A Decade of Glow: NC Chinese Lantern Festival Lights Up the Night
Thousands of handcrafted lanterns, cultural performances, and pure magic return for the holidays.
Shannon
November 13, 2025
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It’s back and brighter than ever—the NC Chinese Lantern Festival has officially hit its ten-year mark, filling Cary’s nights with shimmering dragons, lotus blooms, and towering illuminated art. From November 15 through January 11, you can stroll through miles of glowing wonder and catch live performances that blend light, movement, and tradition.
✨ Grab tickets before they disappear — your camera roll will thank you.
Not sponsored…we just really like things that glow in the dark. (Just so you know: Sponsored content in our newsletter is always marked with “*”).
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Raleigh Overtime:
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📝 LOCAL CLASS: Glow Gnome Painting at Wine and Design on November 17 at 6:30PM.
Glow Gnome Painting at Wine & Design is a fun, instructor-led paint event where guests can relax, enjoy music, and unwind—no experience or artistic talent required. Sign up here →
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🌳 Golden Years Gatherings
Handpicked social, cultural, and community events especially for Raleigh’s older adults.
👋 Event of the day: Harvest Fest 2025 @ Morrisville Senior Center | November 14 | 1PM
Autumn Social is a festive gathering to celebrate the season with chili or vegetable soup, savory breads, warm drinks, games, and good company before the holidays begin. Get details here →
💲 Senior Discount of the Day: Senior Auditor’s Program | Tuition-Free Course Auditing
North Carolina residents 65+ can audit university courses with tuition and application fees waived, provided they’re in good standing and submit the 65+ Tuition Waiver Form.
Local Vocals:
🎸 This Week: Friend of a Friend | Rock
Friend of a Friend is an indie rock band known for its heartfelt songwriting and melodic sound that blends introspective lyrics with rich, atmospheric instrumentation. | The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop | November 16, 8PM | Get tickets here →
🎤 Plan Ahead: Three Days Grace | Rock
Three Days Grace is a Canadian rock band known for their powerful vocals, hard-hitting sound, and emotionally charged songs exploring themes of struggle, resilience, and redemption. | Lenovo Center | March 17, 7PM | Get tickets here →
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Let’s Get Laughing:
🎤 This Week: Michael Che at Goodnights Comedy Club | November 21 | Michael Che is an American stand-up comedian, writer, and actor best known as co-anchor of Weekend Update on Saturday Night Live and for his sharp, socially conscious humor. Get tickets here →
😂 Plan Ahead: Jessica Kirson at The Carolina Theatre of Durham | December 6, 8PM | Jessica Kirson is an American stand-up comedian known for her high-energy performances, expressive characters, and sharp, self-deprecating humor. Get tickets here →
Find Friends in Raleigh:
Curated social events without an emphasis on alcohol or romance:
👋 DTR Walking Club @ Crank Arm Brewing Company | November 17 | 6PM
Sip & Stroll Downtown Raleigh is a laid-back meetup to explore the city, meet new people, and enjoy good vibes—comfy shoes and leashed dogs encouraged! Get details here →
🤝 Go Club: Learn to Play @ Side Quest Game Lounge and Bar | November 17 | 6PM
Weekly Go Night at Side Quest is a Monday evening meetup from 6–11pm in downtown Raleigh where players gather to enjoy Go matches in a relaxed game lounge and bar, with free street parking after 6pm. Get details here →
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