Kick Off the Holiday Season: Raleigh’s Best November Events
It’s (almost) the most wonderful time of the year and Raleigh has plenty of events to help us kick off the holiday season! ✨ Raleigh in November is filled with cozy gatherings, colorful lights, and community fun everywhere you turn. From ice skating under the stars to wandering through glowing gardens and cheering on the Christmas Parade, there’s something happening every week to help you soak in all the magic. Keep scrolling for all the best events to check out around Raleigh this month!
Week of November 1st - November 7th
left image from Canva Gallery | right image from Thriving in Raleigh
Feste in Italia: A Holiday Feast in Northern Italy
When: Tuesday, November 4th from 7pm - 9pm
Where: The Willard
Cost: $70 per person
Description: Transport yourself to Northern Italy for the evening—this event is an elegant wine-dinner experience featuring carefully selected wines paired with seasonal dishes inspired by the holiday feasts of the north. Think refined ambiance, curated menus, festive spirit—and a chance to celebrate early in style.
Fall Cookie Decorating Workshop
When: Wednesday, November 5th from 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Where: Downtown Cary Park
Cost:
Resident Fee: $15
Non-Resident Fee: $20
Description: Roll up your sleeves and unleash your creative side with a seasonal cookie decorating session. Whether you’re a decorating pro or simply love sprinkles, this workshop invites you to enjoy a relaxed setting where you can design your treats, sip a warm drink, and get into the autumnal mood. Ideal for families, friends, or a fun cozy outing.
When: Starts Friday, November 7th through February 8th, 2026
Where: Fenton Square by Paragon Theaters
Cost: $18.00 + Tax
Description: Head over to Fenton Square in Cary and lace up for outdoor ice skating as one of the season’s first major winter-pop events. Perfect for families, friends, date nights or anyone craving a little fresh-air fun. The rink is open daily from November through early February. Ice, lights, the crisp air—this is a great way to dive into the holiday-season vibe.
When:
Weekend 1: November 7th & 8th
Weekend 2: November 14th & 15th
Weekend 3: November 21st & 22nd
Where: Ruby McSwain Education Center
Cost:
Children 12 & Under: $7.13
General Admission: $33.77
College Student Ticket: $23.11
Description: This isn’t your average evening walk. The JC Raulston Arboretum transforms into a magical illuminated wonderland with artful lighting throughout the gardens. Expect fire pits, live music, food trucks, cider, marshmallows, and new lighting designs each year. It’s a tranquil-meets-enchanting evening out, ideal for couples or friends wanting a memorable November night.
Week of November 8th - November 14th
left image from Canva Gallery | right image from Fuquay Varina Downtown Association Website
When: Saturday, November 8th - Sunday, November 9th
Where: Durham Convention Center
Cost: $52.65 per adult (Kids 11 and under FREE with paid adult ticket!)
Description: A weekend-long celebration of comics, pop culture, cosplay, gaming, animation and more, this event is open to all ages. Held at the Durham Convention Center, it offers panels, creators, vendors, meet-and-greets and the full fan-experience. Whether you’re into comics or simply curious, it’s a lively and inclusive event.
When: Saturday, November 8th from 12pm - 4pm
Where: Varina Parking Lot
Cost: $23 for general admission
Description: Combine two of life’s great pleasures: mouth-watering barbecue and live blues music. Expect a lively outdoor setting where you can sample smoky dishes, enjoy craft beers or brews, tap your feet to soulful tunes and soak in that laid-back yet festive vibe. Great for an evening out with friends or family.
Pottery Painting Workshop at Incendiary Brewing Taproom
When: Tuesday, November 11th from 6pm - 7:30pm
Where: Incendiary Brewing Taproom
Cost: COST: $28.16 per ticket
Description: Get artsy in a casual setting! This workshop held at the Incendiary Brewing Taproom invites you to paint your own pottery while enjoying a drink and good company. It’s part art-class, part friendly hang-out—perfect for a mellow mid-week break.
Week of November 15th - November 21st
left image from NCMA Website | right image from Thriving in Raleigh
When: Saturday, November 15th from 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Where: Smoky Hollow
Cost: Free to attend
Description: An evening market experience featuring local vendors, live music, unique finds and a relaxed shopping atmosphere. Think handmade goods, great local flavors, good vibes under the twilight sky—ideal for wandering, grabbing something special and enjoying mingling in the community.
When: Saturday, November 15th from 12pm - 4pm
Where: Raleigh Convention Center
Cost:
General Admission: $10 if purchased online
VIP: $35
Description: Whether you’re planning a wedding or just love beautiful event-inspiration, this show features venues, vendors, displays, fashion and all the things that make weddings sparkle. It’s a fun “window-shopping” event—ideal for future brides, their entourages or anyone who enjoys weddings!
When: Saturday, September 15th from 6pm - 10pm
Where: Downtown Raleigh
Cost: $175 per ticket
Description: Celebrate local creativity with this arts-centric gathering: live art demos, gallery pop-ups, music, and plenty of visual inspiration. A great choice for a night out that’s more culture than club, more “look what local artists are doing” than standard dinner + movie.
When: Starting November 15th through January 11th, 2026
Where: Koka Booth Amphitheatre
Cost: Many options starting at $16.74
Description: Step into a glowing world of illuminated lantern art—large displays, whimsical shapes, colorful lighting and immersive design. This outdoor festival is especially magical as dusk turns to dark; perfect for families or anyone wanting a wonderful visual experience.
When: Sunday, November 16th from 10am - 3pm
Where: North Carolina Museum of Art
Cost:$75 per person
Description: Take a relaxing afternoon break at the NCMA with this elegant tea-service event. Seasonal touches, beautiful surroundings, a chance to slow down, chat, and enjoy something a little refined. Great for friends, a small-group outing, or a “me time” treat.
Annual American Indian Heritage Celebration
When: Friday, November 21st - Saturday, November 22nd
Where: North Carolina Museum of Art
Cost: Free to attend
Description: This cultural celebration includes performances, heritage exhibits, storytelling, artwork, hands-on activities and an opportunity to learn and honor Indigenous traditions. A meaningful event for families, schools, groups or anyone wanting to engage in heritage and community celebration.
Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting Celebration
When: November 21st 5:30pm - 8pm
Where: Moore Square
Cost: Free to attend
Description: Kick off the holiday-season sparkle with this special event in downtown Raleigh. Music, lights, a gathering of the community, maybe hot cocoa or snacks, and that first moment when the big tree lights up. It’s festive, joyful and sets the tone for the rest of the season.
Week of November 22nd - November 31st
left image from Thriving in Raleigh | right image from North Hills
When: Saturday, November 22nd from 9:30am - 12pm
Where: Hillsborough Street - Downtown Raleigh
Cost: Free to attend
Description: The 81st annual parade fills downtown Raleigh with marching bands, floats, big balloons, holiday characters, and plenty of festive cheer. It’s a classic morning event that brings the community together—perfect for families, early risers, or anyone wanting that “holiday kickoff” feel.
When: Saturday, November 22nd from 12pm - 4pm
Where: North Hills
Cost: Free to attend
Description: After the parade (or later in the day), hit the local shops for some early holiday finds, snacks, mingling, special deals and a stroll through the festive surroundings. This is more relaxed than big sales—more local-flavor, more fun.
When: Starting November 22nd through January 4th, 2026
Where: Red Hat Amphitheater
Cost:
Skater Admission: $15* includes skate rental
Non-Skater Admission: $6*
*taxes and fees may apply
Ages 2+ require a ticket to enter.
Description: Lace up your skates and head downtown to the Red Hat Amphitheatre for another outdoor ice-skating experience—this time right in the heart of Raleigh. With city lights, holiday energy and the downtown backdrop, this rink offers a fun option if you’re looking to stay close to home and join in the wintery fun.
When: Saturday, November 29th - Sunday, November 30th
Where: NC State Fairgrounds
Cost: $12+
Description: A two-day reptile expo featuring reptiles, amphibians, vendors, educational talks and maybe some hands-on moments. For animal lovers, families, curious folks or anyone wanting to do something unexpected—this is a fun and different way to spend the end of November.
There’s so many reasons to love Raleigh this time of year! Between glowing gardens, parades, and all the festive fun, November’s events are just the beginning of the holiday magic. Grab your friends, bundle up, and get out there—December will be here before we know it!
For even more events to explore in Raleigh this November, be sure to check out our full events calendar!
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