Experience the charm and magic of Historic Downtown Wilmington during the holidays. From lights along the Riverwalk and main streets to candlelight historic home tours, the city truly sparkles. Enjoy holiday markets and local shopping, award-winning dining, live performances, riverfront drone shows and more.
Drone Shows and More Light Up the Riverfront
A dazzling drone show will light up Wilmington’s riverfront for three select Saturday evenings in December. Watch as hundreds of drones create a festive imagery display over the water. Shows will take place Dec. 14, Dec. 21 and Dec. 28 at 7 p.m., with prime viewing locations along the Riverwalk located on Water Street and across from Battleship NORTH CAROLINA.
While you’re downtown for the show, stroll along the illuminated Riverwalk and take in the sights of downtown’s decorated historic homes, main streets and boutique storefronts. Or opt for a carriage ride through Wilmington’s Historic District to see holiday decorations on private homes, complete with caroling on a “reindeer”-drawn carriage or trolley.
Take in the holiday lights along the Riverwalk on two Cape Fear River cruises during select evenings starting in late November. View holiday lights from the water while local musicians perform holiday tunes aboard a pontoon boat and guests sample yuletide cocktails on Wilmington Water Tours’ Spirit of the Holidays Cruise. Pre-registration is required, as this popular cruise is likely to sell out quickly. Cape Fear Riverboats’ Holiday Riverwalk Lights Cruise also offers a view of the holiday lights from the water alongside holiday beverages.
Embrace the holiday spirit with two tree lightings. The Downtown Wilmington Holiday Tree Lighting will take place Nov. 29, with family-friendly entertainment starting at 5:30 p.m. and culminating with the tree lighting and a visit from Santa around 6:30 p.m. The City of Wilmington’s Tree Lighting will take place at Riverfront Park Dec. 5 from 6-8 p.m. In addition to the tree lighting, visitors can enjoy visits with Santa, live entertainment and light refreshments.
Historic Homes
Wilmington’s historic homes come to life during the holidays with enchanting decorations and candlelight tours that offer a unique glimpse into the area's rich history. The Old Wilmington Candlelight Walking Tour is a self-guided journey through historic sites and private homes, with docents available to share unique stories at each location. Each site will be decked out in its holiday best for visitors Dec. 7 from 4-8 p.m. and Dec. 8 from 1-5 p.m.
On Dec. 14, Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens will offer two unique experiences during the Day Holiday Market & Night Colonial Christmas Open House. Daytime visitors (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) can admire the house adorned with fresh greenery, fruit, nuts and flowers much like it would have been when the original owners celebrated Colonial Christmases there in the 1700s, alongside a holiday market featuring over 30 local vendors. The evening open house will feature live holiday music and interpreters in period costumes from 5-9 p.m.
The Bellamy Mansion Museum of History & Design Arts will transform for its Nights of Lights Holiday Open House Dec. 19-21 from 5-8 p.m. nightly. Experience the holidays of yesteryear when the home museum is decked out in traditional holiday décor including three levels of Victorian-inspired Christmas trees, mantels, gasoliers and other decorations.
On-Stage Spirit
Wilmington is renowned not only for its dazzling holiday sights but also for its vibrant theater scene. Take in holiday shows including Who Brought the Humbug, Celtic Angels Christmas, White Christmas: the Musical and The Nutcracker at Thalian Hall, one of the country’s oldest and most beautiful theaters. Join them Dec. 23 for their annual film screening of "It’s a Wonderful Life.”
For more festive performances, catch live shows at The Wilson Center, including Mannheim Steamroller, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical, A Magical Cirque Christmas and Holiday Pops presented by the North Carolina Symphony.
Shopping, Lodging Specials and More
Historic Downtown Wilmington is home to charming boutiques, art galleries and other unique destinations perfect for holiday shopping, including A Christmas Shoppe, Wilmington’s only year-round Christmas store. Shop local from more than 60 artists and creators while enjoying street musicians and a live DJ during the Really Cool Stuff Holiday Market Nov. 30, or stop by Brooklyn Arts Center’s Holiday Market Dec. 6-8 for handcrafted gifts from more than 50 craft vendors, along with food trucks, a coffee shop and bar.
Fuel your holiday spirit with seasonal food and beverage offerings from Wilmington's award-winning restaurants. Hotspots Seabird, Catch and Olivero feature imaginative cuisine from James Beard-nominated chefs. manna ave. 123, the city’s only AAA Four Diamond Award-winning restaurant, features seasonal ingredients, an extensive wine list and inventive cocktails.
Soak up the season by booking a stay in the heart of downtown Wilmington close to all the festivities. Several properties are offering special Holidays on Water offers and packages including Aloft Wilmington, C.W. Worth House, Embassy Suites Wilmington Riverfront Hotel, The Hive and Hotel Ballast.
This year, celebrate the season in Historic Downtown Wilmington, where there’s no place like our home for the holidays.
For more details, visit HolidaysOnWaterNC.com.
