29 can't-miss holiday events in the Wilmington area

If the demand for tickets to Enchanted Airlie is any indication, interest in holiday entertainment in the Wilmington area is very high this year.

Tickets to the annual, Christmas-themed light display at Airlie Gardens sold out in less than 24 hours early this month. And, given Enchanted Airlie is held from starts Nov. 26 and has multiple tours nightly through Dec. 22, that's a lot of tickets.

Hopefully, you've already scored tickets to Enchanted Airlie, but even if you haven't, there's plenty of holiday entertainment to choose from this year, from plays and concerts to festivals, parades, art shows and even a "Nutcracker" or three.

THEATER

Wilmington's longstanding Opera House Theatre Co. is doing a something a little different this holiday season, and they're doing a lot of it. Traditionally performing most of its shows downtown, Opera House is heading out to Mayfaire and Wrightsville Beach for most of their holiday fare this year.

Opera House holiday shows

Starting this weekend, it's "A Very Merry Mayfaire Christmas," starring Wilmington-based Broadway veteran Brian Whitted and golden-voiced singer Nygel Robinson, most recently seen in Opera House's "Piano Men" show. This time, Whitted and Robinson will be joined by singer and former Miss North Carolina Beth Stovall, along with local theater vets Jason Aycock and Bradley Barefoot, to perform a selection of holiday favorites. Details: 7:30 Nov. 26-28 and Dec. 2-5 and 9-12 at the former Pier One location behind Santa's Workshop (6885 Main St.) Tickets are $25, $60 and $120 for VIP tables. OperaHouseTheatreCo.org.

Also at Mayfaire, Opera House's youth company performs the musical "A Charlie Brown Christmas." The apprentice program is a showcase for some of Wilmington's best young talent to play the beloved characters from the "Peanuts" universe and perform the soul-stirring tunes from the long-running Christmas special. Wilker Ballantine directs. Details: 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Nov. 27-28 and Dec. 4-5 and 11-12 at Santa's Workshop, 6885 Main St. Tickets are $12, free for kids 5 and under. OperaHouseTheatreCo.org.

Completing Opera House's holiday triple play is its annual Christmas cabaret and fundraiser and the holiday revue 'Hark the Herald Angels Swing.' Directed by Ray Kennedy, "Hark" is a collection of song and dance numbers featuring top performers and a holiday theme while the cabaret will deliver an array of tuneful holiday hits. Details: "Hark" is 6:30 p.m. Dec. 17 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18 at the Blockade Runner. $85 includes meal and donation to Opera House. The cabaret is noon Dec. 19 at the Country Club of Landfall. $75 include brunch and donation to Opera House. OperaHouseTheatreCo.org.

'Every Christmas Story Ever Told'

Big Dawg Productions returns this send-up of the holidays to the stage, this time to Thalian Hal's studio theater. Actors Steve Vernon, Randy Davis and Josh Bailey take on the fast-paced script, which endeavors to stuff as many Christmas show references as possible — from "A Christmas Carol" and "It's a Wonderful Life" to the Rankin-Bass TV specials and everything in between — into a 90-minute show. Details: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9-11 and 16-18, 3 p.m. Dec. 12 and 19 at Thalian Hall. $25. 910-632-2285.

'Elf: The Musical'

Thalian Association Community Theatre revives its holiday hit from 2019, the musical stage version of the comedy starring Will Ferrell as a regular schmo who grows up in Santa's workshop thinking he's an elf. (Our review said it's a feel-good show that draws you in, and is "diverting and welcoming for kids and adults alike.") Chandler Davis directs and Jeff Hidek plays the title role. Details: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10-11 and 16-18, 2 p.m. Dec. 12 and 18-19 at Thalian Hall. $32. 910-632-2285.

'A Charlie Brown Christmas'

Cape Fear Community College's department of fine and performing arts presents its annual stage version of the classic animated Christmas special. In the spirit of the season, bring a nonperishable food donation for the Good Shepherd Center. Details: 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Dec. 11 at CFCC Wilson Center. $10, free for kids under 12. 910-362-7999.

CONCERTS

Mannheim Steamroller

The musical juggernaut from Chip Davis, which puts synthesizer-heavy spins on holiday classics, has been chugging along for more than three decades now. Live performances are multimedia displays of visual and sonic wizardry, and the group will likely have something special in store after a year of not touring due to the pandemic. 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Nov. 29 at CFCC Wilson Center, $46 and up.

Celtic Angels

This Irish singing and dancing group has a strong following, with 50,000 monthly listens on Spotify. For their Christmas show, Victoria Sexton, Louise Barry, Searlait Ni Caiside, Olivia Bradley and Michaela Groth will dance and perform a mix of Celtic Christmas songs ("Christmas in Killarney," "Silent Night" sung in Gaelic) and such classics as "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen." 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1 at Thalian Hall.

Christmas Unplugged

Some of Wilmington's best songwriters will carry on this local tradition, with shorts sets featuring two holiday songs and one original. The slate of a dozen artists is like a who's who of Wilmington music, featuring such heavy hitters as Justin Lacy (of Library Baby, whose new album just dropped), Julia Rothenberger (Happy Pill), Sean Thomas Gerard (Onward, Soldiers) and Travis Shallow. 6 p.m. Dec. 3 at Bourgie Nights, $10 donation benefits Toys for Tots.

Raleigh Ringers

Ring in the holidays, literally, with this Raleigh handbell choir. Formed in 1990, the Ringers have a popular Christmas show that's a mix of sacred and popular tunes, including some rock songs arranged for handbells. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at Thalian Hall, $45.

'Under the Streetlamp'

From the creators of the Tony-winning Broadway smash "Jersey Boys" comes this doo-wop heavy show with a "hip to the holidays" theme. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at CFCC Wilson Center, $28 and up.

N.C. Symphony Holiday Pops

The state symphony brings its annual program of classical and popular holiday music to town. As always, one of the highlights is an audience sing-along. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at CFCC Wilson Center, $20 and up.

Steven Curtis Chapman

Grammy-winning Christian artist Chapman will play an acoustic show of seasonal and spiritual songs. 7 p.m. Dec. 10 at Odell Williamson Auditorium, $30-$60.

L Shape Lot's Toys for Tots concert

This long-running annual fundraiser organized by Wilmington country/Americana/folk rock band L Shape Lot is in its ninth year, and it's a hot ticket. The ultimate good time for a good cause, with the band playing a mix of rootsy originals and countrified Christmas fare. 7 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Brooklyn Arts Center. $10 at the door with a new or unwrapped toy.

Songs of the Season

The Wilmington Choral Society directed by Byron Marshall presents this concert of choral music, "a nostalgic, yet eclectic program of seasonal holiday arrangements" that also features some holiday songs taken from stage and screen. 4 p.m. Dec. 12 at CFCC Wilson Center, $17.

John Brown Big Band featuring Nnenna Freelon

Six-time Grammy nominated singer Nnenna Freelon and North Carolina bandleader John Brown team up for an evening of holiday-themed jazz. Expect a mix of traditional arrangements, revamped classics and a few surprises. Freelon, who released a new album in March, her first in a decade, did a residency in Wilmington at UNCW in 2015. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18 at Kenan Auditorium, $35-$50.

EVENTS/FESTIVALS

Fourth Friday Gallery Night

You won't have a better chance than this Friday to scope out some original and local art, if that's something that's on your shopping list. This weekend's Fourth Friday Gallery Night is packed with holiday-themed work, including exhibits at New Elements and Art in Bloom. For a full listing of participating galleries, go Artswilmington.org. 6-9 p.m. Nov. 26, downtown Wilmington.

Downtown Wilmington Tree Lighting

It's been up for a week or so, but on Friday at sunset the big Christmas tree in downtown Wilmington will be lit up for the season. With music by the Wilmington Sax Quartet, a live countdown to the tree lighting, an appearance by Santa Claus and free cocoa for all! 5:30 p.m. Nov. 26, Water and Market streets.

N.C. Holiday Flotilla

The annual parade of lighted boats decorated for the season happens at Wrightsville Beach this weekend. The parade begins at 6 p.m. on Banks Chanel, but there's a whole day of fun building up to the main event, with live music, food vendors, children's activities and a car show at Wrightsville Beach Park. Nov. 27 at Wrightsville Beach.

Cape Fear Festival of Trees

The long-running annual display of beautifully lit and decorated Christmas trees returns the N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher this weekend. Trees are displayed throughout the aquarium, making it one of the more unique events in the area. Proceeds benefit Lower Cape Fear LifeCare. Nov. 26-Jan. 3 at the N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher (closed on Christmas). Free with aquarium admission, must be purchased in advance.

'Illumination 2021'

The Cameron Art Museum's annual display of original lanterns and light sculptures is always highly anticipated, with work coming from Wilmington and beyond. The theme of the seventh annual Illumination is rebirth and renewal, with the artworks literally taking us out of the darkness. Dec. 3-Jan. 9 at the Cameron Art Museum.

Holiday Train Expo

Presented by the Cape Fear Model Railroad Society, this annual display includes a "Polar Express" model train and a whole room full of intricate layouts. Nov. 26-Dec. 20 at Independence Mall.

Holiday Flea at BAC

Over 50 local and regional artisans and vendors will have one-of-a-kind art, jewelry, clothes and more during this annual three-day sale timed for holiday shopping. Dec. 3-5 at the Brooklyn Arts Center, $5 ticket good for all three days.

Island of Lights

Carolina Beach's annual Christmas celebration starts with a parade on Dec. 3. Its most popular event, however, is probably the Christmas Flotilla, held this year on Dec. 4. Crowds gather to see lighted boats cruise between Snows Cut and the Carolina Beach Boat Basin as they compete for prizes and, more importantly, the esteem of their neighbors.

Wilmington Holiday Parade

Bundle up, enjoy the floats and keep an eye out for Santa during this annual celebration downtown. 6 p.m. Dec. 12, downtown Wilmington.

Kure Beach Holiday Whoobie Whatty

The Whoobie what, now? The Grinch is alive and well and, apparently, coming to Kure Beach for the holidays. Dress up like a citizen of Whoville, learn the identity of the 2021 Kure Beach Cheermeister (aka the person with the best-decorated home in Kure), and watch “How the Grinch Stole Christmas" while making Grinch crafts or getting your face painted (green). Features a special appearance by the Grinch himself. 5:30 p.m. Dec. 17, Kure Beach.

NUTCRACKERS

Wilmington always has several productions of the famous, Christmas-themed ballet with the even more famous score by Tchaikovsky. This year, there are both local and touring versions of the story of Clara, a young girl who takes a trip to an enchanted, and dangerous, land of toys and candy.

'Nutcracker' for young audiences

New York City's Ballet for Young Audiences returns to Wilmington with a shortened version of the show especially suited for young children. 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 3, 10 a.m. Dec. 4 at Thalian Hall. $32 and up.

City Ballet's 'The Nutcracker'

Wilmington's City Ballet will be doing a new version of the show this year, based more closely on E.T.A. Hoffman's story "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King," after staging the classic ballet as "The Carolina Nutcracker" for the past few years. With big sets and costumes, and dancers of all ages. Also available as a live stream. 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 5 at CFCC Wilson Center, $15

'The Great Wilmington Nutcracker'

The Wilmington Ballet Company and U.S. International Ballet present a cast of professional and amateur dancers in telling the timeless "Nutcracker" tale. With an appearance by the special needs A Chance To Dance program from Charlotte. 6:30 p.m. Dec. 18 and 3 p.m. Dec. 19 at CFCC Wilson Center, $2

Contact John Staton at 910-343-2343 or John.Staton@StarNewsOnline.com.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: 29 can't-miss holiday events in the Wilmington NC area for 2021