Although January may seem a cruel month, with it’s biting winds and perhaps even the treacherous presence of snow, a myriad of diversions await those who dare to venture forth. Take advantage of the miserable weather for fun seasonal experiences like ice skating. And if you’d rather stay cozy and warm indoors, there are other options for marvelous indoor things to do in Raleigh this January.
January is also a month of several holidays, including New Years Day, MLK Day, and Lunar New Year, offering several opportunities for celebration.
Read on for some of the best things to do in and around Raleigh in January to help you escape from the mundane.
Weather in Raleigh in January
January is the coldest month in Raleigh. The average high for the month is 52° F and the average low is 32° F, so you should expect some freezing weather. However the weather in Raleigh is unpredictable so also be prepared to see the temperature occasionally reach 70° F. As a result, it’s always a good idea to check the local weather forecast for the most up-to-date information.
January is also the month where Raleigh is most likely to see snowfall, averaging 2.6 inches and 1.2 days of the cold, fluffy white stuff. When exploring Raleigh in January, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got plenty of winter layers available just in case. Stay warm!
Top Things to Do in Raleigh in January
1. Check out the Animate! Raleigh
When: January 3 to 5, 2025
Where: Raleigh Convention Center, 500 S Salisbury St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Animate! Raleigh is 3 days of anime, animation, cosplay, and more presented by GalaxyCon.
You can expect entertainment, celebrities, Q&As, video and tabletop gaming, panels, costume contests, cosplay wrestling, and more exraordinary fandom than you could dream of.
Tickets are available online and start at $50, with multiple options available. Kids 9 and under are free with a paid adult.
2. Celebrate MLK Day
When: January 20, 2025 from noon to 3 p.m.
Where: John Chavis Memorial Park, 505 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27601
MLK Day honors civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. every third Monday in January.
A Commemoration of the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This occasion will feature reflections upon the life and achievements of the esteemed civil rights leader, including opportunities for community service, age-appropriate activities for the young, and other suitable observances.
3. Check out the North Carolina Vintage Bazaar
When: January 18 and 19, 2025
Where: Agri Supply Exposition Center at the State Fairgrounds, 14825 Trinity Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607
The North Carolina Vintage Bazaar is a huge thrift and vintage convention. Embrace the cobwebs while perusing great second-hand finds from vendors across the country. Expect funky fresh t-shirts, dresses, sweaters, jackets, pants, accessories, and other delightfully dreadful detritus of decades past.
Tickets can be purchased online. General Admission one-day tickets are $10, two-day tickets are $18. Early admission tickets get you in an hour before general admission and cost $15 for one day or $27 for two days. Kids under twelve are free with a parent.
4. Go to CINCH World’s Toughest Rodeo
When: January 26, 2025
Where: Lenovo Center, 1400 Edwards Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607
CINCH World’s Toughest Rodeo features Bareback Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Bull Riding, and Barrel Racing.
At the complimentary pre-show, fans are welcomed into the arena for an hour to mingle with contestants and special entertainers for autographs and photos. During behind-the-chutes tours, fans can interact with the animals. Enjoy free pony rides, engaging games, and the chance to capture a photo sitting on a bull – creating lasting memories at the Cinch World’s Toughest Rodeo.
Tickets are available through ticketmaster and range from $2 up to $120.
5. Tantalize your taste buds during Triangle Restaurant Week
When: January 27 to February 2, 2025
Where: Various locations across the triangle
During Triangle Restaurant Week, participating restaurants offer special three-course menu options and fixed pricing. This is a great opportunity to indulge or over-indulge in the area’s finest cuisine!
Participating restaurants in Raleigh include:
- Yatai
- Wye Hill Kitchen and Brewing
- Vivo Ristorante
- Tuscan Blu
- Sitti
- Shabu Shabu
- Oro
- Parkside
- Midwood Smokehouse
- Irregardless Cafe
- Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
- Il Falò Wood-Fired Kitchen
- CO
- Bazil Indian Cuisine
- Azitra
Check the website for exact prices but expect around $15 for a 3-course lunch, and $25 to $50 for a 2 to 3 – course dinner. The price is per person and does not include beverages, tax, or gratuity. No reservations, tickets, or passes required but consider calling ahead if you want to ensure you’ll get a table.
6. Go ice skating
When: November 23, 2024 to January 20, 2025
Where: Red Hat Amphitheater, 500 S McDowell St, Raleigh, NC 27601
January is the coldest month in Raleigh, so it’s the perfect time for some winter sports but be sure to bundle up and be prepared to bruise your butt! THE RINK presented by UNC Health is a winter wonderland featuring a natural ice skating rink with stunning views of the Raleigh skyline.
Expect:
- Lounge furniture and heaters
- Fire pits to help you warm up
- A giant Christmas tree
- Holiday themed photo ops
- A snack bar with hot cocoa, beer, wine, sweets, and more
- Giant jenga and cornhole
- Special community partner nights and theme nights – check the schedule for dates
- Private Igloo Lounges with space for 8 people, exclusive food and beverages, and swag!
Tickets are for 2-hour skating sessions and are available online via Ticketmaster or in person at the Martin Marietta Center box office (M-F 10am-2pm). The Red Hat Amphitheater box office will open 30 minutes prior to THE RINK hours of operation but on site ticket availability may vary based on demand so it’s best to get your tickets online.
Skater admission is $15 and includes skate rental, non-skater admission is $6. Two different Igloo Lounge packages are available for $304 and $400 and include skater admission for 8 people.
7. Have a museum day
When: All month long
Where: Museums around Raleigh
Raleigh is home to some really great museums. And there’s no better way to spend a bitterly cold January day than indoors exploring a new museum.
Some of the best museums in Raleigh to check out are:
- Contemporary Art Museum
- North Carolina Museum of Art
- North Carolina Museum of Natural History
- North Carolina Museum of History – Closed for renovations
- Marbles Kids Museum
- City of Raleigh Museum
If you bundle up, you can also explore the walking trails and outdoor art at the North Carolina Museum of Art.
8. Go to an NC State Basketball Game
When: Throughout the month
Where: Lenovo Center, 1400 Edwards Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607 for Men’s Basketball; Reynolds Coliseum, 2411 Dunn Ave, Raleigh, NC 27607 for Women’s Basketball
North Carolina is without a doubt, a basketball state but because the Triangle doesn’t have an NBA team, the focus is on college basketball. The Triangle area is home to a number of competitive men’s and women’s college teams, but NC State’s Wolfpack basketball is the one to watch. Don’t even try to disagree.
Here are the home games in January:
- January 5 – Women’s Basketball vs. Boston College
- January 8 – Men’s Basketball vs. Notre Dame
- January 11 – Men’s Basketball vs. UNC
- January 16 – Women’s Basketball vs. Pitt
- January 18 – Men’s Basketball vs. California
- January 19 – Women’s Basketball vs. Virginia
- January 25 – Men’s Basketball vs. SMU
- January 26 – Women’s Basketball vs. Virginia Tech
Single game tickets can be purchased online. Tickets for men’s games range from $20 to $90 depending on the game. Tickets for women’s games are $10 on the official website, but many of the games are sold out, leaving you to try to get tickets on the secondary market, often for over $100.
9. Go to an Arcade
When: All month long
Where: Various locations
If you’re stuck indoors on a cold January day, why not have a little fun and visit an arcade? Head to one of Raleigh’s game spots for cacophony of synthesized squeals and pixelated chirps where quarters vanish faster than the hope of finding a decent parking spot during the holidays:
- Boxcar Bar + Arcade
- Buffaloe Lanes
- Tobacco Road
- Frankie’s Fun Park
- Adventure Landing
What are you most excited for in Raleigh in January?
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