December 2025 Events in The Triangle: Winter Markets, Pop Ups, and Festivities!
December is a busy and exciting time in The Triangle, with plenty of opportunities to get into the holiday spirit. From festive markets and holiday shows to unique workshops and New Year’s Eve celebrations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re planning a quiet evening or a lively outing, this guide will help you discover the best events happening throughout the month.
Week of December 1st - December 7th
images from Thriving in Raleigh
When: Tuesday, December 2nd, 6-8pm
Where: Ponysaurus Brewing
Cost: Free
Description: Pints & Pups brings together craft beer and adoptable dogs for a relaxed, social experience. It’s a chance to enjoy a drink while connecting with dogs looking for homes.
Pottery & Plants - Holiday Edition
When: Thursday, December 4th, 6-9pm
Where: Artspace
Cost: $92
Description: Pottery + Plants: Holiday Edition invites adults to build and glaze their own handmade ceramic plant pot from scratch. In partnership with a local plant shop, each creation comes finished with a live plant - a ready‑made gift or décor piece. No experience needed; it’s a creative way to slow down and make something uniquely your own while welcoming a little green into your space.
When: Saturday, December 6th, 11AM-5PM
Where: Raleigh Iron Works
Cost: Free
Description: Sip, shop, and celebrate the season at the Jolly Raleigh Holiday Market! Join Raleigh Iron Works for the perfect opportunity to sip local beer, shop for local treasures, and cherish community coming together to celebrate the season!
When: Sunday, December 7th, 10am-3:30pm
Where: North Carolina Museum of Art
Cost: $75 per adult, $35 per child
Description: Celebrate the season at the Gingerbread Tea, a festive and family-friendly afternoon tea. Enjoy a selection of finger sandwiches, hot teas and cocoa, plus sweet and savory treats. For extra holiday fun, add a cookie decorating activity to make the experience even more special.
33rd Annual Boylan Heights Artwalk
When: Sunday, December 7th, 12-5pm
Where: Historic Boylan Heights
Cost: Free
Description: The 33rd Annual Boylan Heights ArtWalk brings the neighborhood to life with over 150 artists showcasing work in glass, jewelry, wood, clay, photography, and more. Stroll through porches, yards, and sidewalks to discover unique creations, meet local makers, and celebrate the community’s vibrant art scene. Delicious food is available on-site, making it a full day of creativity and connection.
Week of December 8th - December 14th
left image from Thriving in Raleigh | right image from Jill M Taylor Dance Company
When: Wednesday, December 10th, 6-8pm
Where: Haven in Knightdale
Cost: $18
Description: Pajamas + Prosecco is a cozy holiday event where guests can relax in festive pajamas while enjoying curated prosecco flights and good conversation. Set in a warm, inviting atmosphere, it’s the perfect way to sip, socialize, and celebrate the season in style.
When: Friday, December 12th, 5-6PM
Where: Dix Park
Cost: Free
Description: The Reindeer Ride invites participants to deck out their bikes or scooters and dress in festive holiday attire for a cheerful group ride through Dix Park. It’s a fun, active way to celebrate the season with friends and family.
54th Annual Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour
When: Saturday, December 13th - Sunday, December 14th, 7pm
Where: Historic Oakwood
Cost: $43 regular, $40 groups
Description: Experience the charm of the holidays on the Annual Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour®. Step inside beautifully preserved Victorian, Queen Anne, and Craftsman homes dating from the mid-1800s to early 1900s, and enjoy a glimpse of their carefully decorated interiors in this historic Raleigh neighborhood. It’s a festive stroll through history and architectural beauty.
Jill M Taylor Dance Company’s Nutcracker Show
When: Sunday, December 14th, 2pm & 6pm
Where: Rolesville High School Auditorium
Cost: $27-$29
Description: Experience the magic of the holidays with Nutcracker 2025 at Rolesville High School. This beloved ballet brings the classic story to life with stunning performances, beautiful costumes, and enchanting music—perfect for audiences of all ages.
Week of December 15th - 21st
images from Thriving in Raleigh
Holiday Cookie Decorating Class
When: Monday, December 15th, 6:30-7:30pm
Where: Peck & Plume, Cary, NC
Cost: $65
Description: Join Tricia from Darlin’ Designs Baking Co. for a hands-on holiday cookie decorating class. Enjoy a glass of sparkling wine while learning tips and techniques to create festive, showstopping cookies. Each ticket includes six cookies, icing, and your glass of bubbly.
When: Friday, December 19th, 5-6PM
Where: Dix Park
Cost: Free
Description: Celebrate the winter season at Silent Disco Night! Put on your ugliest holiday sweater and dance under the stars in this unique, festive outdoor event.
When: Saturday, December 20th, 10am-5pm - Sunday, December 21st, 10am-3pm
Where: NC State Fairgrounds
Cost: $5 online or $7 at the door
Description: Get in the holiday spirit at the biggest Holiday Market yet at the NC State Fairgrounds. Browse unique creations from over 200 local makers, enjoy live music, tasty food from trucks, and meet Santa. It’s the perfect way to shop local and celebrate the season.
Week of December 22nd - December 28th
images from Thriving in Raleigh
When: Monday, December 22nd, 6:30pm
Where: Pimiento Tea Room
Cost: $90
Description: Join Chef Christy and Sommelier Matt Weiss for this month’s Supper Club, featuring a 7-course tasting menu paired with expertly selected wines. Each event offers a unique culinary experience, and all proceeds benefit CureSearch for Children’s Cancer, supporting life-saving research while enjoying an unforgettable night of food and wine.
When: Tuesday, December 23rd, 7:30pm
Where: The Rialto Theatre
Cost: $19+
Description: The Embers return to The Rialto for their 3rd Annual Christmas Spectacular, bringing holiday cheer with their signature beach music and special guests, including Rudolph, Frosty, and Santa. Don’t miss this festive, sold-out favorite for a night of music and holiday fun!
When: Sunday, December 28th, 6-9pm
Where: Incendiary Brewing Taproom
Cost: $68+
Description: Join Gray Duck Art for a self-led painting event where you can turn a photo of your pet—or any favorite subject—into a custom paint-by-number canvas. Each ticket includes a hand-drawn canvas and a full set of custom-mixed paints. No experience is needed—just bring your creativity and have fun!
Week of December 29th - December 31st
images from Squarespace Gallery
When: Wednesday, December 31st, 2pm - 12:00am
Where: Downtown Raleigh
Cost: Free to attend
Description: Kick off the holiday season in Downtown Raleigh with festive music, a Children’s Celebration, and activities across multiple venues. The evening concludes with live music on the Main Stage, the iconic Raleigh Acorn Drop, and a dazzling fireworks show.
When: Wednesday, December 31st, 7:30pm - 12:00am
Where: Downtown Raleigh
Cost: $460 per ticket
Description: Ring in 2026 with an all-inclusive New Year’s Eve celebration at Heights House Hotel in Downtown Raleigh. Enjoy an aperitivo hour, a multi-course dinner by Snap Pea Creative Dining, and flowing wine in a beautifully styled heated tent. As midnight approaches, move inside for a sparkling countdown, dance to DJ Amha, capture memories at the photo booth, and toast with champagne to start the new year in style.
3. Living in Y2K: Early 2000s NYE Dance Party
When: Wednesday, December 31st, 10pm - 12:00am
Where: The Pour House
Cost: $12
Description: Celebrate New Year’s Eve Y2K-style with Living in Y2K’s dance party! Enjoy a costume contest, free Y2K-themed gifts, a champagne toast at midnight, and music from SASHA, yourboyjarv, and a special guest. A fun, nostalgic way to ring in the new year!
Wishing You a Joyful Holiday Season!
We hope this guide inspires you to make unforgettable holiday memories with your friends and family. From local markets to dance celebrations, there’s something for everyone in The Triangle this December. Cheers to a season filled with joy, laughter, and community!
For even more events to explore in Raleigh this December, be sure to check out our full events calendar!
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