Raleigh’s Happy Holly Days Parade: Main Street Magic Meets Holiday Cheer
A lively parade full of floats, music, and small-town sparkle—bring your coffee and your cozy spirit.
Shannon
December 08, 2025
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The Happy Holly Days Parade rolls out on Saturday, December 13 at 10 AM, turning Main Street into a full-on holiday runway of floats, bands, dancers, and all the festive chaos we gladly signed up for. It’s the perfect morning for bundling up, sipping something warm, and settling into a front-row spot for pure seasonal joy.
If you want a sneak peek of the energy, check out this recap from last year—it’s pure peppermint-flavored nostalgia.
This isn’t sponsored (we’d let you know if it was). We just love a good marching band moment. 🎄✨ (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 Cheap Drinks at Chubby’s Tacos 🔥
Score $3 house margaritas every Monday—no secret handshake required. Just show up, sip, and smile.
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📅 When: Every Monday
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613 S West Street is a rare end-unit brownstone in a sold-out development, offering discreet luxury in Downtown Raleigh with three spacious bedrooms, each featuring its own en suite bathroom.* Take a look here →
Raleigh Overtime:
🍴 FOODIE FIND: The Crunkleton’s Mussels is a bold, savory mix of chorizo, hearth-charred tomatoes, rich pot stock, and charred ciabatta.
🐾 FOR ADOPTION: PETEY | DOG | 8 MONTHS | MALE
Petey is a sweetheart with low-to-the-ground charm, goofy smiles, and a perfect mix of snuggly affection, belly-rub enthusiasm, and adorable one-up, one-down ears. Check him out here →
🛍️ GARAGE SALE: Head over to Free Spirit Farm School, Wake Forest on December 13 at 9AM for locally made crafts, soaps, candles, and even live animals—including hens, roosters, and chicks—and much more. More details here →
📝 LOCAL CLASS: Holiday Cheer Candle-Making Workshop at Sneaky Penguin Brewing Company on December 11 at 6PM.
In this festive holiday-themed workshop, participants hand-pour their own soy wax candles while enjoying the welcoming atmosphere of one of Raleigh’s favorite breweries. 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: HOTRN NOIRAACL NEALREG SMASBLYE
🌳 Golden Years Gatherings
Handpicked social, cultural, and community events especially for Raleigh’s older adults.
👋 Event of the day: Bingo, Books and Bagels for Adults @ East Regional Library in Knightdale | December 18 | 10:30AM
Seniors age 60+ are invited on the third Thursday of the month to enjoy bagels, hear book talks, and play Bingo. Get details here →
💲 Senior Discount of the Day: A-Z Thrift Shop | 25% Off for Shoppers 55+
Stop by on the first Thursday of every month and show your ID at checkout to score 25% off your entire purchase.
Local Vocals:
🎸 This Week: Trans-Siberian Orchestra | Rock
Trans-Siberian Orchestra is an American rock collective known for its dramatic fusion of classical, heavy metal, and holiday music, delivered through elaborate storytelling and spectacular live shows. | Lenovo Center | December 11, 7PM | Get tickets here →
🎤 Plan Ahead: Meghan Trainor | Pop
Meghan Trainor is an American singer-songwriter known for her catchy retro-pop sound and empowering hits like “All About That Bass.” | Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek | June 27, 6:30PM | 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 (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!
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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.
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Let’s Get Laughing:
🎤 This Week: Ryan Rogers at Goodnights Comedy Club | December 17, 8PM | Ryan Rogers is a nationally touring gay stand-up comedian known for his brazen queer perspective and effervescent, high-energy stage presence. Get tickets here →
😂 Plan Ahead: Aries Spears at Raleigh Improv | March 6-7 | Aries Spears is an American comedian and impressionist known for his sharp humor, celebrity impressions, and longtime work on MADtv. Get tickets here →
Find Friends in Raleigh:
Curated social events without an emphasis on alcohol or romance:
👋 Sip & Paint: Art, Impact & Community Night @ The Wright Village | December 12 | 7PM
An evening of creativity and community where guests paint their own masterpieces while enjoying cocktails, with all proceeds supporting kids’ financial education (21+). Get details here →
🤝 Dinner with Creatives @ Restaurant of the Week | December 12 | 7PM
A chance for city creatives to connect over dinner and shake off the loneliness that comes with the 24/7 grind. Get details here →
Angie’s Restaurant is where Raleigh locals go for a no-frills, feel-good Southern breakfast. This spot serves up fluffy biscuits, perfect grits, and country ham that hits just right. The service? Like family. The portions? Generous. The vibe? Classic diner, with a side of sweet tea and hospitality. Just don’t sleep in too late…it’s a breakfast-and-lunch-only kind of place, and the regulars don’t play when it comes to getting their favorite booth.
—Claire, a longtime reader
Oak City Job Openings:
💻 WORK-FROM-HOME JOB HIRING IN RALEIGH: Daily Transcription is seeking a Medical Transcriber.
💼 RALEIGH JOB: Millbrook Tennis Center is seeking a Front Desk Employee.
💸SIDE HUSTLES:
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Hey, y’all: Event info can change—always check the organizer’s site before you go.
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