SANTA SIGHTINGS. Take a photo with Santa on the rooftop at The Willard at The AC Hotel Raleigh Downtown on Sunday, December 11, 1-4 p.m. Enjoy a cup of coffee or cocoa, or even an adult beverage from the bar, while capturing a picture with St. Nick in front of the downtown Raleigh skyline. The event is free, but bring your own phone or camera to take photos.
The Glass Jug Beer Lab – RTP hosts a visit with Santa on Saturday, December 3, noon–5 p.m. Tickets include two beverages (alcoholic or nonalcoholic) and a DIY tree ornament. The event includes live holiday music and food trucks, as well as free face painting and balloon animals for kids. Tickets are available online.
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS. Holiday lights are shining! Take in some festive decorations with Wake County’s Best Christmas Light Tours. The South and West Raleigh tour features 26 stops, while the North and East Raleigh event includes 31 destinations. Download the Built Story app to access the tours, which cost $10 each.
ON ICE. THE RINK opened over the weekend in the heart of downtown Raleigh at Red Hat Amphitheater. Presented by UNC Health, THE RINK will operate through January 1 and features a natural ice rink with stunning views of the Raleigh skyline. Hours vary and tickets range from $8.50–$11/person. See available time slots and order tickets here.
ON THE RISE. Raleigh native and country singer Kaylin Roberson is starring in a new musical revue called, “She Believed She Could,” which opened recently in downtown Nashville. Roberson is part of an all-female cast of up-and-coming singer-songwriters who share their journeys and perform some of country’s biggest hits along with their own original songs. Roberson has opened concerts for country stars Chris Janson and Jon Pardi.
Country singer/songwriter Paige King Johnson, who hails from Harnett County, will play several dates in the Triangle and across North Carolina in December. The Nashville-based singer is nominated for three 2022 Carolina Country Music Awards.
MAGNET SCHOOLS. The Wake County Public School system will host the WCPSS Magnet Elementary Mini Fair at Conn Magnet Elementary School, located at 1220 Brookside Drive in Raleigh, on Tuesday, November 29, 9:30-11 a.m. Prospective students and parents are invited to explore Wake County magnet elementary program options, visit with school representatives and learn about the application process.
DINING NEWS. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is offering customers a $10 bonus on every $30 e-gift card purchased on Monday, November 28. Purchases can be made at restaurant locations, at dickeys.com or in the Dickey’s app. In addition to Cyber Monday, Dickey’s and The Dickey Foundation will be celebrating Giving Tuesday on November 29 by giving guests the opportunity to give back to first responders through a $1 donation to The Dickey Foundation at the end of their transaction—both in store and online.
Pollo Campero, a fast-casual chicken franchise, opened a location in Raleigh at 8300 Litchford Road on Thursday, October 27. The restaurant chain has more than 80 locations across the U.S. Popular dishes include Campero Fried and Citrus Grilled chicken. Photo by Brent Clark Photography
LET THE GAMES BEGIN. Registration for the BODYARMOR State Games begins in December for winter events. The multisport festival features more than 12,000 athletes and 600 teams competing in 30 sports each year. Winter events in the Triangle include ice hockey, figure skating and pickleball.
SHELTER NEWS. On Giving Tuesday, November 29, SAFE Haven for Cats, located at 8431-137 Garvey Drive in Raleigh, will triple-match your donation. The organization will also host an open house on Sunday, December 4 from 2–4:30 p.m. Families are encouraged to visit the kitties in the shelter.
ART NEWS. The United Arts Council is offering an Internship for Diverse and Emerging Arts Leaders (IDEAL) for undergraduate students from backgrounds underrepresented in arts leadership. Interns are placed with host arts organizations in Wake County and paired with local mentors to guide their personal and professional growth throughout the summer. Arts and culture organizations can learn more at the virtual Arts Hosts Information Session on Thursday, December 1 at 11 a.m.
HISTORY LESSON. Historic Oak View County Park is hosting a new traveling exhibit featuring the stories of the black craftsmen who constructed and designed many of North Carolina’s most treasured sites and buildings, including several in Wake County. The free exhibit, “We Built This: Profiles of Black Architects and Builders in North Carolina,” runs through Monday, March 27.
35 YEARS AND COUNTING. Soroptimist International of Raleigh is celebrating its 35th anniversary. Since its founding in November 1987, the organization has collaborated with other women’s organizations, governmental agencies and educators to empower women and girls by supporting access to education and training. Since 1990, the club has distributed more than $95,000 in grants and awards to local women.
