Wilmington NC Events Nov-Dec 2013

Event Calendar Looking to fill your social calendar? We've got the rundown on what to do this holiday season.

Riverfront Farmers' Market
Nov 1 - Dec 21

A weekly market held on Saturdays along the riverfront in the historic downtown river district. Market features local farmers, producers, artists and crafters. Products include fresh fruits, vegetables, plants, flowers, cheeses, meats, seafood, baked goods, jams and jellies, wine, art, crafts and more. 8am-1pm. 910-538-6223. facebook.com/riverfrontfarmersmarket

Cape Fear Fair and Expo
Nov 1 - Nov 10

Since 1964 this country fair has been bringing friends and family together to celebrate the start of a new season. Enjoy the celebration in Wilmington with food, animal exhibits and competitions, horticultural contests, amusement rides, children's activities, family fun and live entertainment. Held at the Wilmington International Airport. 910-313-1234, capefearfair.com.

Cape Fear Academy Holiday Market
Nov 14 - 16

Market will feature over 12,000 square feet and 60 distinctive vendors selling jewelry, home decor, gift items, clothing, accessories, children's items, and food. A small market of fine art will also be offered. Sip N Shop Preview Party will be held on Thursday, November 14, 6-9 p.m. Must be 21 years old to attend party. Cape Fear Academy. Fri 10am-8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-5pm. 910-791-0287, market.capefearacademy.org.

Beach Soccer Classic
Nov 16 - 17

Cape Fear Soccer Club is please to host the 5th Annual Beach Soccer Classic. The tournament is open to all U10-U18 Boys and Girls (Boys up to U15) Club teams that regularly participate in challenge, classic and premier league play. 910-392-0306, soccer.sincsports.com.

NC Surf to Sound Challenge
Nov 16 - 17

Join the Blockade Runner Beach Resort for the Third Annual NC Surf to Sound Challenge. Attracting more than one hundred paddlers from across the globe including pro's like Elite race winner Larry Cain, this paddleboard event is quickly becoming one of the premier events on the East Coast. Come brave the Atlantic, battle through Masonboro Inlet and navigate the channel behind Masonboro Island. Intermediate paddlers can compete in a flat-water course around Harbor Island and there will also be a waterman's expo at the race site from noon to 6pm. Blockade Runner, 9am. 910-256-2251, distressedmullet.com/events/nc-surf-sound-challenge.

The Holiday Flea at the BAC
Nov 22 - 24

Renowned as the "ultimate vintage flea" and attended by more than 1,000 shoppers and dozens of vintage vendors from around the region, Wide array of vintage, retro, and up-cycled treasures. Wilmington's finest food trucks feed the crowds, the great Grinder's Caffe coffee shop in the courtyard. Brooklyn Arts Center. Times vary. 910-616-9882, brooklynartsnc.com.

Susan Werner: The Hayseed Project
Nov 23

One of Thalian Hall's most requested and beloved repeat performers, this brilliantly creative singer/songwriter likely holds the world speed record for building rapport with an entranced audience. Performing new songs from her upcoming album, The Hayseed Project, this will be a night to remember. Thalian Hall. Prices vary. 8pm. 910-632-2241, thalianhall.org.

Tidewater Camellia Club Fall Display Show & Sale
Nov 23

Enjoy this beautiful local flower as camellia exhibitors will display hundreds of award winning blooms. There will be education displays and camellia care demonstrations to help answer any camellia growing questions you may have. Don't miss out on your chance to purchase award winning camellias. New Hanover County Arboretum. 12-4pm. 910-393-1803, tidewatercamelliaclub.org.

Turkey Trot
Nov 28

The 9th annual Turkey Trot includes a 5K timed run or a 1 mile walk around the beautiful Wrightsville Beach Loop. There will be prizes, food and fun for everyone this Thanksgiving Day. Children 10 and under are Free, but in order to be timed they must be registered and pay as an adult. Wrightsville Beach Park. 7:30am. 910-762-4744, ext. 113. capefearhabitat.org.

30th Annual NC Holiday Flotilla
Nov 29 - 30

The celebration will kick off Friday night at 7pm with the Atlantic Marine Holiday Launch Party at the Blockade Runner Beach Resort. Includes heavy hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar, and live music by The Craig Woolard Band. The fun continues Saturday at Wrightsville Beach Park from 10am-4pm with the Festival in the Park, including a large play area for children including several inflatable slides and bounce houses, a coloring contest, the always popular Arab Choo Choo, festival food, an antique car show, over 100 arts and craft vendors, and more. The lighted boat parade begins at 6pm and is followed by one of the best fireworks shows in the southeast at 7:30pm. Tickets $25. 910-256-2120. ncholidayflotilla.org.

Cape Fear Festival of Trees
Nov 29 - Dec 8

The 25 plus year historic Festival of Trees will be hosted at the Cameron Art Museum and serves as the jewel box backdrop to 25 sponsored trees. The perfect way to kick off your holiday celebration. Cameron Art Museum. 910-395-5999, capefearfestivaloftrees.org.

Christmas by the Sea
Nov 29 - 30, Dec 7, 14, & 21

The Boardwalk area will be decorated and lit up each and every night during the holiday season. Visit the Boardwalk on November 30 and December 7, 14 & 21 when the area will host many activities including Santa at the Welcome Center, fire pit with storytelling, hot chocolate at the Welcome Center, live nativity scene, caroling, holiday themed movies at the Gazebo, puppet shows and an arts & crafts area with ornament making activities for kids. Carolina Beach Boardwalk. 6:30-8:30pm. 910-470-2024, facebook.com/xmasbythesea.

Enchanted Airlie
Nov 29 - 30, Dec 5 - 7, 12 - 14, 18 - 22

Bring the whole family together to share in the joy of the season. Stroll through the gardens, enjoy the beautiful holiday flowers, festive lights, live musical entertainment, and a display of a large garden model train running for your enjoyment. Voted one of the Southeast Tourism Society's Top 20 Events for 2012. Tickets must be pre-purchased. No tickets are available at the gate. Airlie Gardens. 5-7pm and 7-9pm. 910-798-7700, airliegardens.org.

Christmas Tree Lighting in Riverfront Park
Nov 29

Features music and caroling, a visit with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, and the lighting of the Christmas tree on the Riverfront. Enjoy music, a holiday marketplace, and warm refreshments. Get into the spirit and stroll among the shops and restaurants to kick off the holiday season. Riverfront Park. 5:30pm. 910-254-0907, dbawilmington.org.

Wilmington Christmas Arts & Crafts Show
Nov 30 - Dec 1

This holiday show is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. Wide array of exceptional fine art with traditional and contemporary fine crafts. Artist offerings include paintings, spectacular photography, classic sculpture, new and exciting mixed media, jewelry, metal, woodcraft, glass, funky and functional pottery and fabulous fiber art. Wilmington Convention Center. 10am-5pm. $6. 910-251-5101, holidayartshows.com.

Turkey Trot 4-Mile Trail Run
Nov 30

Come join the festive Turkey Trot, a 4 mile run/walk through beautiful Carolina Beach State Park. Runners proceed on paved road and then enter well marked trails through pine forest and over wooden footbridges. Water will be available at the start and finish and, after your done, relax with an all you can eat hot breakfast buffett. The first male and female finishers will even receive two night oceanfront accommodations at the Golden Sands Hotel. Carolina Beach State Park Marina. 9am. wilmingtonroadrunners.org.

Polar Express Holiday Show
Dec 7 - 8, 14 - 15, 21 - 22

In its 10th year of spreading holiday cheer, enjoy the telling of this wonderful holiday classic, followed by a visit from Santa. Afterwards, enjoy cookies, a special "first gift" and sip some cocoa. This popular family show is a great touch to the season and features on-air personalities from WWAY-TV3. Wilmington Railroad Museum. Shows at 4:30pm and 5:30pm. $5. 910-763-2634, wilmingtonrailroadmuseum.org.

Kure Beach Fantasy Christmas Show
Dec 13 - 15

Come and see this Kure Beach tradition. Enjoy Frosty and his penguin friend, Harriet Hippo, The Grinch, Cookie Monster, the dancing bears, along with Santa Claus and crazy elves, as they entertain you with song, dance and their zany antics. Dress warm because it always snows at the show. Downtown Kure Beach. 7pm. 910-458-8216, townofkurebeach.org.

Island of Lights Holiday Tour of Homes
Dec 14

Take a self-guided tour through some of Pleasure Island's most beautiful homes when they are decorated for the holidays. Enjoy Southern hospitality at its best as the owners welcome you into the privacy of their homes for this special holiday treat. Pleasure Island. 4-9pm. 910-458-5006, islandoflights.org.

A Christmas Stroll Through the Past
Dec 14

The Burgwin-Wright House and Bellamy Mansion Museum host a festive holiday evening filled with music, dancing, costumes, refreshments and more. Go back in time for an old-fashioned Christmas fun for the whole family. Both historic houses, decorated beautifully for the holidays offer much and enjoy a trolley ride or a candlelit stroll through downtown Wilmington as you go from one to the other. Bellamy Mansion. 5-8pm. 910-251-3700, bellamymansion.org.

Island of Lights New Year's Eve Countdown
Dec 31

The New Year's Celebration will be held near the Gazebo at the Boardwalk in Carolina Beach. Don't miss the giant lighted beach ball being dropped at midnight followed by a spectacular fireworks demonstration. This family-friendly event will feature a DJ and dancing with refreshments and party favors. There will be a raffle, with the winner taking home the original artwork for the Island of Lights 2013 official Christmas card and ornament. Carolina Beach Boardwalk. 9pm. islandoflights.org.

New Year's Eve Gala
Dec 31

Thalian Hall and City Stage present "Cabaret" for this year's New Year's Eve Gala, a dramatic and satirical production about young adults performing at the "Kit-Kat" Cabaret to achieve fame and riches. Enjoy the performance, dinner, dessert and open bar. Then get ready to ring in the New Year in one glorious night. Thalian Hall. 7pm - 1am. $125, includes dinner, drinks, dessert, live production, champagne toast. 910-632-2285, thalianhall.org.