December Calendar of Events

Now-12/08 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Cape Fear Festival of Trees

Join the Cameron Art Museum for an unforgettable Christmas spectacular. The museum will be filled with 25 decorated Christmas trees music food and dancers from the Wilmington Ballet Companys production of The Nutcracker for this joyful event that benefits Lower Cape Fear Hospice. General admission tickets are $12 each. Special rates for children apply.

Cameron Art Museum

910-395-5999

www.cameronartmuseum.com

www.capefearfestivaloftrees.org

11/29-12/22 5-7 p.m. 7-9 p.m.

Enchanted Airlie

Thursday through Saturday with additional tours on Wednesday 12/18 and Sunday 12/22

The self-guided winter wonderland tour features a spectacular array of lights holiday displays hot beverages sweet treats and a seat on Santas lap.

Single admission $10 couples $15 carload $22. Reservations required. Visit www.airliegardens.org/events/1472/enchanted-airlie/

11/29-12/28 6:30-8 p.m.

Fridays and Saturdays

Christmas Train and Light Spectacular

Enjoy a night of lights music and warm apple cider at the specially decorated Wilmington Railroad Museums Christmas Train and Light Spectacular. Visit with Santa among the 15 000 lights and enjoy the holiday cheer. Tickets are $5 per person and children under 2 are admitted free.

Wilmington Railroad Museum

www.wrrm.org

12/03 11:30 a.m.

Good Friends Luncheon

Good Friends of Wilmington gathers each December at the Burney Center at UNCW to raise money for disadvantaged individuals and families in New Hanover County whose needs are not being satisfied by other organizations. All of the money raised goes directly to those in need. The event is open to the public but reservations are appreciated. To save a seat contact Louise McColl at 910-350-1211 or email louise@mccoll-associates.com

12/07 at 1 and 5:30 p.m. 12/08 at 3 p.m.

The Nutcracker

The Wilmington Ballet Company presents a full-length traditional and professional version of The Nutcracker brought to life by the dazzling performances of talented dancers.

Minnie Evans Art Center

Ashley High School

www.wilmingtonballetcompany.org

12/07 from 4-8 p.m. 12/8 from 2-6 p.m.

Old Wilmington by Candlelight Tour

The Historical Society of The Lower Cape Fears festive tour combs the finest private homes churches and historical sites in downtown Wilmington. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased at www.hslcf.org

12/07-12/08 12/14-12/15 12/21-12/22 4:30 and 5:30 p.m.

Polar Express Holiday Show

Join Santa for the annual reading of the popular childrens story The Polar Express. Treats and hot chocolate will be served. Tickets are $5 per person and children under 2 are admitted free. Reservations are encouraged.

Wilmington Railroad Museum

www.wrrm.org

12/07 6:30-10:30 p.m.

Seventh Annual Wilmington Fur Ball Red Carpet Gala

A black-tie red-carpet fundraising event features lavish hors doeuvres champagne and other spirits dancing to the live music stylings of the Bibis Ellison band psychic entertainment and silent and live auctionsincluding several works donated by internationally exhibited artist George Pocheptsov. Tickets are $85 each.

Country Club of Landfall

www.wilmingtonfurball.com

12/08 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Poplar Grove Plantations Christmas Open House

Bring your Christmas wishes to the decorated manor house where
Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be on hand to find out whos been naughty or nice. The barn out back is the staging area for an arts and crafts show.

Poplar Grove Plantation

www.poplargrove.com

12/08 1-5 p.m.

Candyland Christmas Event

Ever wonder what reindeer eat? This is your chance to make it while you visit with Santa and get the chance to share your holiday wish list. Learn to make candy cottages and ornaments; enjoy snacks and storytelling. $20 per child.

Childrens Museum of Wilmington

www.playwilmington.org

12/08 5:40 pm

City of Wilmington Holiday Parade

The 11th annual parade begins at North Front and Walnut streets. Bundle up and come out to cheer for your favorite school bands local businesses and nonprofits as they march through historic downtown Wilmington. Dont forget the Thermos of hot chocolate.

www.wilmingtonrecreation.com

12/08 6:30 p.m.

Candlelight Concert

A fitting close to the Candlelight Tour offers a wide variety of classical music played during the Christmas season at

St. Pauls Episcopal Church.

Chamber Music WIlmington

www.chambermusicwilmington.org

12/10 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Fort Fisher Holiday Open House

Looking for that perfect holiday outing for the history buff in your family? Head down to Fort Fisher State Historic Site and enjoy wassail music and 15 percent off on all gift shop purchases.

www.friendsoffortfisher.com

12/14 5-8 p.m.

Christmas Stroll Through the Past

The Burgwin-Wright House and Bellamy Mansion Museum will host a festive holiday evening filled with music dancing costumes refreshments and more. Enjoy a trolley ride or a candlelit stroll as you travel from one site to the other. Tickets are available at the Burgwin-Wright House Bellamy Mansion Museum local Harris Teeter stores and online. Tickets are $25 for adults $5 for children (ages 5-12) and free for children younger than 5. Call 910-251-3700 (Bellamy) or 910-762-0570 (Burgwin-Wright) for more information.

12/14 7:30 a.m. registration with 9 a.m. start time

5K Jingle Bell Run

Don your gay apparel for the fourth annual run benefiting the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History. T-shirts go to the first 300 participants to register so sign up soon. $30 per runner.

Wrightsville Beach Museum of History

910-256-2569

www.wbmuseum.com

12/14 7:30 p.m.

A Celtic Christmas Concert

Chamber Music Wilmington in collaboration with the Scottish Society of Wilmington presents A Celtic Christmas Concert at the Hannah Block Community Arts Center 120 South Front St. North Carolinas own Jennifer Licko stars in this sure-to-please holiday celebration. Tickets are $25. Order by mail at Kenan Box Office 601 College Road Wilmington NC 28403 or phone 910-962-3500. Tickets are also available at etix.com

12/15-12/16 7 p.m.

Christmas Spectacular

The Wrightsboro United Methodist Churchs Christmas Cantata features the 80 voice combined choirs of Wrightsboro Methodist Church and the Wilmington Celebration Choir. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased by phone at 910-762-2583 or online at https://co.clickandpledge.com/advanced/default.aspx?wid=44493 Doors open at 6 p.m.

12/16 2 p.m.

Holiday Tea at the Bellamy Mansion

Enjoy a lovely afternoon in the mansion decorated for the Christmas season. The $35 tea menu includes three courses: finger sandwiches scones desserts and confections served with tea followed by door prizes and raffles and giveaways for everyone. Reserve early. Call the Tea Ticket Hotline at 910-232-0127.

12/19 7:30 p.m.

Annual Holiday Pops Concert

Better not pout! Join the North Carolina Symphony for a festive celebration of the holiday season.

UNCW Kenan Auditorium

www.ncsymphony.org

12/20-12/24 6-10 p.m.

Caroling by Reindeer Drawn Carriage

In carriages drawn by reigned deer carol with Old St. Nick during a spin around historic downtown Wilmington. See the sights admire the lights. $12 adults $5 children younger than 12.

www.horsedrawntours.com

12/31 1/1 11:30 a.m.

New Years Noon Countdown

This year-end party gets started a little earlier. Free with admission. Call 910-254-3534 for more information.

Childrens Museum of Wilmington

www.playwilmington.org