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!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Wilmington
- All Is Bright – A Holiday of Lights at Poplar Grove
- Wilmington Christmas Tree Lighting
- Holiday Train and Light Spectacular
- NC Holiday Flotilla & Day in the Park (Wrightsville Beach)
- Wilmington Christmas Parade
- Island of Lights Christmas Parade (Carolina Beach)
- Spirit of the Holidays Cruise
- Christmas By The Sea (Carolina Beach)
- Lighting at the Lake (Carolina Beach)
- Christmas Stroll Through the Past
See these and even more events listed below!
Wilmington Holiday Light Displays
Wilmington Christmas Tree Lighting
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
Island of Lights Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Coastal-themed holiday boat parade and home decorations.
Description:
The Island of Lights Christmas Parade features a festive procession of decorated boats and homes, culminating in a New Year's Eve celebration with music, dancing, and refreshments.
Where: Carolina Beach | More Info: Island of Lights Christmas Parade
All Is Bright – A Holiday of Lights at Poplar Grove
What to Expect:
Expanded tree lights and themed nights.
Description:
Poplar Grove's All Is Bright – A Holiday of Lights features expanded tree lights, visits with Santa, a vintage USO letter writing station, and various holiday activities.
Where: Wilmington | More Info: All Is Bright – A Holiday of Lights at Poplar Grove
Holiday Train and Light Spectacular
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
Lighting at the Lake
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
Christmas Stroll Through the Past
What to Expect:
Holiday light display supporting garden projects.
Description:
A self-guided walk through Airlie Gardens featuring over one million holiday lights and festive music, supporting important projects in the gardens.
Where: Wilmington | More Info: Christmas Stroll Through the Past
Christmas Train & Light Spectacular
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
A Merry Little Christmas Festival
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
Wilmington Holiday Markets and Shopping
Kure Beach Holiday Market
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
Holiday Flea at BAC
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
Wilmington Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Wilmington Christmas Parade
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
Ballet for Young Audiences: The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
Ballet for Young Audiences: The Nutcracker is a classic ballet performance featuring elaborate sets and costumes, bringing the timeless tale to life.
Where: Wilmington | More Info: Ballet for Young Audiences: The Nutcracker
Toys for Tots Concert
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
Cherish the Ladies: Celtic Christmas
What to Expect:
Traditional Irish music and dance celebration of the holiday season.
Description:
Cherish the Ladies brings their Celtic Christmas concert to Saint Barnabas High School, featuring traditional Irish music, dance, and holiday classics.
Where: Wilmington | More Info: Cherish the Ladies: Celtic Christmas
Handel’s “Messiah”: Choir of St. Paul’s Concert
What to Expect:
A classic choral performance of Handel’s Messiah.
Description:
Join the Choir of St. Paul’s and the NC Baroque Orchestra for a powerful performance of Handel’s timeless masterpiece, featuring beautiful music and powerful vocals.
Where: Wilmington | More Info: Handel’s “Messiah”: Choir of St. Paul’s Concert
Wilmington Other Holiday Activities
NC Holiday Flotilla & Day in the Park
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
Christmas By The Sea
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
Spirit of the Holidays Cruise
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
Wrightsville Beach Museum Holiday Open House
What to Expect:
Immersive historical exhibits showcasing Wrightsville Beach's past.
Description:
Explore the rich history of Wrightsville Beach through exhibits and artifacts, including a scale model of the beach in 1910 and stories of its development.
Where: Wrightsville Beach | More Info: Wrightsville Beach Museum Holiday Open House
Fort Fisher Holiday Open House
What to Expect:
Historical site tours with special exhibits.
Description:
Fort Fisher Holiday Open House features historic site tours, special exhibits, and educational programs highlighting the site's significance during the American Civil War.
Where: Kure Beach | More Info: Fort Fisher Holiday Open House
Kids@CAM: Holiday Arts & Crafts
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
Poplar Grove Arts & Crafts Festival
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
Fourth Friday Gallery Night
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
New Year’s Noon Countdown
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
Island of Lights New Year’s Eve Countdown
What to Expect:
Rotating location between Carolina and Kure Beaches.
Description:
The Island of Lights New Year’s Eve Countdown is a family-friendly event featuring a DJ, dancing, refreshments, and an epic beach ball drop at Carolina Beach.
Where: Carolina Beach | More Info: Island of Lights New Year’s Eve Countdown
Bacchanalia
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.