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Hello friends!

“Happy December 19th! As the holidays draw near, let’s focus on the true meaning of the season! You can be an instrument of love, gratitude, joy and peace in this world. Today, consider sharing the gift of time: call a friend or family member you haven’t spoken to in a while, volunteer at a local charity, or simply listen with a kind heart. Small gestures can bring big joy and remind us all what this season is really about.”

See you out there in beautiful Wake,
Diane

—Philippians 4:6
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

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You know what they say about a clean desk: It’s a sure sign of a cluttered desk drawer.

The holidays are the perfect time to slow down and enjoy each other’s company. Whether it’s decorating the tree, baking cookies, taking a walk to see the lights, or simply sharing a quiet cup of cocoa together, these moments are what make the season truly special. Doing things as a family creates memories that last a lifetime and reminds us that the best gifts aren’t found under the tree—they’re found in the laughter, love, and time we share with one another.

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Raleigh’s nickname, the City of Oaks, was earned under a canopy that once shaded streets and neighborhoods across the region. But rapid growth is putting that legacy at risk. Between 2010 and 2020, Wake County lost more than 11,000 acres of tree canopy—an area larger than Umstead State Park—and development has only accelerated since.

One local nonprofit is working to push back. Founded in 2018, Trees for the Triangle aims to plant 50,000 trees across the region by 2050. Partnering with cities and community groups, and offering a pay-what-you-can program for homeowners, the organization has already planted about 4,000 native trees.

While the loss still outpaces planting, Trees for the Triangle and other local groups are urging more public investment in reforestation, with a goal of planting 24,000 trees by 2032—helping ensure Raleigh’s future remains as green as its past.

Join us for a fun, inclusive bowling event where neurodiverse families can connect and enjoy a welcoming, sensory-friendly experience. 🎳
Space is limited—learn more and register here:

Two days. Two hundred makers. Endless one-of-a-kind finds you didn’t know you needed.
Come with a list… leave as one very determined shopper who bought everything.

If you’ve ever wondered just how BIG life on Earth can get, now’s your chance to find out! The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in downtown Raleigh is hosting its spectacular special exhibition Blue Whales, an immersive experience all about the largest animals ever to have lived on our planet.

Running now through January 11, 2026, this exhibit brings the giant mysteries of the deep to life with jaw‑dropping displays and interactive fun. Stand beneath the full‑sized blue whale skeleton and marvel at bones that once supported a creature up to 110 feet long and 400,000 pounds heavy—that’s about the weight of 15 elephants!

Visitors can explore fascinating science, from how blue whales evolved from land‑dwelling mammals to ocean giants, to the clever way they feed on tiny krill using baleen sieves. Step into the Whale Sound Chamber to hear real whale songs echo around you, play the “License to Krill” survival game, and even snap a photo inside a full‑scale whale jaw!

But the exhibit isn’t just about size—it’s about conservation and the future. Learn how blue whale populations were devastated by whaling and what scientists are doing today to protect these gentle giants of the sea.

🎟️ Plan your visit and get tickets here:

Whether you’re a whale enthusiast, a curious kid, or just looking for a wow‑worthy museum day, Blue Whales delivers big learning—and even bigger thrills.

This season, treat your senses to something truly unforgettable right here in downtown Raleigh! Mesmerica XL — an immersive, giant‑screen 3D cinematic experience — is showing at the IMAX Theatre inside Marbles Kids Museum (201 E. Hargett Street).

Created by Grammy‑nominated artist James Hood, Mesmerica XL combines mesmerizing music with breathtaking visuals to create a relaxing, otherworldly journey that’s perfect for families, friends, or anyone looking for a magical holiday outing.

📍 Where: IMAX @ Marbles Kids Museum — North Carolina’s only giant‑screen cinema in the heart of downtown Raleigh.
🎟️ When: Mesmerica XL is currently playing — check showtimes and pick your date at the link below!

👉 Get tickets here

Whether you want to relax, be inspired, or simply enjoy a beautiful shared experience, Mesmerica XL is a highlight you won’t want to miss this holiday season! 🌟

Get ready for an unforgettable cultural performance coming to Raleigh’s Memorial Auditorium at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts! Shen Yun — a spectacular stage show celebrating thousands of years of traditional Chinese dance and music — will be in town over Saturday, March 7, and Sunday, March 8, 2026. Shows are scheduled for 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM on Saturday and 2:00 PM on Sunday, offering multiple chances to enjoy this vibrant and visually stunning performance.

Audiences can look forward to a richly colorful production featuring classical Chinese dance, breathtaking costumes, and live orchestral music that brings ancient legends and timeless stories to life on stage. Whether you’re a fan of performing arts or simply looking for a special outing with friends or family, Shen Yun provides a memorable cultural experience right here in downtown Raleigh.

👉 Get tickets here:

Need a little adventure and something unexpected to discover in North Carolina? Hit the road and make a pit stop at the Shangri-La Stone Village in Prospect Hill — one of the most unusual and delightful roadside sights in the state.

This tiny stone village was handcrafted by Henry L. Warren, a retired tobacco farmer with a big imagination, who worked on it from 1968 to 1977. What started as a “retirement project” grew into 27 miniature buildings, each about five feet tall, including a church, schoolhouse, jail, theater, hotel, library, and even a water tower — all built from stone, concrete, and repurposed treasures Warren found along the way.

Wander along pathways embedded with over 11,000 arrowheads, marvel at the creativity in every detail, and imagine what it must have been like to build an entire little village by hand. Warren kept adding to his stone kingdom until he passed away at age 84, leaving behind a whimsical legacy that continues to wow visitors today.

The best part? It’s completely free! Just pull off the road, stretch your legs, and explore this one-of-a-kind folk art wonder that feels straight out of a storybook. Perfect for a quick, quirky adventure you’ll be talking about long after your drive. 🚗💫

In rural Arkansas, a tiny runt named Tusche struggled to keep up with his litter. Too small to compete for food, he was fading fast. A shelter team rushed him to Best Friends Animal Society, hoping he had a fighting chance.

He needed warmth, nurturing, and a mother’s steady heartbeat. That’s when rescuers introduced him to Donna, a calm, loving dog already caring for 11 puppies of her own.

Without hesitation, Donna scooped Tusche into her circle of pups. She cleaned him, curled around him, and made room for him at feeding time. In that instant, he belonged.

Weeks later, Tusche blossomed — growing from fragile to playful, from trembling to confident. When he was adopted by Jo and Rodney, who renamed him Gus, he didn’t just gain a home; he gained the family he was always meant for.

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."
— Galatians 6:9 (ESV)

Senior Deal of the Day: Briggs Restaurants. Guests 65+ get 7% off any adult entrée (excluding sides and drinks) at any Brigs Restaurant—all day, every day.

Look stunning. Feel unstoppable.

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We strive to make sure that all information is accurate. However, we always recommend check all details with the event organizer.

There are so many events happening in and around Wake County, NC that we have gone to a seperate page to list events. Please click this button to view all of the area’s great events!👇

Sometimes, email servers can cut off parts of the newsletter, making it tricky to enjoy the full experience. For the best reading experience and to catch all the details, click here to view the entire newsletter!

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If your business event, or restaurant, is not on the list and you would like to be added, contact us at [email protected]