6 minute read
Datebook
OUR TOWN
Capture the spirit of the season with light shows, concerts, festive crafts, and dazzling productions
Advertisement
by ADDIE LADNER and KARA ADAMS
NOTED
WRAL NIGHTS OF LIGHTS December 1 - 24 | 6:30 p.m.
Nights of Lights at Dix Park is back this year. The second annual event will boast even more twinkling bulbs and mesmerizing artistic displays, including new pieces by Raleigh neon artist Nate Shaeffer. This year, the event will include more nights for guests to choose from and fewer cars per night to shorten wait times to see the display. Pack family or friends into the car for this festive milelong ride through the park, and tune in to a soundtrack of merry music to accompany the spectacle. $35; 1251 Goode Street; dixpark.org
DATEBOOK
ALPHONSE MUCHA All month | See website
Immerse yourself in the work of Alphonse Mucha, a visionary of the Art Nouveau design movement of the early 1900s. The celebrated Czech artist’s illustrations, photographs, sculptures, and more will be on display at the North Carolina Museum of Art. Mucha gained popularity for his fanciful, romantic advertisements, which often featured French actresses intertwined with classical imagery. $23.60; 2110 Blue Ridge Road; ncartmuseum.org
HURRICANES GAMES All month | 7 p.m.
If you’re not a Caniac yet, maybe it’s time. Cheer on our Carolina Hurricanes — the reigning division champions — at seven home games this month. Bundle up and pack a picnic to get to the parking lot early for the tailgating scene, then watch the team — led by captain Jordan Staal and 2020 Coach of the Year Rod Brind’Amour — bring the heat to the ice. December 2, 4, 16, 18, 19, 27; from $16; 1400 Edwards Mill Road; pncarena.com
THE ROAD TO MECCA Dec. 2 - 19 | See website
See Burning Coal Theatre’s production of The Road to Mecca, directed by Jerome Davis, the true story of a woman from South Africa, Miss Helen, who finds her calling as a sculptor later in life. Written by Athol Fugard, this is the second time the popular play will be showcased at Burning Coal, and can be viewed in-person or through a livestream. From $20; 224 Polk Street; burningcoal.org
BOYLAN HEIGHTS ARTWALK Dec. 5 | 12 - 5 p.m.
The Boylan Heights ArtWalk transforms this historic neighborhood into an immersive gallery, with exhibits set up in the front yards and porches of the area homes. Collectors and casual observers alike will enjoy this juried show, which displays paintings, jewelry, pottery, stained glass, and more from nearly 100 artists — all for sale, just in time for the holidays. Lyman Collins, chair of the Boylan Heights ArtWalk chair and a neighborhood resident, says they’ve gone the extra mile to make this as COVID safe as possible. “We’re so excited to be back in person. It feels like a real accomplishment. The biggest thing though we’ve done is reduce the number of artists, which was hard,” he says. In past years, multiple artists would be stationed on a single front porch or yard, but this year there will only be one artist per space. For food, Rebus Works will be up and running as usual and the neighborhood will have a food stand offering individually wrapped items. Free; Boylan Heights neighborhood; boylanheights.org
JOY OF THE SEASON Dec. 7 | 7:30 p.m.
Hear the North Carolina Master Chorale in a showcase of seasonal music featuring a range of genres, from a jazzy rendition of “Sleigh Ride” to the rousing “Go Tell it on the Mountain” and its annual, classic show-ender, “Joy to the World.” Accompanied by the North Carolina Symphony Orchestra, the program will take place in Meymandi Hall. From $35; 2 E. South Street; ncmasterchorale.org
HISTORIC OAKWOOD CANDLELIGHT TOUR Dec. 11 & 12 | 1 - 7 p.m.
NOTED
n Transport yourself back to the Victorian era with this unique opportunity to peek inside a dozen century-old homes that are still in use today. This year is the 50th anniversary of the Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour, and it will include some of the homes from the original tour, as well as visitor favorites from over the decades. After the outdoor-only version last year, the self-paced Candlelight Tour will again include interiors, where guests will have the opportunity to hear about the histories and architectural details of each home they visit. “Last year, we were pleased to offer a walking tour version of the Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour, and it was an astonishing success. But the real beauty and warmth of this event – and this neighborhood – is welcoming people and giving them the chance to enjoy these beautifully decorated homes,” says tour chair Kurt Hurelbrink. From $30; start at 418 N. Person Street; historicoakwood.org
A CHRISTMAS CAROL Dec. 9 - 12 & 15 - 19 | See website
Theatre in the Park presents Ira David Wood III’s A Christmas Carol, a comedic, Raleigh-centric version of the Dickens classic that includes new twists every year to delight the audience. Performed since 1974, A Christmas Carol has been named one of the “Top 20 Events In The Southeast” and will be on view at DPAC and Raleigh Memorial Auditorium. From $36.50; 2 E. South Street and 123 Vivian Street, Durham; theatreinthepark.com
EVENING WITH ELVES Dec. 10 | 6 - 8:30 p.m.
A night at the museum in pajamas that includes encounters with elves, a dance party, outdoor s’mores, and an appearance from a magical snowflake fairy? Sounds like holiday heaven for little ones. At this annual event at Marbles Kids Museum, children will receive a special elf name and the chance to explore arctic-themed play areas, with a visit to the North Pole Pizza Parlor available for an extra charge. $25; 201 E. Hargett Street; marbleskidsmuseum.org
HOLIDAY POPS Dec. 10 - 11 | See website
Get into the holiday spirit with vocalist Yolanda Rabun and the North Carolina Symphony performing all your favorite holiday tunes at the Meymandi Concert Hall. Featuring show tunes, popular music, and the classics, this beloved local tradition is an inspiring Yuletide event for all ages. From $26; 2 E. South Street; ncsymphony.org “INTERESTING STUFF” FOR YOUR HOME & COLLECTIONS Pigfish Lane Antiques & Interiors
antiques • porcelain • art old & new • custom framing • carpets lamp shades & repair • custom-built furniture •
PAPER PRODUCTS AND VINTAGE BARWARE FOR YOUR HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING NEEDS!
Fine Porcelains, Fun Furnishings, Vintage Barware, Unique Gifts
DATEBOOK
A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL Dec. 28 - 31 | See website
The stage version of one of America’s favorite holiday movies, A Christmas Story, The Musical will hit DPAC just in time for the post-holiday lull. Set in Indiana in the ‘40s, this take still includes the infamous leg lamp, bunny suit, and ice-cold lamp pole — but this time in live-action, and with a soundtrack. From $25; 123 Vivian Street, Durham; dpac.com
CHRISTMAS WREATH WORKSHOP All month | 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Head to Phillips Farm of Cary on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays this month for a hands-on wreath-making class. Gardening experts will teach you everything you need to know to craft a festive, one-of-a-kind wreath to adorn your front door out of evergreen branches. The ticket includes all the materials to make your first wreath — then use your newfound skills to make y many more with clips from your own garden. $57; 6701 Good Hope Church Road, Cary; phillipsfarmsofcary.com NOTED
