Events, things to do and what’s going on Wilmington, NC

Well, it’s December and it can no longer be denied or ignored: The holidays are upon us.

This weekend in Wilmington, that means we’re packed to the gills with Christmas-themed events and performances, even a Nutcracker or two. Plus, we’ve got comedy, film screenings, a range of concerts and at least two parades you’re going to want to know about. Let’s get into it.

If you’re looking to plan out past this weekend, be sure to check our near-comprehensive list of holiday events, concerts and performances, as well as our look at holiday flotillas in the Wilmington area.

ALL WEEKEND

Old Wilmington by Candlelight

Dec. 6-7, downtown Wilmington: This annual tour put on by the Lower Cape Fear Historical Society has been running for more than 50 years. Luminaries mark the paths to more than a dozen historic downtown homes, churches and public buildings that have been decorated for the season. 4-8 p.m. Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $50, and are good for both days.

‘Greetings’

Dec. 4-21 at Brunswick Little Theatre: Southport theater company presents a heart-warming comedy about a young man from a Catholic family who brings his Jewish atheist fiancé home to meet the folks on Christmas Eve. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4-6, 12-13 and 19, 3 p.m. Dec. 7, 14 and 20-21. Tickets are sold out online but may be available in person at Ricky Evans Gallery in Southport.

Ballet for Young Audiences: ‘The Nutcracker’

Dec. 5-6 at Thalian Hall: New York City dance company has been coming to Wilmington for years now. The abbreviated story of young Clara’s magical adventures in a mysterious realm is perfect for a child’s first experience watching ballet. 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. Saturday. 910-632-2285.

Wilmington City Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’

Dec. 6-7 at CFCC Wilson Center: Wilmington’s City Ballet has been staging its annual performance of “The Nutcracker” locally since 2011, featuring extravagant costumes and a live orchestra, joined this year by the voices of the Cape Fear Chorale. 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets start at $23.

Thalian Hall Cinema

Dec. 3-6 at Thalian Hall: A trio of movies screen at downtown’s most historic theater this weekend, two of them suitable for the season. New release “It Was Just an Accident” from Iranian writer/director Jafar Panahi won the Palme d’Or at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival and screens Dec. 3-5. It’s a moral thriller about a man trying to figure out whether a new acquaintance is the guard who tortured him in prison. Family favorite “A Christmas Story” screens Dec. 4-6 and horror classic “Black Christmas” screens Dec. 5-6. For times and tickets, go to ThalianHall.org or call 910-632-2285.

Langston Kerman

Dec. 5-6 at Dead Crow Comedy Room: Actor, writer and comic Kerman hails from L.A. and has a long list of TV credits, including “Bust Down” on Peacock and “Bless This Mess” on ABC. On stage, a recent appearance at Montreal’s Just For Laughs Festival had him riffing on the travails of domestic life. 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, tickets are $25 and $36.

FRIDAY

MT Bottles

Dec. 5 at Live at Ted’s: A well-known figure on Wilmington’s comedy and trivia scenes, MT Bottles brings his laid-back style and very funny material about parenting, living in the Port City and other topics to this Castle Street listening room, which only rarely hosts stand-up comics. 8 p.m. Friday, tickets are $15.

‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’

Dec. 5 at CFCC Wilson Center: Cape Fear Community College’s Department of Fine and Performing Arts presents its annual production of this musical stage show based on the beloved Peanuts TV special. 7 p.m. Friday, tickets start at $19.

Tercel

Dec. 5 at MC Erny Gallery: EP release show for Wilmington punk and rock band whose socially conscious songs can range from raucously rowdy to delicately introspective. Tercel’s self-titled EP on Wilmington’s Fort Lowell Records drops Dec. 5. 7 p.m. Friday, tickets by emailing [email protected] or at 910-343-1640, ext. 203.

Carolina Beach Christmas Parade

Dec. 5 at Carolina Beach: Community floats, marching bands, area dignitaries, first responders and more at this annual parade, which also includes candy for the kids and, of course, Santa Claus. Parade runs from Carolina Beach Lake north to Publix. 7 p.m. Friday.

SATURDAY

Jingle & Joy Gala

Dec. 6 at Aloft Wilmington at the Coastline Center: The Cape Fear Festival of Trees is on pause this year due to planned renovations at the N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher. The Jingle & Joy Gala will serve as a fundraiser for the festival’s longtime beneficiary, Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Foundation. 6-10 p.m. Saturday, tickets at 910-796-7921.

Holidays on Water drone show

Dec. 6, 13, 20 and 27, downtown Wilmington: Tradition that started last year is expanded for 2025. Holiday-themed drone shows will take place downtown over the Cape Fear River every Saturday in December. Shows starts at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

Pleasure Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla

Dec. 6 in Carolina Beach: Fishing boats and pleasure craft decorated for the season will float down the Intracoastal Waterway between Snows Cut and the Carolina Beach Yacht Basin (the latter location is where the biggest crowds tend to gather). Judges pick the winners, and there’s also a People’s Choice Award. 6 p.m. Saturday. Details at PleasureIslandOfLights.com.

TopHouse

Dec. 6 at Bowstring Burgers & Brewyard: Well-regarding Nashville rock and bluegrass act brings its blend of boot-stompers and ballads to this Soda Pop District hotspot. 7 p.m. Saturday, tickets start at $33.

Narah and Lawn Enforcement

Dec. 6 at The Palm Room: Wilmington rock acts Narah and Lawn Enforcement, along with a band named Attach, will play a benefit show at this Wrightsville Beach venue. 9 p.m. Saturday, $10.

SUNDAY

Wilmington Holiday Parade

Dec. 7, downtown Wilmington: It’s the 22nd year for this Parade, which draws a big crowd along its Front Street route. Area dignitaries, community groups and first responders all appear, capped off by Santa Claus riding atop a Wilmington Fire Department truck. 6-9 p.m. Sunday.