Event Calendar Nov-Dec 2025

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

MUSIC + SHOWS

The Wilson Center at CFCC
wilsoncentertickets.com
Il Divo, Nov 8
The Life & Music of George Michael, Nov 12
Mrs. Doubtfire, Nov 14-15
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas, Nov 20
Reggie Watts, Nov 23
RAIN, Nov 25-26
Season of Celebration, Dec 3
THE NUTCRACKER, Dec 6-7
Holiday Pops, Dec 11
The Nutrcracker, Dec 13-14
La Nueva Generacion, Dec 16
Michael Feinstein, Dec 18
Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert, Dec 20

Cameron Arts Museum (CAM)
cameronartsmuseum.org
Jazz at CAM, Nov 6, Dec 4
Veterans Celebration, Nov 8
CAMMADE Holiday Market, Nov 15

Thalian Hall
thalianhall.org
Minnie Evans: Draw or Die, Nov 7
Orion’s Choice, Nov 7-16
Noise: The Musical, Nov 12
Electric Avenue, Nov 13
Very Merry Christmas, Nov 28-30
A Christmas Carol, Dec 1
Sean Heely’s A Celtic Christmas, Dec 4
Ballet for Young Audiences: The Nutcracker, Dec 5-6
Ebenezer! A Musical Christmas Carol, Dec 12-21
It’s a Wonderful Life, Dec 22
New Year’s Eve Gala, Dec 31

UNCW Kenana Auditorium 
uncw.edu
Tab Benoit, Nov 9
The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight, Nov 10
NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet, Nov 12
The Play that Goes Wrong, Nov 13
Beckwith Recital Series presents Argus String Quartet, Nov 16
Cape Fear Chorale presents Mass in Troubles Times, Nov 16
Rocky Mountain Hight Experience, Nov 20
Campana sobre Campana, Nov 21
UNCW Jazz Ensemble, Nov 21
Wilmington Symphony Youth Orchestras, Nov 23
Chamber Music Wilmington, Nov 23
The JOHNNYSWIM Christmas Show, Dec 11

EVENTS

November 6, 2025 – NC Combo State Tennis Championships
Althea Gibson Tennis Complex at Empie Park & Other Locations
Watch top players compete in the USTA Combo Doubles State Championships. Hosted by the Greater Wilmington Tennis Association, this invitational event crowns state champions advancing to regionals. Free for spectators.

NNovemberv 7-9, 2025 - 2025 NCWN Fall Conference to Celebrate 40 Years of North Carolina’s Literary Community
Wrightsville Beach
Weekend features workshops in fiction, poetry, and nonfiction, plus readings, networking, and anniversary events honoring four decades of literary community. Keynote speaker Ben Fountain joins faculty including Therese Ann Fowler and Clyde Edgerton. Open to all writers, the conference offers Master Classes and agent meetings. Learn more and register at ncwriters.org.

November 7–9, 2025 – Carolina Pro-Am SUP Surf
Wrightsville Beach near Crystal Pier
Watch top standup paddle surfers compete in one of the East Coast’s premier SUP surf events. Enjoy thrilling heats, beachside energy, and meet-and-greets with athletes. Free for spectators.

November 7, 2025 – Veteran’s Day Celebration
Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center
Step back to the 1940s with a live USO Variety Show, swing dance lessons, and live orchestra music. Enjoy drinks, dancing, and vintage fun in this festive tribute to veterans.

November 8–9, 2025 – 25th Anniversary Festival Latino
Ogden Park
Celebrate Latin American culture with live music, food, dance lessons, and family fun. Enjoy performances, a kids’ fiesta, and an array of international foods. 

November 8, 2025 – A250th: The Fight for Citizenship
US Colored Troops (USCT) Park
Honor the U.S. Colored Troops with living history reenactments, performances, and educational programming. Enjoy food, music, storytelling, and free museum admission. 

November 8, 2025 – Veterans Parade & Celebration
North Third Street, Downtown Wilmington
Salute local heroes at Wilmington’s annual Veterans Parade, featuring bands, floats, and community groups. Festivities continue with a celebration at Third and Red Cross streets. 

November 20-21 and December 18-21 – Enchanting Secret Wine Garden
Perennial Harbor
Unwind in this hidden garden oasis featuring wine, food trucks, live music, and workshops on plants and blooms. Open one long weekend each month in the Soda Pop District. 

November 15, 2025 – A250th: Holiday Market at Burgwin-Wright House
Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens
Shop from 30+ local vendors offering art, crafts, and books in the historic gardens. Enjoy festive shopping and explore the museum, jail, and art gallery. Free market entry; donations welcome.

November 15, 2025 – Reindeer Games PDGA Pro/Am
Trinity Disc Golf Course
Kick off the holidays with a festive disc golf tournament for all levels—beginner to pro. Watch the action or play, then explore nearby restaurants and breweries. 

November 16, 2025 – Divine + Delectable Dessert Fest
Waterline Brewing Co.
Treat yourself to the city’s sweetest event featuring desserts, food trucks, and drinks at Waterline Brewing. Enjoy vegan, gluten-free, and sugar-free options. 

November 21, 2025 – Water Street Evening Market
Wilmington Riverwalk
Shop and stroll the Riverwalk at this lively evening market featuring local vendors, food trucks, and entertainment. Enjoy unique finds and riverside views. 

November 28, 2025 – Downtown Wilmington Holiday Tree Lighting
Wilmington Riverwalk
Celebrate the season at Wilmington’s annual Holiday Tree Lighting along the Riverwalk. Festivities begin with live entertainment at 5:30 p.m., followed by
the big countdown at 6:25 p.m. and Santa’s arrival. 

November 22–29, 2025 – Kure Beach Holiday Market
Kure Beach Ocean Front Park
Shop oceanfront while supporting local artisans at this festive market. Enjoy handcrafted gifts, food trucks, and DJ entertainment—all with a stunning beach backdrop. 

November 28, 2025 – Enchanted Airlie
Airlie Gardens
Wander through Airlie Gardens’ dazzling light displays, festive flowers, and holiday music. A Wilmington favorite that sells out fast—tickets required in advance. A perfect family holiday tradition.

November 28, 2025 – Island of Lights: Lighting at the Lake
Carolina Beach Lake Park & Boardwalk
Celebrate the season as Carolina Beach Lake lights up with dazzling displays and a visit from Santa. Walk the glowing mile-long path and snap photos. 

November 29, 2025 – NC Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach
Intracoastal Waterway / Banks Channel
Celebrate coastal Christmas with a day of festivities featuring 100+ vendors, food, and kids’ activities. The evening Flotilla boat parade and fireworks light up the night. 

December 1–24, 2025 – Holiday Pop-Up: Christmas Carol’s
Beer Barrio
Step into Beer Barrio’s Christmas Carol’s pop-up for festive décor, cookies, and seasonal drinks. Enjoy cozy holiday vibes and sweet treats upstairs all December. Reservations required.

December 5, 2025 – Carolina Beach Christmas Parade
Atlanta Avenue to Federal Point Shopping Center
Enjoy floats, bands, and Santa at this beloved evening parade down Lake Park Boulevard. Free family fun and festive cheer fill the streets of Carolina Beach.

December 6, 2025 – Historic Wilmington Half Marathon, 5K & 10K
Riverfront Park, Downtown Wilmington
Watch runners race across bridges and through downtown Wilmington in this scenic, award-winning event. 

December 6–27, 2025 – Holidays on Water Drone Show
Wilmington Riverwalk
Marvel at 100 synchronized drones lighting the sky with festive holiday designs over the river. Free to attend—bundle up and enjoy this dazzling 15-minute show weekly on Saturdays.

December 6, 2025 – Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla
Carolina Beach Boat Basin to Snow’s Cut
Boats decked in sparkling lights cruise the Intracoastal Waterway in this festive parade. Enjoy waterfront views, holiday music, and a coastal Christmas tradition. 

December 6–7 – The Old Wilmington by Candlelight Tour
Latimer House Museum 
Enjoy a self-guided walk through downtown’s most beautiful private homes and historic sites, decked out for the holidays. Proceeds support The Lower Cape Fear Historical Society and the preservation of the Latimer House Museum and Archives. 

December 7, 2025 – One Day Holiday Market at the BAC
Brooklyn Arts Center + The Annex
Shop from local vendors offering gifts, crafts, and treats at this lively one-day holiday market. Enjoy cocktails, coffee, and food trucks in a festive setting.
$5 admission.

December 19, 2025 – Kure Beach Holiday Whoobie Whatty
Kure Beach Ocean Front Park & Pavilion
Celebrate with a Grinch-themed evening featuring crafts, cookie decorating, and photos with the Grinch. Enjoy a movie screening and festive fun for all ages. 

December 31, 2025 – New Year’s Noon
Children’s Museum of Wilmington
Celebrate New Year’s early with crafts, slime-making, and a confetti toss at noon. Perfect for families with young children. Tickets required; sells out fast.

December 31, 2025 – New Year’s Eve Pier Party
Carolina Beach Pier
Ring in 2026 oceanfront with fireworks, drinks, and live music at the Carolina Beach Pier. Celebrate coastal style until 1 a.m.