DINING OUT FOR CHRISTMAS EVE

BY JANICE LEWINE

Experience holiday magic as the City of Oaks and surrounding towns dazzle with spectacular light displays, festive parades, joyous musicals and opportunities to greet Santa. Here’s our roundup of holiday happenings in and around Raleigh. Find more events online at midtownmag.com and on our sister magazine’s website at caryliving.com.

MAGIC OF LIGHTS: A MAGICAL DRIVE-THROUGH HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE November 18–December 30 3801 Rock Quarry Road, Raleigh Coastal Credit Union Music Park shines brightly as guests weave through a spectacular 1-mile drive-through holiday lights display. Tickets start at $20 and are limited in quantity per evening. Purchase tickets online. magicoflights.com WRAL NIGHTS OF LIGHTS November 19–December 24 2105 Umstead Drive, Raleigh The 1.3-mile drive-through holiday light event at Dorothea Dix Park showcases largescale light displays, in-person activations like a personal igloo rental or Holiday Outpost experience, multiple bike-only nights and a Nights of Lights 5K Fun Run/Walk. Purchase tickets online. wralnightsoflights.com NORTH CAROLINA CHINESE LANTERN FESTIVAL November 18–January 8 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary Koka Booth Amphitheatre is transformed into a magical setting of beautiful LED lantern displays handcrafted by artisans from Tianyu Arts & Culture. These larger-thanlife lantern displays are located along a half-mile loop around the amphitheater. Cultural performances are featured nightly at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. boothamphitheatre.com LAFAYETTE VILLAGE HOLIDAY MARKET AND LIGHTING OF THE TREE November 19, 3–6 p.m. 8450 Honeycutt Road, Raleigh Lafayette Village turns into a festive winter wonderland featuring seasonal music and shop discounts. The Lighting of the Tree takes place at 6 p.m. in the courtyard. lafayettevillageraleigh.com HOLIDAY LIGHTS IN THE GARDEN

NORTH HILLS TREE LIGHTING November 19, 4–7 p.m. 4321 Lassiter at North Hills, Raleigh This annual holiday event in the Commons at North Hills features a live band, kids crafts and activities, food trucks and a vendor village. As Santa Claus arrives at 6 p.m., the 41-foot tree is lit amidst a chorus of “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.” eventbrite.com

THE DESSERTERY November 19–December 23; hours vary Kennedy Theatre 2 E. South Street, Raleigh Indulge yourself in a familyfriendly, holiday-themed dessert café. The Dessertery features elaborate holiday decor, all-youcan-eat sweets and hot cocoa, plus live entertainment on select nights. Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for ages 2–6. dukeenergycenterraleigh.com/ dessertery THE RINK November 19–January 16 500 S. McDowell Street, Raleigh Red Hat Amphitheater Enjoy the thrill of ice skating in the heart of downtown Raleigh. Highlights of the event include a 20-foot decorated tree, cozy furniture stations with heat warmers, fire pits, photo opportunities, a snack bar and games. Tickets are $11 for skaters and $6 for nonskaters. redhatamphitheater.com/ the-rink

78TH ANNUAL RALEIGH CHRISTMAS PARADE November 20, 9:30 a.m.–noon Fayetteville Street, Raleigh The Raleigh Christmas Parade attracts 60,000 spectators from across the state to downtown Raleigh and reaches more than 250,000 people via ABC11 TV broadcasting and ABC11 streaming apps. shoplocalraleigh.org or grma.org

NORTH CAROLINA SYMPHONY PRESENTS “THE POLAR EXPRESS” November 23, 4 p.m.; November 25, 3 p.m. Meymandi Concert Hall 2 E. South Street, Raleigh Paintings from the Caldecott Medal–winning book “The Polar Express” appear on a giant screen above the stage as baritone Scott MacLeod and a chorus of children join the North Carolina Symphony to bring this magical holiday tale to life. ncsymphony.org FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS November 24–January 1, 5:30–9 p.m.; closed November 28–December 1 Hill Ridge Farms 703 Tarboro Road, Youngsville Immerse yourself in magical lights on a 1-mile-plus trail throughout the farm from the comfort of your vehicle. Tickets per vehicle are $20 cash, $23 credit/debit; pay upon arrival. hillridgefarms.com “MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS” November 26, 8 p.m. Durham Performing Arts Center 123 Vivian Street, Durham Don’t miss this favorite holiday tradition as Mannheim Steamroller dazzles with seasonal music and multimedia effects. dpacnc.com “ELF THE MUSICAL” November 29–December 4; see website for showtimes Durham Performing Arts Center 123 Vivian Street, Durham Follow Buddy the Elf in his hilarious quest to find his true meaning of Christmas. dpacnc.com LIGHTS ON THE NEUSE Visit the website for operating dates and to purchase tickets. 1620 Loop Road, Clayton Take a 1-mile, tractor-pulled hayride through a holiday light spectacular featuring s’mores and photos with Santa. lightsontheneuse.com “DAVE KOZ AND FRIENDS 25TH ANNIVERSARY CHRISTMAS TOUR” December 2, 8 p.m. Raleigh Memorial Auditorium 2 E. South Street, Raleigh Grammy-nominated saxophonist Dave Koz, along with trumpeter Rick Braun, guitarist Peter White, pianist Keiko Matsui and vocalist Rebecca Jade, perform original holiday songs. dukeenergycenterraleigh.com LIGHTING OF WAKE FOREST December 2, 6–8:30 p.m. Centennial Plaza 301 S. Brooks Street, Wake Forest This year’s ceremony features the lighting of the Christmas tree at 6:15 p.m., musical performances and Santa’s arrival in a Wake Forest fire truck. wakeforestnc.gov “HANDEL’S MESSIAH” December 2–3, 8 p.m. Meymandi Concert Hall 2 E. South Street, Raleigh The North Carolina Symphony and the North Carolina Master Chorale perform Handel’s masterpiece featuring the resounding “Hallelujah Chorus.” ncsymphony.org CHAPEL HILL–CARRBORO COMMUNITY PARADE December 3, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Franklin Street, Chapel Hill Get festive this winter season by joining the towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro for a parade that celebrates community and diversity. The parade begins on Franklin Street in Chapel Hill and ends on Main Street inCarrboro. chapelhillarts.org WAKE FOREST HISTORIC HOME TOUR December 3, 1–7 p.m. Downtown Wake Forest This self-guided tour showcases historic homes and other properties in downtown Wake Forest, dressed in their holiday finery and open for viewing. Purchase tickets online. wakeforestnc.gov “THE HOLLY JOLLY JOSHUASHOW” December 3, 11 a.m. Carolina Theatre of Durham 309 West Morgan Street, Durham Joshua Holden entertains all ages with singing, tap dancing and a zany cast of puppets in this delightful holiday story. Tickets are $5. carolinatheatre.org SANTA’S REINDEER ROUNDUP EXPRESS December 3–4, 10–11 and 17; departure times are 9:30 and 11 a.m.; and 12:30, 2:15 and 3:45 p.m. New Hope Valley Railway 3900 Bonsal Road, Apex Search for Santa’s nine missing reindeer—including Rudolph— during a 50-minute ride in the New Hill woods. Take a camera for a photo with Santa. Purchase tickets online. triangletrain.com LIGHT UP THE NIGHT HILLSBOROUGH HOLIDAY PARADE December 4, 4 p.m. Old Courthouse 104 E. King Street, Hillsborough This long-standing parade also features a tree-lighting ceremony and a fun community singalong. hillsboroughchamber.com ROLESVILLE CHRISTMAS PARADE December 4, 2 p.m. Downtown Rolesville Festive floats and marching bands highlight this annual event in downtown Rolesville. business.rolesvillechamber.org “SCOTT BRADLEE’S POSTMODERN JUKEBOX: A VERY POSTMODERN CHRISTMAS” December 4, 7 p.m. Meymandi Concert Hall 2 E. South Street, Raleigh Listen as New York City pianist Scott Bradlee remakes the pop hits of Christmas today into the classic sounds of yesterday. dukeenergycenterraleigh.com IRA DAVID WOOD III’S “A CHRISTMAS CAROL” December 9–11 and 14–18 Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, Raleigh Durham Performing Arts Center, Durham Ira David Wood III’s “A Christmas Carol,” a musical comedy adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic, celebrates its 49th year. Performances take place December 9–11 at the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts and December 14–18 at the Durham Performing Arts Center. theatreinthepark.com EVENING WITH ELVES December 9, 6–8:30 p.m. Marbles Kids Museum 201 E. Hargett Street, Raleigh Immerse yourself in the magic of the season with s’mores outdoors, arctic museum play and a special visit from the Snowflake Fairy. Kids are encouraged to wear pajamas. Children must be accompanied by an adult over age 18. Purchase tickets online for $25–$30/person. marbleskidsmuseum.org NORTH CAROLINA SYMPHONY PRESENTS “HOLIDAY POPS” December 9, noon Meymandi Concert Hall 2 E. South Street, Raleigh The North Carolina Symphony performs treasured holiday favorites and traditional carols during this popular annual concert. ncsymphony.org

RALEIGH BOYCHOIR’S “CAROLS OF CHRISTMAS” December 9, 7 p.m. Edenton Street United Methodist Church 228 W. Edenton Street, Raleigh The Raleigh Boychoir delivers yuletide favorites to brighten your holiday spirit. Tickets are $10–$20 online. raleighboychoir.org UGLY SWEATER BAR CRAWL December 10 and 17, 2–9 p.m. Downtown Raleigh Wear your ugliest Christmas sweater, elf costume or seasonal onesie to dash in style through downtown Raleigh’s bars, where you can enjoy holiday drink specials, costume contests and more. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased online. This event is for ages 21 and older. The venue list is online. barcrawllive.com

HISTORIC OAKWOOD CANDLELIGHT TOUR December 10 and 11, 1–7 p.m. Historic Oakwood, Raleigh The 51st annual self-guided tour features 11 properties dating from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s. Each home is staffed with docents who describe the rich history of the home. Tickets are $30–$35 and can be purchased online and in person at 418 N. Person Street, Raleigh. historicoakwood.org “PLAID TIDINGS: A HOLIDAY EDITION” December 10, 3 and 7 p.m.; December 11, 3 p.m. Wake Forest Renaissance Centre for the Arts 405 S. Brooks Street, Wake Forest Plaid Tidings sings yuletide’s greatest songs in perfect harmony. Tickets are $25 online. wakeforestrencen.org/event/ plaid-tidings CAROLINA BALLET PRESENTS “THE NUTCRACKER” December 10–24; see website for showtimes Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, Raleigh Durham Performing Arts Center, Durham Carolina Ballet honors past productions of “The Nutcracker” by George Balanchine and Robert Weiss while presenting refreshed choreography for today’s audiences. Performances take place December 10–11 at the Durham Performing Arts Center and December 16–24 at the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts in Raleigh. carolinaballet.com

NORTH CAROLINA MASTER CHORALE PRESENTS “JOY OF THE SEASON” December 13, 7:30 p.m. Meymandi Concert Hall 2 E. South Street, Raleigh The Chorale’s 170-voice Symphonic Choir, Chamber Choir and Youth Choir accompanied by a brass ensemble, percussion, piano and organ return to Meymandi Concert Hall. Tickets are $28 and up. ncmasterchorale.org “TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA: GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS EVE” December 14, 7 p.m. PNC Arena 1400 Edwards Mill Road, Raleigh The progressive rock group delivers an electrifying holiday show. Tickets are $39 and up. pncarena.com “NUTCRACKER! MAGICAL CHRISTMAS BALLET” December 15, 7 p.m. Carolina Theatre of Durham 309 W. Morgan Street, Durham Relive your childhood dreams, overflowing with larger-thanlife puppets, breathtaking acrobatics, dazzling costumes and the exquisite artistry of Ukrainian ballet performers. carolinatheatre.org RALEIGH RINGERS’ HOLIDAY CONCERTS December 17–18, 4 p.m. Meymandi Concert Hall 2 E. South Street, Raleigh The Raleigh Ringers present interpretations of sacred, secular and popular music arranged for handbells. Purchase tickets online, $14–$26. rr.org GINGERBREAD JAMBOREE December 17–18, 9:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Marbles Kids Museum 201 E. Hargett Street, Raleigh Decorate a gingerbread house. Tickets cost $15 for members and $18 for nonmembers. marbleskidsmuseum.org “A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS” December 19, 7:30 p.m. Durham Performing Arts Center 123 Vivian Street, Durham Magical hostess Miss Lucy takes audiences on an adventure featuring breathtaking cirque artists and live holiday music. dpacnc.com “JIM BRICKMAN: A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS” December 20, 7:30 p.m. Fletcher Opera Theater. 2 E. South Street, Raleigh Songwriter and piano sensation Jim Brickman blends holiday favorites with his own hit songs, such as “The Gift,” “Sending You a Little Christmas” and “If You Believe.” dukeenergycenterraleigh.com “THE HIP HOP NUTCRACKER” December 23, 7:30 p.m. Durham Performing Arts Center 123 Vivian Street, Durham Legendary emcee Kurtis Blow presents a remixed and reimagined version of the classic ballet that celebrates love, community and the magic of the holiday season. dpacnc.com

SANTA'S REINDEER ROUNDUP EXPRESS

NORTH CAROLINA CHINESE LANTERN FESTIVAL IN CARY

FIRST NIGHT RALEIGH December 31; 5 p.m.–midnight Downtown Raleigh Ring in the new year with live entertainment, roving street performers, arts and crafts stations and the Acorn Drop at midnight. Tickets are $12–$16. firstnightraleigh.com KWANZAA FEST January 1, noon–5:30 p.m. 212 Foster Street, Durham The African American Dance Ensemble hosts the 37th annual Kwanzaa Fest at the Durham Armory featuring a children’s village, vendor market and live performances that highlight family, cultural and social values. downtowndurham.com

HOLIDAY EVENTS FARTHER AFIELD

CHRISTMAS AT BILTMORE November 4–January 8 1 Lodge Street, Asheville “Christmas at Biltmore Daytime Celebration” ($99–$399/ticket) showcases the home beautifully bedecked in Christmas trimmings. Both the Visit Plus and ExpertGuided Visit options feature the immersive, multi-sensory exhibition “Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius.” “Candlelight Christmas Evenings” ($119–$409) allows guests to step back in time with an experience reminiscent of the Vanderbilts’ first Christmas there in 1895. Musicians perform seasonal favorites. A 55-foot Norway spruce sparkles in the front lawn and luminaries line the walkway. biltmore.com WINTER WONDERLIGHTS November 17–January 1 4301 Lawndale Drive, Greensboro The Greensboro ScienceCenter’s zoo and 11-acre expansion transform into a holiday extravaganza of 12 Magical Realms. See the Polar Pond, Forest of Light and Snowball Surprise, and have fun in the Treehouse Lights and Dino Disco. Visit the website for operating hours and ticket prices. greensboroscience.org/ winterwonderlights TANGLEWOOD PARK FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS November 11–January 1, 6–11 p.m. 4061 Clemmons Road, Clemmons See dazzling holiday light displays from your car. Tickets are $20 cash or $23 credit per vehicle. forsyth.cc FESTIVAL OF TREES November 16–20 at select times The Carolina Hotel 80 Carolina Vista, Pinehurst The annual Festival of Trees at The Carolina Hotel benefits children who have special developmental needs at Sandhills Children’s Center, helping to provide vital therapies to ensure them the very best start in life. Donations are accepted at the door. festivaloftrees.org TWEETSIE CHRISTMAS November 25–December 30 Open select evenings, 5–9 p.m. 300 Tweetsie Railroad Lane, Blowing Rock Tweetsie Railroad transforms into a winter wonderland featuring a nighttime train ride among thousands of dazzling lights. Enjoy amusement park rides and meet Santa in his house filled with candied furnishings. Tickets are $52 for ages 13 and older, $35 for ages 3–12. Online ticket purchase is recommended. tweetsie.com

WINTER LIGHTS AT THE NORTH CAROLINA ARBORETUM November 18–December 31, 5:30–10:30 p.m. 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville Drive through the arboretum’s enchanted forest to view unique exhibits covered in thousands of holiday lights. Prices vary by date and can be purchased online or at the gate. ncarboretum.org NORTH CAROLINA HOLIDAY FLOTILLA November 26, 6 p.m. Wrightsville Beach in Wilmington See boats decorated in their holiday finest sail down Motts and Banks channels, followed by evening fireworks. Admission is free. Don't miss A Day in the Park, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., at the Town Complex featuring food vendors, live music, a car show and kids activities. ncholidayflotilla.org DECK THE TREES December 1–January 2 308 W. State Street, Black Mountain Discover beautifully decorated Christmas trees at the Monte Vista Hotel, as well as in stores and businesses throughout Black Mountain and the Swannanoa Valley area. Trees are uniquely decorated around the theme “Let Heaven and Nature Sing” and are created by businesses, organizations, or individuals to help raise funds for the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry Fuel Fund. svcmblackmountain.org

HOLIDAY LIGHTS IN THE GARDEN December 2–22 Cape Fear Botanical Garden 536 N. Eastern Boulevard, Fayetteville Experience a Winter Wonderland, see Santa, enjoy s’mores and more. Tickets are limited. Check the website for ticket sale dates and prices. capefearbg.org/event/ holiday-lights-in-the-garden-3 CRYSTAL COAST HOLIDAY FLOTILLA December 3, 5:30–8 p.m. 315 Front Street, Beaufort See boats, yachts, oars, kayaks and commercial vessels decorated for the season beginning at 5:30 p.m. on the Morehead City waterfront and at 6:15 p.m. on the Beaufort waterfront. maritimefriends.org/ christmas-flotilla-2022

SANTA ON THE CHIMNEY December 3 and 10, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Chimney Rock State Park 431 Main Street, Chimney Rock For the 25th year, Santa will rappel down Chimney Rock, an iconic natural landmark. Visitors can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy animal education programs by a park naturalist and make holiday crafts. This event is included with park admission: $17 for adults, $8 for ages 5–15, and free for ages 4 and younger. chimneyrockpark.com

CANDLELIGHT NIGHT AT THE PALACE December 10 and 17, 4:30–9:30 p.m. 529 S. Front Street, New Bern Explore Tryon Palace and enjoy entertainment in the Performance Tent. Stop by Mistletoe Corner for drinks and delicious snacks in a festive holiday setting. The evening ends with a grand display of black powder fireworks. Online ticket purchase is recommended. tryonpalace.org

COMPILED BY THE MIDTOWN STAFF

As you venture into the holiday shopping scene, take our 2022 gift guide with you for inspiration. These unique items from local businesses and boutiques—many of which give back to nonprofits that serve beautiful missions—are available right here in the Triangle. Happy shopping!

Note: While all of these shops and businesses are local, some items are available for online purchase only.

Confetti Stemless Wine Glass, $18.95 NOFO @ the Pig | nofo.com Emporium Home Rose Quartz Barware in Satin Brass, $235.50 (for the set of three) Max Hugo Interior Design | maxhugointeriors.com

June & December Winter Greens Napkins, $42.95 (for the set of four) NOFO @ the Pig | nofo.com

Deco Death by Chocolate Gift Basket, $95 (Cinnamon bourbon pecan popcorn, hot chocolate, chocolate habañero tea box, Videri chocolate bars, chocolate sea salt almond butter and dark chocolate toffee) Deco Raleigh | decoraleigh.com

Balsam & Cedar Luxe Sanded Mercury Glass Candle, $69.60 Steven Shell Living | stevenshellliving.com

Full Genres Collection, $135 Bright Black | brightblackcandles.com