Celebration time: Here’s our exclusive roundup of holiday parties & events across NC

The holiday hustle and bustle is upon us—companies and organizations across North Carolina are sending out their RSVP invites for year-end parties, networking events, galas and fundraisers.

In an effort to help readers balance work with fun, WRAL TechWire has compiled a guide to the holiday-themed events happening across North Carolina in December.

NOTE: This list will be updated with new information. If you’d like your event to be added, feel free to send me an email.

Larger Than Life Science: Big Holiday Party

December 5, 4-7 p.m. @The Chesterfield

Meet fellow entrepreneurs, get tips on growing your company and network with members of the life science community at Larger Than Life Science, a free event presented by LaunchBio. This month’s theme is “Big Holiday Party.” Come to celebrate the community’s accomplishments in 2019.

BABC Charlotte Holiday & Good Cheer Luncheon

December 6, 11:15 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. @Quail Hollow Club

The British American Business Council Charlotte invites the community to join for a holiday party to wrap up the year.

Workshop: Pitching Yourself & Your Science

December 10, 4-6 p.m. @The Bullpen

The NC Women of Color in Research Network is hosting a workshop on how to improve your networking skills through using an “elevator pitch.” The session will be led by Ariana Eily, science communication expert and postdoctoral associate with Duke Science and Society. A holiday reception with hors d’oeuvres and drinks will follow.

RTP AgBio+AgTech Meetup: Winter Celebration

December 10, 5-7 p.m. @WeWork Durham

For its next meetup, RTP AgBio+AgTech is hosting a winter celebration at WeWork in Durham. The event will have an “Ask Me About” theme, where attendees will submit their name, a photo and an agriculture-related topic they want to chat about. A slideshow loop will run while attendees have snacks, beverages and network.

Speed Networking at the Speedway

December 11, 3:30-6:30 p.m. @Charlotte Motor Speedway Paddock Club

Come network with the business community while getting a sneak peek at the Speedway’s Christmas light decorations at the next “Speed Networking at the Speedway” event, held by the north chapter of the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance.

Raleigh Chamber Elected Officials Forum & Holiday Reception

December 11, 4-7 p.m. @North Carolina Museum of History

Raleigh Chamber is hosting city, state and county representatives for an evening of networking and discussion. Elected officials will share their key issues and priorities for next year and will interact with the audience in a moderated Q&A.

NC TECH CIO Holiday Reception

December 11, 4:30-6:30 p.m. @Bailey Tucker House

Local CIOs and senior IT leaders are invited to gather for an evening of networking at the historic Bailey-Tucker House in downtown Raleigh.

WIB-RTP: Holiday Party & Food Drive

December 11, 6-8 p.m. @Westgate Wine

Come celebrate the holidays with Women In Bio RTP. Please bring non-perishable food items to donate in support of the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina. Food and wine will be provided. ‎‎

RTP Mistletoe Market

December 12, 4-7 p.m. @The Frontier

Shop local for the holidays at the 5th annual Mistletoe Market, featuring products from artisans in the Triangle. Dress for Success Triangle will receive 15% of the profits. View the full list of vendors here.

Body Language: Building Rapport & 2019 Holiday Party

December 12, 5:30-8:30 p.m. @NC State Club

Join CompTIA AITP’s RTP chapter for its annual holiday party to celebrate the group’s success in 2019. This event features a talk from author and body language expert Terry Vaughan on how to recognize and interpret body language and use it to your advantage as a useful tool in personal communications.

NAWBO Greater Raleigh Holiday Social

December 12, 6-8 p.m. @Cary Florist

The Raleigh chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) is hosting a special holiday networking event with members of the local business community.

Startup Grind Davidson: End of Year Holiday Party

December 17, 5-7 p.m. @Hurt Hub@Davidson

Startup Grind Davidson invites the community to join to celebrate a successful year with hors d’oeuvres, drinks, a white elephant gift exchange, ping pong, jenga, karaoke and Uno.

Digital Health Happy Hour

December 18, 5-7 p.m. @Bluedoor Studio405

DHIT’s free networking event takes place at Bluedoor Studio405 this month. Join to celebrate the holidays and connect with fellow entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders over craft beers. This month’s featured speaker is Lee Phillips, co-founder and chief strategist at Bluedoor Group.

Small Business Success Celebration with Mountain BizWorks

December 18, 6-9 p.m. @Center for the Craft

Mountain BizWorks is hosting its annual year-end event celebrating its years of success and looking forward to 2020. Light refreshments, desserts and drinks will be served.