It’s the most wonderful time of the year, especially in North Carolina! If you are looking for a way to “spread some holiday cheer and sing loud for all to hear” here is some must dos to add to your holiday bucket list!
1. Ice skating at the red hat ampitheater
If you are looking for a perfect date night look no further! The Rink in downtown Raleigh is the hotspot of the year! With a beautifully decorated ice-skating rink, photo ops, and a snack bar The Rink is the perfect place to get the thrill of Christmas all around. On the occasion they have special themed nights including Throwback Thursday so come dressed in your favorite era. Not only this but the Holiday Market also teams up with the rink on select nights and presents small business vendors such as boutiques, food, and personalized items. This spot is the perfect place to have a night of fun on the ice and even pick up a little gift to bring home! The best part of it all is The Rink is only $15 to skate skates included. So be sure to stop by this season! Located below is a link to the famous event to buy your tickets right now!
THE RINK presented by UNC Health (redhatamphitheater.com)
2. St Nicks Holiday Pop Up Bar
A girls night out is its perfect next spot to hang out, take pictures, and try specialized holiday drinks at St Nick’s Holiday Pop Up Bar located on East Hargett St in Raleigh North Carolina! The old historic house is rented out for the months of November and December and made into a holiday dream! All ages are welcome with a variety of sweet treats to choose from along with and endless amount of photo ops such as their band-cam photobooth. There are plenty of events to attend this holiday season, however, be sure to make your reservations before arriving as they get pretty busy during this time of year. Their website is located below!
Christmas Pop-up Bar | St. Nick’s Pop-up Bar | Raleigh (stnicksnc.com)
3. The Chinese Lantern Festival
The Chinese Lantern Festival is one of the most anticipated festivals of the year with beautiful cultural lanterns scattered across Koka Booth Amphitheater. The lanterns are carefully made and set throughout a path you may walk down and take in all of its beauty. The show runs from mid-November to January 14th with tickets starting at 11 dollars. Be sure to grab your tickets while you can as tickets sell out fast! A link to their website is listed below!
4. Lake Myra Christmas Lights
Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year is the Lake Myra Christmas Light Show taking its name as one of the largest moving lights Christmas shows in the Carolinas. If there is any good way to get into the Christmas spirit it is by far this one filled with the magic of the North Pole. As you drive through the path you will see several coordinated lights dancing to themed Christmas music with a look at its 40-foot Christmas tree! The ride takes about 30-45 minutes to get through but is one you’d truly wish would never end! It is open from 5:30-10:00 pm every day at Wendell Park so be sure to add this to the top of your list!
Lake Myra Christmas Light Show – Park – Wendell, North Carolina – Zaubee
5. Crabtree valley mall
There is just something about visiting the mall at Christmas that makes it so much more special. The biggest mall in the Raleigh area with over 200 stores along with many fun restaurants to choose from after a long days of shopping. If you are looking for a last minute gift this is the place to find it as the mall is two stories and has very popular stores like Aerie and Belks along with some personal Knick knack stores and boutiques that are sure to catch your eye! Open from 10-9 PM weekly except Sunday closing at 7 PM come find the perfect gift for that special someone here!
Crabtree – Premier Shopping in Raleigh, NC (shopcrabtree.com)