Events
A250th: A Colonial Apparition Cruise
Wilmington
Oct 30th & Dec 5th
What is more exciting than a wonderful cruise with a story unlike any other? Cruise the Cape Fear for 90 minutes and learn of the night, on a rare snowy evening, when the famed Steamer Wilmington encountered two Revolutionary soldiers' ghosts. Enjoy a tall tale first published in 1988, told by…
Tags
A250th Historic Homes History/Reenactments Holiday Events
19
Nov 7th
Enjoy the exciting Holiday Market in the incredible acre of the Burgwin-Wright Historic Gardens featuring over 30 vendors including local authors, artists, handmade crafts and more. The historic house (regular admission charged), jail, visitor center and art gallery will remain open for their…
Tags
Expo/Hobbies/Crafts Gardens/Flowers Historic Homes Holiday Events
4
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
Wilmington
Nov 20th
Experience the Holiday spirit of the season as magic comes alive with the signature sound of Mannheim Steamroller, America's favorite Christmas tradition since its 1974 debut. GRAMMY winner Chip Davis has created a show featuring a blend of beloved Christmas music along with dazzling multimedia…
Tags
Arts/Theatre/Dance Family Holiday Events Holidays On Water
5
The Merry Market on the Beach
Carolina Beach
Nov 21st
Start the festive season on the coast with this oceanside Christmas market featuring an indoor Christmas pop-up bar, live festive German music, and dozens of Christmas market vendors to get early holiday shopping done. Stay tuned for details and the full event lineup with additional details…
Tags
Arts/Theatre/Dance Family Foodie Events Holiday Events
5
Kure Beach Holiday Market
Kure Beach
Nov 21st & Nov 28th
Come enjoy the closest holiday market to the Atlantic Ocean. Get a jump-start on your holiday shopping while supporting local artisans at the Kure Beach Holiday Market. You can enjoy the beautiful ocean view as you browse through items handcrafted by talented artists, artisans and crafters as well…
Tags
Expo/Hobbies/Crafts Holiday Events Holidays On Water Markets
18
Nov 21st
Kick off the holiday season the German way at the Wilmington 9th Annual Christkindlmarkt German Festival! Enjoy free admission and a cheerful lineup of activities. Visit the petting zoo with the little ones, sip authentic German beer, savor delicious seasonal treats, and browse more than 55…
Tags
Arts/Theatre/Dance Expo/Hobbies/Crafts Family Festivals
1
The Nutcracker: World Ballet Company
Wilmington
Nov 21st
Experience the excitement of the Holiday Season with this classic Christmas treat! Enjoy this dazzling, family-friendly performance featuring Tchaikovsky's unforgettable music, over 150 stunning costumes, and lavish hand-painted sets. Join Marie and the Nutcracker on a thrilling Christmas Eve…
Tags
Arts/Theatre/Dance Family Holiday Events Holidays On Water
15
Island of Lights: Lighting at the Lake
Carolina Beach
Nov 27th
Get in the Holiday Spirit at the Island of Lights opening celebration. Festivities begin with a brief opening ceremony followed by the illumination of the festive displays surrounding Carolina Beach Lake. Walk the one mile trail and view beautiful lighted displays for some unforgettable photos…
Tags
Family Holiday Events Holidays On Water
10
Enchanted Airlie
Wilmington
Nov 27th – Dec 21st
Stroll through Airlie Gardens and enjoy millions of festive twinkling Christmas lights, holiday flowers and musical entertainment for the whole family. This beloved Wilmington event continues to enchant visitors year after year. Please plan ahead, online tickets must be purchased in advance and…
Tags
Family Gardens/Flowers Holiday Events Holidays On Water
23
Wrightsville Beach Tree Lighting Ceremony
Wrightsville Beach
Nov 27th
Kick off the Christmas season coastal-style with the Town of Wrightsville Beach at their annual Tree Lighting Ceremony! Join the excitement as everyone counts down to the magical moment the tree lights up, then enjoy a performance from Elf Patrol, a children's choir, as they welcome Santa himself…
Tags
Arts/Theatre/Dance Family Holiday Events Holidays On Water
16
Merry & Bright a Holiday of Lights
Wilmington
Nov 27th + 13 more
Join the Holiday festivities as historic Poplar Grove Plantation's beautiful grounds shimmer with a magical Christmas light display and more. Surrounded by thousands of twinkling lights, get in the Christmas spirit with the barn bustling with arts, crafts and gift vendors, a libations tent and…
Tags
Family Festivals Historic Homes Holiday Events
7
Holiday Lights River Cruise
Wilmington
Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat & Sun
Cruise the Cape Fear River and experience the bright sights, Christmas sounds and tastes of the holidays. Listen to local musicians perform live holiday tunes while sampling yuletide cocktails and light appetizers. Enjoy the views of the sights of magical lights while cruising along the historic…
Tags
Family Holiday Events Holidays On Water Tours/Cruises
7
Downtown District Day
Surrounding Areas
Nov 28th
Spend Small Business Saturday exploring the 7 different districts of downtown Wilmington, completely free with the use of three trolleys that will be running in between the districts all day. Use this guide to visit each district like a local, complete with food, shopping, and attraction ideas…
Tags
Accessible Expo/Hobbies/Crafts Family Holiday Events
3
A Very Merry Christmas: Brian Whitted
Wilmington
Nov 28th – Nov 29th
Celebrate the magical return of the Holiday Season with a Very Merry Christmas starring Brian Whitted and special guests at historic Thalian Hall. Enjoy a mellow evening of your favorite holiday tunes. Hosted by the Opera House Theatre Company, the evening will also feature a seven piece orchestra…
Tags
African American Arts/Theatre/Dance Holiday Events Holidays On Water
1
Holiday Train & Light Spectacular
Wilmington
Nov 28th + 7 more
Holiday magic returns to the railroad museum with even more twinkling lights and more Holiday action. The museum transforms into a winter wonderland with spectacular sparkling decorations. Over 35,000 lights glisten and sparkle as well as additional musical animations and twilight model train…
Tags
Expo/Hobbies/Crafts Family Holiday Events Holidays On Water
9
NC Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach
Wrightsville Beach
Nov 28th
Celebrate the holidays coastal-style at the annual NC Holiday Flotilla. A local delight since 1983, the celebration kicks off Friday night with the Wrightsville Beach Tree Lighting Ceremony that is open to the public. The fun continues Saturday with the Festival in the Park featuring over 100 arts…
Tags
Auto/Boat/RV Shows Family Festivals Holiday Events
16
Really Cool Stuff Holiday Market
Wilmington
Nov 28th
Celebrate and support small, local businesses and artisans at this fantastic holiday gathering on Small Business Saturday, November 28th. The Really Cool Stuff Holiday Market takes place on Dock Street between Water and Second Streets, bringing together over 60 artists and creators from the…
Tags
Arts/Theatre/Dance Expo/Hobbies/Crafts Festivals Holiday Events
7
Santa by the Sea
Carolina Beach
Nov 28th & Dec 19th
Enjoy Santa by the Sea as the Town of Carolina Beach becomes an island of lights with homes and businesses at their festive finest to get you in the holiday spirit. Stroll the famous Carolina Beach Lake Park decked in sparkling splendor beginning late November, and be treated to a host of fun…
Tags
Family Holiday Events Holidays On Water Wildlife/Nature
17
Wilmington Holiday Parade
Wilmington
Nov 29th
Join the festivities of Wilmington Holiday Parade! Brightly lit marching bands, floats, entertainers and of course, Santa Claus, bring this sparkling Christmas Tradition to all ages. The Parade begins at North Front and Walnut, Street traveling south on Front to Church Street. Don't miss out on…
Tags
Family Holiday Events Holidays On Water Parades
1
Polar Express Holiday Show
Wilmington
Nov 29th + 5 more
Immerse yourself in Holiday cheer with the reading of the wonderful Christmas classic, Polar Express, with each child receiving a gold train ticket punched by their conductor and a "Believe" bell. Afterwards, visit with Santa and enjoy cookies and sip some hot cocoa. The Wilmington Railroad…
Tags
Family Holiday Events Holidays On Water Museum Exhbit/Prog
6
Celtic Angels Christmas
Wilmington
Nov 30th
Captivating audiences of all ages with awe-inspiring magical Christmas vocal and instrumental tunes as well as Irish favorites alongside spectacular world class champion Irish dancing, this is the perfect way to begin the Holiday Season. Featuring an angelic Irish quintet combined with the…
Tags
Arts/Theatre/Dance Culture Holiday Events Holidays On Water
10
Who Brought the Humbug?
Wilmington
Dec 1st
Enjoy Holiday fun for all ages, at this family friendly, funky, feel good Christmas season musical! Set at the wildest ugly sweater party ever, all the guests are talented singers, incredible tap dancers, and high-energy musicians! The swinging Holiday fun really gets exciting when Santa Claus…
Tags
Arts/Theatre/Dance😂 Comedy Family Holiday Events
11
Sing We Now of Christmas
Wilmington
Dec 2nd
Join in on this joyful celebration of the season as you listen to the beautiful harmony of the Wilmington Choral Society at the Wilson Center on December 2nd. This musical night will put you into the spirt of the holiday season with an ensemble of 90+ multi-generational singers bringing Christmas…
Tags
Arts/Theatre/Dance Family Holiday Events Holidays On Water
4
Dec 3rd
Laugh out loud at The Unauthorized Hallmark(ish) Parody Musical which combines all the cheesy, too good to be true moments of Hallmark holiday movies with catchy sing along tunes. This is a Christmas tale that will leave you feeling cheery for the holidays. Don't miss it at Thalian Hall Center for…
Tags
Accessible Arts/Theatre/Dance😂 Comedy Holiday Events
7
Dec 4th – Dec 5th
Enjoy the dynamic talents of New York's Ballet for Young Audiences with their return to the classic holiday story of The Nutcracker at Thalian Hall. This Christmas tale tells the story of a young girl named Clara who with the help of her godfather, is transported to a magical realm where she…
Tags
Arts/Theatre/Dance Family Holiday Events Holidays On Water
9
Movies in the Park: The Santa Clause
Wrightsville Beach
Dec 4th
Enjoy outdoor family fun just in time for the cozy holiday season with a special screening of The Santa Clause at Movies in the Park! This beloved Christmas comedy follows an ordinary man who accidentally causes Santa Claus to have an accident on Christmas Eve. With his son's help, he finishes…
Tags
Arts/Theatre/Dance😂 Comedy Family Holiday Events
12
Carolina Beach Christmas Parade
Carolina Beach
Dec 4th
Join the Holiday fun the week after Thanksgiving on Friday, December 4th celebrating the annual Carolina Beach Christmas Parade. Floats, bands and Santa Claus will be there to add to the festivities of the season and provide a night of free family entertainment and holiday cheer. Traditionally…
Tags
Family Holiday Events Holidays On Water Parades
13
Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla
Carolina Beach
Dec 5th
Boats of all shapes and sizes, sparkling with thousands of lights, present a spectacular display on the Intracoastal Waterway during the annual Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla. Cruising from Snows Cut to the Carolina Beach Boat Basin and back, competing for prizes, these water crafts add to…
Tags
Auto/Boat/RV Shows Family Holiday Events Holidays On Water
5
Holidays on Water Drone Show
Wilmington
Saturdays
Experience the magic of Holidays on Water in historic downtown Wilmington, NC with a spectacular riverfront drone show and visit with Santa on select weekends! Enjoy enchanting Christmas scenes over the water as 150 drones illuminate the night sky on December 5th, 12th, and 19th. From twinkling…
Tags
Arts/Theatre/Dance Family Holiday Events Holidays On Water
3
Island of Lights Flotilla Cruise
Carolina Beach
Dec 5th
Set sail for a fun, front row seat for the Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla Boat Parade. Departing from the Carolina Beach Marina, a leisurely cruise will allow you to see the festive Christmas lights on homes, docks and decorated boats before anchoring in the basin to watch the boat procession…
Tags
Family Holiday Events Holidays On Water Tours/Cruises
11
Carolina Beach Holiday Market
Carolina Beach
Dec 5th
Just in time for the Holiday Season -- Carolina Beach Farmer's Market helps you solve all your shopping dilemmas with many gifts that are sure to suit all ages on your list. This fun island Christmas style market is filled with vendors who will have something for everyone from shark's teeth to…
Tags
Holiday Events Holidays On Water Markets
11
Dec 5th
Join Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center as they celebrate their 85th anniversary with a special WWII-era USO evening featuring a special dessert reception, live concert by the one and only Wilmington Big Band, and in keeping with the season, the evening will conclude with beloved…
Tags
A250th Arts/Theatre/Dance History/Reenactments Holiday Events
2
Old Wilmington by Candlelight Tour
Wilmington
Dec 5th – Dec 6th
Come celebrate a new twist on the Old Wilmington by Candlelight Walking Tour. This year's event features self guided tours of festively decorated private homes, historic sites, buildings and houses of worship located in historic downtown. One ticket is valid for both days of the tour, allowing you…
Tags
Historic Homes History/Reenactments Holiday Events Holidays On Water
2
Christmas Palm Tree Lighting
Carolina Beach
Dec 6th
Welcome Christmas Holidays on the shore with the family friendly festive giant Palm Tree Lighting! Join the fun of a seaside evening with festive light displays on the Carolina Beach Pier as well as a cozy indoor Holiday Pop Up Bar on Pier House Third Floor that will leave you merry and bright…
Tags
Family Holiday Events Holidays On Water Wildlife/Nature
2
Christmas Comes to Currie
Surrounding Areas
Dec 12th
Join the fun as an 18th Century Christmas Comes to Currie, NC! Come to the Moores Creek National Battlefield Park, site of the first Patriot Victory, a short drive from historic downtown. The expansive field will be filled with exciting Colonial happenings and staffed with friendly costumed…
Tags
A250th Expo/Hobbies/Crafts Family History/Reenactments
4
Island of Lights Holiday Tour of Homes
Carolina Beach
Dec 12th
Take a self-guided tour through some of Pleasure Island's and its surrounding area's most beautiful homes festively decorated for the holidays. Homes on the tour are located in Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and the nearby area. Tickets and maps available at local retailers and businesses of Pleasure…
Tags
Family Historic Homes Holiday Events Holidays On Water
11
Dec 12th
Decked in the natural splendor of the 1700's Colonial Christmas tradition, the Burgwin-Wright House shines during this annual event. Visitors will enjoy viewing the house decorated by fresh greenery, fruit, nuts and flowers, much as it would have been when the original owners celebrated the…
Tags
Expo/Hobbies/Crafts Gardens/Flowers Historic Homes History/Reenactments
6
Wilmington Christmas Extravaganza
Wilmington
Dec 12th – Dec 13th
Christmas superfans rejoice and join in to celebrate the season at the ultimate Wilmington Christmas Extravaganza in the downtown Convention Center on December 12-13. Don your best Christmas attire and browse from over 150 small business market vendors to finish your holiday shopping all in one…
Tags
Expo/Hobbies/Crafts Family Holiday Events Holidays On Water
Christmas with C.S. Lewis
Wilmington
Dec 13th
Watch the story of C S Lewis come to life in Christmas with C.S. Lewis. From a strong atheist believing the story of Christ's birth was a myth to journeying into Christianity giving Christmas a new meaning. This Christmas, join Lewis as he hosts Christmas Eve for a group of Americans. This…
Tags
Arts/Theatre/Dance History/Reenactments Holiday Events Holidays On Water
2
Holiday Pops Concert: NC Symphony
Wilmington
Dec 16th
Get in the Holiday Spirit with this festive musical tradition celebrating the sounds of the season. Start your Christmas season off on the right note with your favorite tunes! Join the NC Symphony for a spectacularly joyful evening featuring beloved traditional as well as popular melodies plus a…
Tags
Arts/Theatre/Dance Family Holiday Events Holidays On Water
3