Weekend picks: Nights of Lights, holiday pop-up events
It's a holiday weekend for many people and we have your guide to where to take those out of town guests!
Get into the holiday spirit
Nov. 25-Dec. 24: WRAL Nights of Lights- Brighten your holiday season with WRAL Nights of Lights Drive-Thru Light Show at Dorothea Dix Park, brought to you by WRAL/Capitol Broadcasting Company in partnership with the City of Raleigh.
Nov. 26: Mannheim Steamroller Christmas - Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis has been America's favorite holiday tradition for over 35 years. See it live on stage Nov. 26 at DPAC.
Nov. 23 and 25: Family Fun Concert with the North Carolina Symphony: The Polar Express - Paintings from the Caldecott Medal-winning book The Polar Express appear on a giant screen above the stage as baritone Scott MacLeod and a chorus of children join the Symphony to bring this magical holiday tale to life at this festive family concert at Meymandi Concert Hall for two shows this week.
Now until Jan. 8: North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival - This annual event is back at Koka Booth Amphitheatre starting Friday, Nov. 18. It features more than 40 all new displays, each one comprised of hundreds of parts, and thousands of LED lights.
Holiday Magic at Merrimon-Wynne 2022 - Head to the Merrimon-Wynne Hotel in downtown Raleigh for this event on Sunday afternoon. During the day, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy a bounce house, carriage rides and other family-friendly fun. In the evening, there will be live music and warm cocktails by the fire.
Holiday pop-ups
The Dessertery - The Dessertery cafe is a holiday pop-up inside Kennedy Theatre at the Duke Energy Center for Performing Arts. The holiday-themed space includes all you can eat sweets and hot cocoa and even live entertainment on some nights. The centerpiece is a 51-topping hot cocoa bar. It's open through Dec. 23.
St. Nick's: Raleigh Jolly Pop-Up House - This pop-up event is at 306 E. Hargett St. The non-traditional Christmas pop-up features local artists, drinks, music and events. Admission is $10. The hours are 5 p.m. to 1 a.m., but it is only open to those 21 years and older after 9 p.m. The pop-up is open through Christmas Eve.
Miracle at The Haymaker - This annual Christmas-themed holiday bar returns to downtown Raleigh's The Haymaker from Nov. 25 through Dec. 31.
Unscripted Durham Igloos - Enjoy a winter wonderland at Unscripted Durham by dining inside one of their private igloos.
Shop local
Nov. 25: All Day Holiday Mini Market - Head to Durham Food Hall on Black Friday for an All Day Holiday Mini Market from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Nov. 26: Durham Craft Market Shop Small & Local Saturday - Head to Durham Central Park Pavilion from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. to shop local at this craft market.
Go skating
The Rink at Red Hat Amphitheater - Enjoy ice skating in downtown Raleigh through Jan. 16, 2023. Besides skating, there are fire pits, decorations and photo opts, a snack bar and games like giant jenga and cornhole. Skater admission is $11 and includes skates. Non-skaters pay $6.
Skate the Square at Fenton - Glide and gather on Cary’s new ice-skating rink. Surrounded by spectacular food, trendy shops and winter holiday cheer, Fenton’s outdoor ice rink is a magical experience for all. Tickets can be purchased in advance or on-site. Tickets are $16 plus tax. The rink closes on Jan. 16, 2023.
Exhibits to check out
'The Power of Women in Country Music' at the North Carolina Museum of History - The women of county music at the stars of a new exhibit at the North Carolina Museum of History. "The Power of Women in Country Music" comes to Raleigh from the GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles. The exhibit runs through Feb. 26, 2023.
"James Cameron - Challenging the Deep" at North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh - The exhibit explores the filmmaker's career as a deep-sea explorer. Cameron has led eight major expeditions, including the first solo dive to the Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench, the first exploration of the interior of the wreck of RMS Titanic and the first seafloor-to-surface live broadcast. The exhibit runs through May 2023.
Non-holiday fun
Nov. 25: Dirty Dancing In Concert - Enjoy the digitally remastered hit film like never before on a full-size cinema screen, with a live band and singers performing the film’s iconic songs during this show at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium on Nov. 25.
Nov. 25: Soccer Fan Fest - Worldwide soccer fans unite for soccer’s biggest event of the year and Raleigh Parks is excited to celebrate. Head to Moore Square on Fri., Nov. 25 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for this event featuring Knockerball, human foosball, Teqball and giant soccer. There will be a soccer skills clinic. Enjoy arts and crafts, international food trucks and a beer garden.
