Raleigh’s 14th Annual Gifting Tree Project: A Sparkling Stroll with a Competitive Twist
A festive forest of decorated trees, community pride, and a dash of friendly rivalry.
Shannon
December 01, 2025
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The 14th Annual Gifting Tree Project turns S. Academy Street and Downtown Cary Park into a glowing trail of holiday creativity from December 6–26. Families, schools, and local groups deck out their trees like they’re gunning for the North Pole Cup—because they are (the winning team scores a donation to the nonprofit of their choice). You can wander through the winter sparkle and vote for your favorite tree here from December 6–21.
This isn’t sponsored (we’d tell you!). We just love a good tree dressed to impress. (Just so you know: Sponsored content in our newsletter is always marked with “*”).
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The 919 Deal Drop:
Don’t Miss These Midweek Cocktails at The Big Easy 🔥
Get $2 off all specialty cocktails every Wednesday—no code, no catch. Just show up and sip.
📍Where: The Big Easy
📅 When: Every Wednesday
Raleigh Real Estate:
🏡 FOR SALE UNDER $300K: 3 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 1,674 SQ FT | .06 ACRES | $299,990
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This modern farmhouse features a 4-car garage, first-floor guest suite, abundant natural light, and an open, well-appointed layout with site-finished hardwoods, upgraded kitchen finishes, and a vaulted primary suite on a large, ideally located lot.* Take a look here →
Raleigh Overtime:
🍴 FOODIE FIND: Brodeto’s Rotolo is a rich, slow-braised beef pasta roll served with silky Parmesan cream.
🐾 FOR ADOPTION: JUNIOR | DOG | 6 MONTHS | MALE
Junior is a pint-sized bundle of joy overflowing with personality, loyalty, and charm, winning hearts with his fun-loving nature, great leash manners, easy travel vibes, and dream-worthy snuggles. Check him 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: Pottery + Plants (Holiday Edition) at Artspace on December 4 at 6PM.
This two-part ceramic workshop guides participants in hand-building a plant pot with instructor Mary Parker, plus includes a free plant from Copperline Plant Co. to be picked up in-store. 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: NOJH CHVIAS MAIMRLEO KAPR
🌳 Golden Years Gatherings
Handpicked social, cultural, and community events especially for Raleigh’s older adults.
👋 Event of the day: Holiday Cookie Exchange 2025 @ Cary Senior Center | December 12 | 10AM
This holiday cookie exchange invites bakers to bring several dozen of their signature treats to swap, leaving with a festive assortment to share with friends and family, with additional details sent out the week before the event. Get details here →
💲 Senior Discount of the Day: Brigs Restaurants | 7% Off All Adult Entrees
For those 65 and up, every day at Brigs Restaurants you get 7% off adult entrees (not including sides or drinks); just ask for the discount when you order.
Local Vocals:
🎸 This Week: Psychedelic Rock Night
Enjoy a trippy, high-energy night of local psychedelic rock as Accidental Caps and Late Night LowLights take over Slim’s with their up-and-coming Triangle sound.* | Slim's Dive Bar | December 4, 9PM | More info here →
🎤 Plan Ahead: Santana | Rock
Santana is an American rock band led by guitarist Carlos Santana, known for its signature fusion of rock, blues, Latin rhythms, and electrifying guitar work. | DPAC | April 3, 8PM | 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.
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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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✔️ 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: Anthony Rodia at Raleigh Improv | December 10, 7PM | Anthony Rodia is an American stand-up comedian known for his high-energy rants, sharp observational humor, and viral characters drawn from everyday family life. Get tickets here →
😂 Plan Ahead: Anthony Jeselnik at Goodnights Comedy Club | February 19-21 | Anthony Jeselnik is an American stand-up comedian known for his dark, sharp one-liners and deliberately provocative comedic style. Get tickets here →
Find Friends in Raleigh:
Curated social events without an emphasis on alcohol or romance:
👋 Dinner with New Friends | December 5 | 7PM
The Dinner with New Friends series brings together locals in their 20s for simple, fun, and adventurous connections over a shared meal. Get details here →
🤝 Holiday Crafternoon @ Athens Drive Community Library | December 6 | 1PM
This free event provides all the supplies for guests to create unique, personalized Christmas gifts—decorating ornaments, glassware, totes, aprons, and more for loved ones this holiday season. Get details here →
O’Malley’s Pub & Restaurant is the kind of place where the bartender remembers your order, the fish and chips hit just right, and the atmosphere makes it way too easy to stay for ‘just one more.’
—Mikey, a longtime reader
Oak City Job Openings:
💻 WORK-FROM-HOME JOB HIRING IN RALEIGH: Outschool is seeking a Social Content Creator.
💼 CARY JOB: DoubleTree Raleigh-Cary is seeking a Houseperson - Part-Time.
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Hey, y’all: Event info can change—always check the organizer’s site before you go.
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