Discover Exciting Things to Do in Raleigh This Week

As December unfolds, Raleigh transforms into a hub of festive activities and new experiences.

 

Whether you're seeking holiday cheer, culinary delights, or indoor adventures, the city offers a plethora of options to make your week memorable.

 

Monday, December 1

 

Kick off the week with the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival at Koka Booth Amphitheatre.

 

From 6 to 10 p.m., immerse yourself in thousands of handcrafted, illuminated lanterns showcasing various themes.

 

Performances are scheduled at 7, 8, and 9 p.m.

 

Tuesday, December 2

 

Experience the Raleigh: Ghosts and Ghouls Hauntings Walking Tour.

 

Delve into Raleigh's dark and twisted history on this bone-chilling haunted walking tour.

 

Immerse yourself in the stories of the city’s haunted sites like the White-Holman House.

 

Tickets are $25, with tours at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

 

Wednesday, December 3

 

Continue to enjoy the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival at Koka Booth Amphitheatre.

 

From 6 to 10 p.m., be dazzled by the illuminated displays.

 

Performances are at 7, 8, and 9 p.m.

 

Thursday, December 4

 

Embrace the winter season as ice skating at THE RINK at Red Hat begins today and continues until January 20.

 

Skate to Christmas music and relax in surrounding chill-out areas with comfy chairs, fire pits, and a 20-foot Christmas tree.

 

Tickets are $15 for skating and $6 for non-skating.

 

Friday, December 5

 

Don't miss Theatre In The Park's presentation of 'A Christmas Carol' at the Martin Marietta Center.

 

This performance is known for its humor and is highly recommended as one of the best things to do for Christmas in Raleigh.

 

Tickets start at $46, with the show at 7 p.m.

 

Saturday, December 6

 

Explore the Jolly Raleigh Holiday Market at Raleigh Iron Works from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

Support local businesses and find unique gifts while enjoying food trucks, kids' crafting stations, face painting, and pictures with Santa.

 

Sunday, December 7

 

Attend the Boylan Heights Art Walk, a beloved community event where many homes' front porches and lawns are given to local artists to showcase and sell their work.

 

It's a great opportunity to find unique art pieces and enjoy the neighborhood's charm.

 

The event runs from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

 

Ongoing Events

 

Don't miss the Blue Whales Exhibition at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.

 

Dive into the details behind their mind-blowing biology and discover how these mammals became and remain our planet’s largest animals ever.

 

The exhibition runs from June 21, 2025, to January 11, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

New Dining Experiences

 

Explore Raleigh's evolving culinary scene with these recent additions:

 

Boatman Spirits Co.: A Mediterranean-themed restaurant and distillery located at 713 Seaboard Station Dr.

 

Enjoy in-house distilled spirits and a unique dining experience.

 

Benchwarmers Bagels: Now with a third location in North Hills' Innovation District, offering their renowned bagels and coffee.

 

The Crunkleton: A renowned cocktail bar known for its expertly crafted drinks and rustic ambiance, now open in Raleigh's Glenwood South area.

 

Indoor Activities

 

With cooler temperatures, consider these indoor attractions:

 

North Carolina Museum of Art: Explore over 40 galleries spanning 5,000 years of art.

 

Admission to the permanent collection is free.

 

Contemporary Art Museum of Raleigh (CAM Raleigh): Located in the Warehouse District, CAM Raleigh offers rotating exhibitions of contemporary art.

 

Stay connected with Raleigh's vibrant scene and make the most of this week's offerings.

 

Whether you're a local or visiting, there's always something new to discover in the City of Oaks.