Table of Contents

• Top 3 Events this Weekend

• More Unique Events

• Plan Ahead - Upcoming Events You Should Know About …

Top 3 Events this Weekend

More Unique Events

• Thursday 12/11

  • North Carolina Symphony Presents Holiday Pops – Enjoy beloved seasonal classics and festive favorites with the North Carolina Symphony at Wilson Center.

  • Claus for a Cause – Put on your ugliest sweater and bring donations for local animal shelters while enjoying holiday contests and activities at The Rift.

  • Holiday Indie Night Market – Shop local makers, enjoy cozy fires, and sing karaoke at Dram Tree Tavern’s holiday night market.

  • Murder Mystery Holiday Edition – Take part in an interactive holiday-themed murder mystery party with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at a Holiday Pop-Up Bar in Carolina Beach.

  Friday 12/12

  • Holiday Market – Support local makers, enter a surfboard raffle, and get into the holiday spirit at Savard Beer & Board.

  • Light Up the Night Christmas Parade – Ride on fire engines, enjoy the festive parade route, and visit with Santa after at the Southport Fire Station in Southport.

  • Silent Night Disco on the Beach – Dance under the stars with wireless headsets, holiday music, and beachside fun at the Sandbar Level of the Carolina Beach Pier.

  Saturday 12/13

  • Gingerbread House Decorating – Decorate gingerbread houses during the holiday market in a family-friendly workshop at Trask Family Farm.

  • Thrift at the Rift – Stock up on handmade goods, thrifted finds, and local treats at The Rift’s stocking stuffer event.

  • A Chateau Christmas Carol – Sip wine, enjoy festive treats, shop jewelry, and watch a comedic retelling of A Christmas Carol at Laws & Libations.

  • Holidays on Water Drone Show – Watch the sky light up with a festive holiday drone show over the Wilmington Riverwalk, part of a series running Saturdays throughout December.

  • Retro Holiday Dance Party – Dress in your sparkliest vintage holiday attire and dance the night away at The Rift’s retro holiday party.

  • Pop-Up Ice Skating – Glide into the holiday season at Southport’s first-ever Pop-Up Ice Skating experience, transforming the Fort Johnston Tennis Courts into a winter wonderland for all ages from Friday, December 5 through Saturday, December 13.

  Sunday 12/14

  • Winter Fest – Enjoy local vendors, food, drinks, and all-day winter fun at The Cargo District Winter Festival.

  • Two Eagle Oyster Roast – Warm up with a seasonal oyster roast and cozy flannel vibes at The Eagles Dare.

  • Jingle Mingle – Compete in a holiday baking contest and cookie-eating competition with live music and food trucks at Flytrap Brewing. 

Plan Ahead - Upcoming Events You Should Know About​

11/15 - 12/23 Southern Lights, the most magnificent display of dazzling lights and holiday activities. Enjoy lights, wagon rides, spotting elves, fire pits + s’mores, 12 days of Christmas art walk, snowball fights, the Grinch’s maze, character meet and greets + more!

11/26 - Photos at Santa’s Workshop - Step into the festive world of Santa Claus this season when you visit Santa at Santa's Workshop at the Element by Westin Hotel in Mayfaire. Fill out your Dear Santa Letter, take your annual photo with the man in red himself, then don't forget to drop off your letter in Santa's mailbox.

12/10-12/21 Get ready to deck the halls from December 10th through 21st with the 12 Bars of Christmas event! Grab your $5 Santa List at any participating bar to unlock exclusive holiday events, with all proceeds directly benefiting that bar’s chosen non-profit organization. Complete your list to score a limited-edition 12 Bars of Christmas t-shirt and enjoy this season of giving and good cheer!

1/31 - UNCW Intercultural Festival - Representatives from more than 25 countries come together to celebrate world cultures through music, dance, art, booths, and performances.

3/28 - 3/29 Feast Food & Drink Festival - Annual food and beverage festival that celebrates the region's culinary scene by featuring local chefs, breweries, wineries, and mixologists through various events like the Riverside Pier Party, Craft+Cuisine, and Brunch Elevated. All-inclusive tickets cover food, drinks, and entertainment. Tickets are 25% off until December 24th.

Thanks for reading! Talk to you again next week 👋 - Meg

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