Where To Go And What To Do In The Wilmington Area and Nearby This Christmas 2022
The most wonderful time of the year is here! Many are busy with their house decorations and starting already their shopping for gifts. Other than that, there are plenty of events and activities you and your family can go and do this 2022 in Wilmington NC and neighboring places.
December 1
All is Bright at Poplar Grove
Venue: Poplar Grove Plantation, 10200 US Highway 17 North, Wilmington, NC 28411
Spend time with your loved ones strolling around the illuminated grounds of Poplar Grove presented by Patriot Illumination during December 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 21-23,and 28-30.
- 5:00PM-9:00PM
- Friday evening visits with Mr. Twister, the infamous Balloon Maker Extraordinaire
- Saturday evening visits with Santa from 6:00PM-8:00PM
- Adults $10 (Ages 16+); Children $5 (Under 15); Family Package $25 (2 Adults/2 Children), plus taxes.
- For ticket bookings and more info, click here.
December 2
Island of Lights Christmas Parade
Route: Atlanta Ave-down Lake Park Blvd to the Federal Point Plaza in Carolina Beach
Enjoy the floats and bands. Way and smile to Santa.
- Begins at 7:30PM
- FREE to spectators.
- For more details, read here.
Spirit of the Holiday Cruise
Cruise along the historic Wilmington Riverwalk by the Wilmington Water Tours in 212 S Water St.
Relax and unwind as you listen to holiday songs while sampling small appetizers and yuletide cocktails while enjoying the sights of colorful lights on December 2-3, 16-18 and 30.
- 5:30PM-6:30PM
- Adults: $25 | Kids(Age 4-12): $15 | Under 3 years: Free
- For tickets, book here. For inquiries, call (910) 338-3134.
The Holiday Flea at the BAC
Venue: Brooklyn Arts Center + The Annex in 516 N Fourth St., Wilmington, NC 28401
Shop for vintage, retro, upcycled and antique finds during this three-day holiday flea.
- Fri: 4:00 PM-8:00 PM | Sat:10:00 AM-5:00 PM | Sun: 12:00 PM-5:00 PM
- $10 for all three days | Kids 12 and under are free
- For more info, visit here or call (910) 616-9882
The Nutcracker: NY Ballet for Young Audiences
Venue: Thalian Hall Center for Performing Arts at 310 Chestnut St. Wilmington, NC 28401
Have a wonderful holiday experience with the classic Tchaikovsky ballet in the magical journey of Clara and the Nutcracker Prince on December 2-3.
- Fri: 4:00 PM & 7:00 PM | Sat: 10:00 AM
- Tickets: $35
- Choreographed by Hariett Kinter and Edwin Kinter
- For more info, visit here or call (910) 632-2285
The Polar Express Movie in the Park
Venue: Wrightsville Beach Parks & Recreation along 321 Causeway Drive, NC 28480
Sit back, relax and have some outdoor fun with a holiday movie about an adventure ride to the North Pole in The Polar Express. Don't forget to bring your chairs, blankets, picnic and enjoy the treat with your family.
- 6:30 PM
- Concessions will be available for purchase
- For more info, visit here or call (910) 256-7925
December 3
Carolina Beach Holiday Market
Venue: Carolina Beach Lake Park along Atlanta Ave and Lake Park Blvd
Complete your Christmas shopping list with the market vendors wide array of amazing holiday gifts, from handmade arts and crafts to baked goods and everything nice on December 3.
- Opens at 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM | Free entrance
- Meet Santa and Mrs. Clause between 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
- For more info, visit here.
Christmas by the Sea
Venue: Carolina Beach Avenue S & Harper Avenue
Witness the Town of Carolina Beach transform into an island of lights in shining, shimmering splendor as you stroll along the Boardwalk and Gazebo in its holiday glow with special happenings on December 3, 10 and 17.
- 5:00 PM | Free for Spectators
- Lights best viewed after dark until the New Year
- For more details call (910) 458-2977
Holiday Train Expo
Venue: Dillards Wing of Independence Mall at 3500 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403
Visit the enchanting Holiday Train Expo's tradition of spectacular displays of twelve unique model train layouts with trains travelling through a wonderland of villages, parks and landscapes every Saturday and Sunday of December (3&4, 10&11, 17&18, 27&28, 29&30).
- Starts at 12:00 PM until 5:00 PM
- Adults: $7 | Children (Ages3-12): $5 | Children under 3: FREE
- Presented by the Cape Fear Model Railroad Society
Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla
Venue: Carolina Beach Boat Basin to Snow's Cut
Watch the sparkling fishing boats and water crafts covered with thousand of lights cruising along the Intracoastal Waterway on December 3.
- 6:00 PM
- FREE for spectators
- For more info, visit here or call (910) 386-8081
Art of Illumination
Venue: Cameron Art Museum located at 3201 S 17th St Wilmington, NC 28412
Feast in the artistry and light of the traditional lantern festival on its 8th year. Thirty-six artist-made lighted sculptures will be on display in Studio 1 starting December 3 until January 15, 2023.
- Tues-Sun: 10:00AM - 5:00PM | Thurs: Open late until 9:00PM
- Closed on Mondays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day
- For more info, visit here, or call (910)395-5999
December 8
A Very Merry Christmas by Brian Whitted
Venue: Brooklyn Arts Center + The Annex at 6835 Conservation Way, Wilmington, NC 28405
Enjoy your favorite holiday music with Brian Whitted and special performances by talented vocals and a feature of a seven piece orchestra on December 8 - 11.
- Thur, Fri, Sat Evening: 7:00PM | Sat & Sun Matinee: 3:00PM
- Tickets begin: $80
- Presented by Opera House Theatre Company
- For more details, visit here, or call (910) 859-4615
Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol
Venue: Thalian Hall Center for Performing Arts at 310 Chestnut St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Laugh your heart out on the modern twist of a funny yet deeply moving story of a Holiday Classic that opens "Marley was dead, to begin with..." starting December 8 until the 18th.
- Every Evening: 7:30PM | Sunday Matinee: 3:00PM
- Tickets: $35
- Presented by: Big Dawg Productions
- For more info, visit here or call (910) 632-2285
December 10
Colonial Christmas Open House & Craft Market
Venue: Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens at 224 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Visit the annual 1700's Colonial Christmas tradition and enjoy the festive house viewing and shopping at the garden market featuring 18th century crafts, with local authors, artists and more on December 10.
- Market: Opens 9:00AM until 2:00PM
- Open House festivities start from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM
- Free Admission | Donations are appreciated
- For more details, visit here or call (910) 762-0570
Jingle on the Beach
Venue: 321 Causeway Drive, Wrightsville Beach Park
Start a great morning with a holiday cheer, on the beach, with family, friends and a Beachy Santa. Enjoy the youth performances and get a glimpse of the beautiful Azalea Festival Princess on December 10.
- 10:00AM until 12:00PM
- Advance Tickets Adult: $5 | Children: $15
- On the Day Event Tickets Adult: $5 | Children: $20
- All children must be accompanied by a paying adult
- For more info, visit here or call (910) 794-4650
Old Wilmington by Candlelight Tour
Venue: 126 South Third St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Join the 50th Anniversary of the Candlelight Walking Tour located in Historic Downtown Wilmington and delight in a unique holiday experience on December 10 and 11.
- Saturday: 4:00PM - 8:00PM | Sunday: 1:00PM - 5:00PM
- Tickets: $50
- Presented by: Latimer House Museum
- For more Tour Sites info, visit here or call (910) 762-0492
December 11
18th Century Christmas
Venue: Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson at 8884 St Philips Road SE, Winnabow, NC 28479
Explore how the American colonists celebrated Christmas at Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site and look into the guided tours and candlelit service in the ruins of St. Philips Anglican Church on December 11.
- 1:00PM - 5:30PM
- Per Car at gate: $5 (Cash preferred)
- For more details, visit here or call (910) 371-6613
Holiday Pops Concert: NC Symphony
Venue: The Wilson Center at 701 N Third St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Celebrate the holiday spirit with the musical sounds and carols of the Christmas season and sing-along with the North Carolina Symphony on the night of December 11.
- Matinee: 3:00PM | Evening: 7:30PM (Doors open earlier)
- Tickets begin: $20
- For more info, visit here, or call (910) 362-7999
Wilmington Holiday Parade
Parade Starts at North Front Street from Walnut to Church Streets, Historic Downtown, Wilmington
Get on your feet and join the holiday cheer of the annual Christmas Parade and celebrate with marching bands, floats, entertainers and the all time favorite Santa Claus on December 11.
- 6:00PM - 9:00PM
- Free for spectators
- For more details, call (910) 772-4177
December 15
A Magical Cirque Christmas
The Wilson Center at 703 N Third St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Be enchanted with dazzling performers and breathtaking performance with live musicians in a magical Christmas evening on December 15.
- Matinee: 3:30PM | Evening: 7:30PM (Doors open earlier)
- Tickets begin: $39 | Ticket Hours: Monday-Friday 2:00PM-6:00PM
- For more info, visit here or call (910) 362-7999
December 16
Caroling by "REINDEER" Drawn Carriage or Trolley
Market & Water Streets Wilmington, NC 28401
Join the fun and sing Christmas carols with Santa while roaming around the historic downtown of old Wilmington on a Christmas carriage pulled by special "reindeer" on December 16.
- 6:00PM -10:00PM
- Adults: $14 | Children Under12: $6
- Free Candy Canes for Children
- For more info, visit here, or call (910) 251-8889
Hark! The Herald Angels Swing
Venue: Blockade Runner Beach Resort at 275 Waynick Blvd, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
Savor a sumptuous meal and a show-stopping showcase of a Christmas Cabaret and Dinner Show with the yuletide music starting on December 16 until Dec 18.
- Fri-Sat: Cocktails at 6:30PM | Dinner Show 7:00PM | Sun: Matinee Brunch at 12:00PM
- Tickets: $45
- Reservations required | Christmas Cabaret reservations: 844-676-0554
- For more info, visit here, or call (910) 256-2251
Kure Beach Holiday Whoobie Whatty
Venue: Kure Beach Ocean Front Park & Pavilion at 105 Atlantic Ave, Kure Beach, NC 28449
Come in your best Whoville attire in this Grinch-themed outdoor holiday event.
- 5:30PM-7:30PM
- FREE event to attend | Refreshments are available for purchase
- For more info, read here.
December 17
Winter Wanderland
Venue: Children's Museum of Wilmington at 116 Orange Street, Wilmington, NC 28401
Learn about how other cultures celebrate the Christmas holidays and there are fun activities for the kids to join.
- 9:00AM-12:00PM
- $10 for General Admission
- For tickets, book here or call (910) 254-3534
December 18
75th Anniversary Christmas Showing: It's a Wonderful Life
Venue: Mayfair Town Center at 900 Town Center Drive, Wilmington, NC 28405
Relived a Christmas Classic with this special showing only on December 18 Sunday and December 21 Wednesday.
- Sunday Matinee:3:30 PM | Wednesday:7:00 PM
- $14
- Get your tickets here or for inquiries call (844) 462-7342
December 20
Nights of Lights Holiday Open House
Venue: Bellamy Mansion Museum of History & Design at 503 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Enjoy and be inspired by the Victorian Christmas decorations all around the mansion.
- December 20-22, 2022 4:00PM-7:00PM
- FREE | Donations are gladly accepted | Holiday goodies available for purchase
- For questions, email lmorton@bellamymansion.org or call (910) 251-3700
December 21
Celtic Angels Christmas
Venue: Thalian Hall Center for Performing Arts at 310 Chestnut St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Be captivated with the vocal masterpieces and instrumental tunes featuring the angelic Irish quintet and the Celtic Knight Dancers.
- Matinee: 4:00 PM | Evening Performance:7:30 PM
- Tickets at $65 and above
- Choose your seats here. For inquiries, call (910) 632-2285
December 31
Island of Lights New Year's Eve Celebration
Venue: Carolina Beach Boardwalk at Carolina Beach Avenue S & Harper Avenue, Carolina Beach, NC 28428
Spend New Year's Eve at the beach with music, giant ball drop and epic fireworks in the night sky.
- Begins at 9:00PM
- FREE for spectators | Refreshments and NYE hats and noisemakers available for purchase
- For more info, click here.
New Year's Eve Cruise
Venue: Island Cruises at 301 Carl Winner Dr, Carolina Beach, NC 28428
Welcome the New Year with a leisurely trip along the Intracoastal Waterway and back to Carolina Beach for the fireworks.
- Cruise departs at 10:00PM and returns before midnight
- Adult: $32 | Child: $22 | Full cash/card bar onboard also serving coffee and hot chocolate
- Get tickets here. For inquiries, call (910) 232-3272
Make it a 2022 to remember. Celebrate good times and bank on happy memories in this yuletide season.
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous, wonderful New Year!
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