Thursday, November 29, 2012

2012 Wilmington NC Holiday Challenge

Take the 2012 Wilmington NC Holiday Challenge to get in the holiday spirit!
 

Photo of 2012 Wilmington NC Photo ChallengeExperience the sights, tastes, and smells of Christmas at Wilmington's favorite holiday events. We challenge you to get in the holiday spirit and attend as many Wilmington holiday events as you can this holiday season! Print the 2012 Wilmington NC Holiday Challenge check list and hang it on your fridge today. Check off each holiday event as you go and post holiday pictures on our Facebook page! Share this Holiday Challenge with family and friends so that you can celebrate the holidays together.

Visiting Wilmington NC from out of town this holiday season? Take advantage of special discount hotel rates from our local hotel partners. We look forward to seeing you in Wilmington NC!

Read more about the exciting Wilmington events in the 2012 Wilmington NC Holiday Challenge and get in the Christmas Spirit today!

Visit Santa
November 23 - December 24, 2012
Hours Vary Throughout the Season
Visit Santa in Santa Village at Mayfaire. Children can visit him and have their photos taken by Mayfaires professional photographer. Santa welcomes children, adults, pets, and anyone with a holiday spirit. Call 910-256-5131 for more information.

Enchanted Airlie
November 29, 30, 2012 December 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 2012  
Enchanted Airlie is voted one of the Southeast Tourism Society's Top 20 Events! Airlie's holiday light display, Enchanted Airlie, runs until just before Christmas. The fantastic LEGOS display is returning this year. Last year's display was made up of over 250,000 bricks and set the record as the largest crowd to see a single LEGO display in the US! Call 910-798-7700 for more information.
 
It's A Wonderful Life
November 29 - December 2, December 6-9, 13-16, 2012
Take a jump back in time and experience first-hand the MAGIC behind a LIVE 1940's Radio Broadcast with 'It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play'. This treasured holiday show comes to life right before your eyes as an ensemble of Five 1940's radio players perform a special Christmas broadcast of It's a Wonderful Life, complete with music, sound effects and a Live Audience! Get your tickets to It's a Wonderful Life today.

Train and Light Spectacular in Wilmington NC
December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, & 30, 2012
The Wilmington Railroad Museum and WWAY NewsChannel 3 present Wilmington's Train and Light Spectacular. Come down and see the Museum as never before. More than 15,000 lights glisten and sparkle to mark the holidays, Santa is on hand, with cookies from Sugar on Front and cider to sip and enjoy. Call 910-763-2634 for tickets.

Island of Lights Holiday Flotilla
December 1, 2012 at 6PM
Fishing boats and pleasure craft electrically decorated with thousands of lights present a spectacular display on the Intracoastal Waterway. They cruise from Snow's Cut to the Carolina Beach Boat Basin and back. Watch as the boats compete for prizes and add to the wonderful holiday spirit. Call 910-458-5507 for more information.

NC Aquarium's Holiday Elf Camp
December 1, 8, & 15, 2012
Kids ages 5-12 are welcome to attend the 2012 Holiday Elf Camps. Elves will be making gifts, wrapping them, meeting other elves, and making some extra special memories here at the aquarium. This fun and educational program gives adult elves guilt-free time for holiday shopping and relaxation. Camps include a pizza lunch, snacks, crafts, holiday gift-wrap, instruction and countless wonderful memories. Call 800-832-3474 for more information.

Holiday Lights By Boat
December 1, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 15, 21, 22, 2012 from 5:30PM - 7PM
Join Wilmington Water Tours for this special holiday boat excursion. Enjoy holiday punch at the Captains Reception and then depart for the Harbor Holiday Light Cruise. Call 910-338-3134 for more information.

Candyland Christmas Event 2012
December 2, 2012 from 1 - 4:30PM
Celebrate the magic of the season with your entire family and Santa at the 2012 Candyland Christmas Event at The Children's Museum of Wilmington. Children will make candy cottages, enjoy goodies, make handmade ornaments, story time, share wish lists with Santa, mix reindeer food, and enjoy special holiday performances. Call 910-254-3534 for more information.

10th Annual Wilmington Holiday Parade
December 2, 2012 at 6:10PM
Join us in historic downtown Wilmington for the 10th Annual Wilmington Holiday Parade. This Wilmington parade begins at N. Front and Walnut at 6:10PM. Get in the holiday spirit with family and friends at this exciting Wilmington event. Call 910-341-7855 for more information.

Poplar Grove Christmas Crafts Fair
December 2, 2012 from Noon to 5PM
Dressed in its holiday finest, the plantation's Christmas Open House is a charming gateway to old fashioned holiday spirit. Take a self guided tour or shop the Craft Fair. Children can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. A hayride through Abbey Nature Preserve is a wonderful trip for the whole family. As Poplar Grove's way of saying thank you and  Merry Christmas to the community, admission is free today. Learn more about the Christmas Open House and Craft Fair at Poplar Grove today.

Fort Fisher Holiday Open House
December 6, 2012 from 10AM - 5PM
Enjoy seasonal refreshments, decorations, and live music by area choral and instrumental groups throughout the day. There will be special one-day discounts in the Museum Shop. Call 910-458-5538 for more details.

Miracle on 34th Street
December 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, & 16, 2012 
The movie opened in 1947 and went on to win the Academy Award for Best Screenplay. Tony Award-winner Meredith Willson created this magical musical adaptation of the beloved film. When a nice old man who claims to be Santa Claus is institutionalized as insane, a young lawyer decides to defend him by arguing in court that he is, in fact, the real thing. And in the process, a cynical single mom and her troubled daughter are changed forever by the power of believing. Call 910-632-2285 for tickets.

The Holiday Flea at BAC
December 7, 8, and 9, 2012
Renowed as the 'ultimate vintage flea' and attended by hundreds and hundreds of shoppers and dozens of vintage vendors from around the region, The Holiday Flea will be a weekend-long event that promises to be bigger and better with a wide array of vintage, retro, and upcycled treasures. Wilmington's finest food trucks will feed holiday crowds and the BAC cash bar serves liquid refreshments. Visit www.brooklynartsnc.com for more information.

Kure Beach Christmas Show
December 7, 2012 at 6PM
The Annual Kure Beach Christmas Show is sprinkled with snow, bright characters, talented singers, and amazing dancers. Lighted holiday floats, live bands, and colorful characters like Santa will be at the annual nighttime Christmas parade to add to the festivities of the season.

Santa Claus Cruise
December 8, 2012
Cruise aboard Henrietta III to the North Pole to pick up Santa Claus! Cape Fear Riverboats presents the 24th Annual Santa Claus Cruise to benefit Wilmington Salvation Army's Food Pantry. Admission price is 6 non-perishable food items per person. Call 910-343-1611 to reserve your spot.

Polar Express Holiday Show
December 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, & 23, 2012
Shows at 4:30PM and 5:30PM
The classic story returns for the holidays! WWAY NewsChannel 3 and Wilmington Railroad Museum present the Polar Express Family Show. On-air staff read this holiday favorite, followed by a visit from Santa and special 'first gift'. Afterwards, enjoy cookies from Sugar on Front and sip cocoa.Call 910-763-2634 to reserve your Golden Tickets.

Budweiser Clydesdales at Mayfaire
December 9, 2012 from 2PM - 4PM
Welcome the Budweiser Clydesdales on Sunday, December 9th from 2PM - 4PM at Mayfaire. Don't forget your camera so that you can snap pictures of these amazing animals as they walk the Mayfaire streets. Call 910-256-5131 for more information.

North Carolina Symphony Holiday Pops
December 11, 2012 at 8PM
The North Carolina Symphony comes to you this holiday season for a concert of yuletide classics to warm your heart. Along the way, you'll enjoy all-time symphonic favorites and the orchestra's ever-popular Christmas carol sing-along. Join us at Keenan Auditorium for this exciting event!

Santa at the Cotton Exchange
Every Saturday and Sunday until December 23, 2012
Visit Santa at the Cotton Exchange in Wilmington, North Carolina. Santa is available on Saturdays from 12PM - 4PM and Sundays from 1PM - 4PM until December 23, 2012. Bring a camera and make a memory at Santa's Station. Call 910-343-9896 for more information.

Caroling by 'REINDEER' Drawn Carriage
December 14, 15, 21, 22, 23, & 24, 2012 from 6PM - 10PM
Come and sing Christmas carols with Santa and his special 'reindeer'. Snuggle under warm lap blankets while enjoying the beautiful Christmas lights. $12 per adult, $5 per child under 12. Free candy canes for children! Call 910-251-8889 for more information.

Wilmington Trolley Holiday Light Tours
December 14 - 23, 2012
Wilmington Trolley presents the 2012 Holiday Light Tours! Enjoy music, narration, and fun with family and friends. Take advantage of the Holiday Family Special and get 2 adult tickets and 2 children tickets for $25! Visit www.wilmingtontrolley.com for more information.

5K Jingle Bell Run in Wilmington NC
December 15, 2012
Join us for a this spectacular holiday event! Race participants are encouraged to dress in holiday apparel including Santa costumes, antlers, and snowmen. There will be a prize for the best costume! Call 910-256-2569 for more information.

Sounds of the Season from Stage and Screen
December 16, 2012 at 4PM
Join us at the Scottish Rite Temple Auditorium in Wilmington, North Carolina for the Sounds of the Season from Stage and Screen. Tickets are $9.99 in advance and $12 at the door. Visit www.wilmingtonchoralsociety.com for more information.

Free Baroque Christmas Concert
December 17, 2012 at 7:30PM
Join us at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Wilmington, North Carolina for this FREE Baroque Christmas Concert. This holiday event will benefit the Good Shepherd Center. The concert is free, donations are accepted. Call 910-620-7207 for more information.

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Danielle Snyder
Wilmington NC Events

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Thanksgiving Dinners and Events in Wilmington NC

Celebrate Thanksgiving in Wilmington North Carolina with special holiday events and delicious Thanksgiving dinners!


Dress up like a turkey and join us bright and early Thanksgiving morning to kick off the holiday season with an exciting 5K run / walk. Work up an appetite for a delicious Thanksgiving feast and then get lots of rest to be first in line for those Black Friday sales. Continue the holiday celebrations all weekend long at the 29th Annual Holiday Flotilla! Thanksgiving in Wilmington promises to be an exciting holiday weekend for the entire family. Don't forget to share these Thanksgiving hotel specials with family and friends so that loved ones can visit Wilmington, NC for the holidays! Check out the holiday events and feasts happening in Wilmington, North Carolina:

2012 Thanksgiving Events in Wilmington North Carolina:

Celebrate Thanksgiving with the local community at these exciting holiday events happening in Wilmington, North Carolina:

2012 Gallop for the Gravy 5K
November 22, 2012 at 8AM
Gallop for the Gravy is a certified 5K course that starts and ends at the Wilmington Family YMCA. It winds through the Forest Hills neighborhood, has plenty of shade and is flat. There is one water stop at about the 1/2 point. Best costume will win a prize! It's a great way to kick off your Thanksgiving holiday! Learn more about the Gallop for the Gravy 5K and register today!

Wilmington's 8th Annual Turkey Trot
November 22, 2012 at 8:30AM
The 8th Annual Turkey Trot in Wilmington, NC will take place on November 22, 2012. The Turkey Trot is a certified 5K in Wrightsville Beach Park that benefits Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity. Start your Thanksgiving holiday with an exciting 5K that supports a great cause! Call 910-762-4744 for more information!

29th Annual North Carolina Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach
November 23 - 24, 2012
The 29th Annual Flotilla weekend will be held on Friday and Saturday, November 23rd and 24th. Flotilla is one of the top 20 events in the Southeast and a must see family weekend! Weekend events include a Launch Party held at Blockade Runner, a family friendly Festival in the Park, a spectacular lighted boat parade and an increasingly impressive fireworks display! Call 910-256-2120 for more information.

2012 Thanksgiving Dinners in Wilmington NC:

Invite family and friends to join your for a Thanksgiving feast at one of Wilmington's favorite restaurants. From traditional Thanksgiving meals to fancy Thanksgiving menus, Wilmington has it all. You can even order your turkey to go so that you can enjoy Thanksgiving dinner in the comfort of your own home.

Casey's Buffet Barbecue & Home Cookin'
5559 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC | 910-798-2913
Thanksgiving Menu
11AM - 9PM
Children 3 and under eat free!

Cracker Barrel
21 Van Campen Blvd, Wilmington, NC 28403
Thanksgiving Menu
11AM - Close

K&W Cafeteria
3501 Oleander Drive, New Hanover Center, Wilmington, NC | 910-762-7011
Thanksgiving Menu

Oceanic - Oceanfront Dining
703 S. Lumina Avenue, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480 | 910-256-5551
Thanksgiving Menu
12PM - 8PM

Ruth's Chris Steak House
301 North Water Street, Wilmington, NC 28401 | 910-343-1818
Thanksgiving Menu
Noon - 7PM

The Bridge Tender
1414 Airlie Road, Wilmington, NC 28403 | 910-256-4519
Thanksgiving Menu

Where will you celebrate Thanksgiving 2012? If you know of other Wilmington restaurants offering Thanksgiving dinner, please leave a comment on this post so that we can add them to the list!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Danielle Snyder
Wilmington NC Events

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Thanksgiving in Wilmington North Carolina

Find Thanksgiving hotel deals at premier Wilmington hotels this November 2012.


Make hotel reservations today so that you can participate in Thanksgiving activities and shop the Black Friday sales in Wilmington, North Carolina. Enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner featuring turkey, stuffing, apple pie, and more at one of Wilmington's favorite local restaurants. Watch the Thanksgiving day football games, visit the beach, or spend the day exploring downtown Wilmington. After a long day of holiday fun, rest comfortably at a Wilmington hotel so that you can be the first in line for Black Friday deals at Best Buy, Target, Walmart and more. For a sneak peak at incredible Black Friday sales, visit www.blackfriday.com.

Photo of Happy Thanksgiving Wilmington North CarolinaInvite family and friends to Wilmington so that you can celebrate Thanksgiving with the people that you care about most. Visitors will enjoy the comforts of home at these Wilmington hotels. Check out the Thanksgiving Specials listed below and call them today to make your hotel reservations. Holiday specials are valid Thursday, November 22 through Sunday, November 25, 2012. Availability is limited, so make your reservations today to guarantee these low rates!

Staybridge Suites Wilmington North Carolina - King Studios Only $89.00 per night!

866-875-7770 | 5010 New Centre Drive, Wilmington, NC | www.staywilmington.com
Experience the very same comforts and luxuries of home at the Staybridge Suites Wilmington hotel. The beach and downtown are only five minutes away from this incredible Wilmington hotel. Perfect Thanksgiving accommodations near Black Friday sales.
  • Spacious guest rooms feature fully equipped kitchens and flat screen TV's
  • Free hot buffet breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking
  • Indoor Pool, Fitness Center, and Business Center located on site
  • Black Friday sales, shopping, and attractions nearby
Just call 866-875-7770 and ask for the Thanksgiving Special to make your reservations!

Holiday Inn Wilmington North Carolina - Only $75.00 per night

866-893-2703 | 5032 Market Street, Wilmington, NC | www.wilmingtonhi.com
The Holiday Inn is a contemporary, full service hotel that is centrally located near Wrightsville Beach, downtown, and Wilmington attractions. Enjoy a peaceful hotel environment with upscale amenities. Excellent Thanksgiving specials near Black Friday sales.
  • Spacious guest rooms feature a microwave, refrigerator, and coffee maker
  • Free hot buffet breakfast, free wireless internet and free parking
  • Savoy Grill Restaurant, Indoor Pool, Fitness Center and Business Center on site
  • Black Friday sales, beaches, downtown Wilmington, and local attractions nearby
Just call 866-893-2703 and ask for the Thanksgiving Special to make your reservations!

Subscribe to our blog and stay in tune for more information on Thanksgiving events, dinners, and Black Friday Sales happening in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Danielle Snyder
Wilmington NC Events

Saturday, November 3, 2012

November 2012 Wilmington NC Events

Wilmington North Carolina November events include festivals, cruises, art shows, holiday celebrations, culinary events and more. Kick off the 2012 season with your favorite Wilmington attractions. Check out our list of November events listed below and start making plans with family and friends today. Visiting from out of town? Take advantage of excellent hotel deals from our local hotel partners. We look forward to seeing you at Wilmington's greatest local events!

Cape Fear Kite Festival
November 3 & 4, 2012
Visit Wrightsville Beach for the Cape Fear Kite Festival. There will be kite flyers from as far as Chicago, New York, and Florida. Kites include lots of inflatable big ones, so bring a camera and shoes comfortable for walking in the sand.

Truck-a-Roo - Inaugural Downtown Food Truck Cook-Off
November 3, 2012 from 4PM - 8PM
Join us at Riverfront Park in Downtown Wilmington for the Truck-A-Roo Cook-Off. Pruchase a Ballot Card for just $10 to sample a savory selection from each of the trucks and cast your vote for the 'Best in Show'. Admission to the event is free. Regional craft brews and wine will be available for purchase and a great lineup of bands will provide entertainment.

Champagne and Cheesecake Cruise
November 4, 2012 from 2PM - 4PM
Welcome Daylight Savings Time and the beginning of the Holiday Seasons on a Champagne and Cheesecake Cruise with Wilmington Water Tours. Nothing like champagne and sweets to kick off the season! Call 910-338-3134 for more information.

Farmers' Market at Poplar Grove
Every Wednesday from 8AM - 1PM until November 21, 2012
It is the last month to visit the Farmers' Market at Poplar Grove, so plan ahead so you can see what the local growers and producers have to offer the community. Visit and shop with a variety of vendors offering fresh food, beautiful flowers, unique arts & crafts, snacks, cheese & more. Products and produce vary according to availability and season. Free parking! Plan your trip to the Farmers' Market at Poplar Grove today. 

Cucalorus Film Festival
November 8 - 11, 2012
Cucalorus takes place every November in Wilmington, screening over 100 independent and international films in venues like the majestic and recently restored Thalian Hall as well as City Stage Theater and Jengo's Playhouse. In 2009, MovieMaker Magazine recognized it as one of the 25 Coolest Film Festivals. Call 910-343-5995 for more information.

Coastal Carolina Clay Guild Holiday Show & Sale
November 9, 10 & 11, 2012
The Coastal Carolina Clay Guild will open the annual Holiday Show and Sale with a reception on Friday, November 9 from 5PM - 8PM. The Show / Sale will continue on Saturday and Sunday with ceramic artists from all over coastal Southeastern NC exhibiting their work. Each artist will donate one item for the Sunday raffle benefiting Empty Bowls and other community projects. Learn more about the Coastal Carolina Clay Guild Holiday Show in Wilmington, NC today.

Wilmington Symphony Orchestra Concert: Patriotic Pops! A Salute to Veterans
November 11, 2012 at 4:00PM
A Veterans Day matinee saluting veterans and a nostalgic tour of the rich legacy of American popular music. This event is sponsored by Brightmore of Wilmington and seating for this concert is general admission. Join us at UNCW Keenan Auditorium for this Wilmington event. Call 910-791-9262 for more information.

Surf to Sound Challenge
November 17, 2012 at 9AM
The Surf to Sound Challenge in Wilmington, North Carolina kicks off at 9AM with a Kids Race. The top three finishers will be awarded race ribbons. Next up is the Elite Surf to Sound Challenge and the Intermediate Harbor Island Outer Loop. Prizes are awarded for both races.

The Lighting at the Lake Celebration
November 23, 2012 at 7PM
The light up ceremony officially begins the month long Island of Lights Festival. The brief opening ceremony will feature the President of The Island of Lights committee, Pleasure Island Mayors, and musical entertainment. Local Boy Scouts provide the Honor Guard and display the Flag for the signing of the National Anthem. Families can walk one mile around the lake to view the beautiful lighted displays. Santa will visit the celebration and free cocoa and cookies will be served. Call 910-458-5507 for more information.

29th Annual North Carolina Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach
November 23 & 24, 2012
Since the original Flotilla 29 years ago, it has become one of the top 20 events in the Southeast and a must see family weekend. Enjoy a fabulous Launch Party, a family friendly Festival in the Park, the spectacular lighted boat parade, and impressive evening fireworks. Call 910-256-2120 for more information.

Wilmington Art & Craft Show
November 24 - 25, 2012
On Thanksgiving weekend, the Wilmington Art & Craft Show will be held at the Wilmington Convention Center. This carefully juried fine art and fine craft show consists of top-notch artists and craftsmen from Wilmington and around the country. You will find everything from funky pottery to elegant paintings, exquisite jewelry to stunning sculpture, fabulous fiber to vivid glass work. Click here for a discount coupon!

A Carolina Nutcracker in Wilmington, North Carolina
November 30, 2012
Join City Ballet of Wilmington for the holiday event of the season at Thalian Hall. Set in Wilmington in December 1865, A Carolina Nutcracker is a unique blend of Wilmington history and the cherished holiday ballet. This performance is a treat for all ages, so get your tickets today! Call 910-632-2285 for more information.

Subscribe to our blog today so that you will be the first to know about Thanksgiving events happening in Wilmington, North Carolina. Don't forget to find us on Facebook and Google Plus! We look forward to seeing you at Wilmington's November events!

Danielle Snyder
Wilmington NC Events