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Wilmington Weekend: December 11th – 13th

Wilmington Weekend Guide

The holiday spirit is in full swing here in Wilmington and there are several fun events where you can enjoy the cheer! And if you’re worn out from too much cocoa and carols, there are great non-holiday events as well to give you a break! Check out our Wilmington Weekend Guide below and have a fantastic weekend!

The Twelve Tastes of Christmas

Stop by the Brooklyn Arts Center for the 3rd annual 12 Tastes a Christmas, a fundraiser for Cape Fear Literacy Council, with season eats and cocktails. Participants include standout local restaurants and bars including PinPoint, Flytrap Brewing, Palate and more.

Friday, December 11th at 7pm.
Admission is $30.00.
For tickets and more information visit the event page.

Brooklyn Arts Center
516 North 4th Street
Wilmington , NC 28401

Holly Jolly Holiday Stroll

Enjoy holiday sights and activities in downtown Wilmington this Saturday and Sunday. The Stroll includes street musicians, choral groups, a window decorating contest at downtown businesses and decorations at the Port City Marina and Bennett Brothers Marinas.

Friday, December 11th from 4pm – 8pm; Saturday, December 12th from 11am – 8pm.
Admission is free, stroll is self guided.
For details and schedules, visit the Wilmington Downtown website.

Various Venues in Downtown Wilmington.

Jingle Bell 5K Run

Jingle all the way through this 5k, taking place around the Wrightsville Beach loop! Participants are encouraged to dress in holiday apparel and proceeds benefit the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History.

Saturday, December 12th, at 9am.
Admission is $15.00 to $30.00.
For more information and to register, visit the event page.

Wrightsville Beach Museum of History on The Loop
303 West Salisbury Street
Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

Island of Lights Tour of Homes

There’s nothing we love more than a good homes tour! (We can’t help it, we’re in real estate). The Island of Lights Tour in Carolina Beach and Kure Beach is a self guided tour of some of the area’s homes, complete with elegant holiday decor.

Saturday, December 12th, from 4pm to 9pm.
Tickets are available at touche’ at 201 N. Lake Park Blvd.
For more information, visit the event page.

Carolina Beach
Atlanta Avenue and South Lake Park Blvd
Carolina Beach, NC 28428

Santa by the Sea

The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher never dissapoints with holiday events and this Saturday adults and children can enjoy decked out halls, holiday crafts and games, and of course, a special visit from Santa!

Saturday December 12th, at 5pm.
Admission is $15.00 to $18.00.
For more information, visit the aquarium website.

NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher
900 Loggerhead Road
Kure Beach, NC 28449

Christmas Flotilla at Southport Waterfront

In case you can’t get enough of flotillas, stop by SOuthport along the Southport Marina to Kingsley Park and enjoy decked out boats. Boats will be judged by the students from Southport Elementary for originality and creativity.

Saturday, December 12th, at 7pm.
Admission is free.
For more information, visit the event page.

Southport Waterfront
Yacht Basin Drive
Southport, NC 28461

North Carolina Symphony Holiday Pops

The North Carolina Symphony Concert is coming to the Cape Fear Community College Humanities & Fine Arts Center in downtown Wilmington and will be playing fun holiday selections from recent movies such as Frozen, along with holiday classics.

Saturday, December 12th, at 3:30pm and 7pm.
Admission is $15.00 to $71.00.
For tickets and more information, visit the event page.

CFCC Humanities & Fine Arts Center
701 North Third Street
Wilmington, NC 28401

27th Annual Santa Cruise

The 27th Annual Santa Cruise is this Saturday aboard the Henrietta III! Enjoy this charity cruise for the Salvation army by providing 6 non-perishable items for admission. The cruise runs for an hour and a half and picks up Santa on the way to the North Pole!

Saturday, December 12th, at 9:30am and 12:30pm.
Admission is free with 6 non-perishable items per person.
For more information, visit the Cape Fear Riverboats website.

Cape Fear Riverboats
101 South Water Street
Wilmington, NC 28401

A Charlie Brown Christmas

A Charlie Brown Christmas comes to life at the CFCC Humanities and Fine Arts Center!

Saturday, December 12th, and Sunday, December 13th, at 3pm and 5pm.
Admission is $8.00. Bring a canned good for a discounted ticket.
For more information, visit the CFCC website.

CFCC Humanities & Fine Arts Center
701 North Third Street
Wilmington, NC 28401

A Courtly Holiday Tea with The Beverly Biggs Baroque Trio

Chamber Music Wilmington presents a live performance and German tea ceremony on Sunday evening at the Graystone Inn.

Sunday, December 13th, at 4pm.
Admission is $50.00 to $65.00.
For tickets and more information, visit Chamber Music Wilmington’s website.

Graystone Inn
100 South 3rd Street
Wilmington, NC 28401

Your Complete Guide to Holiday Events in Wilmington NC

Your Complete Guide to Holiday Events in Wilmington NC

The holiday season is upon us and we’re looking forward to a month of cheer! Below is your complete  guide to holiday events in Wilmington NC!

bread & lights gingerbread & lantern festival

Cameron Art Museum in Wilmington, NC, presents bread & lights gingerbread & lantern festival featuring a display of gingerbread creations by all ages as well as artist-made lanterns.

Monday through Sunday, running until Sunday, December 6th. Mondays – Sundays, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10:00 am – 9:00 pm.
Admission is $6 to $12.
For more information visit the Cameron Art Museum website.

The Christmas Train & Light Spectacular

Enjoy a fantastic display of lights and toy trains and enjoy an appearance from Santa each night!

Fridays and Saturdays through December 26th, 6PM to 8PM.
Admission is $5.00 per person.
For more information, visit the Wilmington Railroad Museum website.

Wilmington Railroad Museum
505 Nutt Street
Wilmington, NC 28401

Greenfield Tree Lighting (& Movie Night featuring Elf!)

Watch the tree light up, participate in an elf costume contest and catch a live screening of Elf at the Greenfield Lake Amphitheater. Santa will be visiting after the lighting ceremony and will have gifts for the first 500 children! Concessions will also be available for purchase during the film.

Thursday, December 3rd at 6:00 PM.
Admission is free.
For more information, visit the event page on Facebook.

Greenfield Lake Amphitheater
1941 Amphitheater Drive
Wilmington, NC 28401

Enchanted Airlie

Airlie Gardens in Wilmington, NC, presents Enchanted Airlie,  where visitors can take a self-guided tour through the gardens that are featuring festive lights and holiday displays. Santa Claus will be making an appearance and guests can also enjoy food and beverages from local vendors.

December 4th-6th, 10th-13th, 16th-22nd. Viewing times are 5pm-7pm.
Various ticket options are available. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Airlie Gardens website.

Airlie Gardens
300 Airlie Road
Wilmington, NC 28403

Island of Lights Christmas Parade

Enjoy festive floats and gain some holiday cheer from the annual Island of Lights parade in Carolina Beach. The parade runs from Atlanta Avenue up Lake Park Boulevard to the Federal Point Plaza.

Friday, December 4, 2015  at 7:30 PM.
For more information, visit the Pleasure Island website.

Carolina Beach
Atlanta Avenue and South Lake Park Blvd
Carolina Beach, NC 28428

Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla

Boats and lights! Get into the Christmas spirit by the water with wonderfully lit boats. The boats cruise from Snow’s Cut to the Carolina Beach Boat Basin and back.

Saturday, December 5th, at 6PM.
For more information, visit the Pleasure Island website.

Carolina Beach Yacht Basin and Marina
216 Canal Drive
Carolina Beach, NC 28428

Christmas by the Sea

Celebrate the holiday season by the sea on the Carolina Beach boardwalk. Enjoy hot chocolate at the Welcome Center, a fire pit with story telling, caroling, holiday themed movies at the Gazebo, puppet shows, and arts & crafts.

Saturday, December 5th, 12th, and 19th, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
Admission is free.
For more information, visit the event page.

Carolina Beach Boardwalk
Cape Fear Blvd
Carolina Beach, NC 28428

13th Annual Holiday Parade

Enjoy the 13th Annual Holiday Parade in downtown Wilmington filled with floats and fun! The parade begins at North Front and Walnut Streets and moves south on Front Street, ending at Church Street. View the parade route here.

Sunday, December 6th at 4:55PM.
Admission is free.
For more information, visit the event website.

North Front Street and Walnut
Wilmington, NC 28401

5th Annual Chanukkah Menorah Lighting

Oak Island’s 5th Annual Chanukkah Menorah Lighting at Middleton Park (next to Town Hall) features Rabbi Paul from the Temple of Israel and music.

Sunday, December 6, 2015, at 4PM.
Admission is free.

Middleton Park
4700 East Oak Island Drive
Oak Island, NC 28465

Pet Photo Night with Santa

Let fluffy and spot share their wishlist with Santa and get a great photo op.

Sunday, December 6th from 6PM to 8PM.
For more information, visit the Independence Mall website.

Independence Mall
3500 Oleander Drive
Wilmington, NC 28403

A Christmas Stroll Through the Past

Join the Burgwin-Wright House, Bellamy Mansion Museum and St. James Episcopal Church as they stroll through the past with period decorations, costumed interpreters, entertainment and refreshments! Enjoy a trolley ride or a candlelit stroll through Downtown Wilmington as you go from one location to another!

Saturday, December 12th, 4PM to 7PM.
Admission is $20 for adults. Children 15 and under are free.
For more information, visit the event website.

503 Market Street
Wilmington NC 28401

Wilmington Ballet Company Presents: The Nutcracker

Wilmington Ballet Company presents The Nutcracker  at the Cape Fear Community College Humanities & Fine Arts Center in downtown Wilmington, NC. The event features Master of Ceremonies WWAY news anchor Daniel Seamans and stars Keaton Thomas, a Marine Corps Prior Active Duty Captain, as the beloved Nutcracker. Robin Dale Robertson portrays the mysterious Uncle Drosselmeyer while the role of Clara is danced by Sydney Jones, a 10th grader at Laney High School and student at the Wilmington School of Ballet. Professional guest dancers include Stacey Slichter of North Atlanta Dance Theater as Sugar Plum Fairy and Adam Schiffer of Carolina Ballet as the Cavalier.

Saturday, December 19 & Sunday, December 20 at 3pm.
Admission is $35 per person.
For tickets and more information, visit the Cape Fear Community College website.

CFCC Humanities & Fine Arts Center
200 Hanover Street
Wilmington, NC 28401

Where to Shop Local in Wilmington NC

Where to Shop Small in Wilmington, NC

 

Can you believe that it is December already? While we can’t believe it, we are also incredibly excited to start our holiday decorating and shopping.

We love the shop small movement, which was created to encourage shoppers to support their local businesses. In Wilmington, we have so many fantastic small stores and shops that offer perfect holiday gifts. Below, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite local Wilmington vendors and businesses.

 

Our Favorite Vendors in Wilmington, NC

AlfaGraphics
Rick and his team at Alfagraphics do such a phenomenal job and offer several print services including business cards, brochures, invitations and digital and traditional marketing materials.

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
Randy and the team at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing are fantastic for plumbing repairs and hot water heater installations.

Kenny Fowler Heating & Air
We don’t know what we’d do without Kenny. Enough said!

Grant Brand Instrument Repair
Faith and Josh are the best in town for musical instrument repairs.

Luxe Home Interiors
There is always something amazing to find at Luxe and the friendly staff always makes our visits a great experience.

Seagate Baptists Church

Brad Southerland, Insurance Sales at Senn Dunn

 

Some of Our Favorite Stores and Services in Wilmington, NC:

Carter Kayte

Island Passage

Shoe Soultique

New River Pottery

Black Cat Shoppe

Cape Fear Spice Merchants

We’re lucky to have several great hair salons in Wilmington, NC! Here are some of our staff favorites:

N Salo Salon

The Rockin Roller Salon

Beauty Bar Boutique

 

Wilmington Weekend Guide: November 20th – 22nd

Wilmington Weekend Guide

Wilmington Riverfest!

After Riverfest was postponed last month, we’ve been anxiously awaiting it’s arrival! The annual street fair will be bringing shopping, street food, live music, fireworks and more to Downtown Wilmington all throughout the weekend. For the complete schedule of events, see the event website.

Friday, November 20th 6pm -11pm; Saturday, November 21st, 12pm – 11pm; Sunday, November 22nd, 12pm – 6pm.
Admission is free.
Event website listed above. Port City Daily has a great event and parking guide that can be found here.

Historic Downtown Wilmington around Water Street.

 

Party in the Pines
a kickoff party for bread & lights gingerbread and lights festival!

Party in the Pines kicks off the gingerbread and lights festival at Cameron Art Museum with music, cocktails, and holiday desserts!

Party in the Pines: Friday, November 20th at 6pm
Admission is $35 to $45. Tickets can be purchased at the door or by calling 910-395-5999.
For more information, visit the Cameron Art  Museum’s website.
bread & lights begins Saturday, November 21st through December 6th.

Cameron Art Museum
3201 South 17th Street
Wilmington, NC 28412

 

The Grand Budapest Hotel

Stop by the Carolina Civic Center to catch a screening of one of our favorite films, The Grand Budapest Hotel. The story follows a young lobby boy who becomes the trusted friend of the hotel’s lead concierge. Popcorn and other conseccions will be available.

Friday, November 20th at 7pm.
Admission is $5.
For more information, visit the Carolina Civic Center’s website.

Carolina Civic Center
315 North Chestnut Street
Lumberton, NC 28358

 

Carolina Music Festival

Enjoy live music all weekend long with the Carolina Music Festival! Performances will be held at the Brooklyn Arts Center on Friday, Satellite Bar & Lounge on Saturday, and The Art Factory on Sunday.

Friday, November 20th – Sunday, November 22nd.
Admission is $5 to $20. Single day and three day ticket options are available.
For tickets and band lineups, visit the event website.

 

Pleasure Island Library Grand Opening

The new Pleasure Island Library in Carolina Beach has a grand opening celebration on Saturday, with tours, a ribbon cutting, refreshments, and events throughout the day.

Saturday, November 21st, 10am – 2pm.
Admission is free.

New Hanover Public Library at Pleasure Island
401 N Lake Park Blvd 
Carolina Beach, NC 28428

 

The Best Rainy Day Activities in Wilmington NC

 

On rainy days, we love to curl up with a good book (like Phyllis from The Office) or slip away to a cozy coffee shop!
Wilmington is known for it’s great outdoor activities, but there are several indoor places that are perfect for a rainy day. Below is our list of the best rainy day activities in Wilmington NC!

Best for the Bookworm:

  • The Used Bookery – 6770 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28405
    The Used Bookery is tucked away on Market Street in a small strip that can be easily missed. But don’t miss this bookstore that boasts a great selection of used books with a knowledgeable and friendly staff. We can always spend a decent amount of time in here.
  • Two Sisters Bookery – 318 Nutt St, Wilmington, NC 28401
    Two Sisters Bookery is tucked away in The Cotton Exchange, which is a great place to linger around on a rainy day with its many great shops and restaurants. Their are several great books on Wilmington, plus small gifts and cards.
  • Luna Caffe – 604 Castle St, Wilmington, NC 28401
    We’ve posted about Luna Caffee before, as it has the perfect ‘stay and unwind’ vibe. Bring your computer and plan your next vacation, or catch up with a friend over a game like connect four.

 

Best for Kids:

  • Defy Gravity – 6431 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28405
    Two words: Trampoline Park. If your little ones are looking to burn off some energy, head to Defy Gravity and let them bounce the day away.
  • Fit for Fun Center – 302 S 10th St, Wilmington, NC 28401
    Perfect for younger little ones, Fit for Fun Center features a ball pit, games, and activities.

 

Best for Exploring Wilmington’s History:

  • Bellamy Mansion – 503 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401
    Bellamy Mansion, the beautiful white mansion that steals the show in downtown Wilmington is just as beautiful inside as it is outside. Tours are offered daily Tuesday-Sunday.
  • The Wrightsville Beach Museum – 303 W Salisbury St, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
    Learn about the history of the Wrightsville Beach area at this quaint museum that offers free admission!

 

Best Unique Experiences:

  • Museum of The Bizarre – 201 S Water Street Wilmington, NC, 28401
    The Museum of The Bizarre is a truly fun and unique addition to downtown Wilmington. See bizarre worldly and local items and stories. Admission is just $3.00.
  • Cape Fear Serpentarium – 20 Orange St, Wilmington, NC 28401
    Okay, so this one may not be for everyone, but it definitely is unique. The Serpentarium features -you guessed it- over 80 snakes and reptiles.

 

Best Bites on a Rainy Day:

  • Fork N Cork – 122 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401
    Fork N Cork on Market Street is a new favorite of many Wilmington residents. The restaurant offers fun spins on comfort food and hearty burgers and sandwiches. Don’t leave without trying the Texas Poutine.
  • The Copper Penny – 109 Chestnut St, Wilmington, NC 28402
    Around the corner on Chestnut Street, the Copper Penny and it’s cozy saloon vibe are perfect for those rainy days you want to pair with a pint. The restaurant serves your fairly typically American bar fare, but don’t skimp on the sides- locals love their sweet potato fries and onion rings. Wash it all down with one of the many brews on draft.
  • Osteria Cicchetti (aka “The OC”) – locations at Monkey Junction and The Forum
    Osteria offers the perfect Italian plate for a rainy day. The restaurant offers several selections of pastas, pizzas, and fantastic seafood dishes. They also offer daily soup specials that are always otherworldly. We love to pair our flatbread with a cold cocktail from the bar at The Forum location!

 

P.S. Are you prepared for the heavy rains? See our previous posts on protecting your home from heavy rains here and mosquito prevention here.