December 2021, Issue I
 
A crowd of people gathered around a large holiday tree in front of the historic North Carolina State Capitol building
The Biggest Events of December in Raleigh, N.C.
Closing out the year in a big way with a long list of major events and favorite holiday traditions taking place this month in the Raleigh area—save these dates (and send your favorite picks to a friend!). SEE EVENTS
MORE PICKS
Favorite Holiday and Christmas Light Displays
A small, steam train engine covered in holiday lights shining at night
During the holiday season, the Raleigh area is aglow with light displays, tree lightings and other seasonal presentations. These are some of the best happenings and places for Christmas and other holiday pageantry! SEE LIST
The Coziest Coffee Shops in the Raleigh Area
A person pouring a flower-shaped design into a latte
Coffee shops in the Raleigh area each come with their own vibe and flair (and everyone has their favorite). We've rounded up some the top picks to get your caffeine and coziness fix this winter! READ MORE
Carolina Ballet presents The Nutcracker (Dec. 17-24)
A scene in The Nutcracker with an army of mice fighting an army of toy soldiers in front of a Christmas tree
One of the can't-miss performing arts events of the year, Carolina Ballet's iconic production of The Nutcracker brings grace, grandeur and illusions to the stage in downtown Raleigh. GET TICKETS
Now Open: Miracle® at The Haymaker
Festive drinks in festive glasses, ranging from Santa pants and boots to a T-Rex with a Santa hat
Now an annual favorite at one of downtown Raleigh's coolest cocktail bars, Miracle® is an over-the-top, festive pop-up bar with holiday fun and limited-time cocktails to enjoy (plus visits from Santa and other special events). SEE DETAILS
The Connells, a Raleigh Rock Institution, Release a New Album 20 Years in the Making
Photo of a six-person rock band sitting in front of a cement wall
A long-awaited new album from one of Raleigh's longest-standing rock bands is out now, just ahead of a Dec. 17 show at Raleigh's Lincoln Theatre. READ MORE
Soccer players on the pitch with a big crowd in the stands on a sunny day
NCAA Men's College Cup (Dec. 10 and 12)

Four teams, one ultimate prize—the final four NCAA men's soccer teams will battle it out on the pitch at Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary to crown a champion in one of the year's biggest sports events held in the Raleigh area! GET DETAILS
An inset photo of Santa over the downtown Raleigh skyline
"Santa With a View" at The Willard Rooftop Lounge, Dec. 12

Festive photos with Santa with a backdrop of the downtown Raleigh skyline! Join The Willard on Dec. 12 for a night of photos and fun drinks. (Note: No photography provided, but picture-taking is free—get your phone and cameras ready!) GET DETAILS
Fly Confident. Fly RDU.
Fly Confident at RDU International Airport

RDU International Airport has been hard at work maintaining safety measures around the terminals. On your next visit, look for distancing signage, hand-sanitizing stations and much more. READ MORE

Mask Requirements in Effect: Most of Raleigh Area
Face masks are required indoors within Raleigh city limits as well as Garner, Knightdale, Morrisville, Rolesville and Zebulon town limits, regardless of vaccination status. Masks are also required in unincorporated areas of Wake County. READ MORE
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Featured Photos 
A holiday tree in front of a neon Raleigh sign in a train stationA grand entrance to the Chinese Lantern Festival with hundreds of small lanterns hanging and forming a tunnel A couple walking in front of a holiday tree with a large hotel in the backgroundA photo taken above several buildings in the downtown Raleigh skyline



Pictured (clockwise from top left)
Raleigh Union Station • @andrettibrown
North Hills • @renraleigh
Downtown Raleigh • @thisisraleigh
North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival-Cary • @experience_raleigh

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