How to Celebrate March Madness in Durham

During the Holidays, we transform Arrowhead Inn into a stunning Christmas wonderland, while Durham lights up and celebrates the festivities! Just imagine sipping cider by the fire or shopping down a picturesque, twinkling street. There is so much fun to be had and new traditions to be made. Here’s why you should spend Christmas in Durham. For more information on how to make the most of your Holidays in Durham, be sure to access our complimentary Vacation Guide! It’s full of the best restaurants, things to do, and more in the Triangle. UNLOCK YOUR GUIDE Why You Should Spend Christmas in Durham How Arrowhead Inn Celebrates Christmas Arguably the most wonderful time of the year, we have all the Holiday trimmings at Arrowhead Inn to get you in the Holiday spirit. Two live decorated Christmas trees, festive greenery, and poinsettias await your arrival!  Enjoy hot apple cider or hot chocolate with homemade Holiday cookies and Chef Phil’s exceptional biscotti – a sampling for afternoon refreshments. Classical Holiday music drifts through the air and whispers peaceful nostalgia! Christmas Events and Activities in Durham 1. Christmas in the Piedmont and Candlelight Tour Visit during the day and witness how this Holiday was celebrated in the Piedmont Carolinas during the American Civil War. Come back later in the evening for the newest edition to this Christmas Holiday event with the Candlelight Tour Program. This event will take visitors around the historic site where they will watch and listen as both soldiers and civilians celebrate the Holiday. 2. Christmas by Candlelight Experience a historical North Carolina Holiday season with the Duke Homestead! For Christmas by Candlelight, costumed interpreters lead you on a candlelit tour through the historic area with period decorations and Victorian traditions. 3. Christmas Open House at Stagville This free open house explores the site and teaches about Holiday traditions from all different families at Stagville. You will visit the house of the Bennehan-Cameron slaveholders, the 1850 house of an enslaved family, and the house of a freed family after Emancipation. 4. Handel’s Messiah Those with an ear for Holiday classical music will not want to miss the special Handel’s Messiah concerts at Duke Chapel on the Duke University campus. 5. The Nutcracker There are several opportunities during the month of December to experience The Nutcracker presented by Carolina Ballet. It’s a Holiday tradition people across the country have enjoyed for decades. 6. A Christmas Story: The Musical Experience the 1983 Holiday classic as you’ve never seen it before! It’s the same story that comes to life on stage in a hilarious and festive way. Don’t miss this good-spirited musical at the Durham Performing Arts Center. 7. Durham Holiday Parade A traditional Holiday parade you and the kids won’t want to miss! There will be extravagant floats, festive music, and lots of candy being handed out. 8. Ice Skating Ice skating is a winter tradition that makes a perfect night out with the family or with your sweetheart. Depending on your skill level, show off your skills or just try and stay on your feet. Either way, you’ll leave with a smile and some new memories. There are several places to hit the ice around the Triangle. Orange County Sportsplex offers great prices but has specific hours open to the public. Be sure to check their website ahead of time. Closer to Raleigh, Cary Ice House also offers public ice skating hours. Get Into the Holiday Spirit At Arrowhead Inn Join us at our cozy and bright North Carolina inn and be sure to take advantage of our favorite local festivities. If you’re looking to save on your reservation or experience some smaller crowds to these festive Durham events, consider booking a midweek stay! Browse our accommodations and choose the room or suite that best fits your needs and wants. We have everything you need to get you into the Holiday spirit, including our daily three-course breakfast. Check our availability and book your Christmas in Durham today! We can’t wait to welcome you!

How to Celebrate March Madness in Durham

Cameron Indoor Stadium, home to Duke basketball, is only 10 miles from Dean Dome, home of the North Carolina Tar Heels. From March to early April in the Triangle, you will spend endless hours watching basketball. Planning on heading this way to cheer on your favorite team this spring? Come root for your team at the Arrowhead Inn, a top rated Durham B&B, where you can watch the big game here or at one of the many sports bars in Durham and Chapel Hill.

Drinks in Durham

Fullsteam Brewery in Durham provides the perfect game day atmosphere with their southern-style beer and bites. They offer a wide selection of beer on tap, a cool kitchen and a big screen to watch the game. Fullsteam is also a landing pad for many local food trucks which means the options for curing your March Madness hunger are endless. At the heart of downtown Durham, you can join the local fans and truly enjoy the game.

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Celebrate Your College Roots

Top of the Hill, known to many as TOPO, is located right off of the University of North Carolina’s campus, making it the perfect place to relive your college days. As you enjoy the panoramic views and spring weather from the outdoor deck, you can choose from a number of locally sourced menu items and brewed in-house beer and hand-crafted spirits. As a staple in Chapel Hill for the over 20 years, TOPO has it all. Whether you are rooting for the home team or your own, you will enjoy the March Madness at Top of the Hill.

Casual Foodie Fans

Not sure where you will be on game day? No problem. Tobacco Road Sports Café has locations in Durham, Raleigh and Chapel Hill. If you choose this as your landing spot you can expect, fresh locally sourced food with exceptional service and infinite opportunities to watch sports. No matter the location, Tabacco Road Sports Café will ensure you enjoy every game. 

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Wings, Burgers, and Beer

Devine’s Restaurant and Sports Bar is a local favorite in Durham. Since 1978 Devine’s has made it a priority to make their establishment the place for all sports lovers. Serving All-American favorites, a wide selection of beer, wine, mixed drinks, and the opportunity to watch every game this spring. If the weather is nice, sit on the patio and enjoy taking in the game on the big screen. You will not want to miss the opportunity to watch the March Madness season at Devine’s.

Pubs Favorites with Local Flair

Mattie B’s Public House in south Durham has its own take on sports bar classics. From their tap list to their tapas list, every sports fan can agree, watching the big game here is a must. If you choose here, make sure to check out their famous, talk of town Carolina burger. No matter what food you desire, they have a variety of options everyone can enjoy while watching the game. 

There is no time like March Madness to come to Durham. Spend a relaxing getaway at the Arrowhead Inn and take in the best of the NCAA tournament. Whether you come at the beginning of the tournament or for the NCAA final four, whether you are a Tar Heel or a Blue Devil or just want to enjoy a good basketball game, come to Durham and enjoy the best of the game.