Don’t miss out on downtown Wilmington’s best Christmas events! Button up your overcoat and come out for seasonal festivities that will bring a smile to your face.

While you’re out celebrating, stop by the Cape Fear Riverboats docks on the Riverwalk at the foot of Dock Street. We’re ready with Cape Fear River cruises each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday as long as the weather holds, and we love to celebrate the season with you!

Welcome aboard the Capt. J.N. Maffitt, the John Knox or Jacob’s Run for a 1-hour narrated sightseeing cruise that’s fun for the whole family. Grab a bite to eat dockside or while underway at the River Grill, our floating restaurant (and there’s beer and wine, too).

A Cape Fear River cruise is the perfect way to round out your downtown Wilmington holiday celebration! Check into these last-minute seasonal events, coming very soon:

A Charlie Brown Christmas

3 p.m. Dec.10, 2016

Wilson Center Main Stage

The 1965 Peanuts’ cartoon Christmas special comes to life! Bring along non-perishable food items for Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard food bank.

A Celtic Christmas

7:30 p.m. Dec. 10, 2016

St. Andrews Covenant Presbyterian Church

The Jennifer Licko Band performs a night of Celtic music with vocal and instrumental music of the season’s favorites. Vocals, fiddle, Irish drum, guitar and keyboard bring the Irish tradition to life.

Handel’s Messiah

2 p.m. Dec. 11, 2016

Wilson Center

The 100+ voice Wilmington Choral Society with soloists and chamber orchestra opens their 66th Season with Parts I and II from Handel’s ‘Messiah.’ This seasonal favorite is performed by the oldest and largest choral group in our area.

Homemade Holiday Shorts

6 p.m. Dec. 11, 2016

WHQR, 254 N. Front Street

Holiday stories read live by a panel of entertaining guests, wonderful holiday music, and a delicious feast make the 21st annual Homemade Holiday Shorts a seasonal favorite.

Horsedrawn Tours Christmas Caroling

6 to 10 p.m. Dec. 16 – 24,  2016

Market & Water Streets, downtown Wilmington

Come and sing Christmas carols with Santa and his special “reindeer.”  Snuggle under warm lap blankets while enjoying the beautiful Christmas lights.  Free candy canes for the kids.

Christmas With The Celts

3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20, 2016

Thalian Hall

The popular PBS Pledge show Christmas with The Celts tours the U.S. with a unique blend of Celtic traditional instruments and modern hit songs and sounds.

6th Annual Holiday Screening of It’s A Wonderful Life

7 p.m. Dec. 21, 2016

Thalian Hall

See Frank Capra’s iconic holiday film on the big screen. Tony Rivenbark’s famous toy collection will be on display with some seasonal treats for the whole family!

Book Now! Book your cruise!