Good morning, W.Y.R. neighbors!
The Christmas holiday celebrations are in full swing with tree lightings, parades, and other holiday-themed activities. Plenty of Santa sightings to be had, and we are so excited to experience it, so without further ado…
In today’s edition of The WYRe:
Lighting of Wake Forest
Youngsville Christmas parade
Rolesville Christmas parade and tree lighting
Jurassic Park comes to Raleigh
It might snow this week!
Let's get to it.
— Dave & Egle
THE DIGEST
Illuminate Art Walk | Raleigh | 5 - 11 PM Nightly until Jan 6
THE RINK at Red Hat Amphitheater – Downtown Raleigh
Multiple skate times throughout the day & evening | 500 S. McDowell St. | $15 skaters (includes skates); $6 spectators
Outdoor ice skating with skyline views, fire pits, and a towering holiday tree. This one feels more “big city winter moment” than small-town rink. A great add-on to dinner downtown or a Black Friday preview stroll.
Holiday Food Drive Underway
The Town of Rolesville Holiday Food Drive is underway right now. The donations are being accepted until December 15, 2025.
Items needed include:
1 box of stuffing
1 box of mashed potatoes
1 large can of yams
2 cans of green beans
1 can of cream of mushroom soup
1 box of fried onions
Drop-off locations include Town Hall, The Downtown Rolesville Farmer's Market, and ARISE Coworking Community.
Donated items will be handed out at our Holiday Food Giveaway on December 17, 2025.
Thursday, Dec 4th
Family friendly
🎄 Franklinton Christmas Parade | 📍 Downtown Franklinton | 7 PM | Free
Grab hot chocolate and line Main Street for a classic small-town Christmas parade just 10 minutes up the road from Youngsville.
Get out and move
🚴 Beaver Dam Night Ride | 📍 Beaver Dam Recreation Area | Wake Forest | 5:30 – 7:30 PM | Free
Triangle Off Road Cyclists hosts an evening ride at Beaver Dam, so you can hit the trails with lights and get a midweek winter workout in.
Night out
🧠 The Gnome Knows Trivia | 📍 Norse Brewing Company | Wake Forest | 6:30 – 8:30 PM | Free
Four rounds of themed trivia at Norse, perfect for a parents’ night out with friends and good beer.
🐴 Wreaths, Wine, & Equine at HuckleBug Farm | 📍 HuckleBug Farm | Wake Forest | 6:30 PM | 🎟️
Design a festive wreath while sipping wine in a charming barn, perfect for creatives and horse lovers looking for a unique holiday experience.
🏒 Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Carolina Hurricanes | 📍 PNC Arena | Raleigh | 7 PM | 🎟️
Big NHL matchup in Raleigh if you want a louder, high-energy night out and don’t mind the drive and ticket prices.
Community notes
🌱 Sustainability Plan Open House | 📍 Wake Forest Center for Active Aging | Wake Forest | 11 AM – 1 PM and 6 – 8 PM | Free
Drop in to learn how Wake Forest is planning for long-term sustainability, ask questions, and share your thoughts with town staff and consultants.
🎁 RSG Construction Collaborative “Charity & Cheer” Holiday Open House | 📍 RSG Construction Collaborative | Wake Forest | 4 – 7 PM | Free
Holiday open house benefiting Toys for Tots, mixing snacks, drinks, and networking with a chance to drop off a toy for local kids.
🛒 NCFST / Ripe for Revival Mobile Market | 📍 Across from Northern Regional Center | Wake Forest | 3 – 4:30 PM | 💵 pay-what-you-can
A mobile grocery bus stocked with fresh produce, meat, and dairy on a pay-what-you-can model, making it easy to pick up good food while supporting food security in town.
Friday, Dec 5th
Tree lightings
The Tree Lighting of Wake Forest is still on for now, but there is a weather watch in effect. Keep up to date here: https://www.wakeforestnc.gov/alert/lighting-wake-forest-weather-watch
🎄 Lighting of Wake Forest | 📍 Centennial Plaza at Wake Forest Town Hall | Wake Forest | 5 - 8 PM | Free
Downtown Wake Forest turns into a cozy holiday street party with a 30-foot tree lighting, school performances, food trucks, kids’ crafts, and a big entrance from Santa.
Family friendly
🌟 Walk Through Bethlehem | 📍 Wake Forest Presbyterian Church | Wake Forest | 6 - 8 PM | Free
The church grounds become a walk-through nativity village with costumed townspeople, animals, cocoa, and a full Bethlehem storyline that feels like a live Christmas card.
🎅 Christmas photos with Santa 🎅 | 📍 Medlin Farm | Wake Forest | 3:30 PM | 🎟️
A festive opportunity to take your own holiday photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, perfect for families looking for a cheerful outing with crafts and complimentary treats.
🚗 Piper Lights Drive-Thru Display | 📍 Piper Lights | Wake Forest | 5:30 - 10 PM | Free
Seven acres of Christmas lights you can enjoy from the car, with classic small-town charm and donation-based admission.
Close by
🧝♂️ Evening with Elves at Marbles Kids Museum | 📍 Marbles Kids Museum | Downtown Raleigh | 6 - 8:30 PM | 🎟️
Kids get after-hours playtime at the museum with holiday crafts, cookie decorating, and plenty of elf energy in a very walkable downtown spot.
🏛️ Jurassic Quest - Raleigh, NC | 📍 N.C. State Fair | Raleigh, NC | Fri, Dec 5 - Dec 7 | 🎟️
This three-day immersive dinosaur experience, featuring life-size animatronics and interactive exhibits, is perfect for families and dinosaur enthusiasts of all ages.
Community notes
🚧 Downtown Wake Forest road closures for Lighting of Wake Forest | 2 - 9:30 PM | Wake Forest
The town notes closures and restricted access around Centennial Plaza, South Brooks Street, and East Owen Avenue during the Lighting of Wake Forest, so plan extra time for parking or rideshares if you head downtown.
Saturday, Dec 6th
Family friendly
🎁 Wake Forest Holiday Artisans Market | 📍 Wake Forest Town Hall Plaza | Wake Forest | 10 AM – 4 PM | Free
Dozens of local makers line the plaza with handmade gifts, decor, and art so you can find something nicer than another Amazon box under the tree.
🎄 Kids Club: Paint a Candy Cane Snowman | 📍 The Makery | Wake Forest | Sat, Dec 6 at 10 AM EST | 🎟️
A relaxed painting workshop where kids can create a festive snowman canvas, perfect for young artists of all skill levels.
🎄 Fa La La Festival with Thrive Motherhood | 📍 Lafayette Village | North Raleigh | 1 PM – 5 PM | Free
North Raleigh moms take over Lafayette Village with kids’ crafts, princess and Santa visits, hot cocoa, and a solid lineup of family-friendly holiday activities.
🕹️ Raleigh Retro Gamers Triangle Town Holiday Market | 📍 Triangle Town Center | North Raleigh | 12 PM – 5 PM | Free
If your crew is into games, Pokémon, or collectibles, this family-friendly market at Triangle Town Center is packed with retro consoles, cards, and nerdy gift ideas.
Christmas parade & tree lighting
🎄 Youngsville Christmas Parade | 📍 Main Street | Youngsville | 10 AM | Free
Classic Christmas parade with floats, marching groups, and Santa rolling right down Main Street. Just watch out for the flying candy!
🎄 Cobblestone Village Tree Lighting & Ribbon Cutting | 📍 Cobblestone Village | Rolesville | 4 PM – 6 PM | Free
Rolesville’s new village center throws a combined ribbon cutting and tree lighting with music, treats, and Santa!
🎨 Rolesville Xmas Tree Lighting @ Artisan | 📍 Artisan Beer and Cheese | Rolesville | 6 PM | Free
Hosted by Artisan Beer and Cheese - enjoy some Christmas-themed live music from NC’s own Chick and Danger during the Cobblestone Village Tree Lighting, and stop in for a sip and a snack.
Community notes
🚮 Rolesville Litter Sweep | 📍 Rolesville Community Center / local streets | Rolesville | 9 AM | Free
Join neighbors to pick up litter around town, then grab coffee or brunch after.
Sunday, Dec 7th
Family friendly
🎅 Rolesville Christmas Parade | 📍 Town of Rolesville | 2 PM | Free
Enjoy a festive parade down S Main Street featuring floats, candy, and Santa. A great time for families looking for holiday cheer.
🎅 Rolesville Christmas Parade Kid-Friendly After Party! | 📍 Home Yoga Studio & The Winebrary | Rolesville | 3 PM | Free
Enjoy free hot cocoa and crafts, plus adult beverages and exclusive yoga deals, at this family-friendly after-party for the Rolesville Christmas Parade.
🐾 Paws & Claus Pet Photos at Camp Bow Wow | 📍 Camp Bow Wow at The Factory | Wake Forest | 11 AM - 2 PM | Free, donation suggested
Bring the family pup for photos with Santa, grab a treat, and optionally support Bow Wow Buddies with a $20 donation.
🧑🎄 Children’s Community Christmas Shop | 📍 Wake Forest United Methodist Church Family Life Center | Wake Forest | 3 PM - 5 PM | Free to attend, $1 gifts
Kids get their own little “store,” shopping with youth elves for $1 gifts, making crafts, and wrapping presents while parents hang back.
🎭 ELF: The Musical Jr. | 📍 Wake Forest Renaissance Centre | Wake Forest | 4 PM & 6 PM | 🎟️
Buddy the Elf hits the local stage in a kid-friendly musical that’s big on Christmas spirit, laughs, and quotable lines.
🎶 Crazy, Busy, Peaceful, Holy Night – Neuse Baptist Kids Christmas Musical | 📍 Neuse Baptist Church | Wake Forest | 6 PM | Free
A children’s Christmas musical that leans into the chaos of the season and gently points everyone back toward a calmer, meaningful night.
⭐ Walk Through Bethlehem | 📍 Wake Forest Presbyterian Church | Wake Forest | 5 PM - 7 PM | Free
Stroll through a live-action Bethlehem with costumed characters, animals, and nativity scenes that feel like a Christmas card come to life.
Holiday markets
🧣 Jul Jubilee | Norse Winter Market | 📍 Norse Brewing Company | Wake Forest | 12 PM - 4 PM | Free entry
Norse turns into a Scandinavian-style winter market with local vendors, crafts, fairy hair, and food and drink specials that make it a fun afternoon hang.
🛍️ LILYMAES HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE | 📍 Lily Maes | Wake Forest | 11 AM - 5 PM | 🎟️ shopping event, $20 ticket for perks
Ticket holders who spend $75 get a goodie bag and raffle perks, while all shoppers can browse holiday finds, enjoy snacks, and help support a toy drive for military families.
Night out
🕵️ Whodunit Mystery Dinner – Holiday Charity Edition | 📍 Norse Brewing Company | Wake Forest | 6 PM | 🎟️ / donation
An interactive mystery night where your ticket helps buy Toys for Tots, you mingle with in-character suspects, and you can order whatever food and drinks you want during the game.
🏒 San Jose Sharks vs. Carolina Hurricanes | 📍 Lenovo Center (PNC Arena) | Raleigh | 5 PM | 🎟️
Sunday night NHL hockey with the Canes hosting the Sharks.
Monday, Dec 8th
🎅 Rolesville Tree Lighting | 📍 Redford Place Park | Rolesville | 5 PM | Free
Experience festive magic with a tree lighting, carols, Santa photos, and snow, perfect for families and children of all ages.
🎨 Pint & Paint | Winter Barn | 📍 Location TBD | Wake Forest | 6 PM | 🎟️
Unleash your inner artist by painting a wintry barn scene, ideal for anyone looking for a relaxing and creative evening.
🍺 BINGO at Artisan Beer and Cheese | 📍 Artisan Beer and Cheese | Rolesville | 6 PM | Free
Enjoy a lively evening of bingo at a local brewery, perfect for those who love craft beer, cheese, and friendly competition.
🍔 Monday Night Team Trivia with Tab | 📍 Burnt Barrel | Youngsville | 6:30 | Free
Team trivia featuring rotating food trucks is ideal for groups of friends looking for a fun and competitive night out.
🍺 Trivia Night at Fortnight Wake Forest | 📍 Fortnight Brewing Company | Wake Forest | 7 PM | Free
Two rounds of themed and general knowledge trivia, perfect for friends who love a competitive and fun night out with prizes.
If you’re enjoying this content, consider supporting this newsletter by fueling us with a cup of coffee.
🥙 LOCAL BITES - KIDS EAT FREE
Thursday I Heart Mac and Cheese Pat Murnane’s Irish Pub Nantucket Grill and Cafe Durham I Heart Mac and Cheese I Heart Mac and Cheese I Heart Mac and Cheese |
📅 WHAT’S HAPPENING
Thursday
Open Play Basketball (35+) | Joyner Park CC | 6:15-7:45 AM
Open Play Pickleball | Joyner Park CC | 8-11:30 AM
North Pole Playdate and Photos with Santa | The Bunny & Hive, Raleigh | 10-11 AM
Imagination Playground | The Moor Square, Raleigh | 10 AM - 5 PM
Eager Explorers: Fun with Sticks | Annie Wilkerson Nature Preserve | 10:30 AM - 12 PM
Homeschool Rec (basketball & volleyball) | Joyner Park CC | 12-2:30 PM
Gingerbread Jubilee | Northeast Regional Library | 9-11AM
Incredible Science | NC Museum of Natural Sciences | 1:30 PM
Youth open play Basketball (17 and under) | Joyner Park CC | 3-5 PM
Twightlight SNowflake Paint & Class | Zinchouse | 6-8 PM Register
Charcuterie Night and Cornhole | Bud’s Tavern | 7 PM
Friday
Open Play Pickleball | Joyner Park CC | 6:15-11:30 AM
Imagination Playground | The Moor Square, Raleigh | 10 AM - 5 PM
Open Play Basketball (35+) | Joyner Park CC | 12-1:30 PM
Incredible Science | NC Museum of Natural Sciences | 1:30 PM
Photos with Santa | Medlin Farms | 3:30 - 8:30 PM
Winter Wonderland | Wendell | 5-9 PM with the Tree lighting scheduled to be at 6 PM
Evening with Elves | Marbles Kids Museum | 6-8:30 PM Tickets
Lighting of Wake Forest | Town Hall Square | 5 PM
Illuminate Art Walk | Raleigh | 5 - 11 PM Nightly until Jan 6
Saturday
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 | 2 PM & 3 PM
STEAM Free Play | Youngsville Library | 2-3 PM
Christmas Parade | Main St., Youngsville | 10 AM
The Town of Youngsville’s longest-running Christmas Parade is happening on December 6, 2025! That’s right—this is the longest-running Christmas parade in all of North Carolina. Grab your spot along Main Street and be part of this cherished holiday tradition!
Litter Sweep | Rolesville Community Center | 9 AM Volunteer registration here
Wake Forest Woman’s Club Holiday Tea Fundraiser
Paint Ceramic Christmas Tree | The Makery | 7-9 PM
🏀Duke Men’s Basketball plays Michigan State at 12 PM
Sunday
Skate With Grinch | Polar Ice, WF | 2-4 PM Tickets
Monday
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
STEM for Teens | Northeast Regional Library | 5-6:30 PM
Drop In Zumba | Joyner Park CC | 6:30-7:30 PM
Wing Night and Darts | Bud’s Tavern | 7 PM
Tuesday
Open Play Basketball (35+) | Joyner Park CC | 6:15-7:45 AM
Open Play Pickleball | Joyner Park CC | 8-11:30 AM
Eager Explorers: Going on a Bear Hunt | Annie Wilkerson Nature Preserve | 10:30 AM - 12 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
Jingle Jam | Youngsville library | 4 PM
Nailed It! Cookie Houses (teens) | Youngsville library | 4 PM
Craft It: Painted Wood Ornaments (all ages) | Northeast Regional Library | 11 AM-4 PM
Taco Tuesday & Music Video Bingo | Bud’s Tavern | 7 PM
Karaoke Night | Real McCoy’s | 8-11 PM
Wednesday
Open Play Basketball (35+) | Joyner Park CC | 6:15-7:45 AM
Open Play Pickleball | Joyner Park CC | 8-11:30 AM
Eager Explorers: Going on a Bear Hunt | Annie Wilkerson Nature Preserve | 10:30 AM - 12 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
Jingle Jam | Youngsville library | 4 PM
Nailed It! Cookie Houses (teens) | Youngsville library | 4 PM
Craft It: Painted Wood Ornaments (all ages) | Northeast Regional Library | 11 AM-4 PM
Taco Tuesday & Music Video Bingo | Bud’s Tavern | 7 PM
Karaoke Night | Real McCoy’s | 8-11 PM
This section’s not sponsored. We just think it’s stuff worth knowing. We’ll always tell you when something’s sponsored.
🌤️ WEATHER
Thursday
52 🌡️ 30 | ☁️
Friday
37 🌡️ 31 | 🌨️
Saturday
47 🌡️ 30 | ☁️
Sunday
48 🌡️ 32 | 🌤️
Monday
40 🌡️ 22 | 🌤️
Tuesday
41 🌡️ 23 | 🌤️
Wednesday
49 🌡️ 28 | 🌤️
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.
🎶 LIVE MUSIC
Thursday
Elora Dash | Broadsides Piano Bar | 5-8 PM
Mysti Mayhem | Greenway Beer and Wine - Rolesville | 5-8 PM
Multiples | Blackbird Brewery | 6-9 PM
John Howie Jr. & The Rosewood Bluff with Kelsey Rae Copeland | The Wake Forest Listening Room | 7:15 PM $
The Phoebes | The Cardinal Bar WF | 9 PM - 12 AM
Friday
Rod Abernethy | The Wake Forest Listening Room | 6:45 PM $
Live Music | Wakefield Tavern | 7-10 PM
Laurel Nicole | Tonic Bar | 7-10 PM
Crossroadz Band | Bud’s Tavern | 8-11 PM
Jane & Tonic | The Cardinal Bar WF | 9 PM - 12 AM
Saturday
Maverick Rose | Fortnight Brewing WF | 6-9 PM
JT Parrothead | Blackbird Brewery | 6-9 PM
Live Music Gatehouse Tavern | 7-10 PM
Live Music | Wakefield Tavern | 7-10 PM
Kevin Lee | Tonic Bar | 7-10 PM
Wake Moody | Broadsides Piano Bar | 7-11 PM
Electric Carnival | Bud’s Tavern | 8-11 PM
The Cheeze Factor | The Cardinal Bar WF | 9 PM - 12 AM
Sunday
Jimmy Devee | Bud’s Tavern | 1-4 PM
Don’t Fret | Artisan Beer and Cheese | 3 PM
Busker Night | Tonic Bar | 6-9 PM
THANKS
Thanks for reading today’s edition of The WYRe. If you found something useful, share it with someone whose house now looks like a mini-Amazon warehouse after Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
See you around town!
TheWYReNewsletter.com
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