December is right around the corner and that means the holiday spirit is in full swing. There’s a wide array of Christmas and holiday events going on in the Cape Fear region. We’ve collected an assortment of great Wilmington NC holiday events that will kick your holiday cheer into overdrive.
A Merry Little Christmas Festival
Join Poplar Grove Plantation as they open the beautiful grounds aglow with lights twinkling under the stars! Get in the holiday spirit with a camp fire as it blazes for roasting marshmallows, or drop a letter in the mail to Santa or US soldiers. Enjoy a wagon ride through the Abbey Nature Preserve, a “Grinch’s Toy Junk Shop” in the blacksmith studio and then snuggle up for an outdoor movie night. Movies featured will be A Christmas Story, The Polar Express and Elf. Guided Candlelight Tours of the Manor House begin on the hour starting at 5 pm on Friday and Saturday evenings. Advanced reservations are required for the candlelight tours and they are limited to 15 guests.
Where: Poplar Grove Plantation
Dates: December 1-16, 2017
Time: 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Price: $5 per person; Candlelight tours $15 per person
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Fundraiser: Holiday Truck Tour
All Motors Automotive in Wilmington, NC, presents a Holiday Truck Tour to benefit Toys For Tots. The event features a chance for kids to limb on Fire Engines, Tow Trucks, Garbage Trucks and more, plus enjoy free Krispy Kreme Donuts and hot dogs. Entry fee is a new unwrapped toy or cash donation to Toys For Tots.
Where: All Motors Automotive
Date: December 2, 2017
Time: 8:00am to 12:00pm
Price: Entry fee is a new unwrapped toy or cash donation to Toys For Tots
Website
Old Wilmington by Candlelight Tour
This prestigious, historic two-day event ushers in the holiday season with a festive tour of the private homes, churches and historical sites in the downtown Wilmington area. Since 1973, visitors and residents have been able to view different historic sites each year and share in their history, enchanting charm and holiday cheer so don’t miss out on this uniquely Wilmington holiday event.
Where: Latimer House
Dates: December 2-3, 2017
Time: Saturday: 4:00pm – 8:00pm; Sunday: 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Price: $40
Website
Kure Beach Fantasy Christmas Show
Come and see this Kure Beach tradition. Enjoy Frosty and his penguin friend, Harriet Hippo, The Grinch, Cookie Monster, the dancing bears and more, along with Santa Claus and crazy elves, as they entertain you with song, dance and their zany antics. Dress warm because it always snows at the show!
Where: Ocean Front Park
Dates: December 8-10, 2017
Time: 7:00pm
Price: Free
A Christmas Story: The Musical
The classic tale of a boy and his famed Christmas present comes to life at beautiful Thalian Hall. This holiday performance centers on the mischievous, bespectacled boy, Ralphie, who dreams of getting a BB-gun for Christmas and the weeks leading up to the morning of truth. Will he get the present he covets so much? Ralphie, his family and friends have a truly unique holiday season complete with a tongue stuck to a flag pole, a garish lamp, and an unexpected Chinese Christmas dinner. Don’t miss out on this classic Christmas comedy with a musical touch!
Where: Thalian Association Community Theatre
Dates: December 8-17, 2017, Recurring weekly on Sunday, Friday, Saturday
Time: Friday – Saturday: 7:30pm, Sunday: 3:00pm
Price: $15 – $30
Website
Frank-incense and Myrrh: A Sinatra Tribute
The 100-voice Choral Society, performs a tribute to Frank Sinatra, including: “I’ve Got the World on a String”, “My One and Only Love”, and “New York, New York”, along with several holiday numbers such as “Mistletoe and Holly” with a few surprise solos all accompanied by a jazz trio of piano, bass and percussion. Come celebrate a Sinatra season with us!
Seating for this event is General Admission. Appropriate for all ages. Each person, regardless of age, must have a ticket.
Where: The Wilson Center
Date: December 10, 2017
Time: Doors: 3:30pm Show: 4:00pm
Price: $16 for Adults, $9 for Children 17 & under
Website
The Great Wilmington Nutcracker
The Wilmington Ballet Company premiers a newly formed professional division in the Great Wilmington Nutcracker! Never before has there been a professional local ballet company in the Cape Fear Region. Over 23 exquisite ballet dancers from 5 countries will debut in this year’s production. Walter Angelini and Ines Albertini, Italian Ballet Stars, perform the roles of Sugar Plum and Cavalier as well as serve as artistic leaders.
As a winner of Encore Magazine’s “Best Theatrical Show in Wilmington”, the production features many unique elements including aerial artists, stilt walkers, LED effects and more. Majestic sets, stunning costumes, and intricate choreography create an enchanting holiday experience. Deemed spectacular by Arthur Sheuy of The StarNews, this magnificent production is not to be missed! Daniel Seamans (Anchor WWAY) is master of ceremonies of the treasured holiday classic. Local youth dancers accent professionals and bring delightful elements to the production. With past shows selling out, Tickets go quickly.
Arrive early to enjoy pre-show festivities, including Christmas caroling and character photo-ops.
Where: The Wilson Center
Dates: December 16-17, 2017
Time: December 16: Doors at 5:00pm, Show at 6:00pm; December 17: Doors at 2:00pm, Show at 3:00pm
Price: $25 – $35
Website
Santa By The Sea
In some places Santa dashes through the snow, but in southeastern North Carolina, the jolly elf is more likely to make the most of the sandy coast. Join Santa and his aquatic friends for a unique holiday experience this season. Santa’s guests will have a chance to meet one of his special friends, a live penguin, make holiday crafts and play games while exploring the Aquarium’s beautifully decked halls. Santa will surprise everyone by diving alongside sharks, eels and one of his favorite sea turtle friends, Sheldon with three dive programs throughout the day.
Where: NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher
Dates: December 16-17, 2017
Time: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Price: Free with Regular Admission: Adults: $10.95, Seniors (62+)/Military: $9.95, Children (3-12): $8.95, Children (2 and Under)/Aquarium Members: Free
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