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Hi, Cary

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

• WCPSS Budget Cut

• Coletta!

• Christmas Light Ride

• Street Closures

• Weekend Holiday Events!

— Jake from Cary Digest

News

Upcoming WCPSS Budget Cut

Wake County school leaders are getting an early look at what the 2026–27 budget might bring, and the preview isn’t exactly encouraging. During a board retreat on Wednesday, members walked through a new financial outlook that suggests the district may have to prepare for significant cuts next year.

The presentation pointed to a national survey showing that funding for K–12 schools across the country is expected to tighten. Officials said the warning signs aren’t limited to Wake County, but they do signal that the district could be facing a tougher budgeting season ahead.

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

Restaurant Spotlight: Coletta!

Coletta at Fenton offers a polished, modern take on Italian cooking with a menu centered on wood-fired pizzas, fresh pastas, and well executed small plates. The space is warm and comfortable, and the presentation of each dish shows clear attention to detail. Cocktails are carefully made, and the menu feels approachable while still offering a few creative touches.

Service is steady and professional, and the restaurant works well for both everyday meals and special occasions. Coletta has become a reliable option in Cary for anyone looking for thoughtfully prepared Italian food in a clean, inviting setting.

Town Updates

Street Closure on Saturday

Downtown Cary will see several streets shut down this Saturday as the Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade makes its return. The event begins at 2 p.m. on December 13, but road closures will start an hour earlier and last until 5 p.m.

Drivers can expect portions of Academy Street, E. Chatham Street, and Dry Avenue to be blocked off, along with a few nearby sections. Detours will be in place throughout the afternoon.

Free Light Ride!

GoCary is offering a festive, fare-free way to enjoy downtown Cary this season with a special holiday version of its Downtown Loop. The route will feature “light-seeing” rides on Tuesday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. beginning December 2 and running through December 23, with no reservations required. Riders can board at any of the 13 stops to experience decorated buses, holiday music, and views of the Heart of the Holidays displays and activities. Free parking is available at Town Hall near a convenient stop, and the Downtown Loop will also continue operating on its regular Thursday through Sunday schedule during this period.

Weather

Things to Do This Weekend

Friday, December 12

Friday Nights at Sweetwater (Apex)
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Sweetwater Apex Event Lawn, 2701 Lawnview Ln, Apex, NC
Description: Family-friendly outdoor market with local vendors, live music, kids’ activities, and beer & wine on the lawn.
Link: https://shoplocalraleigh.org/friday-nights-at-sweetwater/

NC Chinese Lantern Festival
Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Pkwy, Cary, NC
Description: Stroll through a dazzling holiday wonderland of illuminated lantern displays, with nightly cultural performances and festive food & drinks.
Link: https://www.boothamphitheatre.com/events-tickets/events/chinese-lantern-festival

Cary Town Band Concert: Winterfest ’25
Time: 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Ave, Cary, NC
Description: Enjoy a free concert of festive marches, waltzes, and holiday tunes performed by the community’s own Cary Town Band.
Link: https://triangleonthecheap.com/cary-town-band/

Steve Rannazzisi Comedy Show
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Raleigh Improv, 1224 Parkside Main St, Cary, NC
Description: TV’s The League star Steve Rannazzisi delivers an evening of stand-up comedy as he kicks off a weekend of shows at the Raleigh Improv.
Link: https://improv.com/raleigh

Christmas Play & Musical (Apex)
Time: 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Halle Cultural Arts Center, 237 N Salem St, Apex, NC
Description: A family-friendly holiday theater double-feature, featuring the original play “Asterix, the Little Star” and the ’50s jukebox musical “Jingle Bell Jukebox.”
Link: https://www.apexnc.org/1967/Christmas-Play-Musical

Free Children’s Movie Night (Holly Springs)
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Holly Springs Cultural Center, 300 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
Description: Enjoy a free screening of the beloved animated film The Polar Express in the cozy Holly Springs Cultural Center theater.
Link: https://www.hollyspringsnc.gov/343/Festivals-Events

Saturday, December 13

Cary Downtown Farmers Market
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: 220 E Park St, Cary, NC
Description: Shop fresh produce, baked goods, local crafts, and more at Cary’s weekly open-air farmers market, complete with live music and holiday cheer.
Link: https://caryfarmersmarket.com

Apex Farmers Market
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: The Depot, 220 N Salem St, Apex, NC
Description: Browse seasonal produce, meats, artisanal foods, and handmade goods from local vendors at the community-focused Apex downtown market.
Link: https://www.apexfarmersmarket.com

Happy Holly Days Parade (Holly Springs)
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Main Street, Downtown Holly Springs, NC
Description: Holly Springs’ annual Christmas parade brings floats, marching bands, dancers, and Santa himself parading down Main Street in a morning of festive fun.
Link: https://triangleonthecheap.com/holly-springs-parade/

Santa’s Workshop
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy St, Cary, NC
Description: Kids of all ages can drop in before the parade to craft one-of-a-kind ornaments and handmade gifts with Santa’s helpers at this free outdoor workshop.
Link: https://downtowncarypark.com

Grinch Candy Cane Hunt
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: Fred G. Bond Metro Park, 801 High House Rd, Cary, NC
Description: Santa’s elves have hidden red-and-white candy canes all around Bond Park – help find them before the Grinch does in this playful candy cane hunt for kids.
Link: https://www.visitraleigh.com/event/grinch-candy-cane-hunt-2025/94511/

A Stars Hollow Christmas Market (Apex)
Time: 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Location: The Studio, 106 W Chatham St, Apex, NC
Description: A Gilmore Girls-inspired holiday market featuring themed activities (Luke’s coffee, Rory’s bookshelf), trivia at 2pm, plus 25+ handmade and vintage vendors.
Link: https://www.visitraleigh.com/event/a-stars-hollow-christmas-market/94515/

Cary Vintage Holiday Market
Time: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: West End Beer Garden, 510 Old Apex Rd, Cary, NC
Description: Hunt for unique vintage clothing, vinyl, antiques, and retro gifts at this holiday market, with baked treats, hot cocoa, craft beer, and live music on site.
Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/320212350482018/

Route 55 Jazz Orchestra: Under A Santa Moon (Holly Springs)
Time: 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Holly Springs Cultural Center, 300 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
Description: A 17-piece big band brings swinging renditions of holiday classics and jazzy Christmas cheer in this evening concert that’s sure to put you in a festive mood.
Link: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=hscc

Sunday, December 14

Paws with Claus: Holiday Photos
Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy St, Cary, NC
Description: Dress up your pets and bring them to Downtown Cary Park for a free photo with Santa Paws – complete with treats, decorations, and wagging tails aplenty.
Link: https://downtowncarypark.com

Triangle Wind Ensemble: The Snowman
Time: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Location: Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Ave, Cary, NC
Description: The Triangle Wind Ensemble accompanies a screening of the classic animated film The Snowman with live music, plus performs other holiday favorites in concert.
Link: https://www.trianglewind.org

Holly Springs Community Band: Sounds of the Season
Time: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Holly Springs Cultural Center, 300 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
Description: The Holly Springs Community Band presents a joyful concert of traditional and contemporary holiday tunes guaranteed to get you humming along to the classics.
Link: https://thetriangleweekender.com/event/holly-springs-community-band-presents-sounds-of-the-season/

White Christmas Sing-Along
Time: 7:00 PM (also 3:00 PM matinee)
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Bing Crosby’s 1954 musical White Christmas comes to the big screen – sing along to all the songs in this fun, family-friendly interactive movie experience (tickets $5).
Link: https://thecarytheater.com

Gingerbread House Competition & Stroll
Time: All Weekend (final day)
Location: Downtown Cary (various locations)
Description: Stroll through downtown Cary to see dozens of creative, candy-covered gingerbread houses on display inside local businesses (last day to vote for your favorite!).
Link: https://www.carync.gov/recreation-enjoyment/events/holiday-events/heart-of-the-holidays-celebration/gingerbread-house-competition-application

Snowman Stroll on Salem (Apex)
Time: All Day (ends Dec 14)
Location: Downtown Apex, Salem St area, Apex, NC
Description: Explore downtown Apex with a special holiday “passport” – collect stamps at shops featuring festive snowman displays and enjoy winter treats and activities (ends today).
Link: https://www.apexnc.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=4412&month=12&year=2025

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