If you’re lucky enough to live in Wilmington, NC, then your problem won’t be trying to find a fun, meaningful, and memorable way to celebrate the winter holidays. It will be trying to decide between all the great things going on! To help you out, we’ve rounded up five our favorite festive events that will make you feel very merry indeed. If you see something we should add to our list, let us know on Facebook. Happy holidays!
Christmas & Candlelight at Poplar Grove Plantation
The Candlelight Weekend at Poplar Grove Plantation in Wilmington, NC, features two Victorian-themed candlelight weekends during Thanksgiving and Christmas. These guided tours of the Manor House and other properties, and are an opportunity to celebrate their important preservation efforts. Tours will take place on December 4th & 5th. Saturday, December 5th, will also feature an arts and crafts festival from 10AM to 7PM—a great chance to buy gifts for all the people on your “nice” list!
The Holiday Flea at Brooklyn Arts Center
The yearly “Holiday Flea at BAC” is a great opportunity to do your holiday shopping while supporting the independent makers in our area. Renowned as the “ultimate vintage flea” it’s attended by more than 1,500 shoppers and vendors each year, and includes a wide array of vintage, retro, antique, and upcycled treasures. If all that shopping makes you hungry, never fear—Wilmington’s finest food trucks will be present to provide fuel. This event will take place on Friday, December 4th from 3PM to 9PM, Saturday, December 5th from 10AM to 5PM, and Sunday, December 6th from 12PM to 5PM. Admission is $5 at the door.
Wilmington Holiday Parade
Every holiday needs a parade, and Wilmington delivers! In 2015, we’re celebrating with the 13th Annual Holiday Parade in downtown Wilmington, NC. The fun begins at 4:55PM on Sunday, December 6th at North Front and Walnut Streets and moves south on Front Street, ending at Church Street. It includes music, marching, and merry-making, and is free for everyone!
Forget snow—here on the coast, Santa prefers to fly through sea and sand, and who can blame him? Each year, the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher celebrates the Christmas season with holiday crafts, cookie decorating, story time, games and more. Watch as Santa goes diving alongside sharks, eels, and his favorite sea turtle friend, Shelldon, at this exciting holiday event. Each child in attendance receives a complimentary 6x8 photo with Santa to help remember this magical evening. This event takes place two nights. December 12th and December 19th, from 5PM to 8PM. Tickets are $15 each if purchased in advance.
Enchanted Airlie
A beloved Wilmington tradition since 2005, Enchanted Airlie is a great family friendly activity that provides the perfect excuse to explore one of our most cherished places—Airlie Gardens. Stroll through the gardens, stop and smell the festive flowers, and enjoy a memorable display of twinkling lights and musical entertainment. There will also be a special visit from Santa, along with delicious snacks such as hot cocoa and cookies. This event takes place December 4th-6th, 10th-13th, 16th-22nd. There are two shows each night (at 5PM and 7PM) and the price of admission is $27 for a carload, $17 for a couple, and $12 for an individual.
We hope this list helps you make the most out of the holidays in Wilmington. Happy celebrating!
