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Hi Cary!

Here’s what you can expect in Today’s issue:

• Cary’s 2025 Tree Lighting

• Peck & Plume

• Star’s Hollow Market

• More events!

— Jake from Cary Digest

News

Cary’s 2025 Tree Lighting

Downtown Cary was filled with holiday cheer this past weekend as hundreds of residents gathered for the town’s annual tree lighting celebration at Downtown Cary Park. The event featured festive music, colorful light displays, and a special appearance from Santa Claus, who delighted children and families alike. Attendees explored vendor booths offering hot cocoa, seasonal crafts, and local gifts, creating a cheerful holiday market atmosphere. The Great Lawn served as the heart of the celebration, with food trucks parked nearby and families spreading out on blankets to enjoy the sights.

The highlight of the evening came just after sunset when Mayor Harold Weinbrecht led a countdown to illuminate the towering holiday tree. As lights sparkled across the park, a chorus of carolers performed classic tunes, and children danced near the fountain. The event also included performances from local dance troupes and student musicians, adding a personal community touch to the festivities. For many, the evening marked the unofficial start of the holiday season in Cary and brought neighbors together to celebrate under the glow of twinkling lights.

The best Secret Santa gift? A Pop-Tart heating pad.

For the friend who loves cozy comfort and a touch of nostalgia, the Happy Helpers Pop-Tart Heating Pad is a sweet standout on any holiday gift list. Designed to look just like the iconic Strawberry Frosted Pop-Tart, this microwaveable cutie delivers warm, soothing relief for period cramps, sore muscles, or chilly winter days.

Perfect for your bestie, parent, sibling, or anyone who could use a little extra warmth this season. Equal parts comforting and charming, this Pop-Tart is guaranteed to be the most delightfully unexpected hit of your Secret Santa exchange!

Get the Happy Helpers Pop-Tart here!

P.S. Want to advertise in Cary Digest this holiday season? Reply to this email or reach out at [email protected]!

Restaurant Spotlight: Peck & Plume

Located inside The Mayton in downtown Cary, Peck & Plume offers a refined yet welcoming dining experience that blends Southern hospitality with elevated cuisine. The restaurant’s airy dining room overlooks the Downtown Cary Park, making it a go-to spot for everything from brunch with friends to elegant date nights. With an interior that balances classic charm and contemporary flair, guests can expect thoughtful service, a well-curated cocktail menu, and an inviting atmosphere that suits both casual and special occasions.

Peck & Plume’s seasonal menu highlights locally sourced ingredients and regional flavors with dishes like sweet tea-brined pork chops, shrimp and grits, and their signature pimento cheese appetizer. Weekend brunch is a local favorite, featuring lemon ricotta pancakes, smoked salmon tartines, and mimosas by the carafe. Whether you’re stopping by for a light lunch or planning a holiday dinner, Peck & Plume continues to be one of downtown Cary’s culinary standouts. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

Community Events

Star’s Hollow Market!

A Stars Hollow Christmas Market is bringing some small town holiday magic to downtown Apex on Saturday, December 13, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Hosted at 106 W Chatham Street, the event is a love letter to Gilmore Girls, inviting fans and holiday shoppers alike to sip Luke’s coffee, browse Rory’s Bookshelf for mystery finds, and shop from more than 25 local handmade artists and vintage vendors. The market also features coffee infused baked goods, hand illustrated Stars Hollow maps, themed gifts including apparel and glassware, and a pop up Luke’s coffee shop for anyone ready to try a Sookie inspired treat.

The day includes custom hand drawn portraits of attendees in Stars Hollow style by Leanne Renée and Gilmore Girls trivia kicking off at 2 p.m., giving fans a chance to test their knowledge. With free street parking nearby and a full afternoon of shopping, trivia, and cozy fandom fun, the event offers an easy way to wrap up holiday shopping while debating the most important question of all, are you Team Jess, Team Dean, or Team Logan.

Weather

Things to Do This Week

Tuesday, December 9

Bond Brothers Run Club
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Bond Brothers Beer Company, 202 E Cedar St, Cary, NC
Description: Social run with 2–5 mile routes for all paces, followed by craft beer.
Link: https://www.bondbrothersbeer.com/food-trucks-happenings

Photos with Santa
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Gathering House, Downtown Cary Park, Cary, NC
Description: Step into a winter wonderland and snap free photos with Santa Claus.
Link: https://downtowncarypark.com

Photos with Santa: Sensory-Friendly
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Gathering House, Downtown Cary Park, Cary, NC
Description: An adaptive Santa visit in a calm setting for children with sensory sensitivities.
Link: https://downtowncarypark.com

Concert Singers of Cary – Holiday Pops 2025
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Ave, Cary, NC
Description: Festive choral concert featuring classic and new holiday tunes performed by a symphonic choir.
Link: https://concertsingers.org/our-season-25-26/holiday-pops-2025/

Open Mic Night at Salem Street Music Club
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Salem Street Music Club, 209 N Salem St, Apex, NC
Description: Local musicians perform at a relaxed open mic night – all talent welcome.
Link: https://allevents.in/apex/salem-street-music-club-open-mic/

Wednesday, December 10

Music Bingo at Downtown Cary Park
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Bark Bar Pavilion, Downtown Cary Park, Cary, NC
Description: Lively music-themed bingo game with prizes and plenty of tunes.
Link: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/w_music-bingo

Bond Brothers Trivia Night
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Bond Brothers Beer Company, 202 E Cedar St, Cary, NC
Description: Free team trivia night with prizes for the top teams.
Link: https://www.bondbrothersbeer.com/food-trucks-happenings

Bailey’s Wine Wednesday
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Bailey’s Fine Jewelry, 21 Fenton Main St, Cary, NC
Description: Sip on complimentary wine and enjoy special deals while you shop at Fenton.
Link: https://fentonnc.com

RTOOT presents “Let’s Clause A Scene”
Time: 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Ave, Cary, NC
Description: The Really Terrible Orchestra of the Triangle’s humorous holiday concert filled with festive music and fun.
Link: https://www.carync.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/12429/

Tai Chi in the Park
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park, Cary, NC
Description: Free outdoor Tai Chi session for all ages to promote balance and relaxation.
Link: https://downtowncarypark.com

Thursday, December 11

Drop-in Art Cart
Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park, Cary, NC
Description: Free creative arts and crafts activities for kids – drop in anytime and get crafty.
Link: https://downtowncarypark.com

Bombshell Beer Run/Walk Club
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Bombshell Beer Company, 120 Quantum St, Holly Springs, NC
Description: Free weekly social run/walk for all paces, followed by post-run brews at the brewery.
Link: https://www.bombshellbeer.com/Events/Bombshell-Beer-Run-Club

Speed Puzzling in the Park
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Academy Pavilion, Downtown Cary Park, Cary, NC
Description: Fast-paced jigsaw puzzle competition where teams race to finish a 1,000-piece puzzle first.
Link: https://downtowncarypark.com

Line Dancing at Sports & Social Cary
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Sports & Social (PBR Cary), 301 Fenton Gateway Dr, Cary, NC
Description: Free country line dancing lesson and open dance floor (ages 21+).
Link: https://fentonnc.com

Zumba at Downtown Cary Park
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park, Cary, NC
Description: High-energy outdoor Zumba fitness class open to all skill levels (free admission).
Link: https://downtowncarypark.com

Friday, December 12

NC Chinese Lantern Festival
Time: 6:00 PM (doors open nightly)
Location: Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Pkwy, Cary, NC
Description: Stroll through a dazzling display of giant illuminated lanterns and sculptures at this annual nighttime festival.
Link: https://www.boothamphitheatre.com

Steve Rannazzisi Stand-Up Comedy
Time: 7:00 PM and 9:15 PM
Location: Raleigh Improv, 1224 Parkside Main St, Cary, NC
Description: Live stand-up comedy by Steve Rannazzisi (of The League fame) delivering two shows of laughs (21+ venue).
Link: https://improv.com/raleigh/comic/steve+rannazzisi/

Cary Town Band – Winterfest ’25
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Ave, Cary, NC
Description: Free annual Winterfest concert by the Cary Town Band, featuring joyous holiday music for all ages.
Link: https://www.carync.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/12433/

White Christmas Sing-Along
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Interactive screening of the classic 1954 holiday film White Christmas with lyrics on-screen so the audience can sing along.
Link: https://thecarytheater.com/event/white-christmas-sing-along-16/the-cary/cary/

NCAA Men’s College Cup Semifinals
Time: 6:00 PM (first match), ~8:30 PM (second match)
Location: WakeMed Soccer Park, 201 Soccer Park Dr, Cary, NC
Description: The nation’s top four collegiate soccer teams face off in Cary for the championship semifinals (ticketed event).
Link: https://www.carync.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/12391/

Christmas Play & Musical
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Halle Cultural Arts Center, 237 N Salem St, Apex, NC
Description: Family-friendly double feature with “Astrix, the Little Star” (a charming Christmas play) and “Jingle Bell Jukebox” (a lively holiday musical revue).
Link: https://www.apexnc.org/1967/Christmas-Play-Musical

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