Friday, December 1st – Sunday, December 3rd

First Friday Raleigh
Friday, December 1 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Downtown Raleigh

Downtown Raleigh showcases its art, music and food at a monthly gallery walk. Dozens of venues will be hosting art receptions. You’ll also find lots of deals on food and drinks. Also, visit CAM Raleigh for free. Stop by the North Carolina Museum of History, where Darrell Collins, from the Wright Brothers National Memorial, will be telling stories about early flight. While there, try free samples from Double Barley Brewing, while they last.

13th Annual American Tobacco Tower Lighting
Friday, December 1 6 p.m.
American Tobacco Amphitheater, 318 Blackwell Street, Durham

The festivities at American Tobacco Campus include drumming, music and dance performances. The first 1,000 people at the event get a free light wand. Santa will be there too. Make sure to check out the Tree of Bikes on the Burt’s Bees patio.

Downtown Cary Ole Time Winter Festival
Saturday, December 2 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
South Academy Street, Cary

Get festive in Cary with live music, caroling, local artisans, Santa visits, food trucks and beer. Unwrapped toys are being collected for The Carrying Place.

Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting Celebration
Saturday, December 2 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Fayetteville Street, Raleigh

Raleigh’s tree lighting celebration includes live music from Al Strong Jazz Quartet, Sandbox Band and Encore Singers, Holiday Hounds Costume Contest, the Mayor’s tree lighting, with help from the cast of Rudolph, the Musical, and more. Pictures with Santa are free. Tickets to the Snowzilla Slide are $3 (8 for $20.)

Downtown Holiday Open House in Wake Forest
Saturday, December 2 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Downtown Wake Forest

Stroll downtown Wake Forest for complimentary refreshments, shopping specials, pictures with Santa, face painting, a gingerbread house display, and more.