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Other Christmas Activities

Spirit of the Holidays Cruise

Passengers cruise the Cape Fear River and take in views of magical lights along the historic Wilmington Riverwalk aboard the 46-foot catamaran, the Wilmington. Guests can listen to local musicians perform live holiday tunes while sampling festive cocktails and light appetizers.

What to Expect

Catamaran cruise along the Cape Fear River with live holiday tunes.

Event Details

Ages

All ages

Organizer

Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau

Food & Drink

Guests can sample yuletide cocktails and light appetizers on board.

Get Tickets

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 ⚪ (4/5)

Best For

Visitors seeking a festive river outing

Vibe

Festive and relaxed

Energy Level

Low

Budget

$$

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Location

Wilmington Water Tours
212 S Water Street, Wilmington, NC 28401
Wilmington, NC

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: Adults: $30; kids age 3–12: $18; under 2 years: free. Pre-registration is required. – Get tickets
  • Hours: 5:30 PM and 7:00 PM departure times.

Tips & Advice

  • Pre-register as soon as you know your evening, because registration is required and this holiday cruise often sells out.
  • Choose your night early, since the holiday cruises only run on select evenings from late November through the end of December.
  • Dress warmly for an evening out on the river, since you'll be on the water watching the lights along the Riverwalk.
  • Bring the kids, because there are tickets for ages 3 to 12 and children under 2 ride free.

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cruise like?

You cruise the Cape Fear River on the 46-foot catamaran the Wilmington. Along the way you take in the lights along the historic Wilmington Riverwalk.

Is there live entertainment on board?

Yes. Local musicians play live holiday tunes during the cruise.

Is food or drink served?

You get samples of yuletide cocktails and light appetizers while you cruise.

Do I need to book ahead?

Yes. Pre-registration is required, and this cruise often sells out.

Can kids come along?

Yes. There are kids' tickets for ages 3 to 12, and children under 2 ride free.

Tags

seasonal activitiesholiday seasonfestive funcommunity celebrationfamily friendly

More Christmas Events Near Wilmington

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Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 20, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team