Horse Drawn Tours Wilmington
Horse Drawn Tours Holiday
Celebrate the season this holiday with these festive family events.
2019 Cape Fear Festival of Trees
NC Aquarium Fort Fisher
December 1 - January 2
50 uniquely-decorated trees will line the mezzanine and exhibit areas of the aquarium offering visitors to spectacular attractions in one. Proceeds from the sale of wreaths as well as donations made at the event benefit the Lower Cape Fear Hospice
11th Annual Christmas by the Sea
Carolina Beach Boardwalk
December 1 - 14, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
The CB Boardwalk will be decorated in holiday splendor as you visit Santa in his workshop, have cookies and hot chocolate, roast marshmallows, go caroling and make an ornament in the arts & crafts area.
Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla
Carolina Beach
December 6 6pm
Fishing boats and pleasure craft electrically decorated with thousands of lights present a spectacular display on the Intracoastal Waterway from Snows Cut to the Carolina Beach Boat Basin and back
Enchanted Airlie 2019
Airlie Gardens
December 6 - 22 Two event times per night 5pm – 7pm and 7pm – 9pm
A New Hanover County tradition since 2005, guests from around the world have visited Airlie Gardens from Thanksgiving to Christmas to take in the sparkling sights and festive sounds of the holiday season. Stroll through the Garden on a self-guided tour of holiday lights, music & displays. Also in attendance each night, Santa Claus himself! Tickets will sell out in advance, so reserve yours early! Tickets: $30/ Carload Ticket, $55 /XL Van Ticket
Merry Little Christmas Festival
Poplar Grove Plantation
December 6, 13: 5pm - 8pm, December 7, 14: 10am - 8 PM, December 8: 10am - 4pm December 15: 10am - 5pm
The grounds, outbuildings and Manor House of Poplar Grove will be specially lit with interactive experiences including a blazing bonfire for roasted marshmallows, activities for the family including a letter writing station to post those little wishes to the North Pole, lawn games, a USO vignette to write letters to our US soldiers serving abroad, outdoors screenings of classic movie favorites, such as “The Polar Express,” “A Christmas Story,” and “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas,” and the Grinch’s Junk Shop in the Blacksmith Studio.
Carolina Beach Holiday Market
Carolina Beach Lake
December 7 9am - 3pm
Arts and crafts, specialty food items. Live music and surprise visitors.
Polar Express Day
Children’s Museum of Wilmington
December 7 & 14 9am – 12 pm
Wear your favorite pajamas and get ready to be whisked away to the North Pole on an epic winter wonderland adventure. Ride the train around the block, sip hot cocoa while you create holiday crafts, and tell Santa himself your holiday wish! Don’t forget to get a “believe bell” on your way in.
11th Annual Christmas by the Sea
Carolina Beach Boardwalk
December 7, 14, 21 6:30pm - 8:30pm
The North Pole moves to the CB Boardwalk as the Boardwalk will be decorated in holiday splendor when you visit Santa in his workshop, have cookies and hot chocolate, roast marshmallows, caroling and make an ornament in the arts & crafts area.
47th Old Wilmington by Candlelight Tour
December 7 - 8: Dec 7 4:00pm-8:00pm, Dec 8 1:00pm-5:00pm
13 historic sites all decorated for the season. Explore downtown Wilmington's beautiful historic homes, festively decorated for the holiday season! Adults: $40 Children 13 & under : $10 Group Tickets: $35 until Dec. 1
Wilmington Holiday Parade
December 8, 6:25pm – 8pm
Hosted by the City of Wilmington Parks and Recreation, annual evening parade with holiday themed floats and bands. Watch it televised live on WECT’s Bounce channel. Rain date 12/15
Annual Holiday Light Show And Polar Express Reading
Wilmington Railroad Museum
December 13, 14, 20, 21, 26- 28, 6:30pm - 8pm
Holiday magic returns to the railroad museum as the museum transforms into a winter wonderland with spectacular decorations. Over 25,000 lights glisten and sparkle as well as musical animations and twilight model train displays. Santa is also on hand with goodies as well as cider to sip and enjoy. Tickets are just $5 per person including members. Children under 2 are free. Polar Express Reading - Children will enjoy the reading of the Polar Express with a local celebrity, a visit with Santa, the first gift of the season and hot chocolate! Tickets are $5 and can be reserved by calling 910-763-2634
Kure Beach Fantasy Christmas Show
Ocean Front Park
December 13 - 15: 7pm
Christmas songs are performed by beautifully dressed ladies and gentlemen and some of your favorite Christmas characters.
Thalian Association's Elf the Musical
Main Stage Thalian Hall
December 13 – 22
Fri – Sat 7:30 pm with Sun matinees at 3:00 pm
12/14, 12/21: 2pm, 12/13, 12/14, 12/20, 12/21: 7:30pm, 12/15, 12/22: 3pm, 12/20: 7:30 pm
Based on the beloved holiday film, this hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to find his true identity. This modern-day holiday classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf. After all, the best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear.
Christmas Stroll Through Past
Bellamy Mansion/Burgwin-Wright House/St. James Episcopal Church
December 14 4:30pm - 7:30pm
Guests can visit the sites for a festive evening filled with holiday decor, live music, period costumes, refreshments, children’s activities, and more! Tickets are $20 plus tax for adults and $10 plus tax for children ages 3+. Children under 3 are free. Purchase tickets online at www.bellamymansion.org or in person at the Bellamy Mansion Museum or the Burgwin-Wright House. Tickets can also be purchased at the door the day of the event.
North Carolina Symphony Presents Holiday Pops
Wilson Center
December 17, 3pm, Doors 2pm and 7:30pm, Doors: 6:30pm
Join the NC Symphony for a spectacular evening of featuring beloved traditional and popular music, including music from The Polar Express and The Nutcracker—plus a sing-along celebration of the season. Tickets may be purchased online at ncsymphony.org, by phone at 877-627-6724, or in person at the Wilson Center. Tickets for this performance range $22 – $85 + fees and sales tax
Christmas Caroling With Santa & His Special "Reindeer”
Horsedrawn Tours Wilmington Market & Water Streets
December 20 - 24 6pm - 10pm
Come and sing Christmas carols with Santa and his special "reindeer". Snuggle under warm lap blankets while enjoying the downtown area lit up with Christmas lights. Free candy canes for children. $14.00 per adult, $6.00 per child under 12.
Nights of Lights
Bellamy Mansion
December 20 -22 4pm - 7pm
Guests can experience the Bellamy Mansion Museum decked out in all its holiday splendor. Admission is free. Donations accepted ($5 suggested).
New Year’s Noon
Children’s Museum of Wilmington
December 31 9am– 12 pm
Countdown to the New Year with us! Toast to 2020 with a juice toast, make a party crown, streamer sticks, glittery slime and more! The event culminates with an epic confetti toss at NOON in the courtyard!
