Christmas Tree Lighting
12/04, 6 p.m.
Kick off the holiday season at Greenfield Lake Park with a festive tree lighting celebration, beverages, snacks and a visit from Santa. Free admission.
Call 910-341-4602.
Enchanted Airlie
12/5-6; 12/11-14; 12/18-22,
5-7 p.m., 7-9 p.m.
The self-guided winter wonderland tour features a spectacular array of lights, holiday displays, hot beverages, sweet treats and a seat on Santa’s lap. Single admission $10, couples $17, carloads $27. Reservations required.
Visit www.airliegardens.org/events/1472/enchanted-airlie/
Old Wilmington by Candlelight Tour
12/06, 4-8 p.m.;
12/07, 2-6 p.m.
The Historical Society of the Lower Cape Fear’s festive tour features the finest private homes, churches and historical sites in downtown Wilmington. Tickets are $30 and may be purchased at Harris Teeters, Latimer House, The Ivy Cottage, Two Sisters Bookery and Candles, Etc.
A Celtic Christmas Concert
12/06, 7 p.m.
Chamber Music Wilmington, in collaboration with the Scottish Society of Wilmington, presents A Celtic Christmas Concert at Wrightsville United Methodist Church, 4 Live Oak Drive, Wrightsville Beach. North Carolina’s own Jennifer Licko stars in this sure-to-please holiday celebration. Free admission.
Poplar Grove Plantation’s Christmas Open House and Gift Show
12/07, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Bring your Christmas wishes to the decorated manor house where Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be on hand to find out who’s been naughty or nice. The barn out back is the staging area for the arts and crafts show.
Poplar Grove Plantation
www.poplargrove.com
Candyland Christmas Event
12/07, 1-5 p.m.
Ever wonder what reindeer eat? This is your chance to make it while you visit with Santa and Elsa from “Frozen.” Learn to make candy cottages and ornaments; enjoy snacks and storytelling.
$20 per child.
Children’s Museum of Wilmington
www.playwilmington.org
Wrightsville Beach Museum of History Open House
12/7, 2-4 p.m.
Bring a friend. Meet the en plein artists. Purchase gifts, like commemorative memorabilia, Loop T-shirts, books. Coffee and light refreshments will be served. Local authors Dr. Chris Fonvielle and Becky Shuford will be present to autograph books.
Christmas Spectacular
12/07, 3 p.m., 7 p.m.; 12/08, 7 p.m.
Doors open 6 p.m.
The Wrightsboro United Methodist Church’s Christmas Cantata features the 80-voice combined choirs of Wrightsboro Methodist Church and the Wilmington Celebration Choir. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased by phone at 910-762-2583 or online at https://co.clickandpledge.com/advanced/default.aspx?wid=44493
City of Wilmington Holiday Parade
12/07, 5:40 p.m.
The annual parade begins at North Front and Walnut streets. Bundle up and come out to cheer for your favorite school bands, local businesses and nonprofits as they march through historic downtown Wilmington. Don’t forget the Thermos of hot chocolate.
www.wilmingtonrecreation.com
Fort Fisher Holiday Open House
12/09, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Looking for that perfect holiday outing for the history buff in your family? Head to Fort Fisher State Historic Site and enjoy wassail, music and 15 percent off on all gift shop purchases.
www.friendsoffortfisher.com
Good Friends Luncheon
12/09, 11:30 a.m.
Good Friends of Wilmington gathers each December to raise money for disadvantaged individuals and families in New Hanover County. All of the money raised goes directly to those in need. The event is located in the Wilmington Convention Center and open to the public, but reservations are required. To save a seat, contact Louise McColl at 910-350-1211 or email [email protected]
Wrightsville Beach Holiday Decorating Contest
12/10, noon deadline for registration
12/10, 6 p.m. judging begins
The annual Harbor Island Garden Club and Wrightsville Beach Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee welcome entries from residents and business owners. Prizes will be awarded for Most Nautical, Most Traditional, Best Holiday Lighting, Most Holiday Spirit, Best Entryway, Most Creative and Best Overall. To register call the park office at 910-256-7925, or email [email protected]
Annual Holiday Pops Concert
12/10, 7:30 p.m.
Better not pout! Join the North Carolina Symphony for a festive celebration of the holiday season at UNCW’s Kenan Auditorium.
www.ncsymphony.org
5K Jingle Bell Run
12/13, 7:30 a.m. registration with 9 a.m. start time
Don your gay apparel for the annual run benefiting the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History. T-shirts go to the first 300 participants to register. $30 per runner.
Wrightsville Beach Museum of History
910-256-2569
www.wbmuseum.com
“Polar Express” Holiday Show
12/13-14, 4:30 and 5:30 p.m.
Join Santa for the annual reading of the popular children’s story, “The Polar Express.” Treats and hot chocolate will be served. Tickets are $5 per person and children under 3 are admitted free. Reservations are encouraged.
Wilmington Railroad Museum
www.wrrm.org
Christmas Stroll Through the Past
12/13, 4-7 p.m.
The Burgwin-Wright House and Bellamy Mansion Museum will host a festive holiday evening filled with music, period costumes, petting zoo, refreshments and more. Enjoy a candlelit stroll
as you travel from one site to the other. Tickets are available at the Burgwin-Wright House, Bellamy Mansion Museum, local Harris Teeter stores and online. Tickets are $20 for adults, free for children (ages 5-12), and free for children younger than 5.
Call 910-251-3700 (Bellamy) or 910-762-0570 (Burgwin-Wright) for more information.
Holiday Tea at the Bellamy Mansion
12/15, 2-3 p.m.
Enjoy a lovely afternoon in the mansion decorated for the Christmas season. The $35 tea menu includes three courses: finger sandwiches, scones, desserts and confections served with tea followed by door prizes, raffles and giveaways for everyone. Reserve early. Call the Tea Ticket Hotline at 910-251-3700.
Caroling by “Reindeer” Drawn Carriage
12/19-12/24, 6-10 p.m.
In carriages drawn by reined “deer,” carol with Old St. Nick during a spin around historic downtown Wilmington. See the sights, admire the lights. $12 adults, $5 children younger than 12.
www.horsedrawntours.com
“The Nutcracker”
12/20-21, 3 p.m.
The Wilmington Ballet Company presents a full-length traditional and professional version of “The Nutcracker” brought to life by the dazzling performances of talented dancers.
Kenan Auditorium
Call 910-962-3500
or visit www.uncw.edu for tickets
“It’s a Wonderful Life”
Thalian Hall, 12/23 7:30 p.m.
Admission, $10
Enjoy the 1946 Christmas fable on the big screen at Thalian Hall. Directed by Frank Capra, “It’s a Wonderful Life” tells the story of an angel who shows a frustrated businessman what life would have been like if he had never existed. For more information, contact the Center Box Office at 910-632-2285.
New Year’s Noon Countdown
12/31, 1/1, 10 a.m. to noon
Countdown to the New Year with a juice toast, make a party crown and streamer sticks, glittery slime and an epic confetti toss in the courtyard. Free with admission. Call 910-254-3534
for more information.
Children’s Museum of Wilmington
www.playwilmington.org
