Event Calendar Nov-Dec 2024

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

Cameron Arts Museum (CAM)

cameronartmuseum.org

Veterans Creative Arts Program, Nov 2

Jazz @ CAM: Danny Janklow Quartet, Nov 7

Kids at CAM, Nov 9

Gallery Talk with Cedric Harrison, Nov 9

CAMMADE Holiday Market, Nov 9

Mary’s Art Explores, Nov 14

Close to Home Gala, Nov 16

CAM After Dark, Nov 21

Materials in Contemporary Art, Nov 24

Jazz @ CAM: Shana Tucker, Dec 5

Thalian Hall

Thalianhall.org

Some Enchanted Eveing, Nov 3

MJ, The Illusion, Nov 8

Miss North Carolina Pageant, Nov 10

The Magic of Jeki Yoo, Nov 14

American Ballet Theatre Studio Company, Nov 17

Cucalorus 30, Nov 20-24

Who Brought the Humbug?, Dec 3

Celtic Angels Christmas, Dec 5

It’s a Wonderful Life, Dec 23

Ballet for Young Audiences: The Nutcracker, Dec 6-7

White Christmas, Dec 13-22

New Year’s Eve Gala, Dec 31

The Wilson Center at CFCC

Wilsoncentertickets.com

Stomp, Nov 2

Black Violin, Nov 7

Rachmaninoff Dances + Mozart Jupiter, Nov 9

Whose Live Anyway?, Nov 10

Nikki Glaser, Nov 14-15

Rudoph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, Nov 16

Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 3, Nov 17

Mannheim Steamroller, Nov 21

HADESTOWN, Nov 36-27

Tis the Season for Singing, Dec 5

The Nutcracker, Dec 7-8

Holiday Pops, Dec 10

A Magical Cirque Christmas, Dec 11

The Nutcracker ft Dara Holmes, Dec 14-15

Ain’t Too Proud, Dec 17-19

Holiday Open House
Nov 2
This holiday-themed open house, possibly offering festive decorations and activities based on the cozy, decorated setting visible in the image.

Wilmington Fur Ball 
Nov 2
A glamorous black-tie event featuring passed hors d’oeuvres, food stations, an open bar, silent and live auctions, and dancing to music by Chocolate Chip & Company.

Tabletop Christmas Tree Auction (Hannah Block Historic USO Building)
Nov 4
Support the Community Arts Center through creativity and Christmas spirit while contributing to the online auction. 

Fall Mystery Corn Maze
Oct 9-Nov 3 (Wed-Sun)
Trask Family Farms
Admission: $10-12 | 11am-6pm
Solve puzzles in four miles of corn maze trails! Older kids can help crack the case of Missing Farmer Joe, while younger kids enjoy their own game. Wander through the pumpkin patch, pick fresh flowers, and enjoy hayrides and ice cream. Perfect for fall fun!

Veteran's Day Celebration
Nov 8
Hannah Block Historic USO
Admission: $25 | 7:30-10pm
Relive the 1940s with a live USO Variety Show and Swing Dance. The night starts with a complimentary swing dance lesson, followed by a lively show and dance to a live orchestra. Wine and beer available for purchase.

Festival Latino
Nov 9-10
Ogden Park
Free Admission | 11am-6pm
Celebrate Latin American culture with food, live music, dance lessons, and family-friendly activities. Enjoy a variety of delicious dishes from Latin America and explore the vibrant Kids Fiesta Area. Check social media for updates.

Veterans Parade & Celebration
Nov 9
N Third St, Wilmington
Free Admission | 11am
Honor veterans at Wilmington’s Southeast NC Veterans Parade, featuring marching bands and various groups. Celebrate after the parade with live music and food. Check social media for route details.

Divine + Delectable Dessert Fest
Nov 10
Waterline Brewing Co.
Free Admission | 12-4pm
Satisfy your sweet tooth with delicious desserts from local bakeries, food trucks, and vendors. Vegan, gluten-free, and sugar-free options available. Enjoy your treats on-site or take them home—perfect for a Sunday dessert indulgence!

Kure Beach Holiday Market
Nov 23 & 30
Kure Beach Ocean Front Park
Free Admission | 9am-3pm
Get into the holiday spirit at this oceanfront market featuring handcrafted items from local artisans. Browse while enjoying ocean views, food trucks, and live DJ music. Start your holiday shopping coastal-style!

Wrightsville Beach Turkey Trot
Nov 28
The Loop at Wrightsville Beach
Free for Spectators | 8-9:30am
Kick off Thanksgiving with a festive 5K or 1-Mile Run/Walk. Don your best turkey costume, run the scenic Loop, and enjoy prizes and fun! Check the website for registration and past photos.

Christmas Train & Light Spectacular
Nov 29
Wilmington Railroad Museum
Admission: $5 | 6:30-8pm
Experience a winter wonderland with over 35,000 twinkling lights at the museum. Enjoy holiday animations, model train displays, and a visit from Santa. A fun holiday event for all ages!

Downtown Wilmington Holiday Tree Lighting
Nov 29
Downtown Wilmington
Free Admission | 5:30-7pm
Join the festive fun at Wilmington’s annual tree lighting. Enjoy live entertainment and a countdown to the tree lighting at 6:25pm. Afterward, visit Santa and stroll through downtown shops and restaurants to kick off the holiday season.

Island of Lights: Lighting at the Lake
Nov 29
Carolina Beach Lake Park
Free Admission | 7pm
Start the holiday season with the Island of Lights celebration. Featuring live music, a lighting ceremony, and festive light displays around the lake, this event offers a magical evening. Santa will also be there for holiday wishes.

Merry & Bright Holiday of Lights
Nov 29-Dec 21 (Thur-Sun)
Poplar Grove Plantation
Admission: $10+ | 5-9:45pm
Get into the holiday spirit at Poplar Grove's magical light display, featuring arts and crafts vendors, fire pits, live music, and marshmallow roasting. Select dog-friendly nights and visits with Santa make it a family affair. Discounted tickets available if purchased by Nov 1st.

Carolina Beach Christmas Parade
Dec 6
Atlanta Ave & Lake Park Blvd
Free Admission | 7-9pm
Celebrate the holiday season at the annual Carolina Beach Christmas Parade, featuring festive floats, marching bands, and a special appearance by Santa Claus. Perfect for a night of family fun and holiday cheer!

Carolina Beach Holiday Market
Dec 7
Carolina Beach Lake Park
Free Admission | 9am-3pm
Solve your holiday shopping dilemmas at this island-style market featuring handmade arts and crafts. With over 100 vendors, you’ll find unique gifts for everyone on your list. Enjoy shopping local while taking in the festive atmosphere.

Historic Wilmington Half Marathon, 5K, 10K & Challenge
Dec 7
Riverfront Park
Free for Spectators | 7am Start
Watch as runners race through historic Wilmington, crossing scenic bridges and finishing along the beautiful Riverwalk. Runners can tackle the Half Marathon, 5K, 10K, or try the ultimate challenge—finishing both the Half Marathon and 5K within 60 minutes.

Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla
Dec 7
Carolina Beach Boat Basin
Free Admission | 6pm
Watch boats adorned with thousands of lights parade along the Intracoastal Waterway. Competing for prizes, these festive watercrafts light up the night as they cruise from Snows Cut to the Carolina Beach Boat Basin.

Day Holiday Market & Night Colonial Christmas Open House
Dec 14
Burgwin-Wright House
Admission: Donations Welcome | 9am-9pm
Browse the holiday market in the historic Burgwin-Wright gardens, and later, enjoy a festive Colonial Christmas Open House, showcasing the house's beautiful 1700s holiday decor. Free evening admission.

Nights of Lights Holiday Open House
Dec 19-21
Bellamy Mansion
Free Admission | 5-8pm
Explore the Bellamy Mansion’s lush Victorian holiday decorations, including festively adorned trees and mantels. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the mansion and original slave quarters, both brimming with Christmas splendor. Donations gladly accepted.

New Year's Noon
Dec 31
Children's Museum of Wilmington
Admission: $10 | 9am-12pm
Ring in 2025 early with a kid-approved New Year’s celebration. Enjoy crafting crowns, making slime, and a juice toast, ending with an epic confetti toss at noon! Be sure to get your tickets in advance, as this event sells out quickly.