Holiday Things to Do

Holidays on Water

Experience downtown Wilmington’s historic charm on display during Holidays on Water. Stroll along main streets and the scenic Riverwalk illuminated by dazzling holiday lights. Step back in time with candlelight tours of historic homes beautifully adorned for the holidays. Don't miss riverfront drone shows on Saturdays Dec. 14, 21 and 28. After wrapping up your shopping at holiday markets and boutiques, dine downtown at award-winning restaurants. With special lodging offers, you’ll find the perfect place to stay close to all the downtown fun. There’s no place like our home for the holidays.

Historic City Event Highlights

Embrace the holiday spirit with Wilmington Water Tours’ holiday cruise on the Cape Fear River and enjoy seeing the the city lights from a different perspective along the scenic Riverwalk. The annual Enchanted Airlie returns Nov. 29 - Dec. 21 with more than one million twinkling lights and holiday flowers displayed through Airlie Gardens' 63 acres. If you missed getting tickets to this sold-out event, check out Lumina on Wrightsville Beach, a Holiday Inn Resort's Enchanted Airlie Package that includes tickets. Kids will love experiencing the magical winter wonderland during the Christmas Train & Light Spectacular at Wilmington Railroad Museum select days from Nov. 29 through December.

Tours & Performances

Stroll through Christmas past in one of the largest National Register Historic Districts in the South. Tour the decorated house museums Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens, Bellamy Mansion Museum of History & Design and Latimer House Museum. Catch Christmas classics like The Nutcracker Dec. 7-8, White Christmas: The Musical Dec. 13-15 and 19-22 and “It’s a Wonderful Life” Dec. 23 at historic Thalian Hall. Experience the tradition of the season with Mannheim Steamroller Nov. 21 or hear favorite holiday tunes during the North Carolina Symphony’s Holiday Pops Concert Dec. 10 at The Wilson Center.

Island Festivals & Events 

Tour a winter waterland with more than 50 uniquely decorated trees transforming the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher into an enchanted forest during the Cape Fear Festival of Trees Nov. 22 – Dec. 30. Wrightsville Beach kicks off the holiday season with the North Carolina Holiday Flotilla boat parade Nov. 30, complete with a Festival in the Park featuring arts and crafts, inflatables for the kids and a spectacular fireworks show. Catch another water-based parade on the Intracoastal Waterway with festive colored lights and decorated boats at the Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla Dec. 7 in Carolina Beach. Or, join the Whoville fun in Kure Beach with a Grinch-themed holiday celebration Dec. 13. The Holiday Whoobie Whatty event features family-friendly activities, a chance to meet the Grinch and watch “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” at Ocean Front Park & Pavilion. 

HOLIDAY MARKETS & MORE

Escape the stress of typical holiday shopping with gift-worthy finds from boutiques and holiday markets in unique locales with riverside and oceanfront views, historic main streets and pedestrian-friendly shopping villages found in and around Wilmington. Shop handcrafted jewelry, coastal home décor and so much more from more than 100 artisans and retailers at Blue Moon Gift Shop, voted "Best Gift Shop in Wilmington" year after year. Downtown’s Cotton Exchange is home to more than 30 local shops selling everything from jewelry and shoes to pottery and handmade soaps. Discover chic boutiques with home goods, clothes and more at charming Lumina Station. Or, shop big name brands in an outdoor setting at Mayfaire Town Center and let the little ones stop by to see Santa. Discover seasonal specialties at A Christmas Shoppe, Wilmington’s only year-round Christmas store.

Unearth vintage treasures in a historic setting with artisans, plus food trucks, a coffee shop and bar at the Brooklyn Arts Center’s Holiday Market Dec. 6-8. Wander through colonial gardens and find one-of-a-kind gifts from local artists at the Colonial Christmas Open House & Craft Market at the Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens Dec. 14. Put a coastal twist on Christmas shopping at the seaside Kure Beach Holiday Market Nov. 23 and Nov. 30 featuring everything from jewelry to paintings to handcrafted soaps. Or, stop by Carolina Beach Holiday Market Dec. 7 for fine art, handmade gifts, crafts and more. 

Ring in the New Year

Welcome 2025 at celebrations like the family-friendly New Year’s Noon at the Children’s Museum of Wilmington. For an elevated night out, go to Thalian Hall's New Year's Eve Gala with Cabaret. Head to the Carolina Beach Boardwalk to catch the Island of Lights New Year’s Eve Celebration and watch the giant beach ball drop at midnight followed by a fireworks display. Check back as we add NYE Packages and foodie events worthy of celebrating.