Handcrafted Holiday Market at the NC State Fairgrounds
Two days. Two hundred makers. One very determined shopper (you).
Shannon
December 13, 2025
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Happening December 20–21, this year’s Handcrafted Holiday Market packs the NC State Fairgrounds with 200+ makers, live music, food trucks, Santa sightings, permanent jewelry, custom hat bars, mocktails, coffee, and free totes for the first 500 guests each day.
Here’s a little sneak peek of what you’ll find inside, perfect for bookmarking your must-visit booths.
This isn’t sponsored (we’d tell you). We just admire any market with enough holiday sparkle to power a small sled. (Just so you know: Sponsored content in our newsletter is always marked with “*”).
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The 919 Deal Drop:
Sip Midweek Savings on Lebanese Wine at Sitti Authentic Lebanese 🔥
Enjoy 1/2 price bottles of Lebanese wines every Wednesday—no code or coupon needed, just ask your server.
📍Where: Sitti Authentic Lebanese
📅 When: Every Wednesday
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A beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 2-bath home just minutes from Downtown Raleigh, featuring gleaming hardwoods, updated finishes, and a thoughtful layout that blends modern comfort with timeless character.* Take a look here →
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This ultimate stately executive residence in Shinleaf Estates offers sophisticated, move-in-ready luxury with an award-winning builder’s craftsmanship and an open-concept floor plan designed for seamless modern living.* Take a look here →
Raleigh Overtime:
🍴 FOODIE FIND: Coquette Brasserie’s Kale Salad is a vibrant mix of apple, almond, butternut squash, pomegranate, and goat cheese tossed in a bright cider vinaigrette.
🐾 FOR ADOPTION: SIRIUS | DOG | 7 MONTHS | MALE
Sirius is a young retriever mix with an expressive, adorable face, about 25 pounds with room to grow, who’s fun with people and dogs and already a quiet, well-behaved pup learning crate skills. Check him out here →
📝 LOCAL CLASS: Machine Learning: Intro To Power Tools at Rockler Woodworking and Hardware on December 15 at 11AM.
In this introductory power tools class, students learn the fundamentals of safely and effectively using common woodworking tools such as drills, saws, and sanders. 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: HLAGIER RTAHERC GHIH HOCSOL
🌳 Golden Years Gatherings
Handpicked social, cultural, and community events especially for Raleigh’s older adults.
👋 Event of the day: From Fear to Flirty: Dating Confidence for Women 50+ | December 14 | 4PM
This free 90-minute online masterclass for women 50+ reveals three key tools for feeling safe, confident, and ready for aligned love while learning to stop overthinking, spot red and green flags early, trust intuition, and date with clarity and self-worth. 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: Soul Livin’ Group | R&B
Catch the rising stars of Soul Livin’ Group at Slim’s, an electrifying young ensemble known for sold-out shows and standout musicianship that’s quickly becoming a must-see in the Triangle music scene.* | Slim's Dive Bar | December 17, 9PM
🎤 Plan Ahead: Three Days Grace | Rock
Three Days Grace is a Canadian rock band known for their hard-hitting sound and emotionally charged anthems. | Lenovo Center | March 17, 7PM | Get tickets here →
Save Hours of Searching—These Vetted Pros Are Ready to Improve Your Life (Updated Daily)
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✔️ Dentist: Russo DDS has 1,500+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—trusted by families all over Raleigh for exceptional dental care.
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✔️ 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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✔️ 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.
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✔️ 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: Dean Edwards at Goodnights Comedy Club | December 19-21 | Dean Edwards is an American comedian, actor, and impressionist best known for his spot-on voices, sharp stand-up, and time as a cast member on Saturday Night Live. Get tickets here →
😂 Plan Ahead: Josh Johnson at Raleigh Improv | April 3-4 | Josh Johnson is an American stand-up comedian and writer known for his sharp, thoughtful humor and his work on shows like The Daily Show. Get tickets here →
Find Friends in Raleigh:
Curated social events without an emphasis on alcohol or romance:
👋 Fresh Steps Line Dancing with Soufside: Ugly Sweater Party @ 1425 Promise Beacon Circle | December 18 | 7PM
This Ugly Sweater Party invites guests to learn trail-ride–style line dances with the Soufside Steppas for free in a fun, festive setting. Get details here →
🤝 Christmas Karaoke @ Tap Yard Raleigh | December 19 | 8PM
Christmas Karaoke at Tap Yard features festive music, delicious drinks, and lively sing-alongs, with early arrival recommended to claim a favorite holiday tune. Get details here →
I love sneaking away to the old Pumping Station House. It’s tucked by the greenway, all brick and history, and feels like you’ve stumbled onto a secret piece of Raleigh’s past.
—Gregory, a longtime reader
Oak City Job Openings:
💻 WORK-FROM-HOME JOB HIRING IN RALEIGH: Vasumo is seeking a Virtual Assistant.
💼 RALEIGH JOB: Laurel Hills Community Center is seeking a Front Desk Employee.
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