Celebrating the Holidays

Can you believe that Thanksgiving and Christmas are already here? We can't either, but we are happy to, once again, celebrate the end of another wonderful year. From cooking your family-favorite dishes to snuggling up on the couch with some hot chocolate and watching one of your favorite holiday movies, this time of year is a time for family, friends, and all things holiday related.

Fortunately, Wilmington is a very festive city and always offers plenty of options for things to do to add a little sugar and spice to your celebrations. 

Tree Lighting Ceremonies in Wilmington NC and surrounding areas

Tree lighting ceremonies are true fun for the whole family. Everybody as a community gathers together for one evening while watching one of the most iconic aspects of Christmas light up--the Christmas tree. Many of these ceremonies have a special visit from Santa, Christmas music playing, caroling, and more to make the whole experience a Christmas treat. If you love tree lighting events, here is a list of all the areas that offer a night to gather around the tree and watch it light up with the colors of Christmas:

Carolina Beach:
Atlanta Avenue and S.Lake Park Blvd.
November 24, 2017 at 7pm

Downtown Wilmington:
Downtown Wilmington Riverfront Park (Water Street and Princess Street intersection)
November 24, 2017 at 5:30pm

Wrightsville Beach:
Wrightsville Beach Town Hall
November 24, 2017 at 5:30pm

Other Fun Holiday Events in Wilmington

Wilmington has some truly unique, local events that you could go to as well to enjoy an evening out with friends and family.

Enchanted Airlie

You'll need to buy tickets in advance for this early because it sells out every year.  This fabulous light show runs on sellect nights from Novemeber 24 - December 22.  For tickets click here

 

Wrightsville Beach Flotilla

If you haven't seen it at least once in your life then this is a must see!  Wrightsville Beach's popular Flotilla parade, is fun for all ages.  I love this Holiday Flotilla Boat Parade video produced by Ned Leary and Will Page for 2014 Flotilla.

 

TheatreNOW's The Greatest Gift:

Are you interested in dinner and a show?  TheaterNOW presents a dinner theater with Zach Hanner's The Greatest Gift. On the weekends through December 23, 2017, you can be entertained while enjoying a three-course meal! Production times are at 7 pm on Fridays and Saturdays with a 5 pm matinee on Sundays. Warning: parental guidance suggested! Buy your tickets here at TheaterNOW's website.

Location:
19 South 10th Street, Wilmington, NC 28401

 

Christmas Train and Light Spectacular:

Looking for a more kid-friendly event?
The Wilmington Railroad Museum will be full of twinkling lights, model trains in a winter wonderland, an appearance by Santa, and cider with cookies. This event is running on Fridays and Saturdays from 6:30 pm to 8 pm, starting November 23 and running all the way up until Christmas. Bonus shows will be on December 26, 29, and 30. Entry is $5 a person and children under 2 get in for free. 

Location:
The Wilmington Railroad Museum
505 Nutt Street, Wilmington, NC 28401

 

A Christmas Story:

Love a classic Christmas production?  You'll shoot your eye out for this special performance! (See what we did there?!) For two weekends, starting December 8 and ending December 17, Thalian Hall will be putting on a Christmas classic, A Christmas Story. Dress up and enjoy a night out at one of the most significant theaters in the United States that first opened in 1858. Showtimes for this production on Fridays and Saturdays start at 7:30 pm and on Sunday, there is a matinee at 3 pm. You can purchase tickets at Thalian's website by clicking this link.

Location:
Thalian Hall 
310 Chestnut Street, Wilmington, NC 28401

 

The Nutcracker and The North Carolina Symphony:

Whether you like watching the ballet or tuning into the joyful sounds of Christmas, the Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College is offering a few different opportunities for holiday entertainment. 

For instance, two of Wilmington's ballet companies in town will be featured at the Wilson Center on different evenings:

*City Ballet will be performing their version of The Nutcracker with a live orchestra and chorus on Saturday, December 2 at 7 pm and Sunday, December 3 pm.
*Wilmington Ballet Company will also be performing The Nutcracker on December 16 at 6 pm and December 17 at 3 pm. 

The North Carolina Symphony will be performing a "Classical Holiday Pops" night on Wednesday, December 20 at 7:30 pm. 

Tickets for any of these performances can be purchased by clicking this link

Enjoy the holidays!

No matter your preference, there is something for everyone this holiday season. Now, don that couch sitting and go enjoy all that Wilmington has to offer! 

Happy Holidays!

Regina Drury &

The Regina Drury Real Estate Group