Gingerbread Magic: A Sweet Stroll Through Cary’s Annual House Competition
Walk, wander, and vote for your favorite candy-covered creation.
Shannon
November 30, 2025
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The Annual Gingerbread House Competition returns December 6–14, transforming Downtown Cary into a sugar-dusty trail of candy shingles and cookie-cutter dreams. Stroll from shop to shop, check out the wildly creative builds, and try not to pick a favorite too fast—trust me, they get increasingly adorable (and increasingly architectural).
You can browse all the Gingerbread Stroll Locations and cast your vote for the winner right here—perfect for anyone who loves edible craftsmanship.
This isn’t sponsored (we’d tell you). We just admire structurally sound frosting. (Just so you know: Sponsored content in our newsletter is always marked with “*”).
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🔥 Get The Latest Raleigh Guide:
The Ultimate Knightdale Bucket List: 50 Must-Do Activities, part of The Raleigh Bundle collection of expert guides, is packed with small-town gems, community traditions, and places people often overlook. 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, snag tacos for just a buck at Frito’s—no code, no catch, just show up hungry.
📍Where: Frito’s Burgers & Tacos
📅 When: Every Tuesday
Raleigh Real Estate:
🏡 FOR SALE UNDER $300K: 3 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 1,606 SQ FT | .02 ACRES | $275,000
This spacious 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath Camden Crossing condo is minutes from NC State and downtown, featuring second-floor laundry and a third-floor primary suite with a garden tub and separate shower.* Take a look here →
🏠 FOR SALE UNDER $400K: 3 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 1,790 SQ FT | 1.16 ACRES | $300,000
This well-maintained 3-bedroom manufactured home sits on 1.16 peaceful acres and features an open floor plan, comfortable living spaces, and recent updates including a newer roof and HVAC for long-term peace of mind.* Take a look here →
🏘️ FOR SALE OVER $400K: 4 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 2,300 SQ FT | .54 ACRES | $650,000
This charming North Raleigh cul-de-sac home features an updated kitchen upstairs, a lower-level bedroom, bath, and bonus room, plus a private backyard with a pool, deck, and new fencing.* Take a look here →
🏰 FOR SALE OVER $1M: 6 BEDROOMS | 5 BATHROOMS | 3,444 SQ FT | .2 ACRES | $1,299,000
This 1915 Forest Park home blends classic charm with a top walkable location, featuring formal living and dining rooms, tall ceilings, generous rooms, and architectural details like intricate trim, fireplaces, and a striking staircase.* Take a look here →
Raleigh Overtime:
🍴 FOODIE FIND: Jolie’s Faroe Island Salmon is served with lentils, braised leeks, fresh dill, and a silky cider beurre blanc.
🐾 FOR ADOPTION: MARIE CLAIRE | DOG | 2 MONTHS | FEMALE
Marie Claire is a lively, confident pup who loves playing with other dogs, sleeps quietly in her crate, and enjoys exploring the backyard or relaxing on a sunny patio. Check her out here →
🛍️ GARAGE SALE: Head over to this garage sale on December 6-7 at 9AM for thousands of items, from antiques, collectibles, and jewelry to stamps, furniture, N.C. pottery, vintage clothing, art glass, a large art collection, kitchen goods, and so much more. More details here →
📝 LOCAL CLASS: Woodburn your own Christmas Ornaments at Joy Worthy Co. on December 3 at 6:30PM.
A fun, festive night with Dee’s Burnt Trees introductory wood-burning ornament class, where participants learn basic techniques and burn as many ornaments as they can during the two-hour session. 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: CJ SLTRONUA TRUMORBAE
🌳 Golden Years Gatherings
Handpicked social, cultural, and community events especially for Raleigh’s older adults.
👋 Event of the day: Stretch and Refresh @ Downtown Cary Park | December 8 | 10AM
This hour-long Stretch and Refresh Class for Seniors offers chair-based exercises to improve mobility and flexibility in a fun, safe group setting at Downtown Cary Park. Get details here →
💲 Senior Discount of the Day: Publix | Senior Wednesday Discount
5% off for customers age 60+ every Wednesday.
Local Vocals:
🎸 This Week: Open Mic with a Live Band
Take the stage with a full live band and share your sound at this all-styles, all-levels open mic that welcomes every kind of creative voice.* | Slim's Dive Bar | December 2, 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)
When you need to get things done (the right way, and fast), you don’t have time to read endless reviews. We’ve done that for you. These leading local service professionals have earned their stellar reputations and are ready to help you simplify your life.
Call them and tell them we sent you!*
✔️ 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.
✔️ HVAC Services: Air Experts—Raleigh’s go-to HVAC specialists with 7,300+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating. Don’t wait for the next heatwave!
✔️ Laser Hair Removal: BodyLase Med Spa has nearly 900 Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating for expert laser hair removal. Book your glow-up today!
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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: Sammy Obeid at Goodnights Comedy Club | December 10, 6PM | Sammy Obeid is an American stand-up comedian known for his 1,000-day streak of performing comedy and his clever, math-infused observational humor. Get tickets here →
😂 Plan Ahead: George Wallace at Raleigh Improv | February 13-15 | George Wallace is an American stand-up comedian known for his quick-witted observational humor and decades-long presence in the comedy scene. Get tickets here →
Find Friends in Raleigh:
Curated social events without an emphasis on alcohol or romance:
👋 Become a Volunteer for an Animal Rescue @ Harmony Animal Rescue Clinic | December 4 | 5:30PM
This event introduces attendees to volunteer opportunities with an animal rescue, offering team meet-and-greets, connections with current volunteers, a welcome packet, goodies, refreshments, and a clinic tour. Get details here →
🤝 French and English Speed Language Exchange @ Vita Vite Downtown | December 4 | 7PM
This French and English speed language exchange pairs participants for short conversation rounds ensuring everyone gets plenty of speaking practice throughout the meetup. Get details here →
The Players Retreat is one of those Raleigh spots that’s just always been there. Good burgers, strong drinks, and the kind of place where you’ll see everyone from college students to old-timers at the bar. It’s nothing fancy, but that’s the point. It just feels like home.
—Marcus, a longtime reader
Oak City Job Openings:
🖥️ WORK-FROM-HOME JOB HIRING IN RALEIGH: Scribendi is seeking an Editor/Proofreader.
💼 RALEIGH JOB: Healing Transitions is seeking a Sales Associate.
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