Parks & Rec

Artist Studio Project, The Friends of the City of Raleigh Museum, El Centro Hispano, and The Dominican Association of NC invite you to attend our 8th Annual La Chocolatada de Luisito. This is a Free Bilingual Family-Friendly Holiday Storytime Event. It includes Free Books, Crafts, Chocolates, Songs, Treats, Hot Chocolate, Pastries, and more. This family-friendly event forms part of the 10th Annual El Quixote Festival. Location: City of Raleigh Museum Cost: Free Ages: All

Join us at the annual Holiday Open House at Mordecai Historic Park! See how the Mordecai House would have been decorated over the past 239 years and learn about different holiday traditions. Walk through the beautifully decorated house and enjoy music, discover historic artifacts, and more. Enjoy seasonal entertainment and stop by a cooking demonstration in our historic kitchen. Visit Paper and Stars Studio’s Eventbrite page to register and receive event updates. For more information, call the Mordecai Historic Park Visitor Center at 919-996-4364. Ages: AllCost: Free

Help Santa on this special Historic Raleigh Trolley Tour! Santa is lost in Raleigh and Holly the Elf needs your help to find him in time for Christmas! New this year, arrive up to 30 minutes early or stay after your tour to make a s’more!The trolley leaves from Mordecai Historic Park at 1 Mimosa St in Raleigh. Advance registration is required. For more information, call the Mordecai Historic Park Visitor Center at 919-996-4364. Location: Mordecai Historic ParkTimes: 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m.Cost: $15Ages: AllRegister on RecLink

Come on out to Sanderford Road Community Center for free haircuts, games, food, and fun! Our partners at All-Embracing Barber and Beauty Shop will be offering free haircuts and handing out gifts for all children! Ages: 1 - 18Cost: FreeRegister on RecLink

Join us for a wild adventure as we explore the amazing creatures that call Falls Lake home. Through exciting games, hands-on activities, and fascinating stories, you'll discover how these animals survive, hunt, and stay safe in the great outdoors. Get ready for an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature!Location: Forest Ridge ParkAge: 6-11Cost: $3

It's the most wonderful time at Worthdale Community Center on Dec. 22 because we are hosting our Holiday Pajama Party! We'll have food with a cocoa bar, games, face painting, and a surprise from the North Pole!Location: Worthdale Community Center Ages: 5 - 12Cost: Free

Put on your hiking boots and get ready to Opt Outside! Join us as we explore the breathtaking trails of Forest Ridge Park, where nature’s beauty surrounds you at every turn. From the rustling of the leaves to the distant calls of wildlife, this hike offers a chance to immerse yourself in the peaceful serenity of the great outdoors. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or just starting out, this experience is designed to help you unwind, reconnect with nature, and recharge both physically and mentally. Step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and discover the hidden gems of Forest Ridge Park — the perfect escape for all levels of hikers!Location: Forest Ridge ParkAge: 14+Cost: $6Register on RecLink

Join us for a hot breakfast while learning about Anna Julia Cooper, an advocate for women’s rights, education, and civil rights. Lectures presented by Dr. Shirley Moody-Turner tickets cost $20 each, with half of the proceeds supporting the Turner Historic House Museum. This program is supported in part by North Carolina Humanities, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, www.nchumanities.org Location: City of Raleigh MuseumDate: Saturday, Jan. 4Time: 9 - 11 a.m.Ages: AllCost: $20 per personEmancipation Day Breakfast Tickets

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the powerful stories of Black soldiers who shaped American history. Join us for an unforgettable event where the United States Colored Troops and their allies bring to life the courageous men who fought for freedom, both on the front lines and in the camps. Hear their incredible stories of bravery, sacrifice, and resilience, and gain a deeper understanding of their pivotal role in shaping our nation's past. Best of all, this inspiring event is completely free! Don’t miss this opportunity to witness history come alive—bring your friends and family and be a part of this meaningful experience. This program is supported in part by North Carolina Humanities, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, www.nchumanities.org Location: Pope House Museum Age: All Cost: Free No Registration Required

Located on the outskirts of Raleigh, Oberlin Village was a vibrant African American community established after the Civil War. Celebrate Emancipation Day by joining local historian Carmen Wimberly Cauthen and Historic Turner House Foundation director Cheryl Williams for a guided tour of Oberlin Village. This program is supported in part by North Carolina Humanities, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, www.nchumanities.org Location: Pope House Museum Age: All Cost: $4 for Children / $10 for Adults

Don't miss the grand finale of our Emancipation Day celebration: Music of Freedom! Join us for an inspiring evening of classical music performed by the talented Strings of Color, as they honor the abolitionists whose contributions to music played a vital role in the fight for freedom. This is a unique opportunity to experience powerful music while learning about the courageous individuals who helped shape our nation's history. Best of all, this unforgettable event is completely free! Bring your friends and family for an evening of history, music, and inspiration you won't want to miss. This program is supported in part by North Carolina Humanities, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, www.nchumanities.org Location:  City of Raleigh Museum Age: All Cost: Free No Registration Required

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure at our first Family Fun Day celebration at the museum! Experience the thrill of a scavenger hunt, unleash your creativity with fun craft, and discover a VERY special surprise that awaits you. Join us for a day filled with excitement and make lasting memories! Location: City of Raleigh MuseumAges: AllCost: Free