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Last updated: November 11, 2024

Discover the joy of the season in Wilmington with our detailed event guide. For Wilmington devotees and casual visitors, our guide is your ticket to festive fun.

This holiday season, the Wilmington Christmas Tree Lighting draws locals and visitors alike with its captivating display of lights and community spirit. Experience the charm of the NC Holiday Flotilla & Day in the Park, an event that showcases beautifully decorated boats parading along the water. And the All Is Bright – A Holiday of Lights at Poplar Grove is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring stunning light displays set against the backdrop of nature. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!

Contact information and details below.

Wilmington Holiday Light Displays

What to Expect:

Special performance by local school choir and Santa's arrival.

Description:

The Wilmington Christmas Tree Lighting at Riverfront Park features a special performance by the Roland-Grise Middle School KNIGHT Singers, followed by a heartwarming reading of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. The event includes the lighting of the Christmas tree and the arrival of Santa, along with light refreshments.

Where: Wilmington | More Info: Wilmington Christmas Tree Lighting

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Thousands of lights and festive decorations at the railroad museum.

Description:

The Wilmington Railroad Museum transforms into a winter wonderland with spectacular decorations, over 25,000 lights glistening and sparkling. Santa is on hand with goodies, and cider is available to sip and enjoy.

Where: Wilmington | More Info: Holiday Train and Light Spectacular

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Official start of the Island of Lights Festival with light displays and Santa Claus.

Description:

The Lighting at the Lake is a festive event in Carolina Beach, NC, where the lake is illuminated with light displays, marking the start of the month-long Island of Lights Festival. Santa Claus is present to listen to Christmas wishes, and the event is free to the public.

Where: Carolina Beach | More Info: Lighting at the Lake

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

"Stunning model train displays with festive decorations"

Description:

The Christmas Train & Light Spectacular at the Wilmington Railroad Museum features beautifully lit model train displays, free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and cookies for visitors. This event offers a delightful holiday experience with festive decorations and family-friendly activities.

Where: Wilmington | More Info: Christmas Train & Light Spectacular

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Expanded holiday lighting display with family-friendly activities.

Description:

Poplar Grove's Merry & Bright Festival is a holiday lighting event featuring beautifully expanded tree lights, photo opportunities, visits with Santa, a vintage USO letter writing station, and various festive activities.

Where: Scotts Hill | More Info: A Merry Little Christmas Festival

Event Organizer?

Wilmington Holiday Markets and Shopping

What to Expect:

Unique coastal holiday shopping experience.

Description:

The Kure Beach Holiday Market offers a quaint open-air shopping experience with a variety of handcrafted items, including soaps, jewelry, mosaics, paintings, and more, all set against the beautiful backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean.

Where: Kure Beach | More Info: Kure Beach Holiday Market

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Upscale vintage flea market with 50 local vendors.

Description:

The Holiday Flea at BAC features 50 local and regional vendors offering vintage, retro, up-cycled, and artisan treasures in a historic setting.

Where: Wilmington | More Info: Holiday Flea at BAC

Event Organizer?

Wilmington Holiday Shows and Entertainment

What to Expect:

Local celebrity appearances and interactive Santa experience.

Description:

The Wilmington Jaycees Christmas Parade features local celebrities, dignitaries, marching bands, community organizations, floats, and attractions including your favorite cartoon characters and Santa Claus. Children can submit their Christmas wish lists to Santa, and those who provide their name and address will receive a response from Santa in December.

Where: Wilmington | More Info: Wilmington Christmas Parade

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Charity-driven live music event.

Description:

The Toys for Tots Concert at the Brooklyn Arts Center features a charity event with live music, raising funds for children in need during the holiday season.

Where: Wilmington | More Info: Toys for Tots Concert

Event Organizer?

Wilmington Other Holiday Activities

What to Expect:

Coastal holiday celebration with a lighted boat parade and fireworks.

Description:

The North Carolina Holiday Flotilla & Day in the Park is a festive event featuring local arts and crafts vendors, an antique car show, festival food, children's play areas, and a lighted boat parade culminating in a spectacular fireworks display.

Where: Wrightsville Beach | More Info: NC Holiday Flotilla & Day in the Park

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Holiday celebration with pony rides and marshmallow roasting.

Description:

Christmas By The Sea at Carolina Beach features pony rides, a fire pit for roasting marshmallows, and Santa visits, creating a lively holiday atmosphere.

Where: Carolina Beach | More Info: Christmas By The Sea

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Holiday-themed cruise with a full bar and festive atmosphere.

Description:

Embark on a festive holiday cruise aboard the fully enclosed Wilmington catamaran, featuring a full bar with a variety of drinks and snacks. Enjoy the holiday decorations and music while taking in the scenic views of the Cape Fear River.

Where: Wilmington | More Info: Spirit of the Holidays Cruise

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Hands-on holiday arts and crafts for kids.

Description:

At Kids@CAM: Holiday Arts & Crafts, young artists engage in creative activities like painting, drawing, and making handmade crafts, fostering their imagination and artistic skills.

Where: Wilmington | More Info: Kids@CAM: Holiday Arts & Crafts

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Unique blend of historical exhibits and artisan classes.

Description:

Poplar Grove Plantation hosts a variety of arts and crafts classes, including basketry, blacksmithing, and letterpress art. The plantation also features a museum with exhibits on the Foy family and the Gullah Geechee people, as well as a nature preserve with historical significance.

Where: Scotts Hill | More Info: Poplar Grove Arts & Crafts Festival

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Free self-guided tour of diverse artistic exhibitions.

Description:

Fourth Friday Gallery Night is a self-guided tour through downtown Wilmington's galleries and studios, featuring various artistic genres including oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, metals, ceramics, music, and mixed media. Many galleries have the featured artist available to discuss their craft, and maps are available at all participating locations.

Where: Wilmington | More Info: Fourth Friday Gallery Night

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Family-friendly New Year's celebration with creative activities.

Description:

Join the Children's Museum of Wilmington for a family-friendly New Year's celebration at noon. Decorate a party crown, create a streamer wand, reflect on the past year, and toast to the new one with juice. The event culminates in an epic confetti toss in the courtyard.

Where: Wilmington | More Info: New Year’s Noon Countdown

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Adults-only New Year's Eve party with dancing and champagne toast.

Description:

The Bacchanalia is a New Year's Eve celebration featuring party games, prizes, dancing, and a free champagne toast at midnight. Guests are encouraged to dress in lingerie or pajamas.

Where: Wilmington | More Info: Bacchanalia

Event Organizer?

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