43 can't-miss Wilmington holiday events: Parades, shows, concerts, Nutcrackers and more
If you got Enchanted Airlie tickets, consider yourself lucky.
The annual holiday light show at Airlie Gardens is the Taylor Swift of Wilmington holiday events, and tickets sold out within an hour when they went on sale earlier this month.
No worries, though. We've got dozens of holiday-themed events to look forward to over the next month sure to replace any disappointment with the warm and fuzzy Christmas spirit.
One disclaimer: This isn't a comprehensive list of every single holiday or Christmas event in Southeastern North Carolina, but it does hit many if not most of the highlights. Just like Enchanted Airlie, some of these will sell out, so plan accordingly.
COMMUNITY EVENTS, FESTIVALS & ART SHOWS
'All is Bright'
Nov. 24-Dec. 23 at Poplar Grove: Not the worst backup plan if you didn't get Enchanted Airlie tickets, this former plantation at the New Hanover County/Pender County line will be lit up and decorated for the holidays by Patriot Illumination. Hours are 5-9 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, and kids can visit with Santa every night but Sunday. Tickets start at $10, with package deals available. Details at PoplarGrove.org.
Cape Fear Festival of Trees
Through Jan. 2 at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher: Longtime local festival is a fundraiser for Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Foundation. Over 50 decorated trees will be on display, and you can purchase a Christmas wreath as well. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, free with aquarium admission.
Holiday events: Cape Fear Festival of Trees: What to know about tickets, location and, yes, the trees
Christmas Train & Light Spectacular
Nov. 24-Dec. 23 at the Wilmington Railroad Museum: Thousands of lights set to music will illuminate holiday-themed model train displays at the only museum dedicated to Wilmington's extensive railroad history. Kids can visit with Santa as well. 6:30-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday through Dec. 23. Tickets are just $5. Details at 910-763-2634.
Fourth Friday Gallery Night
Nov. 24, downtown Wilmington: Turn Black Friday into Art Friday at this monthly crawl of downtown art galleries. Plenty of holiday-themed art is sure to be on display, and Fourth Friday is also a great time to shop for one-of-a-kind gifts. 6-9 p.m., for details on participating galleries go to ArtsWilmington.org.
Holiday Tree Lighting
Nov. 24, downtown Wilmington: The lighting of this giant artificial tree at the foot of Market Street will usher in the Christmas season. Live seasonal tunes start at 5:30 p.m., with the countdown to the lighting at 6:25 p.m. Santa will be there to visit with the little ones.
Lighting of the Lake
Nov. 24 at Carolina Beach Lake: Tree lighting kicks off Pleasure Island's annual series of events known as Island of Lights. Free to attend, starts at 7 p.m.
Holiday Train Expo
Nov. 24-Dec. 30, Independence Mall: The Cape Fear Model Railroad Society presents this annual show with more than two dozen model train set-ups decorated for the holidays. Opens noon-5 p.m. Nov. 24-26, and weekends through December. Tickets are $8, $6 for ages 3-12 and free for kids under 3.
N.C. Holiday Flotilla
Nov. 24-26 at Wrightsville Beach: It's the 40th year for this annual boat parade through Motts Channel and Banks Channel. A ticketed kickoff party starts 7 p.m. Nov. 24 at Lumina Resort at Wrightsville Beach, with a day in the park 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 25 at Wrightsville Beach Park. The flotilla itself starts 6 p.m. Nov. 25, with an array of watercraft striving to outdo each other with colorful lights and creative themes. Winners announced Nov. 26 at a "captain's breakfast."
Northside tree lighting
Nov. 30, Live Oak Bank Pavilion: Lighting of a Christmas tree in Wilmington's new Northside park and amphitheater features a performance by the Roland-Grise Middle School chorus, visits with Santa and Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo reading "'Twas the Night Before Christmas," along with refreshments for those who show up early. 6-8 p.m., free.
Carolina Beach Christmas Parade
Dec. 1 in Carolina Beach: Official parade of the town of Carolina Beach starts at Carolina Beach Lake and goes north on Lake Park Boulevard. 7 p.m. start time, with tons of floats and candy for the kids.
Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla
Dec. 2, Carolina Beach Yacht Basin: Boats decorated with lights cruise from Snows Cut 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.
'Illumination 2023'
Dec. 1-Jan. 14 at the Cameron Art Museum: Ninth annual exhibit of light sculptures and lanterns made by artists from around the area, region and county. Opening for museum members is Dec. 1, with the public opening Dec. 2 coinciding with the 14th annual Clyde's Holiday by the Sea, which celebrates the rustic, often animal-centric work of North Carolina artist Clyde Jones. The museum also has a number of other holiday-themed events. For a full list, go to CameronArtMuseum.org.
Moravian Candle Tea & Christmas Market
Dec. 2 at Covenant Moravian Church: Started in Wilmington in the 1980s, this annual event has become a local tradition. Marking the start of Advent and the Christmas season, the tea features refreshments, a market, activities for kids and more. Runs 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the church, 4126 S. College Road.
OId Wilmington by Candlelight
Dec. 2-3, downtown Wilmington: Last year marked the 50th anniversary of this annual tour put on by the Lower Cape Fear Historical Society, with luminaries marking the paths to historic downtown homes, churches and public buildings that have been decorated for the season. Tickets are $50, and are good for both days of the tour.
Wilmington Holiday Parade
Dec. 3, downtown Wilmington: It's the 20th year for the Wilmington Holiday Parade, which draws a big, enthusiastic crowd along its Front Street route. Area dignitaries, community groups and first responders all appear in the parade, which is capped off by Santa Claus riding atop a Wilmington Fire Department truck. Runs 6-9 p.m.
Colonial Christmas Open House & Craft Market
Dec. 9 at the Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens: Historic downtown home that dates to 1770 will be decorated in the style of the 18th century, with fresh fruit, greenery and flowers. Live tunes from Masonboro Parlor. A market filled with local crafters runs 9 a.m.-3 p.m., with a free open house from 5-9 p.m.
Kure Beach Whoobie Whatty
Dec. 15 at Kure Beach: One of the more unique events on the calendar is this Grinch-themed affair. Enjoy Grinch face-painting, Grinch cookies, Grinch crafts, a screening of 2000's "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" starring Jim Carrey. Plus, meet the 2023 Kure Beach Cheermeister. 6:30-8:30 p.m., free.
Winter Wanderland
Dec. 16 at the Children's Museum of Wilmington: At this kid-centric celebration, children can play games, make crafts, tour various activity stations and learn about how different cultures celebrate winter holidays. Festive attire is encouraged. 9 a.m.-noon, tickets are $10.
THEATER, COMEDY & PERFORMANCES
Million Dollar Quartet Christmas
Nov. 21 at CFCC Wilson Center: Wilmington's first big Christmas show of the year is this musical inspired by a true story, when music legends Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley met up for a "homecoming" show in December of 1956 at Memphis' legendary Sun Records. Includes the quartet's well-known hits as well as Christmas songs. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21, tickets start at $37.
Brian Whitted's Very Merry Downtown Christmas
Nov. 23-26 at Brooklyn Arts Center: Veteran Broadway musician Brian Whitted hosts and Opera House Theatre Co. presents this evening of Christmas music featuring a seven-piece band and some of the best singers in town. There might be a few tickets left, but the run is largely sold out. 6 p.m. Nov. 23-26, with 2 p.m. shows Nov. 25-26.
'Polar Express' readings
Nov. 25-Dec. 17 at the Wilmington Railroad Museum: Local performers read this classic Christmas book for the kids, who all get their tickets punched by the "conductor" as well as a bell from Santa. Complimentary cookies and cocoa. 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are just $5, but resevations are required: 910-763-2634.
Second City's 'What the Elf'
Dec. 1 at Kenan Auditorium: Legendary Chicago comedy troupe, which has been around for more than 60 years, brings its holiday show to town. Expect irreverence. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1, tickets start at $25.
Navidad: A Mexican American Christmas
Dec. 6 at CFCC Wilson Center: The Calpulli Mexican Dance Company combines the story of a young person with Mexican immigrant parents with the classic tale of "The Nutcracker," fusing "Mariachi music with Tchaikovsky, folk dance with ballet" along the way. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6, tickets start at $28. 910-362-7999.
'Every Christmas Story Ever Told'
Dec. 7-17 at Thalian Hall (studio): Wilmington theater troupe Big Dawg Productions had planned to stage the comic play "Bad Jews," about Jewish people of varying degrees of faith, in December, but the war in Gaza led the company to push the show back. To replace it, Big Dawg turned to a comedy it's done several times in the past. "Every Christmas Story Ever Told" sends up a wide array of holiday fare, from Rankin-Bass TV specials to "A Christmas Carol" itself. For tickets, call 910-632-2285.
'Elf: The Musical'
Dec. 7-17 at Thalian Hall: Wilmington's Thalian Association Community Theatre last staged "Elf," the musical version of the classic holiday movie starring Will Ferrell, in 2021. It's back again this year, with Jeff Hidek, who played the title role in 2021, directing. Logan Hayes dons the tights to play beloved man-child Buddy the Elf. For tickets, call 910-632-2285.
'A Charlie Brown Christmas'
Dec. 8 at CFCC Wilson Center: Every year, CFCC's Department of Fine and Performing Arts puts on this stage show, faithfully replicating the beloved Peanuts Christmas special, which first aired in 1965. A highlight is always the live band, which will play Vince Guaraldi's iconic score. 7 p.m. Dec. 8, tickets are $15, free for kids under 12.
The Illusionists: 'Magic of the Holidays'
Dec. 12-13 at CFCC's Wilson Center: Touring magic show with a Christmas theme features a top-notch collection of professional magicians. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12-13, call 910-362-7999 for tickets.
Hark, the Herald Angels Swing!
Dec. 15-17 at Thalian Hall (ballroom): Opera House Theatre Co.'s annual Christmas cabaret and fundraiser directed by Ray Kennedy marks its 15th year. Featuring both jazzy and traditional versions of popular holiday songs, the event also features a full meal and live and silent auctions. 6 p.m. Dec. 15-16 (dinner and show), noon Dec. 17 (brunch and show). Tickets go on sale Thanksgiving Day.
Christmas 'Colonial Apparition' Water Tour
Dec. 17, Wilmington Water Tours: If you like your holidays with a touch of the supernatural, this event might fit the bill. Presented by Wilmington Water Tours, it revives a 19th-century story by Wilmingtonian James Sprunt about a Christmas Eve cruise coming into contact with an apparition that might have ties to the Revolutionary War. 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Dec. 17, tickets are $15 and $35.
'Bending Towards the Light: A Jazz Nativity'
Dec. 21 at Kenan Auditorium: Original show directed by Wilmington singer Julia Walker Jewell puts an original spin on the story of the Christmas Nativity. Wilmington musicians including jazz sax player Benny Hill and singer Annie Jewell team with the Chancel Choir of Wrightsville United Methodist Church to perform the tale. Features the music of Dave Brubeck and others, with an opening performance by the Wrightsville Ringers handbell group. 7 p.m. Dec. 21, tickets are $14.
MOVIES
'It's a Wonderful Life'
Dec. 22 at Thalian Hall: It's the 13th annual screening of this Christmas classic starring Jimmy Stewart as a man questioning the meaning of his life. Always packs the house at Wilmington's most storied and historic theater. 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 22. 910-632-2285.
NUTCRACKERS
Ballet for Young Audiences: 'The Nutcracker'
Dec. 1-2 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. Features area dancers peforming with professional dancers from New York Ballet for Young Audiences and Ballet Repertory of NYC. 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 1, 10 a.m. Dec. 2. 910-632-2285.
Wilmington City Ballet's 'The Nutcracker'
Dec. 9-10 at CFCC Wilson Center: Wilmington's City Ballet has been staging its annual performance of "The Nutcracker" locally since 2011, featuring sumptuous costumes and a live orchestra playing Tchaikovsky's famous score. 7 p.m. Dec. 9 and 3 p.m. Dec. 10, tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for children. 910-362-7999.
Wilmington Dance Theatre's 'The Nutcracker'
Dec. 16-17 at CFCC Wilson Center: Presented by the Wilmington Conservatory of Fine Arts and Wilmington Dance Theatre, this performance of "The Nutcracker" will be a homecoming for Wilmington native and dancer Dara Holmes, who is now a member of Chicago's Joffrey Ballet. Holmes will dance the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy, and joining her from the Joffrey will be Derek Drilo as the Cavalier. 7 p.m. Dec. 16, 3 p.m. Dec. 17, tickets start at $25. 910-362-7999.
World Ballet Series: 'The Nutcracker'
Dec. 19 at Kenan Auditorium: Your fourth and final chance to see "The Nutcracker" in Wilmington this year is a touring show featuring more than four dozen professional dancers and what look to be spectacular sets and costumes. Part of UNCW's Kenan Spotlight series. 7 p.m. Dec. 19, tickets start at $35.
CONCERTS
Mannheim Steamroller
Nov. 29 at CFCC Wilson Center: 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. 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Nov. 29, tickets start at $46. 910-362-7999.
Nashville Country Christmas
Nov. 30 at Thalian Hall: Billed as "sleigh ride meets hayride," this touring show, part of the Hall's Main Attractions series, features the songs of popular artists like Alan Jackson, Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers mixed in with countrified Christmas classics. 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30 at Thalian Hall, 910-632-2285.
N.C. Symphony Holiday Pops
Dec. 3 at CFCC Wilson Center: 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. 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3, tickets start at $23. 910-362-7999.
Songs of the Season
Dec. 4 at CFCC Wilson Center: The Wilmington Choral Society, which has been performing in Wilmington for more than 75 years, presents a concert of Christmas favorites, including "O Holy Night," "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" and "What Child is This?" 7 p.m. Dec. 4, tickets start at $25. 910-362-7999.
Crowder
Dec. 6 at the Brooklyn Arts Center: Grammy-nominated musician brings his hootenanny-style "Milk & Cookies: A Merry Crowder Christmas" show to town. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6, tickets start at $35.
Christmas Unplugged
Dec. 8 at Bourgie Nights: Some of Wilmington's best songwriters will carry on this local tradition, with shorts sets featuring two holiday songs and one original apiece. The slate of a dozen-or-so artists is like a who's who of Wilmington music, with artists including Sean Thomas Gerard, Carlos Rising of Holy Heat, Julia Rothenberger (of Lady Die), and Kevin Rhodes and Tom Gossin (of Gloriana) performing their song "Doghouse Christmas." 6 p.m. doors, 7 p.m. show Dec. 8. Admission is a $10 suggested donation and/or an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots.
The Midatlantic Holiday Revue Benefit Concert
Dec. 15 at Brooklyn Arts Center: For years, the Wilmington band L Shape Lot held an annual and very popular benefit for Toys for Tots at the Brooklyn Arts Center. L Shape split up last year, so Jason Andre and his band The Midatlantic stepped up to keep the tradition going. 7 p.m. Dec. 15. Tickets are $20 and $50, and attendees are asked to bring an unwrapped toy for donation to Toys for Tots. Proceeds will also benefit the Plastic Ocean Project.
The Four C Notes: Seasons Greetings
Dec. 20-21 at Thalian Hall: Touring show created by a performer in Broadway hit "Jersey Boys" recreates the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons with a Christmas flair. Hits like "Sherry," "Big Girls Don’t Cry" and "Workin’ My way Back To You (Babe)" mix in with holiday favorites. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20-21, 910-632-2285.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Wilmington NC Christmas and holiday events 2023: parades, concerts
