18 things to do in Wilmington this weekend, including holiday events, art shows and more

It's the first weekend of December, so this whole Christmas thing is really happening, isn't it?

There are plenty of events to help get you into the holiday spirit, as well as lots of non-Christmas events for everyone who's not feeling it just yet.

In terms of the holidays, there's a parade, a flotilla, art shows and even a couple of "Nutcracker" performances.

Plus, there's a touring New York City comic and plenty of live music, from heavy metal to classic jazz.

For holiday event ideas beyond this weekend, check out our big holiday roundup.

More: Wilmington holiday events38 can't-miss Christmas and holiday events in the Wilmington area for 2022

ALL WEEKEND

'Illumination 2022'

At the Cameron Art Museum: The eighth annual exhibit of light sculptures and lanterns made by artists from around the area, region and county. This year's show features 36 lanterns, and all of the artists are in the running for cash prizes totaling $1,500 that will be awarded by a panel of judges. The opening day of "Illumination 2022," Saturday, Dec. 3, is also the 13th annual Clyde's Holiday by the Sea event at Cameron, celebrating the rustic, often animal-centric work of North Carolina artist Clyde Jones. For details on museum hours and admission, go to CameronArtMuseum.org.

Maddy Smith

At Dead Crow Comedy Room: New York City comic comes down to Wilmington to deliver her takes on everything from living with student loan debt (and her boyfriend) to drinking (and drinking with her family). Smith was a cast member on MTV comedy show "Wild N Out" for two years.

7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Dec. 2-3, tickets are $20 and $30.

Theatre For All's holiday show

At the Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center: Wilmington's only theater company for people with disabilities presents its annual holiday performance. "Past and Presents," an original show devised by company members, follows four longtime friends as they tell stories and sing songs, both happy and sad, from their lives.

7 p.m. Dec. 1 performance is by donation. 7 p.m. Dec. 2 gala performance is $25 for adults, $5 for children, and features refreshments and pre-show entertainment by TFA members.

Ballet for Young Audiences: 'The Nutcracker'

At Thalian Hall: Touring performance by this New York City dance company has been coming to Wilmington for many years now. The abbreviated story of young Clara's magical adventures in a mysterious realm is perfect for a child's first experience watching ballet.

4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 2, 10 a.m. Dec. 3. 910-632-2285.

City Ballet's 'The Nutcracker'

Dec. 3-4 at CFCC Wilson Center: Featuring a full orchestra playing Tchaikovsky's famous score, this Wilmington-based ballet company will bring the famous story to life with both professional and local dancers. With two performances: 7 p.m. Dec. 3 and 3 p.m. Dec. 4. Tickets are $30. 910-362-7999.

FRIDAY

Acme Art holiday open house

At Acme Art: Longtime Wilmington complex of artists' studios has been around for three decades now, and the annual holiday show is always a great time to stop by. Acme residents will open their studios to the public, with a holiday exhibit in the gallery featuring the work of Todd Carignan, Dick Roberts, Pam Toll, Mark Weber and others.

6-9 p.m. Dec. 2, 711 N. Fifth Ave.

The Pinkerton Raid

At Waterline Brewing: Longtime Durham indie pop/folk band whose songs have a storytelling flair returns to Wilmington to play an album release show for their new record, "The Highway Moves the World." With an opening set by Wilmington folk and Americana act Tumbleweed, playing one of their final local shows before Jordan Sutherland, one of the group's three songwriters, moves to Colorado.

6 p.m. Dec. 2, free to attend.

Jazz Night with Duke Ladd Trio

At Bourgie Nights: Longtime Wilmingtonians might remember the old Gentleman Jim's Jazz Club downtown in the 1990s. It's that type of laid-back vibe, perhaps, that Bourgie Nights is trying to get at with its recent Jazz Night series of concerts. This week, it's a mix of jazz classics and old-school standards from the Port City's longtime Duke Ladd Trio.

7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show Dec. 2, tickets are $10.

Blue Footed Boobies

At Reggie's 42nd Street Tavern: Popular Wilmington psyche/blues rock duo is set to play for what will certainly be a packed house at this midtown Wilmington rock club.

9 p.m. Dec. 2.

Island of Lights Christmas Parade

Carolina Beach: Part of the Island of Lights festival, the parade proceeds down Lake Park Boulevard (starting at Atlanta Avenue) to Federal Point Plaza. Featuring floats made by community groups, marching bands and, of course, St. Nick.

7:30 p.m. Dec. 2.

'Artworks of Tales of Cape Fear'

At DREAMS Center for Arts Education: Closing reception for this multi-artist show, which features work seen in the "Tales of Cape Fear" comic book anthology series. Meet the artists, enjoy some refreshments and pick up a comic or two.

6-8 p.m. Dec. 2, 901 Fanning St.

SATURDAY

Thou Shalt Rock V

At Reggies 42nd Street Tavern: Annual concert in honor of late Wilmington heavy metal drummer Carlos Denogean, formerly of the band Weedeater, who died in 2018. Thou Shalt Rock was actually a heavy metal festival Denogean started in 2016, and friends and fans have kept it going to honor his memory. Featured acts include Mega Colossus, Children of the Reptile, Crystal Spiders, Raleigh's Beard of Antlers and Denogean's former band, Salvacion

6 p.m. Dec. 3.

More: Wilmington musicWilmington drummer Carlos Denogean dies at age 30

La Big Bouche Christmas Cabaret

At Bourgie Nights: Wilmington's resident burlesque troupe, La Big Bouche, will bring some holiday-flavored antics to its first-ever Christmas cabaret show in Wilmington. A vintage vaudeville French-style cabaret started by Marlowe Moore, La Big Bouche features a risque mix of singing, dancing, comedy skits and even some acrobatics, topped with some tinsel for the season.

7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show, Dec. 3. $20 in advance, $25 at the door.

Tree lighting, movie & ice skating

At Riverfront Park/Live Oak Bank Pavilion: Previously held at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater, this free event features music by the Cape Fear Chorale, a tree lighting, visits with Santa Claus and a screening of 2018 film "The Grinch." Also, for the first time in Wilmington memory, there will be an outdoor (artificial) ice skating rink.

The Dec. 3 event runs from 5:30-9 p.m., but the rink actually goes up on Dec. 1, with skating available through Dec. 9. It's $5 for a 45-minute slot, to sign up for a spot click here.

Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla

At Carolina Beach: Boats decorated with lights cruise from Snows Cuts all the way down the Carolina Beach Yacht Basin during this well-attended annual event. The flotilla starts at 6 p.m., and winners are picked by a panel of judges as well as by popular vote.

6 p.m. Dec. 3. Details at PleasureIslandOfLights.com.

SUNDAY

Photos and fiber art

At Art in Bloom Gallery: Fiber artist Rebecca Yeomans (her exhibit is titled "Collaborating with Nature") and photographer Melissa Wilgis ("Art Made with Light") show off their latest work at this former downtown Wilmington gallery, which relocated to Mayfaire earlier this year.

Reception is 3-5 p.m. Dec. 4, 6866 Main St., Mayfaire Town Center.

'Femme'

601 Greenfield St.: Art and fashion show at this new Wilmington space features the work (watercolor, oil pastels and more) of Wilmington artist Kristen Martinez, whose latest series depicts a range of cool, stylish women, their features distorted to make them appear equal parts alien and alluring.

4-7 p.m. Dec. 4. Show remains on exhibit by appointment through Jan. 27.

Khristmas Roast of Khemours

At the Opera Room: If any company was ever overdue for a good roasting, it's probably Chemours, the DuPont-spawned outfit that was found to be dumping toxic chemicals into the Cape Fear River for many, many years (a fact conveniently ignored by Chemours' maddeningly shameless TV ad campaign). Wilmington stand-ups Bridget Callahan, Chelsea Connor, Meghan Cook and Alex Denning will take turns roasting Chemours' chestnuts over their comedy fire, while Daisy Faith, Chad Fogland and Adrian Monte of Wilmington's DareDevil Improv will be featured between acts.

Show at 7 p.m. Dec. 4, all proceeds benefit Cape Fear River Watch.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: 18 things to do in the Wilmington NC area this weekend, Dec. 1-4