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

MUSIC + SHOWS

Cameron Arts Museum (CAM)
cameronartmuseum.org

Floating Lantern Ceremony January 5

Jazz@CAM: Kevin Beardsely Trio January 9

Tift Merritt in Concert January 16

Kids at CAM January 19

CAM after dark January 23

Rising Stars opening February 1

Elisabeth Chant opening night February 6

Contemporary Dance in Four Walls February 8

Thalian Hall
Thalianhall.org

Cabaret January 2-12

Mike Wiley Productions’ Breach of Peace January 16

The Adventures of Bonnie Reed, Queen of the Pirate Ants January 25

Lived in Bodies: Art by Virginia Wright-Frierson January 26

NY Gilbert & Sullivan Players January 31

A Few Good Men February 7-16

Ian Sherwood February 13

Ain’t Misbehavin’ February 20-March 2

The Wilson Center at CFCC
Wilsoncentertickets.com

Jay Leno January 9

Dear Evan Hansen January 17-18

The Magic of Music January 26

Ginuwine & Montell Jordan February 7

Saint-Saëns Concerto No. 1 February 8

Riverdance 30 February 15-16

Aluminum Show February 19

Chris Janson February 20

Chris Botti February 22

George Thorogood and The Destroyers February 26

Alton Brown: Live Feb 27

UNCW Kenan Auditorium"
uncw.edu

Beckwith Recital Series presents Southern Harmonie January 18

Donna the Buffalo January 25

Chamber Music Wilmington presents Simone Dinnerstein January 26

Hot Tuna January 31

Port City Ballet Theater presents A Midwinter’s Dream February 2

Garrison Keillor Tonight! February 8

Romeo and Juliet February 13

Caterina Jarboro Memorial Recital February 14

Wilmington Symphonic Winds February 16

Judy Collins February 17

National Geographic Live presents Diving the Great Barrier Reef February 21

Delfeayo Marsalis and the Uptown Jazz Orchestra February 28

Events

January 1 10th Annual Plunging into the New Year
Oceanic Restaurant - Crystal Pier
Celebrate the New Year with a refreshing plunge into the Atlantic Ocean at Wrightsville Beach, Accesses #36 and #37. Cheer on participants from the sandy shore or Crystal Pier. After the plunge, join the fun with a $10 registration for the after-party. Start your year with excitement and adventure!

January 1 First Day Hike
Carolina Beach State Park
Kick off the New Year with a two-mile hike along the scenic Sugarloaf Trail. Meet at the marina for this ranger-led adventure to Sugarloaf Dune. Bring water, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes for this family-friendly trek through nature's beauty.

January 4 Wilmington Farmers Market at Tidal Creek
Tidal Creek Co-Op Market
Enjoy a producer-only market every Saturday featuring fresh local produce, meats, seafood, handmade gifts, and more. Located midway between Historic Downtown and Wrightsville Beach, this vibrant market includes chef demos, live music, and a community-driven shopping experience.

January 18 Anniversary of the Battle of Fort Fisher
Fort Fisher State Historic Site
Commemorate the 160th Anniversary of the Second Battle of Fort Fisher with living history demonstrations, musket and cannon firings, reenactments, and a tour of restored earthworks. This family-friendly event offers a vivid glimpse into a pivotal Civil War moment.

January 24 Fourth Friday Gallery Nights
Wilmington
Immerse yourself in Wilmington’s art scene during this monthly event. Stroll through galleries showcasing a variety of artistic genres, meet featured artists, and enjoy a self-guided tour. Maps are available at participating locations, making it a perfect cultural outing.

January 30  East Coast Shag Classic
Lumina on Wrightsville Beach, Holiday Inn Resort
Celebrate a weekend of beach music with live performances by Band of Oz, Jim Quick & Coastline Band, and more. Enjoy mixers, dance lessons, and a Sunday Gospel Devotion. Plan ahead—this event sells out quickly!

February 1 Johnnie Mercers Pier Dogfish Classic
Johnnie Mercers Pier
Join this beloved catch-and-release fishing tournament offering cash prizes and family-friendly fun. Participants and spectators alike enjoy the excitement, capped with a post-tournament celebration and awards ceremony.

February 21 Diving the Great Barrier Reef: National Geographic
UNCW Kenan Auditorium
Dive into an immersive cinematic journey exploring Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. This 360-degree film showcases its stunning biodiversity and the threats it faces from climate change. Learn how coral reefs are transforming and how you can help. Tickets start at $25, with discounts available. The show begins at 7:30pm, and advance purchase is recommended.

February 22 Tidewater Camellia Club Show & Sale
New Hanover County Arboretum
Delight in the beauty of camellias during this annual event showcasing hundreds of blooms judged by experts. Enjoy guided tours, family-friendly activities, and camellia plants available for purchase. This celebration is a must for flower enthusiasts!