🌳 Thanksgiving Runs, Holiday Lights, and Small Business Weekend

Good morning, W.Y.R. neighbors, and Happy Thanksgiving!

Before the turkey goes in the oven and the kids ask for their 47th snack of the day, here’s your holiday-weekend edition of The WYRe.

Thanksgiving in our corner of the Triangle always feels a little magical. The mornings are crisp, the lights are starting to glow, and downtown is already buzzing with small-town charm. Whether you lace up for Gobbler’s Run, take a quiet moment at a Thanksgiving service, hit a holiday market, or gear up for the most shop local weekend of the year, there’s truly something for everyone.

In today’s edition of The WYRe:

Let's get to it.

— Dave & Egle

8 AM race start (day-of registration 6:45–8 AM) | Wake Forest Boys & Girls Club, 325 S. Wingate St. | Kids 5 & under free; $15–$50 depending on age & registration date

Wake Forest’s beloved Thanksgiving morning run draws thousands of locals for a feel-good, small-town morning. Expect strollers everywhere, multi-generation families in matching shirts, and plenty of neighborhood energy. All proceeds support the Wake Forest Boys & Girls Club.

Festivities begin around 6 AM | Wakefield High School area | Cost varies by distance & registration date

For your runner friend who “actually trains for this,” Skinny Turkey offers longer mileage and a more competitive race feel. The course rolls through Wakefield and North Raleigh with a strong turnout, a real finish-line energy, and bragging rights for the rest of the weekend.

8:30 AM | 3514 Wade Ave., Raleigh (by the Whole Foods) | Cost varies

A longtime favorite on the tree-lined streets around Ridgewood. It’s a family-first vibe with lots of kids, strollers, and turkey hats, plus easy access to post-race breakfast spots. If you like a crowd but not chaos, this is the sweet spot.

10–11 AM | 3525 Rogers Rd., Wake Forest | Free

A calm, traditional Thanksgiving service in Heritage—perfect if you want to ground the day before the cooking, hosting, and holiday buzz kicks in.

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.

5–9 PM | 703 Tarboro Rd., Youngsville | $19.95 ages 2–64, under 2 free

Opening night for one of the Triangle’s most beloved Christmas traditions. Now fully drive-through, the route winds through over a million lights with add-ons like train rides and wagon rides. Peak “kids in pajamas + hot cocoa + early bedtime” energy.

10 AM–6 PM | Downtown Wake Forest | Free to attend

White Street shops are going all-in on Shop Small with specials, giveaways, and a “wear your plaid” theme. It’s a stylish, low-key shopping day that feels festive without the mall chaos.

9 AM–6 PM | Jim Graham Building, NC State Fairgrounds | $12 adults; $10 seniors/military; $5 kids 6–12; under 5 free

A huge indoor holiday tradition with 250+ vendors, decor, gifts, foods, and kid-friendly stops like Santa photos. If she wants a one-stop shop for holiday gift-gathering, this is the place.

10 AM–8 PM | 7810 Poyner Pond Cir., Raleigh | $33.99 Platinum Pass (BOGO)

A very clutch kids’ activity for the long weekend. Buy-one-get-one-free passes that can be used now or saved for the next “we need to get these kids out of the house” day.

11 AM–2 PM | 519 S. Main St., Rolesville | Pay as you go

A relaxed mid-day gathering with brunchy drinks and a “shop local, drink local” vibe. Perfect if you want something festive without the Black Friday crowds.

12 PM–11 PM | 3608 Rogers Branch Rd., Wake Forest | Free to enter

Extended hours, DJ Al-Ski Love from 3–6 PM, and a lively local crowd. Easy spot for hanging with visiting family or friends.

1–4 PM | 13400 Old Creedmoor Rd., Wake Forest | Free, donations encouraged

Visit the “funny farm,” meet adoptable pups, tour the property, and enjoy burgers and hot dogs. Bring supplies to support the rescue’s holiday needs.

Evening (typically 5:30–10 PM) | 5725 Fixit Shop Rd., Wake Forest | Free admission; donations appreciated

A Wake Forest classic. Drive through the family farm’s homemade displays, grab snacks on-site, and ride the kids’ train if you want to make it an outing. Zero fuss, maximum charm.

10 AM–12 PM | 235 S. Taylor St., Wake Forest | Free

The Saturday market turns into a festive Holiday Craft Market with makers, gifts, and winter produce—and Santa. A great morning stop for photos, gifts, and stocking up for the week.

10 AM–4 PM | The Graham (upstairs at The Cotton Room), Wake Forest Downtown | Free

A centerpiece event for Small Business Saturday with boutiques, makers, raffles, and holiday treats.

12–4 PM | Unwined on White, Wake Forest Downtown | Free

Another great add-on to your White Street loop. Pop in for curated vendors and drinks as you browse downtown.

1–4 PM | 5000 Wake Oaks Ln., Wake Forest | $25 adults; kids free with adult

A cozy backyard-style afternoon with crafts and family activities, raising funds for the church’s Greater 2 Campaign. Very wholesome, very local.

7–9 PM | 701 N. Main St., Wake Forest | Ticketed

A grown-up craft night where you make holiday decor using mixed media and decoupage. Pair with a latte or wine beforehand for the perfect mom’s night out.

10 AM | 108 S. Main St., Rolesville | Free

Rolesville’s new market-style shop opens its doors with local products and a cozy general-store feel. Great for early adopters who like to discover new spots first.

7–9 PM | Home Yoga Studio & The Winebrary, Rogers Rd. | Ticketed

Create a custom seasonal hanger while you sip wine for a great ladies’ night out, plus, you leave with something cute for your porch.

8 PM | 110-A Bluestone Crossing Rd., Rolesville | Free to attend

A casual evening mixer with craft beer, charcuterie, and conversation. Great as a nightcap after dinner or your craft workshop.

12–5 PM | Youngsville Town Green | Free

A 100-vendor outdoor market with food, gifts, and a relaxed small-town feel. Kids can run on the grass while you browse.

Museum 9 AM–5 PM; Artrageous 10 AM–12 PM | 201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh | $4.75–$12.50

Hands-on art, open play, and gift shopping under one roof. A slam-dunk for families.

1 PM feature showing | 201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh | Regular movie pricing

A great afternoon wind-down after the museum or lunch downtown.

7–10 PM | 520 Ashe Ave., Raleigh | $35, 21+

Holiday lights, live jazz from Sidecar Social Club, rides, food trucks, and wine. A strong date-night pick if you’ve got a sitter.

7:30 PM | Meymandi Concert Hall, Raleigh | From ~$59

Christmas music meets cirque performers for a big, theatrical downtown evening. Think dressed-up holiday outing with a wow factor.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! No rec programs until Monday, Dec 1. Enjoy some good food and family. 

Gobbler’s Run 5K | Wake Forest Boys & Girls Club | 8AM

Turkey Trot 8K | Raleigh course | 8:30AM

🏀 UNC Men’s Basketball vs MI State @ 4:30 PM

🏀 Duke Men’s Basketball vs Arkansas @ 8 PM 

Many local Christmas Light displays are open for the season! Check out our list: 

🧑‍🎄 WHERE TO SEE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS?

🏒 Carolina Hurricanes vs Winnipeg Jets @ 5 PM

BINGO for familes | Northeast Regional Library | 2-3 PM

🏈 It is Senior Day at NC State football! They will be playing at home against UNC at 7:30 PM. Watch on ACCN. 

🏈 Duke Football will be playing at home against Wake Forest University at 3:30 PM. The game will also be broadcast on the ACC Network. 

Support Our Local Farmers | Burnt Barrel | 4 PM

🏒 Carolina Hurricanes vs Calgary Flames @ 5 PM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Board of Commissioners Meeting | Rolesville Town Hall | 6:30-8:30 PM

🏀 Duke Men’s Basketball vs Florida @ 7:30 PM

🏀 UNC Men’s Basketball vs Kentucky @ 9:30 PM

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

Gingerbread Jubilee | Northeast Regional Library | 9-11 AM

🏀 NC State Men’s Basketball vs Auburn @ 9:15 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.

Thanks for reading today’s edition of The WYRe. If you found something useful, share it with a friend. Sharing local happenings burns at least as many calories as contemplating a second piece of pie.

See you around town!
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