The Reveal: November  –  December

Our five highlights from this season’s calendar of events

Cape Fear Kite Festival
November 6–8, 2026  
Fort Fisher State Recreation Area
Look up as enormous kites in every imaginable shape and color take to the sky during the Cape Fear Kite Festival. The final event of the professional kite-flying season draws skilled flyers to the coast for a weekend of aerial displays, live music, food trucks and vendors. Festivities begin Friday with flying near Kure Beach Pier and an evening event in Carolina Beach before moving to Fort Fisher for the weekend. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome during the weekend festivities. Spectator admission is free.

Cucalorus Festival
November 19–22, 2026
Various venues, historic downtown Wilmington
Cucalorus brings independent film, live performance and creative conversations to downtown Wilmington for four days. Known for its unconventional approach and relaxed atmosphere, the festival presents films from around the world alongside dance, music, comedy and theater. Its Connect Conference adds panels and workshops focused on entrepreneurship and new ideas. Events take place at Jengo’s Playhouse and other venues throughout the city, giving audiences plenty of opportunities to explore something unexpected. Individual tickets and festival passes vary by event; consult the festival schedule for details.

Kure Beach Holiday Market
November 21, 2026
Kure Beach Ocean Front Park
Get an early start on holiday shopping with an ocean view at the Kure Beach Holiday Market. Local artists, makers and craftspeople fill Ocean Front Park with handmade gifts and one-of-a-kind finds, offering an alternative to the usual shopping rush. Browse booths, talk with the artisans behind the work and take a break to enjoy music from a DJ or grab something to eat from the food trucks. The market runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and admission is free.

NC Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach
November 28, 2026
Intracoastal Waterway and Banks Channel
Wrightsville Beach celebrates the holidays on the water with its annual NC Holiday Flotilla, a coastal tradition dating to 1983. The festivities begin with Friday’s town tree lighting, followed Saturday by a daytime festival featuring more than 100 arts and crafts vendors, food, an antique car show and activities for children. At 6 p.m., boats decked in holiday lights parade along Banks Channel, with fireworks to follow. Spectators can also vote for their favorite decorated vessels. 

Old Wilmington by Candlelight Tour
December 5–6, 2026
Step inside Wilmington’s past on a self-guided tour of private homes, historic buildings and houses of worship dressed for the holidays. A tradition for more than 50 years, the Old Wilmington by Candlelight Tour lets visitors explore downtown at their own pace, with docents sharing stories at each stop. A ticket includes admission on both days and a booklet with a map and descriptions of participating properties. Tours run Saturday from 4 to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Advance tickets are available.

MUSIC + SHOWS

The Wilson Center at CFCC

wilsoncentertickets.com

Spamalot, Nov 7-8

Machinal, Nov 12-13

Mary Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives, Nov 13

Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, Nov 14

Wilmington Symphony Orchestra, Nov 14-May 1

Blade Runner Live, Nov 15

Dance-a-lorus, Nov 19

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas, Nov 20

A Drag Queen Christmas, Nov 21

Sing We Now of Christmas, Dec 2

City Ballet’s The Nutcracker, Dec 5-6

WCFA’s The Nutcracker, Dec 12-13

Holiday Pops, Dec 16

Leslie Odom, Jr., Dec 17

Home Alone in Concert, Dec 19

Cameron Arts Museum (CAM)

cameronartsmuseum.org

Music at CAM: Rock Creek singers from the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington DC, Nov 5

Jazz at CAM: Yoland Rabun, Dec 3

Thalian Hall

thalianhall.org

Abbamania, Nov 5

US Fleet Forces Band Brass Quintet, Nov 6

American Ballet Theater Studio Company, Nov 12

The Drifters, Nov 14

Celtic Angels, Nov 30

Rhythm Street Movement’s WHO BROUGHT THE HUMBUG?, Dec 1

The Unauthorized Hallmark(ish) Parody Musical, Dec 3

Ballet for Young Audiences: The Nutcracker, Dec 4-5

It’s a Wonderful Life, Dec 21

New Year’s Eve Gala 2026, Dec 31

UNCW Kenana Auditorium 

uncw.edu

Beckwith Recital Series presents Megan Torti, Nov 1

Wilmington Symphonic Winds, Nov 1

National Geographic Live: Earth After Dark, Nov 6

ACE Big Show: An Evening with Trisha Paytas, Nov 7

An Evening with Lauren Collins, Nov 10

The Count Basie Orchestra, Nov 13

UNCW Jazz Combo, Nov 16

The Second City “Nut-Cracking Holiday Revue”, Nov 19

UNCW Big Band Concert, Nov 20

World Ballet Company: The Nutracker, Nov 21

Wilmington Symphony Youth Orchestras, Nov 22

UNCW Percussion Ensemble, Nov 23

OLLI New Horizons Band, Nov 30

UNCW Symphonic Band, Dec 4

Christmas with C.S. Lewis, Dec 13

EVENTS

November 6, 2026
Veterans Day Celebration
Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center
Enjoy a 1940s-style USO variety show, swing dancing and live orchestra music. A beginner dance lesson starts at 7 p.m.; tickets required.

November 6, 2026
Creative Castle First Friday
Participating businesses along Castle Street
Explore local art, live music and vendors during this free monthly art walk along Castle Street, from 5 to 9 p.m.

November 7, 2026
Annual Polish Festival
St. Stanislaus Church
Sample pierogi, kielbasa and Polish pastries while enjoying live music, children’s activities, crafts and raffles. Free admission.

November 7, 2026
Fall Feast: Autumn in the South
Canterbury Stables Venue
Taste signature dishes from 12 regional chefs, sip seasonal drinks and vote for the People’s Choice winner. Tickets required.

November 7, 2026
Veterans Parade & Celebration
North Third Street, downtown Wilmington
Honor veterans with marching bands, military units and community groups. The parade begins at 11 a.m., followed by a celebration at Third and Red Cross streets.

November 8–10, 2026
Out to Sea NC Seafood Festival
Seabird and other local venues
Explore North Carolina seafood through chef-led events, regional flavors and culinary experiences. Tickets and locations vary.

November 12, 2026
Enchanting Secret Wine Garden
Perennial Harbor
Relax in a garden setting with wine, food trucks, live music and plant-focused workshops. Dates and admission vary.

November 14–15, 2026
International Festival
Ogden Park
Celebrate cultures from around the world with live music, dance, international food, vendors and children’s activities. Free admission.

November 14, 2026
Taste of Wrightsville Beach
Bluewater Waterfront Grill parking lot
Sample dishes and drinks from area restaurants at this waterfront tasting event, complete with judges’ awards. Tickets required.

November 15, 2026
Battleship Half Marathon, 10K & 5K
Historic downtown Wilmington
Run or cheer as racers cross bridges, pass Battleship North Carolina and make their way through downtown.

November 20, 2026
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
The Wilson Center
Celebrate the season with Mannheim Steamroller’s signature holiday music and multimedia effects. Ticketed performances at 3 and 7:30 p.m.

November 21, 2026
Candlelight Tour
Moores Creek National Battlefield
Follow a costumed guide along a candlelit trail and hear reenactors tell the story of the 1776 battle. Free reservations required.

November 21, 2026
Wilmington Christkindlmarkt German Festival
St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church
Shop more than 55 vendors and enjoy German treats, music, dance and family activities. Free admission.

November 26, 2026
Cape Fear Habitat Turkey Trot
Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park
Start Thanksgiving with a timed 5K or one-mile run or walk through downtown Wilmington. Registration required.

November 27–December 21, 2026
Enchanted Airlie
Airlie Gardens
Stroll amid sparkling holiday lights, seasonal flowers and music at this annual garden tradition. Advance timed-entry tickets required.

November 27, 2026
Holiday Lights River Cruise
Wilmington Water Tours
See riverfront holiday lights aboard a cruise with seasonal music, drinks and light bites. Offered on select evenings; advance booking required.

November 27, 2026
Island of Lights: Lighting at the Lake
Carolina Beach Lake Park
Watch the lakeside holiday displays light up, walk the illuminated path and visit Santa. Free admission.

November 27, 2026
Merry & Bright: A Holiday of Lights
Poplar Grove Plantation
Explore twinkling lights, holiday vendors, live music and marshmallow roasting, with Santa visits on select nights. Tickets required.

November 27, 2026
Wrightsville Beach Tree Lighting Ceremony
Wrightsville Beach Town Hall
Welcome Santa and enjoy children’s choir performances, holiday music and the town tree lighting. Free admission.

November 29, 2026
Wilmington Holiday Parade
Front Street, downtown Wilmington
Watch illuminated floats, marching bands and Santa make their way through downtown. Free for spectators.

December 4, 2026
Carolina Beach Christmas Parade
Lake Park Boulevard, Carolina Beach
Celebrate with festive floats, marching bands and Santa during this free evening parade.

December 5, 2026
Carolina Beach Holiday Market
Carolina Beach Lake Park
Shop handmade gifts, art and crafts from more than 90 local vendors at this free holiday market.

December 12–13, 2026
Wilmington Christmas Extravaganza
Wilmington Convention Center
Browse more than 150 holiday vendors and enjoy seasonal treats and visits with Santa and the Grinch. Admission $7.

December 18, 2026
Kure Beach Holiday Whoobie Whatty
Kure Beach Ocean Front Park & Pavilion
Dress for Whoville and enjoy Grinch crafts, cookie decorating, face painting and a holiday movie. Free admission.

December 31, 2026
Island of Lights New Year’s Eve Celebration
Carolina Beach Boardwalk
Ring in 2027 with music, dancing, a midnight beach ball drop and fireworks. Free admission.