Weekend best bets: Tree lightings, Raleigh Christmas Parade
Thanksgiving isn't here yet, but it's already Christmas in the Triangle. We found both holiday and non-holiday treats for your weekend.
Holiday fun
WRAL Winter Wonderland (Saint Mary's School, 900 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh) - After the Raleigh Christmas Parade marches by on Saturday, stay downtown with the family for a free event, sponsored by WRAL featuring snow, sledding and even Santa. The WRAL Winter Wonderland will be located at the entrance of Saint Mary's School at the intersection of Hillsborough and Saint Mary's streets immediately after the parade until 1:30 p.m. There will sledding, holiday music, food trucks and Matt Iseman, host of NBC's Emmy-nominated reality show American Ninja Warrior, will be there with giveaways and autographs.
Raleigh Christmas Parade (Downtown Raleigh) - This holiday tradition continues on Saturday morning through the streets of downtown Raleigh. Ten of thousands of people will line the streets to watch the marching bands and floats go by. For those staying at home, WRAL will once again broadcast the parade.
North Hills Tree Lighting (Six Forks and Lassiter Mill roads, Raleigh) - This annual celebration will take place Saturday night in the commons area. There will be "snow" slopes, trackless train rides, children's crafts, a bounce house and Santa.
Santa Paws 5K and Fun Run (Dorothea Dix Park, 62 Whiteside Drive, Raleigh) - WRAL's own Gerald Owens will be the celebrity Santa at this pet-friendly event on Sunday at Dix Park.
Waverly Place Tree Lighting (302 Colonades Way, Cary) - Enjoy a special holiday concert from The Embers featuring Craig Woolard, a visit from Frosty and Rudolph and more fun during this event Friday night.
The Durham Art Walk Holiday Market (Downtown Durham) - This festive fine arts and crafts event kicks off the holiday season Friday and Saturday. Throughout downtown Durham, there will be local artists, live music, shopping and (new this year) a kids zone, outdoor entertainment and vendors, and food and beverage court.
Foodie fun
Friendsgiving (Whitaker and Atlantic, 1053 Whitaker Mill Road, Raleigh) - Enjoy a family-style Thanksgiving dinner featuring PoshNosh Catering's delicious menu and a variety of Beaujolais Nouveau wines on Saturday night. A portion of the proceeds to the Food Bank of Eastern North Carolina.
PopUp with NC Oyster 365 & Bull Durham Beer (The Bullpen, 359 Blackwell Street, Durham) - Head to The Bullpen Friday night for this event featuring Bull Durham beers and freshly shucked oysters.
Brewer's Ball (American Institute of Architects, 14 E. Peace St., Raleigh) - This Friday night event includes beer, cocktails, food, music and more. Proceeds go to Cystic Fibrosis research.
More fun
Pop-PupAlooza Dog Park (Dix Park, 2105 Black Drive, Raleigh) - During this pop up event on Saturday, dogs will be allowed off leash at a specially crafted dog park.
Pop-Up Raleigh (Trophy Brewing, 656 Maywood Avenue, Raleigh) - This monthly vintage and art market is Saturday at Trophy Brewery and Taproom on Maywood Avenue. There will be food trucks, beer, sweet treats, fresh popcorn and more.
Art of Style Fashion Show (CAM, 409 W Martin St, Raleigh) - The Raleigh boutique will celebrate eight years in business with a fashion show at CAM on Sunday night.
Jersey Boys (Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, 2 E. South St., Raleigh) - They were just four guys from Jersey, until they sang their very first note. See this classic show through Sunday.
Hamilton (DPAC, 123 Vivian St., Durham) - The Broadway blockbuster continues its Durham run through Dec. 2.
Magical World of Wizardry (The Fayetteville Area Transportation and Local History Museum, 325 Franklin Street, Fayetteville) - This free two-day fest celebrates all things Harry Potter. It runs Friday and Saturday. Visitors are asked to start their journey by checking in at the Fayetteville Area Transportation and Local History Museum on Franklin Street. There, participants pick up the materials for a Horcrux Hunt, in which they search for four pieces of Voldemort’s soul. The hunt continues until Saturday closing ceremonies.
