To help you get the most out of this most wonderful time of the year, we’ve compiled our winter bucket list, complete with 16 seasonal events + activities around the Triangle that the whole family can enjoy. ☃️

Food + drink ☕

Holiday Cookie Decorating | Sat., Dec. 18 | 1 p.m. | Sur la table | $79 | Master techniques for turning royal icing + sugar cookies into edible art.
Brunch with Santa | Tues., Dec. 21 | 12:30 p.m. | The Carolina Inn, 211 Pittsboro St., Chapel Hill | $65 | Enjoy a festive meal with Santa to usher in the holiday season.
Christmas Eve Cookie Exchange | Fri., Dec. 24 | 12-8 p.m. | The Glass Jug Beer Lab, 545 Foster St., Durham | Free | Bring your favorite holiday cookies + swap them out for other cookies from neighbors in the local community.
Sheila Casalett’s Christmas Eve by the Fire | Fri., Dec., 24 | 6-9 p.m. | Catalan Tapas Bar, 4214 NW Cary Parkway, Cary | Free | Enjoy a relaxed tapas dining experience with music by Sheila Casalett.

Seasonal activities ❄️

Christmas Trivia | Mon., Dec. 20 | 7 p.m. | Tobacco Wood Brewing Company, 2500 Meridian Pkwy, Durham | Free | Join the first female, veteran-owned brewery in NC for some Christmas trivia.
Casita’s Night of Reindeer Games | Wed., Dec. 22 | 6-9 p.m. | Casita Brewing Co., 217 S. St. S., Wilson | Free | Bring the whole family to participate in holiday-inspired games.
Murray & Peter Present: A Drag Queen Christmas | Thurs., Dec. 23 | 8 p.m. | The Carolina Theatre, 309 W. Morgan St., Durham | $50+ | Watch your favorite queens perform on stage for this night of fun with holiday classics. ✨
Christmas Eve Day Historic Oakwood Neighborhood Walking Tour | Fri., Dec. 24 | 2-3:30 p.m. | 222 N. Person St. | Free | Learn about the historic Oakwood neighborhood + its architectural styles on this Christmas Eve tour.
Christmas Karaoke | Sat., Dec. 25 | 9 p.m.- 1 a.m. | Good Times Arcade + Tavern, 74 Son Lan Pkwy #108, Garner | Free | Celebrate the holiday with some brews + Christmas Karaoke. 🎤
Magic Of Lights | Mon., Dec. 27 | 5 p.m. | Coastal Credit Union Music Park, 3801 Rock Quarry Rd. | $25 | Visit this drive-through holiday light experience to celebrate the season.
The Rink by UNC Health | Wed., Dec. 29 | 3 p.m. | Red Hat Amphitheater | $10+ | Enjoy skating in the winter weather at The Rink by UNC Health. ⛸️
27th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration | Thurs., Dec. 30 | 12 p.m. | Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Ave., Cary | Free | Join the cultural celebration that honors African-American people + their heritage.
Drive Thru Festival of Lights | Now-Sun., Jan. 2 | 5:30-10 p.m. | Hill Ridge Farms, 703 Tarboro Rd, Youngsville | $20+ | Immerse yourself through the mile-long trail of magical Christmas lights and displays from the warmth of your car.

Arts + crafts 🧶

Holiday Paint Night at Brier Creek | Tues., Dec. 21 | 6 p.m. | Brier Creek Park, 10810 Globe Rd. | Free | Bring your own non-alcoholic beverage + snack as you follow a step-by-step process to paint your own masterpiece. 🎨
Pinot’s Palette: Lady in Winter | Mon., Dec. 27 | 7-9 p.m. | Pinot’s Palette, 10410 Moncreiffe Rd. #101 | $35 | Learn to paint an elegant lady in the snow with step-by-step instructions. 🎨
A Christmas Story - The Musical | Tues., Dec. 28 | 7:30 p.m. | Durham Performing Arts Center | $15+ | See the classic 1983 movie come to life on stage as Ralphie Parker schemes his way toward the holiday gift of his dreams.

Holiday shopping 🎁

14th Annual Christmas Tree + Wreath Auction | Mon., Dec. 20 | 5-8 p.m. | Halle Cultural Arts Center, 237 N. Salem St., Apex | Free | Don’t miss the last day of this whimsical wonderland + bid on your favorite tree and wreath display. 🎄