Our Hotel Events
Experience the Holidays at the JB Duke Hotel
Celebrate the holidays with us at the JB Duke Hotel with a variety of festive events sure to bring merriment to all.
Second Annual Holiday Tree Lighting
Wednesday, December 3 at 6 p.m. at the JB Duke Hotel Lobby
Step into a world of holiday magic at the JB Duke Hotel, where twinkling lights, joyful music and cherished seasonal traditions come together for an unforgettable evening. Guests of all ages will delight in rich, decadent hot cocoa and cookies while taking in the lively ambiance of the hotel’s elegantly adorned lobby, aglow with seasonal décor. Adding to the merriment, The Pitchforks, Duke University’s renowned all-male a cappella group, will dazzle attendees with a short concert of timeless carols as the Lobby Lounge tree illuminates for the season. New this season, guests are invited to toast the holidays with signature cocktails, including General Manager Don Ball’s beloved eggnog. This complimentary event is open to both hotel guests and the local community, and no registration is required.
The Art of Eggnog
Thursday, December 11 from 5-7 p.m. at the Lobby Lounge
Join JB Duke Hotel General Manager and bon vivant Don Ball for a festive evening at the Lobby Lounge. A homegrown hospitality talent with more than 35 years of experience, Don established his career as the owner of the beloved local restaurant, Papagayo, before rising to lead one of Durham’s premier hotels.
For one night only, he’ll return to his roots and celebrate eggnog, the season’s most beloved yet misunderstood cocktail. Guests will see how Don builds rich flavor and perfect texture while he shares favorite stories from his restaurant and hotel days while reconnecting with longtime friends joining him behind the bar. The evening promises great drinks, warm camaraderie and plenty of holiday cheer. Each eggnog order also comes with a complimentary nosh from area executive chef Troy Stauffer’s talented culinary team.
This event takes place in the Lobby Lounge, and no registration is required. Settle by the fireplace with eggnog in hand, surrounded by beautiful décor and good company.
Sunday Crafts with Santa
Sunday, Decemeber 7 from 1 – 3 p.m. at the JB Duke Hotel Atrium
Families are invited to an afternoon of festive fun and lasting memories with Santa Claus himself greeting guests and adding a touch of magic to every moment during our Sunday Crafts with Santa event. Start with a steaming cup of complimentary hot chocolate, then explore holiday coloring, face painting and cookie-decorating stations, where creativity shines for kids of all ages. The hotel dazzles with twinkling Christmas trees and life-size nutcrackers, creating the perfect backdrop for Santa visits and complimentary professional family portraits. Each snapshot becomes a treasured keepsake, capturing the joy of the season. This free community celebration and no registration is required.
Paint Your Pet Holiday Edition
Tuesday, December 17 from 6-8 p.m. at the JB Duke Hotel Atrium
Get into the holiday spirit with a special edition of “Paint Your Pet,” a joyful evening where you can create a custom portrait of your beloved pet. Whether furry, feathered or scaled, this event lets you capture your companion’s personality with a cheerful seasonal twist. Guests are encouraged to add fun holiday flair to their portraits, from Santa hats to reindeer antlers, for a whimsical touch.
Led by expert artist Victoria Lowry, the workshop is priced at $65 and includes one-on-one instruction, all painting materials and an 11”x14” pre-sketched canvas of your pet. In celebration of the giving season, $20 from every ticket sold will be donated to the Animal Protection Society of Durham, supporting the care and adoption of animals in need. Learn more and register at the link below.
Guests can sip festive cocktails during the event, including the hotel’s signature eggnog, with shareable small plates available for purchase from the JB Duke Hotel’s chic Lobby Lounge.
