WRAL First Night Raleigh: Countdown, Crafts, and One Very Famous Acorn
Your all-access pass to rides, music, and end-of-year magic.
Shannon
December 21, 2025
First time reader? Join 11,336 other Raleigh locals. Sign up here.
On December 31, ring in the new year with WRAL First Night Raleigh, an all-day celebration packed with music, crafts, comedy, and enough amusement rides to make you reconsider that second funnel cake. Start with the Children’s Celebration at 2pm, wander through indoor performances, and wrap it all up with the legendary Acorn Drop and fireworks.
Want a sneak peek at the performances, activities, and rides—or grab your ticket? Click here.
Not sponsored—we just love some New Year’s Eve excitement. (Just so you know: Sponsored content in our newsletter is always marked with “*”).
FYI:
Move this email to your Primary Inbox so you don’t miss the next edition.
Also, please forward this to a friend; it's how we grow.
🔥 Get The Latest Raleigh Guide:
Exploring Raleigh’s Art & Culture: Museums, Galleries, and More, part of The Raleigh Bundle collection of expert guides, is packed with little-known exhibits, artist-run spaces, and cultural experiences most residents never realize are open to the public. Even longtime locals will be surprised by what they find inside.
The 919 Deal Drop:
Don’t Miss These Daily Drink Deals at Tin Roof 🔥
$5 Fireball, $5 Pink Whitney, and $4 PBR—all day, every day. No tricks, just show up thirsty.
📍Where: Tin Roof
📅 When: Daily
Raleigh Real Estate:
🏡 FOR SALE UNDER $300K: 2 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 1,123 SQ FT | .08 ACRES | $299,950
Rarely available end-unit ranch townhome in popular Oak Park West, offering an ideal blend of location, convenience, and easy living.* Take a look here →
🏠 FOR SALE UNDER $400K: 3 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 1,777 SQ FT | .03 ACRES | $325,000
Modern and convenient North Raleigh townhome featuring low-maintenance LVP flooring throughout the open living, dining, and kitchen areas for a sleek, flexible layout.* Take a look here →
🏘️ FOR SALE OVER $400K: 2 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 1,877 SQ FT | .14 ACRES | $475,000
Beautifully maintained home in one of Raleigh’s premier 55+ active adult communities, offering exceptional amenities, a vibrant social calendar, and abundant recreational clubs (only one resident must be 55+).* Take a look here →
🏰 FOR SALE OVER $1M: 5 BEDROOMS | 6 BATHROOMS | 3,720 SQ FT | .24 ACRES | $1,699,000
Ready in August 2026, the Clara is a high-end custom new construction in The Founding at Blue Ridge featuring upgraded finishes, thoughtful design, and 5 bedrooms each with a private bath plus a half bath.* Take a look here →
Raleigh Overtime:
🍴 FOODIE FIND: Jolie’s Bûche de Noël is a classic holiday dessert featuring chocolate sponge cake layered with vanilla mousse, finished with Videri dark chocolate ganache, French meringue mushrooms, and mint moss.
🐾 FOR ADOPTION: KALMIA | DOG | 1 YEAR, 5 MONTHS | FEMALE
Kalmia is a 45-lb adult dog who gets along well with other dogs, has a gentle, easygoing nature, and would thrive in a home with confident canine companions to help show her the ropes. Check her out here →
📝 LOCAL CLASS: Make & Take: Cubby Bookshelf at Rockler Woodworking and Hardware on December 23 at 9:30AM.
This cubby bookshelf class teaches students how to design and build a versatile storage solution, covering measuring, cutting, assembly, finishing, and edge detailing to create a polished, functional bookshelf. 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: EKAW UCONYT BCILPU CHOLSO YSMSTE
🌳 Golden Years Gatherings
Handpicked social, cultural, and community events especially for Raleigh’s older adults.
👋 Event of the day: Game Time - Happy Hour Edition @ Rally Point Sport Grill | December 24 | 4PM
Game Time – Happy Hour Edition at Rally Point, where a reserved room off the bar will be available to play games while enjoying drinks, appetizers, and dinner. Get details here →
💲 Senior Discount of the Day: Denny’s | 15% Senior Discount Menu
Denny’s offers 15% off for AARP members (up to $10) and a special senior menu for guests 55+.
Local Vocals:
🎸 This Week: Cosmic Charlie | Rock
Cosmic Charlie is an American jam band known for its faithful, high-energy interpretations of Grateful Dead music and improvisational live performances. | Cat’s Cradle | December 30, 7:30PM | Get tickets here →
🎤 Plan Ahead: Brandon Lake | Rock
Brandon Lake is an American contemporary Christian singer-songwriter known for his powerful worship anthems and dynamic, heartfelt performances. | Lenovo Center | March 22, 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: Mike Cronin at Goodnights Comedy Club | December 26-28 | Mike Cronin is an American stand-up comedian known for his laid-back delivery, clever absurdity, and sharply crafted jokes. Get tickets here →
😂 Plan Ahead: Dylan Carlino at Goodnights Comedy Club | March 19-21 | Dylan Carlino is an American stand-up comedian known for his dry delivery, clever writing, and sharp observational humor. Get tickets here →
Find Friends in Raleigh:
Curated social events without an emphasis on alcohol or romance:
👋 Wreath & Wine: New Year Edition @ DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel | December 26 | 6:30PM
An unforgettable early New Year experience where creativity meets compassion, hosted at the welcoming DoubleTree Suites and inviting guests to sip, socialize, slow down, and support a meaningful cause. Get details here →
🤝 ALGM Women's Bike Riding Club @ The Bike Library | December 28 | 10AM
ANU Womb hosts a fun-filled in-person biking event with the ANU Women’s Bike Riding Club, partnering with The Bike Library for a ride focused on both health, wellness, and cycling education. Get details here →
Dos Taquitos is that no-fuss taco joint you brag about finding first. It’s small, colorful, and packed with flavor—you can practically taste the history in their handmade tortillas.
—Reagan, a longtime reader
Oak City Job Openings:
🖥️ WORK-FROM-HOME JOB HIRING IN RALEIGH: ProofreadingPal is seeking a Proofreader.
💼 CHAPEL HILL JOB: University of North Carolina is seeking an Admin Support Associate.
💸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 11,336 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.
If you’ve scrolled this far, you probably enjoy what we’re doing. The best way to support us? Share the love. Forward this newsletter to a friend or click this link to share it on Facebook, X, etc.—every share helps us grow.
What did you think of today's newsletter? |