E. Chatham to S. Academy Street, turns left onto S. Academy Street and ends at Dry Avenue, in front of the … [Read more...] about Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade Dec 13

Drive-thru Live Nativity at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Dec. 12-13

Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, 2677 NC Hwy 56, Creedmoor, North Carolina, is presenting a Drive-Thru Live Nativity on December 12 and 13, 2025, from 6 to 9 p.m. each night. Announced on Facebook. This is a free event. This event will feature numerous scenes and almost 200 cast members and live animals. … [Read more...] about Drive-thru Live Nativity at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Dec. 12-13

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