Durham Happenings: November 2023

November is a wonderful time to reflect on all that we’re grateful for in our lives. Slowing down as we settle into Fall, before the hustle and bustle of the holiday season truly takes off, it’s nice to focus on gratitude during this month. One aspect of our City we can all be thankful for is how plentiful the activities and community events are that bring us together and enrich our lives. Durham and the surrounding Triangle area are lush with things to do for all age groups, for all families, and November is no exception. Read on for some highlights of this upcoming month in the Bull City, including the start of holiday markets, Thanksgiving traditions, and so many more.

Holiday Markets

As a resident of Durham, you have the honor of being surrounded by local merchants to supply you with all your holiday gifting needs. Take advantage of this privilege by shopping any of the bajillion holiday markets that start this month. Each weekend, there are ample opportunities to splurge on your favorite (or new favorite) local artisans, so check these out and keep your dollars local.


Sat, Nov 11 th + Sun, Nov 12 th : Durham Pottery Tour

Start your holiday shopping by searching for the perfect piece of locally crafted pottery. The Durham Pottery Tour is a collection of local potters who highlight their various styles of clay, decoration, and firing techniques at their studios across the entire city. Spend Sat and Sun visiting the 20 fabulous artists and finding which pieces speak to you. Check out the tour map here to plan out your weekend.

Sat, Nov 11 th and Sat Nov 18 th , 8am-12pm:
Home for the Holidaze Market at Raw Edition Candle Co
(304 S Driver St, 27703)

The Raw Edition Candle Company is hosting a series of markets in their East Durham space. Currently seeking vendors, this market series will take place over 5 Saturdays in Nov and Dec. So not only will you be able to shop the amazing candles of Raw Edition Candle Co, but you’ll get to explore other local artisans and entrepreneurs’ goods at the same time.

Sat, Nov 18 th + Sun, Nov 19 th : Durham Art Walk Holiday Market Durham Arts Council (120 Morris St, 27701)

Two days of markets, a dozen spots to shop local, food trucks and music, all in the heart of downtown Durham. This free, family-friendly market is sponsored by Durham Arts Council and features both indoor and outdoor shopping sites, which

Sun, Nov 19 th , 11am – 3pm: Pop Swap at Durham Central Park (501 Foster St, 27701)

A free pop-up arts festival?! Sign me up. Schrader Art presents the 6 th annual Pop Swap Fest, bringing over 50 local vendors, live music, and community support to Durham Central Park. Shop for holiday gifts, dance to local music, and enjoy this free event thanks to support from the LGBTQ Center of Durham and VAE Raleigh.

Sat, Nov 25 th , 9am – 3pm: Shop Small Saturday
Durham Central Park (501 Foster St, 27701)

The Saturday after Thanksgiving, Durham Craft Market will transform into an even bigger event to celebrate Shop Small Saturday. Spend your dollars locally with the 50+ artists and crafts people selling the best handmade gifts in Durham.

 

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Plum
o Dinner for 4-6: $225 (plus tax and 10% gratuity)
o No modifications
o Order ASAP for pickup on Thurs, Nov 23 rd from 11am-12pm

Refectory Café: None currently listed, but has offered a la carte options in the past

Sage and Swift
o Dinner for four: $250-280
o A la carte options
o Order ASAP for pickup on Tues, Nov 21 st from 3-6pm or Wed, Nov 22 nd from 3-6pm

Thanksgiving Day, Thurs, Nov 23 rd

Since we were just talking about food, I’ll start by sharing the handful of Durham restaurants that offer in-house dining on Thanksgiving Day. Plus, you’ll want to make your reservations TODAY to get a table atany of the spots below. Then, I’ll get into the two different Turkey Trot options available in Durham to jumpstart your Thanksgiving morning!

 

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Turkey Trots

TROSA Turkey Trot 5K: Sponsored by Bull City Running Company This is the 3 rd annual turkey trot supporting TROSA, Durham’s award-winning nonprofit that empowers people with substance use disorders. This 5K course starts at 8am at TROSA’s campus at 1820 James Street, near Rockwood (Q Shack, Nuvotaco). Registration costs $40 and closes on 11/21, so sign up today. Pro tip: Get there early as the parking is a ½ mile walk or quick shuttle ride to the starting line.

New Balance Thanksgiving Day 8K & 5K 
If you’re looking for more distance options in your Turkey Trot, check out New Balance at Southpoint (6807 Fayetteville Rd, #120). They offer a 8K & 5K race along with a 1-mile fun run and 100 yard kids dash to keep all the family members moving. With an 8:30am start time, these races offer a little more shut-eye on Thanksgiving Day. There is a non-profit partner, Rise Against Hunger, though you must add a donation to your registration if you want to contribute. The cost range from free for the kids dash to $37 for the 8K.

Sat, Nov 4 th , 2 – 5:30pm: Move-A-Bull City
Golden Belt Campus (800 Taylor St, 27701)

Join Bike Durham at the 3 rd annual Move-A-Bull City event, which is a free, multi-modal, family- friendly festival. There will be group bike rides and walks around downtown, youth bike riding skills course, as well as a mobile bike repair clinic and even face painting. Plus, all registered participants are entered into a free raffle for two bike-friendly travel packages: one to Washington, DC and one to the VA Creeper Trail.

Sat, Nov 4 th , 4 – 9pm: Iron Pour
Durham Central Park (501 Foster St, 27701)

This quintessential Durham experience takes place each year in our city’s outdoor living room: Durham Central Park. Community members are invited to create a (paid) scratch block in the weeks and days leading up to the event, carving out a personalized image, words, or special emblem. Then, at the event, artists from Liberty Arts pour a giant vat of molten hot iron into each block. Participants can gather at a safe distance to watch the fiery display while enjoying beverages, food trucks, and crafts for sale around the park. The event is free (though donations are accepted) and family-friendly (though keep an eye on your kiddos to make sure they don’t get too close to the fire).

Tues, Nov 7 th , 6:30 – 9:30pm: Latte Art Throwdown
The Durham Hotel (315 E Chapel Hill St, 27701)

Try your hand at making beautiful art in the froth of a caffeinated beverage at The Durham Hotel’s Coffee Bar. This is the evening of Election Day, so celebrate completing your civic duty participating in or cheering on your friends in the Latte Art Throwdown. Expert judges will review participants’ artwork and the full bar will be open. There will be plenty of prizes in addition to the pot of everyone’s $5 entry fees.

Sat, Nov 18 th , 10am – 2pm: DPS Showcase of Schools
Durham Convention Center (301 W Morgan St, 27701)

New to Durham or otherwise interested in learning about the school options available across the County? Come to the DPS Showcase of Schools to meet staff, students, and parents from a variety of DPS schools and departments, including application programs, magnet schools, and CTE pathways. All children will receive a free book from Book Harvest and participants can enjoy student performance from DPS Arts programs.

Sat, Nov 18 th , 10am – 3pm: State of Diabetes Health Expo
Durham Tech (1637 E Lawson St, 27703)

The American Diabetes Association is hosting a health expo at Durham Tech centered around diabetes. The event will feature presentations, cooking demonstrations, vaccinations, screenings, and exercise. While free to attend, participants must register for specific sessions, so sign up here.

Sun, Nov 19 th , 12 – 5pm: Dog Moms of Durham Fall Festival Lonerider Distillery (708 Ramseur St, 27701)

Dog Moms of Durham is new to the scene this year and strives to connect dog moms with each other as well as dog-friendly businesses and organizations. Their inaugural Fall Festival will take place at Lonerider Distillery, also new to Durham and also dog-friendly. This event will include $30 mini photo sessions for you and your pup(s), human and doggo games, adoptable pups from the non-profit beneficiary of the event Perfectly Imperfect Pups, plus a “pup-up” market with more than 20 vendors.

Sat, Nov 18 th , 10am – 2pm:
Multiple Choices for the Children Holiday Market at Umstead Pines Golf +Swim Club (253 Country Club Dr, 27712)

This annual holiday market features more than 30 local small business vendors and raises funds for Duke Children’s Hospital. What a great way to get started on your holiday shopping while also supporting a great cause.

Sat, Nov 18 th , 10am – 3pm: Preston Woods Art Walk
(110 Monticello Ave, 27707)

Shop this smaller-scale, neighborhood-based market in Preston Woods. What started as aneighborhood art walk in Nov 2020 has expanded to include 7 artists and a live band. Check out the various art mediums, including pottery, hand puppets, glass yard flowers, hand sewn bags, fused glass, and more.

Sat, Nov 18 th , 11am – 3pm: Durham Children’s Business Fair Durham Armory (212 Foster St, 27701)

Want to support young entrepreneurs this year as you shop for holiday gifts? Check out the Durham Children’s Business Fair where each vendor will be between the ages of 6-15. These 40 entrepreneurs will feature their innovative and creative businesses for the people of Durham to shop ahead of the holiday season.

 

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Pre-Order Thanksgiving Dinner

Don’t want to cook on Thanksgiving? Durham’s got you covered. Each of these local restaurants offers pre-ordered options for Thanksgiving meals. Be sure to order early as many locations will sell out!

Fosters Market
o Dinner for four: $175
o A la carte options
o Order no later than 12pm on Sun, Nov 19 th for pickup on Wed, Nov 22 nd from 12-6pm

Lawrence BBQ
o A la carte options (meats range from whole turkey breast for $55 to whole brisket for $160)
o Order ASAP

Nanasteak
o Dinner for 6-8: $225 (turkey) or $325 (prime rib)
o Dinner for 2: $115
o A la carte options
o Order ASAP for pickup on Wed, Nov 22 nd , 10am-2pm

 

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In-person Dining:

11am – 6pm: Thanksgiving at Counting House
(111 Corcoran St, 27701)
Make your reservations now for in-house dining at Counting House (part of 21c Museum Hotel Durham). Options include meats (turkey breast for $55 or prime rib for $65), classic sides (stuffing, sweet potato, green beans, mac and cheese), and dessert (cobbler or pumpkin pie). Kids 10 and under are $25.

12 – 4:30pm: Thanksgiving at The Durham Hotel
(315 E Chapel Hill St, 27701)
The Durham Hotel is accepting reservations (which are already limited) for Thanksgiving in their first-floor Restaurant. Enjoy a three-course dinner complete with turkey, prime rib, mashed potatoes, creamed spinach, cranberry sauce, and desserts. Adults cost $85/person and children 10 and under are $35.

12 – 6:30pm: Thanksgiving at Plum Southern Kitchen + Bar
(501 Washington St, 27701)
Plum is offering 3 different, 2-hour time slots for in-house Thanksgiving dining (12pm, 2:15pm, and 4:30pm). For $85/person ($35 for kids 8-13, free for kids 8 and under), diners will get rolls, salad, deviled eggs, turkey, ham, mushroom stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole (with toasted marshmallow), cranberry sauce, and pie for dessert.

Other November Happenings

November is certainly not limited to holiday markets and Thanksgiving festivities. Be sure to hit up any of these iconic events this month to get to know and enjoy our city.

Fri, Nov 3 rd , 8 – 9pm: The Racket Improv
Mettlesome Theater (800 Taylor St, 27701)

Experience live improv featuring teams from across the Triangle. This week’s show features Raleigh-based team Newt Work and Durham-based improv duo The Safeword is Martha Stewart.

Sat, Nov 4 th and Sun, Nov 5 th : NC Comicon
Durham Convention Center (301 W Morgan St, 27701)

The 10 th anniversary of NC Comicon is coming to the Bull City with vendors of comic books, toys, and collectibles. Plus there will be panels by industry professionals and local talent, such as Arthur Adams and Alyssa Wong. Come dressed as your favorite character for the Cosplay Contest. Tickets range from $24.99 – $99.99 (kids under 12 are free).

 

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Wed, Nov 8 th , 7:30 – 9pm: U.S. Navy Band Commodores
NCCU (500 Nelson St, 27707)

Want to enjoy an evening of free jazz? Want to check out NCCU’s new student center? Check out the big band sound of the U.S. Navy Band Commodores on their national tour as it comes through Durham and stops at the NCCU New Student Center. Register for free general admission tickets here and be sure to get there at least 15 minutes early so they don’t give your seat away!

Fri, Nov 10 th – Sun, Nov 19 th : Home Grown – Hand Made
Durham Pottery Gallery (111 E Main St, 27701)

Two local potters are teaming up for a pottery gallery with a series of events as well. Delores Farmer and Julie Rose Hinson are joining forces for “Home Grown – Hand Made: Durham Women, Clay,” a 9-day event featuring two weekends of gallery hours plus an opening reception on Fri, Nov 10 th as well as artist talks on Fri, Nov 17 th . Follow the Facebook event for more info.

Thurs, Nov 16 th , 6 – 8pm: DIY Candle Making
Durham Food Hall (530 Foster St, 27701)

Let Usu Company Candles guide you through a two-hour, hands-on, custom candle making and scent design workshop. You’ll get to select a one-of-a-kind scent from a range of chemical-free Fall-themed options (including Pumpkin Spice!). The $55 tickets also come with 1 complimentary beer or wine as well as a discount on future candle making workshops (sounds like a stellar holiday gifting option).

Wed, Nov 22 nd – Sun, Dec 31 st : Wool E’s Winter Wonderland Durham Bulls Athletic Park (409 Blackwell St, 27701)

This holiday season, Bulls stadium will host a brand new holiday experience brought to you by everyone’s favorite mascot: Wool E Bull. The Winter Wonderland will take place all around Durham Bulls Athletic Park and will feature a variety of activities each evening. From large-scale light installations to a giant sledding hill, rentable igloos on the field to a train in the outfield, there really will be something for everyone. Plus several nights of the Winterland Market mean you can get some holiday shopping done or you can plan for dinner at the Arctic Chill Tavern behind home plate. Tickets start at $11 and some activities are add-on.

Wed, Nov 29 th , 7 – 8pm: Annual Tower Lighting
American Tobacco Campus (318 Blackwell St, 27701)

Wrap up your November and kick off your December holidays by participating in the 19 th annual lighting of the American Tobacco water tower. Much like the ball drop in Times Square, community members gather from far and wide to watch this iconic landmark glow bright with twinkly, colored lights. The event is preceded by several musical performances and you’ll also have a chance to spot Santa AND Wool E. Bull! Come early to grab dinner before finding a spot on the lush ATC green.

Here’s hoping that these markets, meals, and other festivities start to get you and your family into the holiday spirit!

Chrysti-Peak-realtor-Durham-2

I’m Chrysti!

Durham real estate agent and enthusiast for all the best the area has to offer.

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