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 12/4

• Winter Wreath Workshop – Create your own festive winter wreath with guided instruction at Flytrap Brewing, held outdoors under their magical holiday light display.

• Ugly Sweater Latin Dance Party – Wear your ugliest sweater for a free Latin dance class, holiday cocktails, and a festive dance party at Bonita Latin Fusion.

• Howdy Christmas – A free, western-themed Christmas night on the farm with Santa, carols, treats, fire pits, and kids activities at Northwest Land and Cattle.

Friday 12/5

• Cinch Billiards Opening Weekend – Celebrate the grand opening of Cinch Billiards during their two-day opening weekend; check social media for specific hours.

• Pop-Up Ice Skating – Enjoy Southport’s first-ever pop-up ice skating experience at the Fort Johnston Tennis Courts from December 5–13, with admission including skate rental.

• Nourish NC Jam for the Kids Benefit – Listen to live music and support the fight against child hunger at The Bend.

• Carolina Beach Christmas Parade – Watch a festive community Christmas parade traveling along Lake Park Blvd., starting at Carolina Beach Lake Park.

Saturday 12/6

• Photos at Santa's Workshop – Visit Santa’s Workshop at The Element by Westin at Mayfaire for photos with Santa, Dear Santa letters, and holiday magic.

• The Southern Lights – Stroll through dazzling Christmas lights, wagon rides, fire pits, and more at Johnson Nursery and Public Gardens.

• The Groove Holiday Market at Riverlights – Shop 30+ local makers, hear live holiday music, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, and sip festive coffee at Riverlights.

• The Nutcracker: NY Ballet for Young Audiences – Enjoy a shortened, family-friendly performance of the classic Nutcracker ballet at Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts.

• Sourdough Basics Class – Learn hands-on sourdough techniques, take home a loaf and starter, and enjoy a latte in a cozy bakeshop kitchen in Wilmington.

• Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla – See decorated boats cruise the Intracoastal Waterway from Snows Cut to the Carolina Beach Boat Basin and back in a festive flotilla competition.

• Holidays on Water Drone Show – Catch a choreographed holiday drone light show over the water along the Wilmington Riverwalk, part of a Saturday series through December.

Sunday 12/7

• Old Wilmington by Candlelight Tour – Tour more than a dozen historic homes and churches decorated for the holidays on a walking tour supporting the Lower Cape Fear Historical Society, beginning at Latimer House and other downtown sites.

• Pilates, Ponies, & Hot Peppermint Cocoa – Enjoy a pilates class, meet-and-greet with a senior rescue herd, and hot peppermint cocoa while exploring Egret Paradise in south Wilmington.

• Tara Nicole’s Christmas Drag Brunch – Celebrate the season with a Christmas-themed drag brunch featuring Tara Nicole and friends at The Eagles Dare, with snacks included.

• Christmas Cookie Bake-Off – Taste holiday cookies, vote for your favorite, and compete for a gift certificate at MOBA (Museum of Modern Beer Art) in Leland.

• City of Wilmington's Holiday Parade – Watch lighted floats and community groups parade through downtown Wilmington from North Front & Walnut to Church Street.

Monday 12/15

• Photos at Santa's Workshop Pet Friendly Day – Bring your pets for special photo opportunities with Santa at his workshop at The Element by Westin at Mayfaire, with letters to Santa and holiday fun.

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.

12/5-12/13 Glide into the holiday season at Southport’s first-ever Pop-Up Ice Skating experience, which will transform the Fort Johnston Tennis Courts into a winter wonderland from Friday, December 5, through Saturday, December 13. Open to all ages for festive fun, skaters can enjoy the ice for a $15 admission fee which includes skate rental.

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!

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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