Events this week: The Nutcracker, Rudolph, ugly sweaters and more
The Triangle is bustling with holiday events Christmas week! Here are a few big ones.
Monday
Carolina Ballet: The Nutcracker (Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, 2 E. South Street, Raleigh) - See this holiday classic featuring a live symphony orchestra. Shows this week run Monday and after Christmas on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (A.J. Fletcher Opera Theater, 2 E. South Street, Raleigh) - See this Christmas classic Monday and Tuesday.
It's a Wonderful Life (Rialto Theater, 1620 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh) - This 1946 classic will be shown at various theaters across the Triangle, including the Rialto at Five Points, on Monday and Tuesday.
In a Holiday Mood Big Band Concert (N.C. Museum of History, 5 E. Edenton Street, Raleigh) - The 22-piece Tune Swingers will play a "big band" jazz show. Tickets for adults are $28.
Tuesday
N.C. Chinese Lantern Festival (Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary) - Walk around this festive light show on Christmas Eve.
Sugar Plum Tea (Fairview Dining Room, 3001 Cameron Blvd, Durham) - Enjoy options like hot cider, hot chocolate and traditional tea selections paired with a delectable, sugar-coated dessert table.
Ugly Sweater Party (Cornerstone Tavern, 603 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh) - Bring your baddest Santa attire or your ugliest, funniest sweater for a chance to win $50. There will be Christmas cookies and candy canes to munch on plus hot cider.
Miracle at The Haymaker (The Haymaker, 555 Fayetteville St., Raleigh) - Stop by The Haymaker on Christmas Eve or anytime before Dec. 31 for festive cocktails like the Christmapolitan, Run Run Rudolph and the new SanTaRex cocktail, which comes in a green Tyrannosaurus Rex ceramic mug.
Wednesday
Merry Christmas! If you're headed out today, check our our list of restaurants open on Christmas Day and hours for drug stores and grocery stores.
Thursday
Jamie Kennedy (Raleigh Improv, 1224 Parkside Main St., Cary) - See the actor, producer and comedian Thursday through Saturday.
Totally Curious (The Point, 1626 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh) - Need to get out of the house? Shake your groove thing with the party band Totally Curious at The Point. There will be drink specials all night.
Boxing Day Party (London Bridge Pub, 110 E. Hargett St., Raleigh) - Beginning at 7:30 a.m., enjoy a full English breakfast and a cold beer and watch your team.
Holiday Pop-Up Bar (Jack Tar and the Colonel's Daughter, 202 Corcoran St., Durham) - Expect a transformed 1950s Winter Wonderland complete with a full list of the area’s most festive holiday cocktails and snacks through Dec. 31.
Friday
Jon Reep (Goodnights, 861 W. Morgan St., Raleigh) - Jon Reep made a huge name for himself when he became the winner of NBC's "Last Comic Standing" season 5. See him at Goodnights Friday through Sunday.
Cary Kwanzaa Celebration (Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Avenue, Cary) - The annual family-friendly, free event includes food, arts and crafts, a Christmas village and performances from the Magic of African Rhythm dance company.
Cosmic Superheroes (The Pour House Music Hall, 224 S. Blount St., Raleigh) - See the alternative, experimental, folk, funk and rock group perform.
