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Triangle Event Guide Friday December 5th Edition

If you’re looking for the most complete list of Friday events across the Triangle, you’ve found it. Friday, December 5, 2025 is bursting with holiday lights, tree lightings, First Friday art walks, outdoor skating, free Santa photos, parades, wine tastings, immersive theatre, and dozens of festive community activities from dawn to late night.

Whether you’re planning a family outing, a date night, a neighborhood adventure, or a free community event for all ages, this guide highlights the best things to do across Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill, Apex, Fuquay-Varina, Holly Springs, Knightdale, and more.

Scroll below for times, locations, cost, recommendations, and where to go next.

ALL-DAY HIGHLIGHTS

Free Santa Photos at Bass Pro Shops – Santa’s Wonderland

📅 All Day | FREE

📍 Bass Pro Shops, Multiple Locations

Get free Santa photos and activities all day long at Santa’s Wonderland. This is one of the Triangle’s most beloved holiday offerings—families return every year for the workshop décor, crafts, and festive photo ops.

The RINK — Outdoor Skating at Red Hat Amphitheater

📅 All Day | $6 – $15

📍 Red Hat Amphitheater, Raleigh

Skate under the skyline at downtown Raleigh’s pop-up outdoor rink. Pricing varies by age and time slot, so check website for session availability.

MORNING & DAYTIME EVENTS

Sculpture in the Garden

⏰ 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. | FREE (with $5 suggested donation)

📍 North Carolina Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill

Explore nature, seasonal plants, and outdoor art installations in a peaceful, garden environment.

Free Cookies and Cider

⏰ 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | FREE

📍 Museum of Durham History

Warm up with cider and cookies while exploring Durham’s unique stories and exhibits.

Free Walking Tour of Chapel Hill

⏰ 10:30 a.m. | FREE

📍 Morehead Planetarium, Chapel Hill

Perfect for local history fans, college visitors, and curious residents alike.

Chapel Hill Public Library Big Book Sale (Members Only)

⏰ 2 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. | FREE

📍 Chapel Hill Public Library

Enjoy exclusive early access to one of the Triangle’s biggest book bargains. Members can bring one guest.

LATE AFTERNOON & FIRST FRIDAY ACTIVITIES

Sensory-Friendly Hour at Artspace

⏰ 4 – 5 p.m. | FREE

📍 Artspace, Raleigh

A calm First Friday experience designed for neurodivergent adults and kids.

Apex Tree Lighting

⏰ 4:30 – 7 p.m. | FREE

📍 Apex Historic Depot

Kids’ crafts, hot cocoa, music, and a town tree lighting in historic downtown Apex.

Illuminate Art Walk

⏰ 4:45 p.m. | FREE

📍 Downtown Raleigh

Enjoy glowing art installations, music, and downtown holiday magic.

Santa’s Workshop — Smithfield

⏰ 5 – 8 p.m. | FREE

📍 Johnston County Courthouse, Smithfield

Enjoy crafts, photos, and festive family workshops.

Wake Forest Lighting of the Tree

⏰ 5 – 8 p.m. | FREE

📍 Centennial Plaza, Wake Forest Town Hall

Pints in the Pines

⏰ 5 – 8 p.m. | FREE

📍 Oak City Brewing, Knightdale

Live music, local brews, and outdoor winter vibes.

Festive Fridays: Holiday Lights

⏰ 5 – 8 p.m. | FREE

📍 Gipson Play Plaza, Dix Park, Raleigh

Bring the family and enjoy a winter-lit wonderland.

Santa Paws

⏰ 5 – 8:30 p.m. | FREE

📍 Durham Armory

Pet-friendly holiday portraits and festive décor.

Wendell Wonderland

⏰ 5 – 9 p.m. | FREE

📍 Downtown Wendell

Live music, holiday lights, food trucks, and the town’s biggest Christmas celebration.

Free Immersive Performance — A Peter Rabbit Christmas

⏰ 5 p.m. | FREE

📍 Downtown Cary Park

Experience a storytelling holiday adventure for kids.

First Friday — Downtown Fuquay-Varina

⏰ 5 – 9 p.m. | FREE

📍 Downtown Fuquay-Varina

Phillips Farms Walk-Through Christmas Light Show

⏰ 5 – 9 p.m. | $15

📍 Phillips Farms of Cary

Thousands of lights, holiday displays, and festive photo ops.

EVENING HOLIDAY LIGHTS, TREE LIGHTINGS & PARADES

Youngsville Tree Lighting

⏰ 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. | FREE

📍 Luddy Park, Youngsville

Christmas by Candlelight

⏰ 5:30 – 9 p.m. | $8

📍 Duke Homestead

Historic candlelit tours and colonial-era holiday traditions.

Holiday Nights at American Tobacco

⏰ 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. | FREE

📍 American Tobacco Campus, Durham

Contentnea Fire Department Christmas Lights

⏰ 5:30 – 9 p.m. | FREE

📍 Wilson, NC

Lake Myra Christmas Lights

⏰ 5:30 – 10 p.m. | FREE

📍 Wendell

Piper Lights

⏰ 5:30 – 10 p.m. | FREE

📍 Wake Forest

Carrboro Holiday Tree Lighting

⏰ 6 – 7 p.m. | FREE

📍 Carrboro Town Commons

Knightdale Christmas Tree Lighting

⏰ 6 – 8 p.m. | FREE

📍 Knightdale Station Park

Brier Creek Tree Lighting

⏰ 6 – 8 p.m. | FREE

📍 Brier Creek Commons

Walk Through Bethlehem

⏰ 6 – 8 p.m. | FREE

📍 Wake Forest Presbyterian Church

Christmas on the Square — Angier

⏰ 6 – 8:30 p.m. | FREE

📍 Angier Depot Square

Grow Local Realty Coat Drive & Live Music

⏰ 6 – 9 p.m. | FREE

📍 Bombshell Beer, Holly Springs

EVENING ARTS, MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE

Teen Science Café

⏰ 6 – 7 p.m. | FREE

📍 Nature Research Center, Raleigh

First Friday Gallery Walk (Raleigh)

⏰ 6 – 9 p.m. | FREE

📍 Various Locations

Lights on the Neuse — Hayride

⏰ 6 – 9 p.m. | $11

📍 Boyette Family Farms, Clayton

Artspace First Friday

⏰ 6 – 10 p.m. | FREE

📍 Artspace, Raleigh

Live painting, local makers, music, craft workshops.

Chinese Lantern Festival

⏰ 6 – 10 p.m. | $16.74 – $30.64

📍 Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary

Free Wine Tasting

⏰ 6 p.m. | FREE

📍 Local 919, Raleigh

Christmas Lights on the Farm

⏰ 6:30 – 9 p.m. | $15

📍 Big Daddy’s Farms, Middlesex

Mebane Christmas Parade

⏰ 7 – 9 p.m. | FREE

📍 Downtown Mebane

Sip & Shop Book Sale

⏰ 7 – 9 p.m. | FREE

📍 Chapel Hill Public Library

Bounce & Brews DJ Night

⏰ 7 – 9 p.m. | FREE

📍 Gizmo Brew Works, Durham

Hoppy Hour Cinema

⏰ 7 – 10 p.m. | FREE

📍 Glass Jug Taproom, Durham

Video Game Night

⏰ 7 – 11 p.m. | FREE

📍 Moon Dog Meadery, Durham

Peter Rabbit — Evening Performance

⏰ 7:30 p.m. | FREE

📍 Downtown Cary Park

Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic

⏰ 8 – 11 p.m. | FREE

📍 Durty Bull Brewing, Durham

Karaoke with Mega Mike

⏰ 8 – 11 p.m. | FREE

📍 Crank Arm Brewing, Raleigh

A Good Time — Comedy Showcase

⏰ 8 p.m. | FREE

📍 Vault Craft Beer, Raleigh

Karaoke Bingo

⏰ 9 p.m. | FREE

📍 KōMANA Brewing, Cary

THE BEST WAY TO USE THIS GUIDE

✔ Perfect for families, couples, and visitors

✔ Great for holiday photo sessions and tree lightings

✔ Multiple First Friday gallery walks and art events

✔ Tons of FREE options — very budget-friendly

✔ Community-focused events from small towns to downtown nightlife

FOLLOW DoRaleigh.com FOR TOMORROW’S GUIDE

Stay tuned for:

Weekend event guides City council updates Holiday markets & parades Raleigh food events Triangle arts, culture, and nightlife

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Triangle Event Guide Friday November 28th Edition

Looking for the best things to do across Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and the greater Triangle this Friday? From holiday markets and pottery openings to dazzling light shows and evening art walks, November 28, 2025 is packed with festive family fun and unique local experiences. Here’s your complete Triangle Event Guide for the day.

🎄 All-Day & Morning Events

Holiday Kiln Opening at Mark Hewitt Pottery

10:00 am – 5:00 pm | FREE | Pittsboro

A seasonal favorite returns! Browse handcrafted pottery, meet the artist, and shop beautiful holiday pieces at Mark Hewitt’s renowned kiln opening.

Free Santa Photos at Bass Pro Shops: Santa’s Wonderland

All Day | FREE | Multiple Locations

Families can enjoy free Santa photos, crafts, and festive activities inside Bass Pro’s immersive holiday setup.

The RINK – Outdoor Skating at Red Hat Amphitheater

All Day | $6–15 | Raleigh

Lace up and skate under the skyline at Raleigh’s open-air winter rink. Click event listing for daily schedule.

Sheetz: Free Coffee with Any Purchase

All Day | FREE | Multiple Locations

Warm up with a complimentary coffee all Thanksgiving Week with any purchase at participating Sheetz stores.

Christmas Carousel Holiday Gift Market

9:00 am – 6:00 pm | $0–10 | State Fairgrounds

Shop 250+ vendors offering décor, gifts, crafts, local goods, and seasonal treats. A holiday tradition at the Jim Graham Building.

Sculpture in the Garden

9:00 am – 5:00 pm | FREE ($5 suggested donation) | Chapel Hill

Stroll through the North Carolina Botanical Garden’s tranquil outdoor art exhibit.

🍂 Midday Events & Family Activities

Family Fall Tours at Historic Oakwood Cemetery

11:00 am & 1:00 pm | FREE ($10 suggested donation) | Raleigh

Learn the history, stories, and architecture behind Raleigh’s historic Oakwood Cemetery during these guided walking tours.

SmashFest at The Scrap Exchange

2:00 pm – 6:00 pm | FREE | Durham

Break stuff for stress relief! Admission is free; participants pay for “smashables.”

Calvin Jones House Guided Tour

2:00 pm – 2:45 pm | FREE | Wake Forest Historical Museum

Step inside the birthplace of Wake Forest College on this short, docent-led history tour.

DJ Al Ski-Love Live at Blackbird Brewery

3:00 pm – 6:00 pm | FREE | Wake Forest

Kick off your weekend with a fun DJ set, craft brews, and good vibes.

Kick Off to Christmas in Smithfield

3:00 pm – 8:00 pm | FREE | Downtown Smithfield

A family-friendly festival featuring a tree lighting, vendors, music, holiday characters, and kids’ activities.

Bazaar Night Market

4:00 pm – 9:00 pm | FREE | Pittsboro

Shop local makers, enjoy food trucks, and soak in the nighttime market ambiance at bmc brewing.

Contentnea Fire Department Christmas Light Display

5:30 pm – 9:00 pm | FREE | Wilson

Drive through a brilliant small-town light show created by the local fire department.

Piper Lights in Wake Forest

5:30 pm – 10:00 pm | FREE | Wake Forest

A beloved family-run Christmas light walk-through returns for the season.

Lake Myra Christmas Lights

5:30 pm – 10:00 pm | FREE | Wendell

One of the region’s largest synchronized light shows—always a holiday must-see.

Lights on the Neuse Hayride

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm | $11 | Clayton

Take a cozy hayride through glittering holiday light displays at Boyette Family Farms.

The Little Market: Closing Reception for “Organics”

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm | FREE | Hillsborough

Celebrate the final night of this nature-inspired art exhibition with local artists.

🌙 Evening Art, Music & Nightlife

Vinyl Night

6:00 pm | FREE | Sneaky Penguin Brewing Co., Raleigh

Bring your favorite records or spin from the house collection.

Final Friday Reception at Cary Gallery of Artists

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm | FREE | Cary

Meet artists, explore new works, and enjoy refreshments during Cary’s Final Friday celebration.

Last Fridays Art Walk – Hillsborough

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm | FREE

Live music, gallery openings, outdoor vendors, and a vibrant small-town art scene.

Final Friday Cary Art Loop

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm | FREE

Participating venues across Cary stay open late for art, exhibits, and cultural programming.

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival

6:00 pm – 10:00 pm | $16.74–30.64 | Koka Booth Amphitheatre

A dazzling festival of illuminated sculptures, cultural performances, and photo-worthy installations.

Free Wine Tasting at Local 919

6:00 pm | FREE | Raleigh

Sample a curated selection of wines at this Raleigh bottle shop.

Christmas Lights on the Farm

6:30 pm – 9:00 pm | $15 | Big Daddy’s Farms, Middlesex

Walk through glowing farm displays and meet holiday characters.

Chime In Open Mic

6:30 pm – 8:00 pm | FREE | Lanza’s Cafe, Carrboro

Poetry, stories, songs—share your art or enjoy the creativity of others.

Screening: The Last Waltz

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm | FREE | Steel String Brewery, Carrboro

A classic film on the big screen inside a cozy taproom.

Live Music: Jim DiBattista

7:00 pm – 9:30 pm | FREE | White Street Brewing, Wake Forest

Hoppy Hour Cinema at The Glass Jug

7:00 pm – 10:00 pm | FREE | Downtown Durham

Weekly movie series featuring cult classics, favorites, and new gems.

Bounce and Brews DJ Night

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm | FREE | Gizmo Brew Works, Durham

Live Band Karaoke

7:00 pm – 10:00 pm | $10 | Mystic Farm & Distillery, Durham

Sing your heart out backed by a full live band—ticket includes one cocktail.

Video Game Night at Moon Dog Meadery

7:00 pm – 11:00 pm | FREE | Durham

Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic

8:00 pm – 11:00 pm | FREE | Durty Bull Brewing Co., Durham

Karaoke with Mega Mike

8:00 pm – 11:00 pm | FREE | Crank Arm Brewing, Raleigh

Karaoke Bingo Nights

9:00 pm | FREE | KōMANA Brewing, Cary

🔎 Plan Your Triangle Weekend

From pottery and light shows to art walks and live music, the Triangle is bursting with things to do this Friday. Bookmark this guide, share it with friends, and explore more weekly entertainment updates at DoRaleigh.com.

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The Triangle Weekend Event Guide Saturday November 22nd Edition

The Triangle is buzzing with festive energy this weekend! Whether you’re looking for holiday markets, parades, family activities, turkey giveaways, live music, or unique local experiences, Saturday, November 22, 2025 is packed with events from morning to night. Here’s your complete Triangle Weekend Event Guide to help you plan the perfect Saturday—and a look at what’s coming on Sunday.

🎄 Major Highlight: Raleigh Christmas Parade

⏰ 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM

📍 Downtown Raleigh

💵 FREE

One of the largest holiday parades in the Southeast returns with marching bands, giant balloons, dance troupes, local organizations, and Santa himself. Arrive early to secure your spot along Fayetteville Street!

❄️ All-Day Events

The RINK: Outdoor Skating at Red Hat Amphitheater

All Day | $6–15 | Raleigh

Skate under the skyline at Raleigh’s outdoor rink—great for families, date nights, and holiday photos.

Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops

All Day | FREE | Multiple Locations

Enjoy free Santa photos, crafts, and festive activities.

African American Walking Tour – Raleigh’s Third Ward

All Day | $5–10 | Pope House Museum, Raleigh

Explore Raleigh’s rich history through three guided tours running throughout the day.

🌅 Morning Events (8 AM – 12 PM)

Durham Craft Market

8 AM – 12 PM | FREE | Durham Central Park

Shop handmade goods, meet local artisans, and enjoy one of Durham’s most cherished open-air markets.

Parking Lot Yard Sale at Peel Gallery

9 AM – 10 AM | FREE | Carrboro

Wake Forest Police Department Turkey Drive Drop-Off

9 AM – 12 PM | FREE | WF Police Substation

Passmore Center Holiday Market

9 AM – 2 PM | FREE | Hillsborough

Silver Bells Craft Bazaar

9 AM – 2 PM | FREE | St. Andrews UMC, Raleigh

Yuletide Breakfast with Santa

9 AM | FREE | Bass Pro Shops

(Reservations required; limited seating)

Sculpture in the Garden

9 AM – 5 PM | FREE (suggested $5 donation)

North Carolina Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill

🎁 Midday Events (10 AM – 3 PM)

Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway

10 AM – 1 PM | FREE | Revelation Missionary Baptist Church, Raleigh

Raleigh Inclusive Market

10 AM – 2 PM | FREE | The Legacy Center, Raleigh

A Day at Hogwarts

10 AM – 3 PM | FREE | The Studio, Apex

A magical event for families and Harry Potter fans.

Durham Art Walk Holiday Market

10 AM – 5 PM | FREE | Durham Arts Council

Family Volunteer Day – Marbles Kids Museum

10 AM | FREE | Raleigh

(Registration required; space limited)

Visit Cow Sanctuary

10 AM – 2 PM | $0–25 | Brajboro Cow Sanctuary, Chapel Hill

Bluegrass Jam – Bynum Front Porch

10 AM | FREE | Pittsboro

🦃 Late-Morning to Afternoon (11 AM – 3 PM)

Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway (Wake County Sheriff’s Office x Mt. Moriah)

11 AM – 1 PM | FREE | Mount Moriah Community Church, Raleigh

Pauli Murray Birthday Celebration

11 AM – 2 PM | FREE | Durham

Green Road Vendor Fair

11 AM – 2 PM | FREE | Raleigh

Old Hillsborough Road Market

11 AM – 3 PM | FREE | Bennett Place State Historic Site

Angier Winter Holiday Market & Food Truck Rodeo

11 AM – 3 PM | FREE | Jack Marley Park

30th Annual American Indian Heritage Celebration

11 AM – 4 PM | FREE | NC Museum of Art, Raleigh

Sensory-Friendly Film: Aladdin

11 AM | FREE | Carolina Theatre, Durham

Turkey Giveaway – A.S. Hunter Lodge

11 AM | FREE | Durham

Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway – Wave Church Ministries

11 AM | FREE | Durham

Ponysaurus Wonderland Lighting

11 AM | FREE | Raleigh

Historic Raleigh Trolley Tours

11 AM – 3 PM | $6–10 | Mordecai Historic Park

Free Guided Tour of the NC State Capitol

11 AM | FREE | Raleigh

🎨 Afternoon & Evening Events

Grinchmas Holiday Market

12 PM – 5 PM | FREE | Hi-Wire Brewing, Durham

Thanksgiving Block Party & Turkey Giveaway (Hot 97.9)

12 PM | FREE | Raleigh

College Football Saturdays

12 PM – 10 PM | FREE | Apex

Family Volunteer Day – Marbles (Second Session)

12:30 PM | FREE | Raleigh

Digital Ambassador Tech Help

1 PM – 3 PM | FREE | Green Road Community Center

Saturday Comedy Improv Jam

1 PM – 3 PM | FREE | Durham

The Great Pup-Kin Market

2 PM – 5 PM | FREE | The Longleaf Hotel, Raleigh

Farm Day at The Mason Jar Lager Company

2 PM | FREE | Fuquay-Varina

Calvin Jones House Guided Tour

2 PM – 2:45 PM | FREE | Wake Forest

Cary Really Really Free Market

2 PM – 4 PM | FREE | Cary

NC State Capitol Guided Tour (Second Tour)

2 PM | FREE | Raleigh

Light the Square at Fenton

3 PM – 7 PM | FREE | Cary

🎵 Evening & Nightlife

Common Woman Chorus Fall Concert

3 PM & 7 PM | $0–30 | Durham

Christmas at North Hills – Tree Lighting

4 PM – 7 PM | FREE | Raleigh

Messiah Sing-Along

4 PM | FREE | Durham

Live Music: Taylor Sheiss

5 PM – 8 PM | FREE | Knightdale

Contentnea FD Christmas Light Display

5:30 PM – 9 PM | FREE | Wilson

Winter Wonderland – Park West Village

5:30 PM – 8:30 PM | FREE | Morrisville

Funniest Person in the Triangle – Free Improv

6 PM – 8 PM | FREE | Holly Springs

Live Music (Various Breweries)

6 PM – 10 PM | FREE | Wake Forest, Cary, Holly Springs

NC Chinese Lantern Festival

6 PM – 10 PM | $16–30 | Cary

Friendsgiving Potluck

7 PM | FREE | PourWorks, Raleigh

Karaoke Nights

7 PM – 10 PM | FREE | Raleigh, Selma

City Folk Live Music

7:30 PM | FREE | Durham

🌤️ Sunday Preview — November 23, 2025

A lighter but festive Sunday with highlights including:

Santa’s Wonderland (Free photos all day) The RINK (Outdoor Skating) Durham Underground Market Black Farmers’ Market at Southeast Raleigh YMCA Winter Wonderland at Park West Village Artspace Open Studio African American Walking Tour Secret Cinema Sundays NC Chinese Lantern Festival Open Mic & Live Music across the Triangle

A perfect day to shop local, support community markets, and enjoy holiday experiences.

✨ Final Thoughts

From parades and holiday markets to turkey giveaways, live music, and cultural celebrations, the Triangle is overflowing with things to do this Saturday. Whether you’re exploring Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, Pittsboro, or Wake Forest—there’s truly something for everyone.

Follow DoRaleigh.com for daily updates on government meetings, local festivals, and community happenings — your one-stop guide to everything in the Triangle!

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