Lake Myra Christmas Lights: One of North Carolina’s Biggest Holiday Light Shows

Catch it now—only a few nights left before the lights go dark.

If your holiday plans need a glow-up, this is your sign. Lake Myra Christmas Lights is wrapping up its season, with just a few nights left to walk through towering light displays—including a path straight through the tallest tree. It’s free, runs nightly from 5:30–10pm, and you can stand or bring chairs to watch the show sparkle. Curious why people call it one of North Carolina’s most spectacular light displays? Click for photos, tips, and what to expect before you go.

Not sponsored. We’re just big fans of things that twinkle. (Just so you know: Sponsored content in our newsletter is always marked with “*”).

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📖 Your life story—or your parents’—deserves to be told beautifully.

We’ve all said, “Someone should really write this down” after hearing an incredible story from a parent or grandparent. But life gets busy, and those memories start to fade. That’s why we love what MemoirGhostwriting.com is doing.

They make it easy to turn a lifetime of memories, lessons, and stories into a beautifully written memoir—whether it’s for yourself, your parents, or someone else in your family. Through warm, personal interviews and the work of experienced writers, they create a book you’ll be proud to pass down.

It’s not just about history—it’s about identity, legacy, and love. It’s never too early—or too late—to get it all down.

The 919 Deal Drop:

Don’t Miss These $5 Pints at Fortnight Brewing 🍺🔥

Every Sunday, you can grab a pint for just five bucks—no code, no catch, just good beer at a good price.

📍Where: Fortnight Brewing
📅 When: Every Sunday

Raleigh Real Estate:

🏡 FOR SALE UNDER $300K: 3 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 1,291 SQ FT | $225,000
Totally remodeled two-story condo with a granite and subway-tile kitchen, new appliances, porcelain tile downstairs, new carpet upstairs, and a spacious primary bedroom with great views and ample closets.* Take a look here →

🏠 FOR SALE UNDER $400K: 3 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 1,523 SQ FT | .06 ACRES | $345,000
Meticulously maintained end-unit townhome in prime North Raleigh offering privacy, natural light, and convenience, with fiber cement siding, a 2020 roof, LVP flooring, fresh paint, and a newly stained back deck.* Take a look here →

🏘️ FOR SALE OVER $400K: 3 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 1,646 SQ FT | 2.07 ACRES | $629,900
This ranch-style home offers effortless one-level living with exceptional space for everything from motorcycles to RVs, featuring a cozy mountain-chalet interior with vaulted tongue-and-groove ceilings and a stacked-stone fireplace.* Take a look here →

🏰 FOR SALE OVER $1M: 6 BEDROOMS | 4 BATHROOMS | 4,100 SQ FT | .44 ACRES | $1,500,000
Classic brick Colonial Revival on a quiet North Ridge cul-de-sac offering over 4,200 square feet of thoughtfully updated living space, crafted with timeless design and quality construction.* Take a look here →

Raleigh Overtime:

🍴 FOODIE FIND: Madre’s Stracciatella is a luscious, creamy dish mixed of hand-pulled mozzarella, fresh cream, roasted grapes, balsamic, and hazelnuts.

🐾 FOR ADOPTION: TALIA | DOG | 1 YEAR, 5 MONTHS | FEMALE
Talia is a 45-lb adult pit bull–bulldog mix with short, wrinkly legs, a big personality, and a heart made for looking cute and loving hard—not long runs. Check her out here →

📝 LOCAL CLASS: Real Estate Investors Training Online on December 30 at 8PM. 
A Raleigh Real Estate Investors Training focused on reducing taxes, increasing deal profitability, attracting business interest, and becoming a more effective transactional engineer. 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: HIERALG EOSR ANERDG

🌳 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: DCP Academy Pavilion | January 5 | 10AM
An hour-long Stretch and Refresh class for seniors at Downtown Cary Park, featuring chair-based exercises to improve mobility and flexibility in a fun, safe group setting. Get details here →

💲 Senior Discount of the Day: Hertz | 20% Off Rentals
Hertz makes travel easier for drivers 50+ with up to 20% off base rental rates.

Local Vocals:

🎸 This Week: Apocalypse: 2025 New Year’s Eve | Rock
Raleigh’s Apocalypse: 2025 New Year’s Eve throws a high-energy countdown party at Chapel of Bones with hardcore and screamo sets plus DJs ringing in 2026 in a wild, no-tomorrow vibe. | Chapel of Bones | December 31, 8PM | Get tickets here

🎤 Plan Ahead: Ray LaMontagne | Rock
Ray LaMontagne is an American singer-songwriter known for his soulful, raspy vocals and intimate, folk-inspired sound. | DPAC | September 15, 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.

✔️ Botox: BeautyCo has 260+ Google reviews and a perfect 5.0-star rating—Raleigh’s go-to spot for expert Botox treatments and natural-looking results.

✔️ 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!

✔️ Massage Therapist: Lorena Luca Spa & Skin Clinic boasts 460+ Google reviews and a 4.8-star rating—because you deserve to relax.

✔️ 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: Chelsea Handler at DPAC | May 2, 8PM | Chelsea Handler is an American comedian, author, and television host known for her sharp, candid humor and fearless social commentary. Get tickets here

Find Friends in Raleigh:

Curated social events without an emphasis on alcohol or romance:

🤝 Foodies + New Friends | January 1 | 7PM
A cozy dinner series that brings locals together for restaurant hopping, connecting with new people, sharing experiences, and supporting local businesses. 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 →

Raleigh Hidden Gem:

There’s this tucked‑away spot behind Morgan Street Food HallAunty Betty’s Gin & Absinthe Bar. No giant sign, just a discreet door. Once inside, it’s cozy, leafy, with friendly bartenders who actually know gin and mix a killer absinthe cocktail. It feels like Raleigh’s little secret hideout, low‑key but unforgettable.

Claire, a longtime reader

Oak City Job Openings:

💻 WORK-FROM-HOME JOB HIRING IN RALEIGH: WriterAccess is seeking Writers.

💼 RALEIGH JOB: City of Raleigh is seeking a Camp Counselor.

💸SIDE HUSTLES:

  • Refer a business that goes on to advertise in the Raleigh.com newsletter and earn 20% of the advertising revenue. To find out more, email [email protected].

  • Alternatively, refer someone to MemoirGhostwriting.com and earn 12% of what they spend (you'd collect around $4,140 on an average project). Find out more here

Interested in promoting your business or event to 11,320 trendsetters in the Triangle?

Connect with engaged consumers across the Triangle. In select cases, we’ll run ads on a commission-only basis—meaning we only make money if you do. Find out more here.

Hey, y’all: Event info can change—always check the organizer’s site before you go.

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