17 Things to Do in Raleigh During Winter: Embrace the Cozy Season

Winter in Raleigh is a quieter time of year, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything to do! As longtime residents of Raleigh, we’ve learned that this season can also be the most inviting: crisp mornings are ideal for sipping spiced lattes in cozy coffee shops, rainy days make the museums all the more enticing, and the quiet greenway trails offer bare-branched beauty.

You won’t find hibernation in Raleigh, instead, winter is when the Southern warmth fuels the fire and you can see how the City of Oaks really lives.

With its mix of cultural attractions, cozy indoor activities, and opportunities to enjoy the crisp outdoors, Raleigh offers plenty of ways to make the most of the colder months.

For this post we are mostly concentrating on the months of January and February. December is a month overflowing with holiday events, so we know you’ll never be wondering what to do. We have a separate post on the best things do to during the holiday season in Raleigh. to cover that winter month. Here’s your guide to elevating your winter experience in Raleigh and the Triangle:

1. Explore Raleigh’s Art and History Museums

Cold weather provides the perfect excuse to be indoors and dive into Raleigh’s rich cultural scene. Thankfully we have a lot of great museums and art centers, most of them free. Spend a day exploring:

• North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA): Stroll through the expansive galleries featuring European and American art or bundle up to explore the outdoor Art Park with its stunning sculptures and walking trails.
• North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences: A hit with kids and adults alike, this museum features immersive exhibits, live animals, and interactive displays.
• The Raleigh Lace Museum exhibits bobbin and needle lace spanning over 400 years. Rotating special collections makes this a place to revisit, with different styles and originations countries shown
• Marbles Kids Museum: For families with young kids and toddlers, this is the best kid’s museum in the city with dozens of hands-on exhibits and the state’s only 3D-capable IMAX theater.

NOTE: the North Carolina Museum of History is also excellent but is currently closed for three years for extensive renovations. Read more about fantastic museums in Raleigh.

2. Go Ice Skating

Get into the true winter spirit outdoors and go ice skating at Skate the Square at Fenton (open until February 8th). You can also head indoors for skating at Polar Ice House.

3. Warm up with Raleigh’s Coffee and Tea Scene

Winter is the season for sipping something warm whether it be coffee, hot chocolate, or tea, and Raleigh’s coffee shops deliver cozy vibes and delicious drinks. It’s the perfect opportunity to try unique seasonal winter flavors. Consider these coffee shops:

• Iris Coffee Lab: The most unique and delicious seasonal flavors can be found at this downtown coffee shop.  Winter seasonal offerings include Bananas Foster Flat White (yum) and Italian caramel latte.
• Jubala Coffee: Known for its expertly crafted lattes and made-to-order banana Nutella waffles (Kids will love these). Current winter seasonal include smoked, sea salt caramel latte, tiramisu coffee, gochujang espresso paloma.
• Heirloom Brewshop: A stylish spot offering specialty coffee and Asian-inspired teas. (their gluten free mochi donuts are the perfect winter pairing). Heirloom coffee shop transforms into Heirloom restaurant at night!
• Fount Coffee: Another fantastic Triangle coffee shop with winter seasonal Peppermint mocha or gingerbread lattes. Pair it with their coffee cake and you’re in winter heaven. Everything here is gluten free.
• Paralax Coffee: Why not take an adventure to explore Wendell, stopping in for seasonal styles to match all kinds of drinkers from a winter mint mocha to a gingerbread cookie chai and maple matcha.
• Willow House: One of our new favorite coffee shops in South End Raleigh. Our followers rave about their winter gingerbread latte. Owner, Bryan brews a perfect latte, which is made extra special when paired with their gluten free brownie.
• Discover more coffee shops in Raleigh and our favorite Raleigh coffee of the year.

4. Check Out Winter Events & Festivals

While winter is quieter, there are some seasonal events still going into the new year well worth checking out:

• NC Chinese Lantern Festival in Cary: Runs until January 11th and is a dazzling display of illuminated art and larger-than-life lanterns.
• Triangle Restaurant Week: Held in late January (January 26-February 1, 2026), this event offers special prix-fixe menus at some of the Triangle’s best new restaurants. It’s a great opportunity to try a new restaurant at a more attractive price.
• Annual African American Cultural Celebration: serves as the statewide kickoff to Black History Month in North Carolina.
• Krispy Kreme Challenge (Feb 7): Run off the cold weather and raise money for UNC children’s hospital by running 5 miles from NC State to Krispy Kreme, eat 12 donuts and run back!
• February is also Black History Month with plenty of events and ways to celebrate.
• Check our event calendar for more winter events, the best events in January, and best February events in Raleigh NC.

5. Enjoy a Sports Match, Theater, or Music Performance

Winter is an excellent time to catch a show, sporting match or concert indoors. Thankfully Raleigh has a lot of options from college to pro sports, big and large music venues, and a wide variety of theater and music performances.. Look into:

• Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts: Hosts Broadway shows, symphonies, and local theater productions. See upcoming shows here.
• Raleigh Little Theater is now one of the oldest continuously operating community theatres in the country.
• DPAC It’s always worth a trip to Durham to see outstanding shows and performances, including visiting Broadway shows. See upcoming shows.
• The Pour House Music Hall: A cozy venue for live music performances from smaller local and national musical acts
• The Ritz: One of my favorite live music venues in Raleigh with up-and-coming artists. Last year I saw Inhaler and David Kushner there with my daughters.
• Lincoln Theatre: Another iconic live music venue in Raleigh with multiple performances a week.
• Lenovo Arena (formerly PNC Arena): Check the schedule for concerts or catch a Carolina Hurricanes game or NC State basketball game.
• Reynolds Coliseum: We love this retro venue, home of NC State Women’s basketball, and the NC State wrestling. It’s worth going to a game just to see the NC State band!
• Candlelight Concerts: Winter is the perfect time to enjoy the magic of a sting quartet playing your favorite pop songs under the glow of candlelight. Read more about Candlelight concerts and see upcoming shows here.
• Discover more live music venues in Raleigh, theaters in Raleigh, and sports bars in Raleigh.

6. Enjoy a winter garden

Blooms and tree hugging is not just reserved for the three other seasons of the year. Winter brings plenty of opportunities to connect with those trees and plants that enjoy cooler temps. Here are a few to consider

• Juniper Level Gardens: Juniper will bursts through the melancholy of the dead season with color from plants such iris, trout lily, Silene virginiana ‘Jackson Valentine’ and more. They are only open to the public on two weekends this year: Feb 27 – March 1 and March 6 – 8, 2026
• JC Raulston Arboretum has a winter garden protected by large evergreen oaks and hollies that moderate cold, drying winter winds. Some of the off season plants you can enjoy here are the Japanese flowering apricot, the Lenten rose, and the winter iris.
• WRAL Azalea Gardens: While its namesake may not be blooming, you will find some winter flowers like pansies as well as fountains, and sculptures as you meander along the pathways of these hidden Raleigh gardens behind the TV Station. It’s a peaceful winter walk of hardscape and gravel paths meander through the WRAL Azalea Gardens, with seating at intervals.
• Duke Gardens: Enjoy a different perspective of the winter landscape with blooming pansies, witch hazel Japanese apricot, and hydrangea. It’s also a great opportunity to view the bird life and structures of the garden often overlooked during the lush months. Visit Duke Chapel while here!
• Atlantic Gardening: A garden with a twist is this award-winning garden center with a sprawling outdoor nursery, lush greenhouse, garden shop, and garden bar! Enjoy a mimosa while you wander among the plants and get a hit of that 02 lush happiness.

7. Unwind with self-care

Winter is a great time to slow down and prioritize self-care. As there are less distractions with festivals and events and the luring to go outside, I tend to use the winter in Raleigh to cleanse and detox. Here are some places in Raleigh you may enjoy helping you reconnect, heal, and repair your body, mind, and spirit.

• Book a massage or facial. Some luxurious places we love are:
  • Woodhouse Spa in North Hills (we also love their salt room and infra-red sauna)
  • The Umstead Spa in Cary
  • My birthday massage at Spavia in the Mcgregor Village of Cary was incredible.
• Attend a yoga class (or more) There are plenty of studios in our region. Some worth mentioning:
  • Dose Yoga in North Hills has excellent hot yoga classes, breathwork classes, and infra red sauna. (Plus a smoothie bar for when you’re finished._
  • Pura Vida Studio in Cary offers aerial and yoga classes. While I have not been to their studio, I have attended their free yoga classes on a Saturday at Downtown Cary Park and they are awesome.
  • Dix Park offers free yoga on a Sunday.
• Enjoy energy healing. My non-negotiable each month is my reiki healing with Marina from Harmony Life.
• The Self Care Marketplace in Downtown Raleigh is a retail store and service center offering self care healing from crystals to sound baths and massages.
• Explore local breathwork sessions to calm the mind and recharge.
  • While not in Raleigh, I have an online membership to Abbey Daw’s breathwork classes which has been life changing for me.
  • Dix Park offers free breathwork on a Sunday at the Chapel

8. Enjoy a winter ale or Libation

Irish Coffee at the Hibernian with Keith

‘Tis the season for hearty stout, porters, red wine, whiskey cocktails, and Irish coffees. Why not enjoy Raleigh’s craft beer scene through the eyes of these winter drinks.  

• The Hibernian Irish Pub (on Glenwood Ave) does a great Irish coffee that will receive the approval of many an Irish person. Well, that is if you get Dubliner manager Keith to make it. Extra wintery cozy points for enjoying it beside their crackling fire. (and of course they have Guinness – the PERFECT winter drink.)
• Crank Arm Brewery One of Craig’s favorite breweries in Raleigh shines bright during the winter with an imperial fudge stout and barrel aged imperial state. Extra bonus points for an outside fire pit, community events, and tons of games for both kids and adults, including board games and giant Jenga. Read our full review of Crank Arm.
• Lonerider Brewing Company for their award-winning Deadeye Jack porter. They also have The Judge – a chocolate milk stout.
• Trophy Brewing has received rave reviews for their Milky Way Salted Caramel Stout.
• Our latest favorite cocktail bar with cozy speakeasy vibes is La Veladora, hidden behind William & Co on N Person St. It will transport you to the streets of Mexico City with its decor and uniquely delicious seasonal tequila and mezcal craft cocktails.
• We also love the Capulet Cocktail Club with serious My Fair Verona vibes and expertly crafted cocktails. Don’t miss their perfected Aperol Spritz and their House of Capulet, Old Fashioned spin!
• There’s no cozier winter experience than an international red wine and charcuterie board on cozy couches beside the fire at Vita Vite in North Hills (or their Warehouse District location). It’s a nice North Hills date idea.
• Here are some of Raleigh’s favorite places to drink this year, a list of Raleigh’s best breweries, and wine bars in Raleigh not to miss.

Here are more wintery drinks in Raleigh to enjoy!

9. Embrace firepit season in Raleigh

We know Raleigh has a few entertainment spaces with heated patios, but what about roaring fires? There’s nothing that elevates a winter experience more than a wood burning fire (or gas ones that trick you into thinking its wood). If you can’t do it in your own backyard, then head to these firepits in Raleigh.

• The Bend Bar: This winter, Bend Bar in Raleigh is the homely gathering spot. The Bend on W Morgan St, complete with crackling fires in a spacious wooded backyard (actually gas fireplaces but with the size of those flames you wouldn’t know).
• Crank Arm Brewery: As mentioned above, Crank Arm has a roaring fire out front your inner Olaf will love.
• RBF Champagne Bar: Full winter vibes in effect here a glass of red, and a s’mores kit beside their outside firepits. And in keeping with their “just be yourself” motto, arriving in sweat pants and Ugg boots is A-OK!
• West End: The shared expansive biergarten of Vicious Fishes and South Line Brewing in Cary comes with fire pit and outdoor bar.
• Downtown Cary Park is one of the Triangle’s greatest parks and here you’ll find several firepits – the kind you can rent with your friends – one you can sit beside at the Bark bar (gets very popular) Caveat – these are gas fireplaces but impressive enough to include.
• Raleigh Beer Garden: Expansive beer garden, crackling firepits, mini golf, corn hole, live music, and the largest amount of beers on tap in the world, Raleigh Beer Garden is the place for a fun winter warm up.
• Tap Yard is a neighborhood gathering space with a focus on the outdoors – that means crackling wood fires, yard games, live music, food trucks, and good beer!
• The Station Enjoy an winter open air dining experience as you curl up next to one of the wood-burning fire pits at this local N Person St favorite.
• Bowstring Brewyard: You can’t have an beer garden in Raleigh as large as this without having a few raging firepits. Gather around the warmth as you enjoy live music and delicious wood-fired pizza with friends.

10. Enjoy a DIY winter photo tour

I don’t think anyone could hate the deadness of winter more than me, but winter light creates stunning photo opportunities. There’s no denying the bare trees allows you to see more of the summer unseen. As an early bird I also love that winter sunsets get me home to bed much earlier than summer ones. Grab your camera and explore picturesque spots like:

• Historic Oakwood with its charming, Victorian-style homes.
• Dorothea Dix Park for skyline views and quiet landscapes. And now they hae the amazing trolls which are fantastic to explore and photograph year round! Winter offers a different perspective
• Pullen Park for a nostalgic winter vibe.
• We recently had some beautiful winter sunsets at the North Hills new expansion area.
• Bond Lake is especially picturesque during the winter with the incredible abundance of birdlife.
• Downtown Cary Park is gorgeous at night especially with their neon lights!

11. Winter walk in nature

Even though it’s cold outside, put on some layers, a beanie, some gloves and warm socks and shoes and take a walk. I’m not a winter person, but I do enjoy breathing in the fresh crisp air. We have some excellent paved lake trails:

• Lake Johnson: 3-mile loop walk, fully paved.
• Lake Lynn: 2.8 mile loop, fully paved.
• Bond Lake (Cary): 2 mile loop, half paved, half natural surface
• Shelley Lake: 2-mile loop walk, fully paved.
• Umstead State Park has trails for all fitness levels
• See our list of favorite trails in Raleigh.

12. Try a new hobby

Winter is the perfect time to take up a cozy indoor activity. Check out these options:

• Wine & Design: Enjoy a glass of wine during one of our two-hour painting classes – great with friends or on a date. Locations in Raleigh and Cary. My sister and I did this last year and it was fun!
• Candle making with Ky’s Kandles: Try some unique candle making classes in North Hills that incorporate romance, good foods and drink, and fun with friends. My sister, daughters and I did this last year and loved it! It made our North Hills best of for the year!
• Craft Habit Raleigh for crafting workshops ranging from crochet to sewing and metalsmithing.
• Vitis House has tailored tequila, sake and whiskey classes to fun food and wine tastings, taught by nationally and internationally awarded instructors. I took a Spanish wine and tapas class here which was a lot of fun
• Escape Room for a fun, brain-teasing experience with friends or family. We definitely tend to do more Escape Rooms in the winter in Raleigh. Check out Nerd Escapes, Escape Room 5280, or the Tower Escape.
• Board game aficionados might like to hang out the following board game cafes to get their fix over a warm cuppa. The Kitchen Table or Meeples Brew are two favorites.
• Joy Worth Co has a diverse number of creative classes from paint and sip to cupcake decorating and bourbon tasting and Barista classes.
• Check out these other ideas for a rainy day in Raleigh.

13. Expand your culinary horizons

Winter is a great time to explore Raleigh’s diverse culinary scene and warm up with flavors from around the world, prepared by award-winning local chefs. Treat your tastebuds to these local favorites:

• Asian: Check out these favorite Asian restaurants in Raleigh. Our pick is SAAP in Cary and Bida Manda in Raleigh (coziest winter vibes)
• Italian: Our community helped us discover the best Italian restaurants in Raleigh and now you can too! Winter vibes go to Giorgio Pizza Bar, Vivace, & Mulino. And here are some favorite pizza places in Raleigh.
• International: The global food scene is getting better in Raleigh. Here are some of the best international restaurants in Raleigh. For winter warming vibes, our picks are Centro, Press Coffee & Crepes, and the Hibernian Pub. We also love Madre in Smoky Hollow.
• Shrimp & Grits: A very hearty winter dish. We’ve gathered the best places in Raleigh for shrimp & grits. My favorite is Peck and Plume and Wintson’s Grille.
• Wings: January means playoff football season, and is there anything better to eat while watching NFL and college ball than wings? See our guide to the best chicken wings in Raleigh.
• Tacos and Mexican: See if you can add to our list of best places to get tacos in Raleigh and best Mexican restaurants in Raleigh.
• NC Cuisine: You don’t have to go international to appreciate Raleigh’s foodie scene. Discover NC’s famous BBQ at Clyde Cooper’s BBQ, The Pit Authentic BBQ or Ole Time BBQ. You can also try home cooking like Grandma used to make at Big Ed’s City Market Restaurant, or dine retro-chic at Poole’s Diner.
• England: Why not embrace the art of high tea wit these top places to enjoy an afternoon tea experience in the Triangle.

14. Indoor adventures for thrill seekers

When it’s too chilly for outdoor thrills, Raleigh’s indoor adventure spots offer plenty of excitement. This winter activity in Raleigh is especially fun for kids!

• Triangle Rock Club: Perfect for rock climbing enthusiasts, with climbing walls for all skill levels and guided classes. Our daughters have always loved rock climbing here. They have several locations across the Triangle.
• Sky Zone Trampoline Park is one of our favorite parks because it has a huge space where you can practice your flips and jumps and play a game of ultimate dodgeball
• Urban Air Adventure Park: A favorite for families, featuring ninja warrior courses, trampolines, and indoor ziplining.
• Rush Hour Karting: Challenge your friends to a race at this indoor go-karting track, complete with high-speed thrills.
• Defy Raleigh: A massive trampoline park with foam pits, wall-to-wall trampolines, and extreme obstacle courses for adrenaline junkies.
• OC Aerial in Durham is spread out over 16,000 square feet, it has four ninja courses, a 165-foot zip line, and a 16-foot high, high ropes course.
• Discover more fun things to do in Raleigh with kids

15. Plan a winter staycation

Treat yourself to a cozy getaway without leaving town, well, within an hour’s drive away:

• Check into a boutique hotel like The Casso Hotel in downtown Raleigh, enjoy dinner at their Good Day Good Night restaurant (made our list of favorites), and unwind with craft cocktails at the bar. Read our review of the Casso Hotel.
• High on the luxury romance level is the Umstead Hotel & Spa, the only Forbes Five-Star Hotel in North Carolina, a stunning setting where art, nature and wellness beautifully come together. Unwind in their spa, cozy up by the fire, and enjoy one of only 64 Forbes Five-Star restaurants in the world. Here is our staycation experience at the Umstead Hotel & Spa, including dinner at Herons (AMAZING!)
• The Carolina Inn at Chapel Hill (40 minute drive) is a fantastic 100-year old boutique hotel, right near Franklin Street. Read about our 36 hour getaway to Chapel Hill. Here is our review of the Carolina Inn
• Fearrington Inn in Pittsboro (30 minute drive) is another ultimate luxury staycation and an opportunity to disconnect and unwind This Relais & Chateau property has luxury suites with heated bathroom floors and heated bath towels. and fireplaces. Do not miss the chocolate souffle in the restaurant (or enjoyed at the bar), The food here is outstanding. We also loved our afternoon tea we experienced here with my parents.
• Pinehurst: We loved our recent 36 hour getaway to the Sandhills region, staying at the luxurious Pinehurst Resort, discovering an exceptional whiskey distillery, and enjoying delicious food! Here is our guide to a Pinehurst weekend getaway.

16. Take a day trip

Raleigh’s central location makes it easy to escape for a day. Consider these destinations outside the Raleigh area for a fantastic day trip:

• Chapel Hill: Eat and drink at the Carolina Coffee Shop (North Carolina’s Oldest Restaurant with fantastic coffee and food), visit Ackland Art Museum consists of more than 18,000 works of art, burger at Al’s Burger Shack, catch a star show at the Morehead Planetarium & Science Center, and enjoy dinner at IL Palio (the only 4 diamond Italian restaurant in the state) inside the Sienna Hotel. More tips for Chapel Hill.
• Durham: Tour the American Tobacco Campus, enjoy coffee and churros at Cocoa Cinnamon, have high tea at High Tea at the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club, take the kids to  The Museum of Life + Science with hands-on and interactive exhibits, or visit the Nasher Museum, known for housing one of the most expansive collections of Medieval art.
• Hillsborough: Stroll through this quaint town’s historic district, rug up and enjoy the 2 mile rivverwalk, grab a coffee at local favorite Cup-A-Joe , eat at Panciuto  and enjoy their farm to fork menu.
• Southern Pines and Pinehurst: Grab brunch at Betsy’s Crepes, lunch at the cozy Drum & Quill, enjoy a food tour of the area, play a round of golf if it’s a warmer winter month, or stretch the legs on a Moore County hiking trail. See more things to do in Moore County here.

Discover more day trip from Raleigh ideas. And if you want to extend the trip, we’re big fans of winter travel. Check out our winter trip to the Crystal Coast, things to do in Boone, NC, exploring Manteo and Roanoke, a Wilmington winter break

17. Hit the arcades

Warm up from the winter chill with a hint of nostalgia by exploring Raleigh’s arcade scene — perfect for families, couples, or anyone craving a break from museums and coffee shops.

Favorites are Boxcar Bar + Arcade which has dozens of classic arcade games as well as modern games, as well as pinball cabinets, skee-ball lanes and a lively bar. Super Rad Retro Lounge has vintage arcade game and pinball machines alongside craft cocktails, or if you prefer more family-friendly, you can’t go wrong with Frankie’s of Raleigh and Adventure Landing.

Final thoughts

Raleigh in the winter may be quieter, but it’s full of opportunities to connect, explore, and find inspiration. Bundle up, head out, and enjoy all that this vibrant city has to offer!

Let us know in the comments below any of your favorite things to do in Raleigh in the winter? Do you hibernate or do you head out to experience the joy of a bleaker time of the year?