Raleigh Weekend

12/11/2025

Friday Five: Walkin’ in a (Raleigh) Winter Wonderland

We may have only gotten a little bit of snow in Raleigh—but stick around because there’s a flurry of events happening around town this weekend! Holiday event season is officially in full swing, and the City of Oaks is keeping your cals full with holiday markets, pop-up bars, and lots of other merry festivities. And there’s ~snow~ place like home this time of year! Without further ado, here’s your Friday Five.

12/11/2025

But First… Help Us Spread a Little Extra Cheer

Instead of a giveaway this month, we’re asking Raleigh Weekend readers to choose where we donate $100 on Wednesday, Dec. 31. Choose from our list of local nonprofits: The Women’s Center, Friends of Wake County Animal Center, Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, Read and Feed, and CASA—or suggest your own favorite cause. Cast your vote and help us make an impact in our community this holiday season!

12/11/2025

Get in the Holiday Spirit(s) 🍸

Eat, drink, and be merry at a slew of holiday pop-up bars around Raleigh, all featuring decor galore and drink specials that are sure to get you in the jolly spirit. From Wye Hill’s tropical-esque Sippin’ Santa to Watts & Ward’s new A Dickens Christmas to Miracle at Killjoy, Raleigh Mag’s curated list has a themed pop-up with your name on it—most of which are running through the end of the year. ‘Tis the season!

Eat, drink, and be merry at a slew of holiday pop-up bars around Raleigh, all featuring decor galore and drink specials that are sure to get you in the jolly spirit. From Wye Hill’s tropical-esque…

12/11/2025

Let It Snow… Local Vendors! ❄️

The Makrs Society’s Winterfaire has taken over Moore Square, running now through Sunday, Dec. 14! The European style Christmas market/festival features 60+ vendors, a food truck rodeo, live bands, Santa, s’mores, a beer garden and more. It’s the perfect way to check everyone off your list—and maybe even snag a little something for yourself—while supporting local businesses. 🗓️ Friday, Dec. 12: 5–9 p.m. | Saturday, Dec. 13: 11 a.m.–10 p.m. | Sunday, Dec. 14: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. 📍Moore Square, 201 S. Blount St. 💸 Free

The Makrs Society’s Winterfaire has taken over Moore Square, running now through Sunday, Dec. 14! The European style Christmas market/festival features 60+ vendors, a food truck rodeo, live bands,…

12/11/2025

Hop Aboard Santa’s Trolley 🎅

All aboard! Santa’s gone missing in Raleigh, and his trusty elves need your help to find him in time for Christmas. Join the hunt via the Historic Raleigh Trolley on Friday, Dec. 12—and arrive up to 30 minutes early or stay after your tour to make a s’more! 🗓️ Friday, Dec. 12 | 5, 6, or 7 p.m. 📍Mordecai Historic Park 💸 $15

All aboard! Santa’s gone missing in Raleigh, and his trusty elves need your help to find him in time for Christmas. Join the hunt via the Historic Raleigh Trolley on Friday, Dec. 12—and arrive up …

12/11/2025

Sing Your Heart Out at Raleighoke 🎤

Raleighoke’s live band karaoke is coming to Tap Yard on Saturday, Dec. 13—and you’re invited to belt out your fave tunes, or sing along to those living out their rockstar dreams. Popular picks include “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers, “Pink Pony Club” by Chappell Roan, and “Wagon Wheel” by Darius Rucker. American Idol called, now here’s your turn to answer! 🗓️ Saturday, Dec. 13 | 8 p.m. to midnight 📍Tap Yard, 1610 Automotive Way 💸 $10 at door, $8 online

12/11/2025

Looking Ahead: Let There Be Light! 🕎

Join Chabad Young Professionals in celebrating the festival of lights via Downtown Raleigh’s menorah lighting, taking place at Moore Square on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025. The ceremony will be led by Mayor Janet Cowell and also include a hot chocolate bar, fresh latkes and donuts, and a creative art experience hosted by Artspace. 🗓️ Tuesday, Dec. 16 | 5:30–6:30 p.m. 📍Moore Square, 201 S. Blount St. 💸 Free

Join Chabad Young Professionals in celebrating the festival of lights via Downtown Raleigh’s menorah lighting, taking place at Moore Square on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025. The ceremony will be led by M…

12/09/2025

First Look Inside Smash Social Club, Opening Dec. 11 in Raleigh

Raleigh’s Glenwood South is about to get a lively new addition with next week’s opening of Smash Social Club. We stopped by for an early preview of the games, cocktails, and shareable bites coming to this rooftop hangout....

12/09/2025

First sips, first bites, and first games at this evening ahead of Thursday's grand opening. This rooftop spot is prime for group hangs, first dates, and the like. 🏓 Looking forward to returning with more mouths in tow to check out the sharable platter offerings, semi-competitive game play, and catching all of this season's bowl games together. Great job, LM team!

11/28/2025

Raleigh NYE Roundup: Parties, Fireworks, and the Road to 2026

Raleigh is gearing up for another mid-week New Year’s Eve (coming in on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, this year), and we’re keeping track of every party, dinner, concert, and celebration popping up across the Triangle....

Raleigh is gearing up for another mid-week New Year’s Eve (coming in on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, this year), and we’re keeping track of every party, dinner, concert, and celebration popping up ac…

11/25/2025

What’s For Thanksgiving Dinner?

No shame in skipping the sink full of dishes this year. The Raleigh Food & Wine team rounded up a handy list of restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 27—so whether you’re craving the full turkey-and-trimmings spread or just want someone else to handle dinner, you’ve got options. Skip the kitchen chaos and check out every Raleigh spot serving on Turkey Day.

No shame in skipping the sink full of dishes this year. The Raleigh Food & Wine team rounded up a handy list of restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 27—so whether you’re cravi…

11/25/2025

Friday Five: We’re All Checking Out Early

Happy Thanksgiving, Raleigh friends! We’re sliding into your inbox early this week because, let’s be real—by Friday, most of us are going to be fully checked out (and honestly, we hope you are). Whether you’re in a food coma, road-tripping to see family, or strategically avoiding the sink full of dishes, the last thing you need is a newsletter arriving while you’re already mentally in sweats. So yes, I’m one of those people too. I’ll be shopping, snacking, and pretending I’m “just browsing,” thank you very much. With that energy in mind…without further ado, here is your Friday Five—early!

Happy Thanksgiving, Raleigh friends! We’re sliding into your inbox early this week because, let’s be real—by Friday, most of us are going to be fully checked out (and honestly, we hope you are). W…