🌳 A Frosty Run, More Christmas Parades, and Holiday Giving Week

Good morning, W.Y.R. neighbors!

We hope you all survived the snow days! This week, we’ve got the Frosty Run hitting Downtown Wake Forest, more chances to catch a Christmas parade if you missed the first round, and meaningful community moments like Rolesville’s Holiday Food Drive and Giveaway.

In today’s edition of The WYRe:

Let's get to it.

— Dave & Egle

Saturday, Dec 13th at 8 AM | East Owen Ave. next to Fidelity Bank | Wake Forest | Race fees vary
Event Link »

Wake Forest’s beloved chilly morning tradition returns with both 10K and 5K race options winding through downtown. Expect festive runners, chip timing, and plenty of small-town cheer along the course. Proceeds support local causes, and the whole morning has that perfect “holiday hustle” energy before the rest of the day even begins. Bundle up, bring your coffee, and cheer from the sidewalks — or lace up and join in.

If you’ll be out and about Saturday morning, plan for a few extra minutes. Several downtown streets will be fully or partially closed around race time. The closures keep runners safe but can slow traffic near East Owen Ave., Brooks Street, and surrounding blocks.

Saturday, Dec 13th at 10 AM | Knightdale
Details »

A bright, joyful parade with floats, marching bands, dancers, local groups, and Santa himself rolling through Knightdale. It’s a classic small-town Christmas celebration, perfect for families who still want their parade moment this season.

Sunday, Dec 14th at 3 PM | Downtown Zebulon
Applications & info:

Zebulon brings out the holiday spirit with a traditional hometown parade featuring community groups, marching bands, festive floats, and plenty of local pride. This year’s event is in partnership with the Greater Raleigh Merchants Association, giving it an even bigger feel. Arrive early for parking and the best views — this one draws a crowd.

Donations accepted through Dec 15th
Full Details »

The Northern Community Food Security Team is collecting holiday meal essentials for local families in need. Donations can be purchased locally and dropped off pre-bagged at one of the designated locations in Rolesville. Every bag makes a real difference heading into the holidays.

Food items needed:

Drop-off locations:

Wednesday, Dec 17th | 11 AM – 1 PM (or until supplies last)
203 E Young St., Rolesville | Drive-Thru Pickup | Free

A major distribution event supporting local families this holiday season. The Northern Community Food Security Team will be giving out free holiday meal kits on a first-come, first-served basis. One per car, drive-thru style, and no registration required. If you or someone you know could use holiday meal support, this is a warm, judgment-free resource.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve
📍 Lenovo Center | Raleigh | 7 PM | 🎟️

A dazzling rock opera performance of Christmas classics, perfect for fans of holiday music with a spectacular light show.

Northern Wake Senior Center Acoustic Music Jam
📍 Northern Wake Senior Center | Wake Forest | 2 PM | Free

An open-mic style jam session for all ages and skill levels to play or enjoy traditional, folk, bluegrass, country, rock, and pop music.

Carolina Ballet: The Nutcracker Tickets
📍 Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts | Wake Forest area | 7 PM | 🎟️

Experience the classic holiday ballet with Carolina Ballet's "The Nutcracker," perfect for families and anyone seeking festive entertainment.

Winebrary Scaries December Meeting- ‘You Better Watch Out’
📍 The Winebrary | Rolesville | 7:15 PM | Free

Join fellow horror fans for a discussion of "You Better Watch Out" by James S. Murray and Darren N. Wearmouth.

Ugly Sweater Bingo Night
📍 Charron's Deli & Cafe | Youngsville | 5:30 - 7:30 PM | 🎟️

Holiday bingo night in Youngsville that encourages everyone to wear their best (or worst) ugly Christmas sweater, with cards and prizes for a small entry fee.

Canes Watch Party
📍 Carolina Ale House | Wake Forest | 7 PM | Free

Cheer on the Carolina Hurricanes with fellow fans as they play an away game, ideal for local hockey enthusiasts.

Open Play Basketball (35+) | Joyner Park CC | 6:15-7:45 AM

Open Play Pickleball | Joyner Park CC | 8-11:30 AM

Nature Stories | Prairie Ridge Ecostation | 10:30-11:30 AM

STEM Build (Lego) | Joyner Park CC | 12-5 PM

Homeschool Rec (basketball & volleyball) | Joyner Park CC | 12-2:30 PM

Incredible Science | NC Museum of Natural Sciences | 1:30 PM

Youth open play Basketball (17 and under) | Joyner Park CC | 3-5 PM

Crafts and Cocoa | Northeast Regional Library | 4:30-6 PM

Ornament Lettering Class | Zinchouse | 6:30-8 PM Tickets

Jr's Woodfired Pizza and Hammered Trivia
📍 Greenway Beer and Wine | Rolesville | 5 PM | Free

Enjoy delicious wood-fired pizza and compete in lively trivia, perfect for a fun night out with friends and family.

Celtic Angels Christmas
📍 Wake Forest Renaissance Centre | Wake Forest | 2 PM | 🎟️

Experience the magic of Christmas and Irish culture through enchanting vocals and world-class Irish dancing, perfect for families and fans of holiday spectacle.

Artist Exhibition: Wake Forest Boys and Girls Club Reception & Awards
📍 Wake Forest Boys and Girls Club | Wake Forest | 5 PM | 🎟️

A celebration of artistic talent from local youth, perfect for families and art enthusiasts looking to support young creators.

Shop The Lights on Friday Nights
📍 133 E Main St. | Youngsville | 6 PM | Free

An evening of holiday shopping with refreshments, ideal for finding unique gifts in a festive atmosphere.

Maker's Night: Alcohol Ink Ornaments
📍 The Makery WF | Wake Forest | 7 PM | 🎟️

Craft unique, stained-glass-look alcohol ink ornaments, perfect for holiday decorating or thoughtful gifting.

Beer & Carols
📍 Blackbird Brewery | Wake Forest | 6 PM | Free

Cozy Christmas sing-along with carols, craft beer, and a community vibe at one of Wake Forest’s favorite breweries, with families welcome and plenty of room to meet friends.

Joyful Collective Christmas Concert
📍 Binkley Chapel, SEBTS | Wake Forest | 7 – 8:30 PM | 🎟️

A full Christmas concert in a beautiful chapel setting, featuring modern and traditional worship music for a reflective but still very family-friendly night out.

Coffee Club – Sponsored by The Wake Forest Boys & Girls Club
📍 The Loading Dock | Wake Forest | 8 – 9 AM | Free

Monthly morning networking meetup with free coffee and snacks, good if you work from home and want to meet other local professionals before starting your day.

Open Play Pickleball | Joyner Park CC | 8 - 11:30 AM

Preschool Open Play (1-5yo) | Joyner Park Cc | 8 AM-4 PM

Storytime & Crafts | Joyner Park Cc | 10:15-11 AM Register

Story Time at the Museum | 10:30-11 AM

Open Play Basketball (18+) | Joyner Park CC | 12-1:30 PM

Incredible Science | NC Museum of Natural Sciences | 1:30 PM

Ginger Build & Hops | Marbles Kids Museum | 7 PM Tickets

Wreaths Across America
📍 Youngsville Town Cemetery | Youngsville | 11 AM | Free

Honor fallen veterans by taking part in a flag line ceremony, perfect for patriots and those wishing to show respect.

First Anniversary Party
📍Artisan Beer and Cheese | Rolesville | 3 PM | Free

Celebrate a business's first year with drink specials, a pig pickin', and good vibes, ideal for community members looking for a fun night out.

Classic Christmas Movie Watch Party
📍 Unwined on White | Wake Forest | 7-9 PM | Free

It’s a Christmas movie watch party with popcorn, cozy vibes, and plenty of holiday cheer (and wine). Come in your comfiest PJs!

Winter Artisan Market at The Hideout
📍 Lonerider At Wake Forest - Hideout and Distillery | Wake Forest | 12 PM | Free

Enjoy local artisan shopping and drinks in a family and dog-friendly atmosphere.

Burnt Barrel's Christmas Pajama Jam
📍 Location TBD | Youngsville | 12 PM | Free

Wear your favorite festive pajamas for a brewery tour and fun, perfect for those looking to enjoy holiday spirits without the stress of shopping.

Christmas with the Horses
📍 JAKS Stables | Rolesville | 12 PM | 🎟️

This festive stable event offers horse rides, Santa visits, games, and crafts, perfect for families and children celebrating the holidays.

Santa Visits Scoops!
📍 Scoops on Main | Youngsville | 1 PM | Free

A festive opportunity for kids to meet Santa, enjoy discounted ice cream, and get free professional photos.

Author Event: Kelly Starling Lyons
📍 Location TBD | Wake Forest | 3:30 PM | Free

Meet acclaimed children's author Kelly Starling Lyons as she discusses her new book, "Miles Lewis Top Chef," a perfect event for young readers interested in baking and STEM.

The Frosty Run 2025
📍 Downtown Wake Forest (East Owens Ave next to Fidelity Bank) | Wake Forest | 8 AM | 🎟️

A chilly 10K and 5K that winds through downtown Wake Forest with chip timing, festive vibes, and race fees that support local causes.

Gingerbead House Party | Wake Forest Community House | 10-11:30 AM Register

Drop In Hatha Yoga | Joyner Park CC | 10:30-11:30 AM

ABC Craft & Learn: Kindergarten Readiness Program | Youngsville Library | 10:30 AM

Incredible Science | NC Museum of Natural Sciences | 12:30 & 2 PM

STEAM Free Play | Youngsville Library | 2-3 PM

Gingerbread Jamboree | Marbles Kids Museum | 9:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 3:30 PM Tickets

Christmas Pajama Party | Real McCoys | 11 AM

🏀 NC State’s Men’s Basketball plays Kansas at home at 5:30 PM. Watch on ESPN

🏀 UNC Men’s Basketball plays USC Upstate at home at 2 PM. Watch on CW

Mahjong and Wine
📍 Unwined on White | Wake Forest | 3 PM | Free

An evening of relaxed open-play Mahjong and wine, ideal for players who already know the basics and enjoy good company.

The Nutcracker
📍 Rolesville High School | Rolesville, NC, United States | 3 PM | 🎟️

This classic holiday ballet, featuring local performers, is a magical experience perfect for families and audiences of all ages.

Christmas Parent's Night Out
📍 Village Church | Rolesville | 5:30 PM | Free (donations accepted for youth mission trip)

Enjoy a free evening out with childcare provided by local youth, offering festive activities and karaoke for kids while parents shop or date.

Raleigh Underground Market
📍 Midtown Park at North Hills | Raleigh | 11 AM - 3 PM | Free

Open-air pop-up with local makers, food vendors, and live music in North Hills, perfect for gift hunting with a coffee in hand.

#GatherGivesBack Toy Drive & Jeep Convoy
📍 Starts at The Factory | Wake Forest | 5 PM - 8 PM | Free, bring donations

Jeep convoy and toy drive rolling through Wake Forest neighborhoods to collect toys for local kids, with temporary intersection closures along the route.

Gingerbread Jamboree | Marbles Kids Museum | 9:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 3:30 PM Tickets

Santa Skate | Polar Ice, WF | 2-4 PM Tickets

The Nutcracker | Rolesville High School | 2 PM & 6 PM  Tickets at the door

🏒 Carolina Hurricanes vs Philadelphia Flyers at 5 PM

Meet & Greet with Santa. Kids Eat Free Night
📍Real McCoys | Wake Forest | 5:30 PM | Free

Meet Santa, take photos, and enjoy free kids' meals with adult entree purchases, perfect for families and young children.

Free Wake Forest Community Builders Event (December)
📍 Lowes Foods (Wake Forest Capital Blvd) | Wake Forest | 6 PM | Free

An informal gathering designed for anyone in Wake Forest looking to build genuine connections and foster community.

Sip & Swirl: Holiday Wine Glass Painting
📍The White Street Market & Candle Bar | Wake Forest | 4:30 – 6:30 PM | 🎟️

Paint festive holiday wine glasses while you sip and hang out in downtown Wake Forest at this small-group workshop.

Open Play Pickleball | Joyner Park CC | 6:15-9:30 AM

Preschool Open Play (1-5yo) | Joyner Park CC | 8 AM-4 PM

Open Play Basketball (18+) | Joyner Park CC | 12-1:30 PM

Drop In Zumba | Joyner Park CC | 6:30-7:30 PM

Bake the Season Bright
📍 Youngsville Branch Library | Youngsville | 11 AM - 12 PM | Free

A social cookie swap at the library where you can taste, trade, and chat with other bakers while the kids soak up the holiday vibes.

Jet Set with James Wine Tasting at Broadsides Wake Forest
📍 Broadsides | Wake Forest | 7 PM | Free

This event features a tasting journey through notable French wines, ideal for enthusiasts of sparkling and regional varietals.

Drop In Hatha Yoga | Joyner Park CC | 6-7 AM

Open Play Basketball (35+) | Joyner Park CC | 6:15-7:45AM

Open Play Pickleball | Joyner Park CC | 8-11:30AM

STEM Build (Lego) | Joyner Park CC | 12-4 PM

Homeschool Rec (basketball & volleyball) | Joyner Park CC | 12-2:30PM

Youth open play Basketball (17 and under) | Joyner Park CC | 3-5PM

🏀 Duke Men’s Basketball plays Lipscomb at 6PM at home. You can also watch the game on ACCN.

🏀 UNC Men’s Basketball plays ETSU at home at 8 PM. Watch on ACCN

Holiday Lights Open House & Supply Drive
📍 Saving Grace Animals for Adoption | Wake Forest | 5 PM - 7 PM | Free

Rescue pups, holiday lights, and a supply drive all rolled into one, so you can soak up the cozy farm setting and do a little good at the same time.

Holiday Food Giveaway
📍 Parking lot at 203 E Young St | Rolesville | 12 PM - 4 PM | Free

Drive-through holiday food distribution day for families who could use a little extra help, first come first served, organized by the Northern Community Food Security Team and the Town of Rolesville.

Open Play Pickleball | Joyner Park CC | 6:15-11:30 AM

Preschool Open Play (1-5yo) | Joyner Park CC | 8 AM-4 PM

Open Play Basketball (18+) | Joyner Park CC | 12-1:30 PM

The Art of Wine: A Tasting Experience  | Zinchouse | 7-8:30 PM Tickets

🏀 NC State’s Men’s Basketball plays TX Southern at home at 7 PM. 

_{This section’s not sponsored. We just think it’s stuff worth knowing. We’ll always tell you when something’s sponsored.}

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Forecast captured on the Wednesday before this newsletter edition. The weather around here changes fast, so double‑check closer to the day before finalizing plans.

One Block Over | Blackbird Brewery | 6-9 PM
Magic Pipers | The Cardinal Bar WF | 9 PM - 12 AM

John Piper | Artisan Beer and Cheese | 6-9 PM
Grace Lucia | Tonic Bar | 7-10 PM
Live Music | Wakefield Tavern | 7-10 PM
Crossroadz Band | Bud’s Tavern | 8-11 PM
Laure Nicole Band  | The Cardinal Bar WF | 9 PM - 12 AM
The Amazing Lounge Lizards | Real McCoys | 9 PM - 12 AM

The Jim Riche Project | Fortnight Brewing WF | 6-9 PM
Live Music Gatehouse Tavern | 7-10 PM
Jared Place | Tonic Bar | 7-10 PM
Live Music | Wakefield Tavern | 7-10 PM
Blenders | Bud’s Tavern | 8-11 PM
Police & Thieves  | The Cardinal Bar WF | 9 PM - 12
Band 454 & Christmas Pajama Party | Real McCoys | 9 PM - 12 AM

Kerry Long | Artisan Beer and Cheese | 1-4 PM
Tom Neuhauser | Blackbird Brewery | 3-6 PM
Busker Night | Tonic Bar | 6-9 PM

Thanks for reading today’s edition of The WYRe. If you found something useful, share it with someone who would love a warm holiday meal.

See you around town!
TheWYReNewsletter.com

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