Champagne & Spotlights: New Year’s Eve at The Willard Rooftop
An Old Hollywood–style countdown with cocktails, live jazz, and skyline views.
Shannon
December 25, 2025
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Ring in 2026 like a silver-screen star at New Year’s Eve at The Willard Rooftop, where Old Hollywood glamour meets Raleigh views. From 8pm to 1am, expect a red-carpet welcome, a world-cuisines buffet, live jazz from the Helena Redman Quintet, a photo booth, caricatures, and a proper champagne toast at midnight. Dress to impress—this crowd understands the assignment.
Not sponsored. We just appreciate a rooftop with champagne and good lighting. (Just so you know: Sponsored content in our newsletter is always marked with “*”).
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🔥 Get The Latest Raleigh Guide:
The 40 Best Hikes Within an Hour of Raleigh, part of The Raleigh Bundle collection of expert guides, is packed with hand-picked trails, helpful tips, and easy-to-use planning details for every kind of walker. Even longtime locals will be surprised by what they find inside.
The 919 Deal Drop:
Don’t Miss These $1 Taco Deals at Frito’s Burgers & Tacos 🔥
Every Tuesday, tacos are just a buck. No catch—order, eat, repeat.
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📅 When: Tuesdays
Raleigh Real Estate:
🏡 FOR SALE UNDER $300K: 3 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 1,371 SQ FT | .1 ACRES | $285,000
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🏠 FOR SALE UNDER $400K: 3 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 1,371 SQ FT | .04 ACRES | $349,900
Updated one-story, three-bedroom townhome in the heart of North Raleigh, tucked away on a quiet dead-end street with no homes across and a private rear patio for relaxed, easy living.* Take a look here →
🏘️ FOR SALE OVER $400K: 3 BEDROOMS | 4 BATHROOMS | 2,213 SQ FT | .04 ACRES | $484,900
Move-in ready townhome with fresh updates, great natural light, new 2024 windows with private wooded views, and three upstairs bedrooms including a spacious primary suite with its own bath.* Take a look here →
🏰 FOR SALE OVER $1M: 3 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 3,239 SQ FT | .51 ACRES | $1,200,000
The perfect blend of space and style awaits at 509 Oakland Drive, a beautifully reimagined ranch with a full finished basement on a rare 0.51-acre landscaped lot offering privacy and room to entertain just minutes from North Hills.* Take a look here →
Raleigh Overtime:
🍴 FOODIE FIND: Jolie’s Bûche de Noël is a classic holiday dessert featuring chocolate sponge cake layered with vanilla mousse, finished with Videri dark chocolate ganache, French meringue mushrooms, and mint moss.
🐾 FOR ADOPTION: KALMIA | DOG | 1 YEAR, 5 MONTHS | FEMALE
Kalmia is a 45-lb adult dog who gets along well with other dogs, has a gentle, easygoing nature, and would thrive in a home with confident canine companions to help show her the ropes. Check her out here →
📝 LOCAL CLASS: Free TaiChi/QiGong Class at Body & Brain Yoga Tai Chi Raleigh on December 28 at 2PM.
A free Tai Chi/Qigong class featuring gentle movement, breathwork, and mindfulness to help participants feel more centered, calm, and energized. Sign up here →
🧠 UNSCRAMBLE, WIN A PRIZE: Unscramble this Raleigh-related phrase, be the first to reply with the correct answer, and we’ll send you a tote bag, stickers, and a magnet in the mail: RLEIAGTN WTON RTNEEC
🌳 Golden Years Gatherings
Handpicked social, cultural, and community events especially for Raleigh’s older adults.
👋 Event of the day: Make New Friends (56+ Group) | Online | December 27 | 7PM
A fun social group designed for newcomers and locals alike, offering an easy way to meet new people, make friends quickly, and connect with others you might not meet otherwise. Get details here →
💲 Senior Discount of the Day: KFC | 10% Off Senior Discount
KFC gives seniors 10% off or a free small drink with any meal purchase.
Local Vocals:
🎸 This Week: Richard Bacchus & The Luckiest Girls with Labia Menorah
Catch a special reunion show at Slim’s featuring Richard Bacchus & The Luckiest Girls alongside Labia Menorah for a high-energy night of live music.* | Slim's Dive Bar | January 1, 9PM | More info here →
🎤 Plan Ahead: Zara Larsson | Pop
Zara Larsson is a Swedish pop singer known for her powerful vocals and global hits like “Lush Life” and “Never Forget You.” | The Ritz | April 3, 7PM | Get tickets here →
Save Hours of Searching—These Vetted Pros Are Ready to Improve Your Life (Updated Daily)
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✔️ Auto Mechanic: King’s Auto Service has 630+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—trusted for over 75 years for reliable, expert car care in Raleigh.
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✔️ Cosmetic Surgeon (Body): Amelia Aesthetics has 580+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—trusted experts for body contouring and enhancement.
✔️ Cosmetic Surgeon (Face): Raleigh Eye and Face has 140+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—expert facial aesthetics and surgical care you can trust.
✔️ Dentist: Russo DDS has 1,500+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—trusted by families all over Raleigh for exceptional dental care.
✔️ Handyman: Ace Handyman Services Greater Triangle and Johnston County has 900+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—because getting things fixed right matters.
✔️ Home Remodeler: Simply Right Remodeling has 100+ Google reviews and a perfect 5.0-star rating—expert craftsmanship to transform your home with style and precision.
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✔️ Mortgage Broker: Erika Fonseca - Oak City Lending (NMLS #2679761) has 15 Google reviews, all 5.0 stars. Get the best home loan options with a pro who truly cares!
✔️ Orthodontist: Wake Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry has 1,400+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—creating confident smiles for kids and adults across Raleigh.
✔️ Therapist: Elizabeth Tatum, LCMHC has 5.0 stars and 30+ Google reviews for compassionate, effective therapy. Take care of your mental wellness with one of Raleigh’s best.
✔️ Wealth Advisor: Capitol Financial has 25+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating for expert financial planning. Your future self will thank you.
Let’s Get Laughing:
🎤 This Week: Gary Vider at Goodnights Comedy Club | January 2 | Gary Vider is an American stand-up comedian known for his sharp wit, intelligent writing, and acclaimed comedy specials that blend dark humor with thoughtful observation. Get tickets here →
😂 Plan Ahead: Josh Wolf at Goodnights Comedy Club | March 5-7 | Josh Wolf is an American stand-up comedian, actor, and writer known for his high-energy storytelling, edgy humor, and appearances on shows like Chelsea Lately. Get tickets here →
Find Friends in Raleigh:
Curated social events without an emphasis on alcohol or romance:
👋 “Find your Joy!” 2026 Vision Board Brunch @ Joy Worthy Co. | January 3 | 11AM
“Find Your Joy!” 2026 Vision Board Brunch is an inspiring experience designed to help participants gain clarity, tap into positive emotions, and create a step-by-step path toward achieving their goals. Get details here →
🤝 Hair Industry Network & Chill @ Taji Natural Hair Styling | January 2 | 6PM
An evening of good vibes, creative connection, and community, bringing together local salon owners, booth renters, and stylists for drinks, snacks, and easy conversation. Get details here →
ZincHouse is where you go when you want wine, beer, and wide-open views without leaving town. Big porches, firepits, food trucks, and live music make it feel like Raleigh’s backyard getaway.
—Andrew, a longtime reader
Oak City Job Openings:
🖥️ WORK-FROM-HOME JOB HIRING IN RALEIGH: Equivity VA is seeking a Virtual Litigation Paralegal.
💼 RALEIGH JOB: Ace Hardware is seeking a Part Time Cashier.
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