Thursday, November 29, 2018

Weekend Guide to local Holiday Activities


Get into the Spirit of the Season!  

There are so many events at this time of year, all aimed to get you into the bright and shiny Spirit of the Season.  Here are a few to enjoy this week.

Christmas Parade - Carolina Beach

Friday, Nov 30, 7:30 pm, Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach
Area residents young and old look forward to the annual Christmas Parade. 
The parade proceeds from Atlanta Ave down Lake Park Blvd to the Federal Point Plaza in Carolina Beach. Floats, bands and Santa Clause will be there to add to the festivities of the season and provide a night of entertainment for families. 
For more info, visit the Pleasure Island website: website Pleasure Island Parade

Greenfield Park Christmas Tree Lighting and Movie

Friday, Nov 30, 1941 Amphitheater Dr., Wilmington

Tree lighting, free visits with Santa, and the movie "Elf."   The entertainment starts at 5:15 pm, the tree lighting will be at 6:00 and with the arrival of Santa, and the movie begins at 7 pm.   This will be holiday fun for the whole family!
For more info, visit the Wilmington Parks & Recreation web page:  website Greenfield Tree Lighting



Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla

Saturday, Dec 1, 6:00 pm, Carolina Beach Boat Basin, 216 Canal Drive

Fishing boats and pleasure craft decorated with thousands of lights present a spectacular display on the Intracoastal Waterway. They cruise form Snows Cut to the Carolina Beach Boat Basin and back. The boats compete for prizes and add to the wonderful holiday spirit.  
For more info, visit the Pleasure Island website:  website Island of Lights


Cape Fear Festival of Trees

Nov 19-Jan 2, 9 am- 5 pm, at the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher  

Santa's Magical Morning

Saturday Dec 15, 8-9:30 am, at the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher

    Join Lower Cape Fear Hospice at the NC Aquarium at Fort fisher for one of the area's favorite and longest running holiday traditions: Cape Fear Festival of Trees. Admission to the aquarium is all that is needed to delight in a forest of uniquely decorated trees while taking in all the amazing aquatic displays. Sure to delight all ages, Cape Fear Festival of Trees is the perfect way to entertain children out on school break or family and friends visiting during the holidays.
    And keep in mind the upcoming Santa's Magical Morning also at the Aquarium on Saturday, Dec 15, 8-9:30 am.  Enjoy a donut breakfast while Santa dives in the Cape Fear Shoals with his aquatic friends. Wonder at true tales of Santa's North Pole neighbors and polar pals. Enjoy holiday story time with Mrs. Claus, and don't be surprised by the giggles of glee when the jolly old elf presents a specially selected gift to each child.  
For more info, Visit the NC Aquarium website:  NC Aquarium


Wilmington Holiday Parade and Menorah Lighting

Sunday, Dec 2, starting 6 pm

Wilmington’s 16th annual holiday parade will pass through several blocks of downtown, bringing marching bands, floats, and of course, a visit from Santa.  Starting at 6 p.m., the celebrations will begin with the lighting of the community menorah. The lighting will take place at the intersection of Market and Water Streets.  The parade also kicks off at 6 p.m., four blocks north of the menorah lighting on Water Street at Walnut Street.  Festivities will follow down Water Street south toward Chesnut Street. 
For more info and parade route visit the Port City Daily page: Wilmington Parade Article


Christmas By The Sea - Carolina Beach Boardwalk

Nov 25 until Christmas, Carolina Beach Boardwalk

During the annual Christmas by the Sea, the Carolina Beach Boardwalk area is a holiday wonderland, with fun activities for families. The Boardwalk is decorated and lit up each and every night during the holiday season starting with the lighting ceremony on Saturday, November 24th. 

On Saturday, December 1, 8, and 15 the following activities will be active from 6:30 until 8:30 pm:

Come Visit Santa & Mrs Claus Welcome Center
- Fire Pit with story telling 
- Hot chocolate at the Welcome Center
- Puppet show
- Arts & Crafts Area and ornament making activities for kids
For more info, visit the Christmas by the Sea Facebook page:  Page Xmas by the Sea



Enchanted Airlie

Enchanted Airlie 2018 will run the following nights, 
at Airlie Gardens, 300 Airlie Rd, Wilmington NC
  • November: 23rd, 24th & 30th 
  • December: 1st & 7th-22nd

Better get your tickets NOW because they are almost all gone!  
Airlie Gardens in Wilmington presents Enchanted Airlie, where visitors can experience a self-guided walking tour through gardens featuring festive lights and holiday displays.  Santa Claus himself will be in attendance, and a few local food and beverage vendors will have hot chocolate, popcorn, cookies, beer, wine and more!
For more info, see the Airlie Gardens website:  website Enchanted Airlie



City Ballet Presents: A Carolina Nutcracker

Saturday, Dec 1 at 7 pm; Sunday Dec 2 at 3 pm, Wilson Center, Wilmington

A Carolina Nutcracker is the Cape Fear region's own full-length traditional production of the beloved holiday ballet!  Set in 1865 Wilmington at the Bellamy Mansion, the ballet features all the classic elements of the original -- Drosselmeyer, the Mouse King, and the Sugar Plum Fairy -- merged with Wilmington's own history.  The City Ballet is joined by professional guest artists from the Carolina Ballet in Raleigh, and Tchaikovsky's sumptuous musical score is performed by a live 50-piece professional orchestra and a treble chorus.  If you only see one "Nutcracker" this year, this is the one for the whole family!
For more info and tickets, visit the Wilson Ctr website:  website Nutcracker


Area Map of the Best Christmas Lights

If you love driving around to marvel at the the creative and beautiful light displays in our neighborhoods, here's a map that is being constantly updated to help you find the best of the best.    
Wilmington Christmas Lights Website:  Our Lights