The Holidays Are Here! Holiday Traditions and Fun Things To Do Around Town Part 2

The holiday season is upon us and there are so many great ways to celebrate and spend time with our family and friends! I hope you’ve had a chance to experience a few of the events that I mentioned in last weeks blog and that you all had a great Thanksgiving holiday!

Here’s some more holiday events sure to make even the grinchiest folks get in the holiday spirit!

November 21- December 31 North Carolina Symphony

The North Carolina symphony performs nearly 200 shows each year, with special performances each holiday season. Be sure to take in one or two this holiday! The Merry Elf! , Holiday Pops Spectacular on Nov. 23/24, Holiday Cirque Spectacular on Dec. 21/22, A Candlelight Christmas on Dec. 23, and New Year's Eve: Vienna With a Twist on Dec. 31.

Nov. 23-Dec. 23 Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical

Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts- This fun Broadway Series South production of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical is based on the beloved 1964 Christmas stop motion animated television special and brings all your favorite characters, Rudolph, the Abominable Snowman, Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf and more to life.

Dec. 8-9 The 47th Annual Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour

Historic Oakwood- This ticketed walking tour allows you to experience about a dozen private homes, beautifully decorated inside and out for the holidays. It is staffed with docents who tell of the rich history of this Century Victorian neighborhood from the mids 1800s to early 1900s. Tour the properties at your own pace in any order. The tours run from 1:00-7:00PM each day.

Dec. 8-9 11th Annual St. Nicholas European Christmas Market

NC State Fairgrounds- Shop for new and collectible gifts and decorative items from Ukraine, Poland, Germany, Czech/Slovakia, Scandinavia, and Ireland/British Isles. You'll find folk art, hand made ornaments, German cuckoo clocks, knit sweaters from Ireland, matroyshka dolls and so much more. Enjoy great food and drink along with Christmas caroling and dancers. Meet the real St. Nicholas while browsing vendors of fine European inspired goods and Christmas baked good specialties. Don't miss the Market! Free admission and lots of free parking.

Dec. 12 Trans-Siberian Orchestra

PNC Arena- TSO’s annual holiday extravaganza has made the group’s status as a must see holiday tradition. This year’s 20th anniversary tour, a presentation of TSO’s unforgettable “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve will include fantastic new effects, as well as amazing staging with an all new design. A portion of every ticket sold for this rock opera benefits select local charities

Dec. 14-23 The Nutcracker Ballet

Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts- The Carolina Ballet’s holiday classic is a can't-miss tradition for locals, visitors, families and friends. Featuring a live symphony orchestra, grand magical illusions, and beautiful sets & costumes, it’s a treat for sweets lovers of all ages! There are also three performances on Dec. 29 and 30 at DPAC in Durham.

Dec. 28 The 24th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration

 Cary Arts Center- The 24th annual Kwanzaa Celebration is a celebration for all people, focusing on family and friends. This year's theme is "Working to Build A Kind and Just World" and will feature a performance by percussionist Bradley Simmons followed by a fashion show under the direction of Phylicia Nicole Barker, plus performances by Collage Dance Company, vocalist Shannon Grier and more.

Dec. 31 First Night Raleigh

Downtown Raleigh-The 29th Annual WRAL First Night Raleigh is the place to be to celebrate into 2019! With performances in dozens of venues around downtown, First Night Raleigh is the way to ring in the New Year! Activities begin at 2PM for a whole day of family fun. The Early Countdown happens at 7pm with the first acorn drop. Then ride the First Night Ferris Wheel, take in some live music and other entertainment, visit vendors and sample good eats. Just make sure you’re in City Plaza in time for the Countdown to Midnight and the famous Raleigh Acorn Drop and fireworks!

Happy Holidays Y’all!

#holidayevents #Raleigh #firstnightraleigh #acorndrop #nutcracker #NCsymphony #kwanzaa #TSO #historicoakwood