📫Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops Cary | Twinkle, Twinkle Wake County: Your Guide to Tree Lightings | Extreme Fire Danger in Central North Carolina📍

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Hello friends!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with family, friends, and plenty of good food! Now that the holiday season is officially in full swing—with only 24 shopping days left until Christmas—be sure to keep an eye on our newsletter. We’ll be sharing the latest holiday news, events, and festive happenings to help you make the most of this magical season.

Happy holidays! 🎄✨

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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📍 Today’s Chuckle 📍

Straight from Scrooge-December shopping: the art of spending money you don’t have on people you barely know. 🎁

📍 Trivia 📍

First State Christmas Tree – North Carolina officially designated a state Christmas tree in 1971. The Fraser Fir, grown in the Appalachian Mountains, is the iconic choice for the state tree. 🎄

🌶️Chubby’s Tacos-Monday’s are $3.00 Margaritas & Tuesday’s are $2.00 tacos🌶️ Visit the site.

New Bern Kicks Off the Holidays

The first Saturday in December has always felt like the real start of Christmas in New Bern, and this year it falls on December 6, 2025. By late afternoon the air along the waterfront turns crisp enough to see your breath, but warm enough that nobody minds standing outside waiting for magic to happen.

At exactly 5:30 p.m., right after the sun slips behind the live oaks, the Coastal Christmas Flotilla begins. Dozens of boats (pontoon boats wrapped in twinkling lights, shrimp boats turned into floating gingerbread houses, even a tiny jon boat dressed as Rudolph with a glowing red bow bulb for a nose) glide out from the marinas and start their slow, sparkling parade down the Trent River, loop around the confluence, and head up the Neuse. From the wide green lawn of Union Point Park at 210 East Front Street, you have the perfect front-row view: every deck rail outlined in color, Christmas trees lashed to flybridges, Santas waving from the bows, and at least one captain who always blasts “Carol of the Bells” loud enough to rattle the candy canes in your pocket.

Before the boats even appear, the park is already feels like the inside of a snow globe somebody forgot to shake. Food vendors line the sidewalks selling steaming cups of hot cocoa topped with marshmallows the size of golf balls, kettle corn that snaps when you bite it, and crab-cake sliders because this is still coastal North Carolina. Kids dart between grown-ups clutching glow sticks, and every few minutes another family claims a spot on the grass with camp chairs and thick blankets.

When the lead boat rounds the bend at 5:30 sharp, the whole crowd lets out one big “oooh” you can feel in your chest. The parade lasts a glorious hour, long enough for the sky to go from twilight purple to full night, making every string of lights look brighter. By 6:45 the final boat (always the fire department’s rescue vessel covered stem to stern in red and white) salutes the crowd with a quick blast of its horn, and everyone claps like the credits just rolled on the best Christmas movie ever.

Afterward, nobody rushes off. The downtown shops stay open late, their windows glowing invitations for one more ornament or a bag of peppermint bark. Some families stroll the brick sidewalks; others circle back to the cocoa stand because one cup was definitely not enough. The boats tie up along the docks, still lit, so you can walk right up and tell the captains (many of whom have been doing this for twenty years) how incredible their floating winter wonderland looked from shore.

If you’ve never started your holiday season with boats glowing on dark water, hot chocolate in your hands, and Christmas music drifting across the river, mark your calendar now: Saturday, December 6, 2025, 5:30 p.m. at Union Point Park in New Bern. Bring a blanket, bring your people, and get ready to feel like a kid again. The boats will be waiting, and they always save the best lights for you.

👉Kids 10 and under eat FREE with the purchase of an adult entree at Amedeo’s Italian Restaurant. Check out “Kids Eat Free” below. 👈

Craving the best smash burger + wild tacos in Raleigh? Hit up Frito’s Burgers & Tacos on the big yellow bus at 3209 Hillsborough St! $1 tacos every Tuesday, shrimp-n-grits tacos that slap, and burgers so juicy you’ll need extra napkins. Open daily 11 am – 9:30 pm (closed Sundays).

Grab your fix now → fritosburgersandtacos.com

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Twinkle, Twinkle Wake County: Your Guide to Tree Lightings

Hey, Wake County folks—grab your hot cocoa mugs, dust off those ugly sweaters, and get ready to "ooh" and "aah" because the first 10 days of December are about to light up like your neighbor's overzealous front yard. We're talking tree lightings that turn small towns into Hallmark movie sets, complete with Santa sightings, s'mores stations, and enough holiday cheer to make even the Grinch grin. From Raleigh's urban glow to Holly Springs' cozy vibes, here's your can't-miss calendar of festive flickers. Mark 'em now—your inner elf will thank you!

Thursday, December 4: Fuquay-Varina's Tree & Menorah Magic (6-8 p.m.) Downtown Fuquay-Varina (134 N. Main St.) kicks off the sparkles with a dual lighting ceremony at 6 p.m.—tree for the tinsel lovers, menorah for the Hanukkah high-fives. Follow it up with s'mores by firepits, cookies that taste like grandma's hugs, and horse-drawn sleigh rides (ticketed, because nothing says "festive" like clip-clopping through twinkly lights). Pro tip: Hit the artist village for handmade ornaments that'll make your tree jealous. Free entry—bring the fam and let the kids stuff Santa's mailbox with their wildest wishes. It's like a winter wonderland, but with better BBQ nearby.

Thursday, December 4: Clayton's Christmas Village Glow-Up (5-8 p.m.) (Quick hop over the county line, but worth it for the vibes!) Main Street in Clayton turns into a pop-up North Pole with the tree lighting at 7:15 p.m. Hop on a trackless train (choo-choo to candy canes!), pose in a giant inflatable snow globe, and snag glitter tattoos that'll have your little ones sparkling brighter than the lights. Santa and Mrs. Claus are on deck for photos, plus local shops sling treats like they're auditioning for a food truck rally. Free, family-fueled fun—perfect for kicking off the season without the Black Friday baggage.

Friday, December 5: Apex's Tree Lighting Extravaganza (4:30-7 p.m.) Town Hall Campus (73 Hunter St., Apex) gets lit (literally) with the tree flip at 6 p.m., but the party's popping way before. Middle school bands jam, Apex High's dance crew grooves, and the Academy for the Performing Arts show choir belts holiday hits that'll stick in your head till New Year's. Meet Southbound Santa and Mrs. Claus for free 4x6 prints (digital too—hashtag your heart out), sprinkle reindeer food at the Poetry Fox station, and shop Apex Farmers Market vendors for that perfect stocking stuffer. Cirque de Vol adds aerial wow-factor, and it's all rain-or-shine free. Bonus: The next day's nighttime parade is Apex's only after-dark dazzler—double-dip the cheer!

Friday, December 5: Wake Forest's Lighting Extravaganza (5-8 p.m.) Centennial Plaza (301 S. Brooks St.) in Wake Forest is where small-town soul meets big-time sparkle. Mayor Vivian Jones hits the switch on the 30-foot faux fir at 6:20 p.m., but you'll be too busy with storytime ("Have Yourself a Cheesy Little Christmas" at Page 158 Books—yes, it's as punny as it sounds), school choruses crooning, and Imagine Circus roamers juggling your boredom away. Santa rolls in on a fire truck (heroic entrance alert!), food trucks sling empanadas and fries, and Girl Scouts lead a sing-along that'll have you belting "Jingle Bells" off-key. Free light sticks while they last—grab one and join the glow-up parade. It's like a holiday block party where everyone wins a cookie.

Friday, December 5: Knightdale's Christmas on First Avenue (6-8 p.m.) Knightdale Station Park (810 N. First Ave.) lights the tree with a community countdown, but the real magic? Letters to Santa, local entertainers dropping beats, and hot cocoa/cookie stations that'll fuel your festive frenzy. Snap pics with Jolly Old Saint Nick, then linger for the afterglow—it's the kind of low-key launch that feels like a warm blanket fort. Free and family-forward; park early for prime viewing spots.

Saturday, December 6: Cary's All-Day Tree Lighting Bash (9 a.m.-8 p.m.) Downtown Cary Park (327 S. Academy St.) goes full holiday marathon: arts, crafts, and Santa chats all day, building to the 6 p.m. tree ignition that'll make your heart skip like a reindeer on espresso. Expect seasonal treats that'll test your willpower, plus performances that turn the park into a living jukebox of joy. It's free, it's epic, and it's the ultimate "start the season right" spot—wear comfy shoes, 'cause you'll be dancing from dawn till dusk.

Saturday, December 6: Morrisville's Grinchy Good Time (3-6 p.m.) Indian Creek Trailhead (101 Town Hall Dr.) flips the switch at 5:45 p.m., but not before music, student shows, and ornament-making mayhem. Hot cocoa flows, letters to Santa fly, and photos with both Kris Kringle and the Grinch? Genius—balance that naughty/nice list on the spot. Town Council joins the countdown for extra official sparkle. Free shuttle from Cedar Fork Community Center, free fun for all—it's Morrisville's merry mash-up of mischief and magic.

Saturday, December 6: Garner's Block Party Bonanza (2-6:30 p.m.) Garner Recreation Center (215 W. Main St.) starts with a 2 p.m. block party blowout—kids' crafts, food trucks, games, and the Garner Express train chugging around the trail like a pint-sized Polar Express. The Optimist Christmas Parade rolls at 4:30 p.m., leading straight into the 6 p.m. tree lighting. Santa crashes the party for pics, and it's all wrapped in free, feel-good vibes. Pro move: Arrive hungry; leave humming "Here Comes Santa Claus."

Saturday, December 6: Holly Springs' Light the Springs (5-8 p.m.) Holly Springs Cultural Center (300 W. Ballentine St.) menorah-lights at sunset, then Santa and the mayor tag-team the tree for a 7 p.m. finale. Games, live tunes, food trucks slinging seasonal sips, and free crafts keep the kiddos crafting while you sip something warm. Drop letters in Santa's mailbox pre-meet-and-greet—it's the coziest combo of crafts, carols, and community glow. Free entry, infinite cheer.

There you have it, Wake County wanderers—a dazzling dash of Decembers that proves our corner of NC does holidays like nobody's business. From fire-truck Santas to Grinch photo ops, these lightings aren't just switches—they're sparks for memories that'll twinkle in your heart all year. Dust off the calendar, rally the crew, and let's make some magic. Which one's your first stop? Drop a comment below—we're all ears (and elves)! 🎄✨

Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops Cary

It’s the most wonderful (and free!) holiday tradition in Cary: Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops (801 Bass Pro Lane) is open daily through Christmas Eve 2025. Bring the kids to wander a winter village packed with animatronic reindeer, giant toy soldiers, and twinkling lights, then snag a totally free 4×6 professional photo with Santa himself (yes, really free – no purchase required!). Reservations are strongly recommended to skip the line – book your spot early because slots disappear faster than cookies on Christmas Eve. Bonus games, crafts, and that massive aquarium make it an easy all-day outing. Details & free photo reservations: https://triangleonthecheap.com/free-santa-pictures-bass-pro-shops/

Bond Brothers Run Club

Every Tuesday at 6:00 p.m., runners (and walkers!) of every speed meet at Bond Brothers Beer Company (202 E Cedar St, downtown Cary) for the most fun miles you’ll log all week. Choose 2, 3, or 5-mile routes through scenic downtown Cary – no drop, no pressure, all smiles. When you finish, the reward is ice-cold craft beer waiting at the taproom (first beer is on the house for runners!). It’s free, dog-friendly, stroller-friendly, and the friendliest crowd in town. Rain or shine – just show up ready to move and make new buddies. Full details & route maps: https://triangleonthecheap.com/free-events-at-bond-brothers-beer-company/

Rolesville Officer Uninjured After Patrol Car Hit on Louisburg Road

A Rolesville police officer escaped injury Thursday night after an impaired driver struck his patrol vehicle during a traffic stop on Louisburg Road near Zebulon Road. The officer had emergency lights activated at the time, and the vehicle originally pulled over was not involved.

The driver who hit the patrol car was taken to the hospital, and charges are pending as the North Carolina State Highway Patrol continues its investigation.

The incident is a reminder of the dangers officers face while conducting routine roadside stops. Read More

Extreme Fire Danger in Central North Carolina

The National Weather Service is warning of extreme fire danger across parts of Central North Carolina this week due to dry conditions and gusty winds. Vegetation and brush are highly flammable, and even small sparks can ignite fast-moving fires.

The N.C. Forest Service has a statewide burn ban in effect. Residents are urged to avoid outdoor burning and report any fires immediately. Authorities stress caution with activities that could start a fire, including debris burning or parking on dry grass.

With dry weather expected to continue, vigilance is critical to prevent wildfires.

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Lyn's Lifeline

In the bustling suburbs of Fort Worth, Texas, Lyn Story had always been the kind of retiree who couldn't sit still. At 64, with her days free after decades in education, she scrolled through the Nextdoor app not for neighborhood gossip, but for ways to lend a hand. That's where she first read about Apryl Goodwin, a 46-year-old single mom whose world had tilted off its axis after a uterine cancer diagnosis in early 2024. Chemotherapy loomed like a storm cloud, and with no family nearby, Goodwin faced the grueling drives to Dallas for treatments alone.

Lyn didn't hesitate. "I'll be your chauffeur," she typed in a message that October afternoon, her fingers flying across the keyboard. What started as a simple offer bloomed into something profound. Every Tuesday and Thursday for months, Lyn would pull up in her reliable blue Honda, thermos of coffee in hand, ready with stories of her grandkids to distract from the nausea. She'd wait in the clinic lobby, knitting scarves from yarn she'd dyed herself, and afterward, treat Apryl to soft-serve ice cream at a roadside stand, insisting it was "medicinal."

By spring 2025, as Apryl rang the bell signaling the end of her chemo, Lyn was right there, cheering louder than anyone. "You didn't just drive me," Apryl whispered through tears, hugging her tight. "You carried me." Lyn waved it off with a grin. "Nah, honey. We carried each other." Today, the two women meet weekly for coffee, their bond a quiet testament to how one stranger's kindness can rewrite someone's story.

"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)

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Shake Off the Chill Stretch & Refresh at Cary's Downtown Park!

Feeling the post-Thanksgiving slump? Swap the couch for some sunny serenity at Stretch & Refresh, Cary's go-to gentle fitness session designed to limber up seniors (55+) with fun, seated stretches led by the fabulous Dr. Carlie Huberman, DPT from Elite Arts Physical Therapy. It's all about boosting mobility, easing aches, and sparking smiles in a zero-intimidation zone—think pain-free poses and group giggles amid the park's vibrant vibes.

When: Every Monday, 10-11 a.m. (next up: December 1, 2025—perfect timing to refresh before the holiday hustle!) Where: Academy Pavilion, Downtown Cary Park, 327 S. Academy St., Cary, NC

Free, fabulous, and oh-so-refreshing—roll out your mat (or just your chair) and join the flow. For full deets and to RSVP, head to downtowncarypark.com/events/stretch-refresh. Your body (and holiday spirit) will thank you! 🧘‍♀️✨

🌶️Chilli’s restaurant gives seniors a break. Be sure to ask for your 10% discount if you are 55 or older🌶️ See more senior discounts below!

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Check out our online calendar for more events and local activities!📌

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]