Your Christmas in Wilmington North Carolina: Events and Activities
When the matter zeroes in on Christmas, no one wants to compromise at any cost. Right? Absolutely, and believe us, Wilmington, NC, won’t allow you to do that. This city can make your holiday season magical by offering you a chance to spend time at scenic beaches and historic riverfronts and enjoy Southern hospitality.
You can stroll past decorated streets while sipping hot cocoa. Again, you will also hear the voices of carolers filling the air. This city spoils everyone with holiday markets that remain abuzz with delicious treats and local crafts. To put it in simple words, spending Christmas in Wilmington North Carolina, seems worthwhile because this city wraps everyone in wonder and warmth.
1. The Magical Airlie
The magical Airlie is a yearly holiday event that you can attend at Airlie Gardens when spending Christmas in Wilmington North Carolina. The focus of the event is the wonderfully illuminated botanical gardens that change into a winter paradise with numerous festive lights. This is a well-known tradition that visitors never miss to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit. Due to the coziness of this event, it becomes unforgettable for everyone who attends it.
Another important thing about the Airlie is that both families and kids love it. However, it would be great if you got details on the sales of tickets and event dates by visiting the website of the Airline Gardens. As most of the time, tickets sell out early, make sure to get them immediately as they become available. You can find some local hotels that offer packages, and most often they include tickets for the event besides the transportation facilities.
2. The Holiday Flotilla of North Carolina
Though this Christmas in Wilmington North Carolina, the event doesn’t happen on Christmas, it certainly kicks off the festive season. When you attend this event, you can expect a parade of well-decorated and brightly lit boats on the Intracoastal Waterway. The event happens on the Saturday that follows Thanksgiving. The best way to watch the event is to reach some waterfront restaurants located in Wrightsville Beach, including Bluewater Waterfront Grill, as they offer superb viewing spots.
3. Wilmington Christmas Parade
When in Wilmington for Christmas, be sure to attend all the city’s events. Among them, some are holiday parades that are a must if you spend Christmas in Wilmington North Carolina. Wilmington boasts many holiday parades, though you can’t watch all of them on Christmas Day only. One of the parades, called the Wilmington Jaycees Christmas Parades, takes place in either late November or the early part of December. Always check the relevant websites of the organizations to know the exact times and dates. As these parades are hugely popular and due to their festive nature, they draw large numbers of people.
4. Ride with Santa
Wilmington gives its visitors a chance to ride with Santa on horse-drawn carriage tours. The tour begins at the Market in downtown Wilmington. Make sure you have gotten the blankets so that you can keep yourself warm while riding around downtown. On the way, you will hear about the history of the city. It will also give you a chance to see the Christmas lights that decorate the entire downtown area of Wilmington. Some rides also offer Christmas caroling.
5. Downtown Wilmington Tree Lighting
Never miss the Downtown Wilmington Tree Lighting ceremony if you are visiting Christmas in Wilmington North Carolina. Commonly, it starts in late November or the early part of December. To visit this event, head to Water Street, located in downtown Wilmington, close to the Riverwalk. Some attractions of the event are festive surroundings with vendors, visiting Santa, live entertainment and music, free hot chocolate, and chances to check in at all restaurants and shops present in the downtown area.
6. Upscale Dining
Opting for upscale dining is one of the reasons visitors quote for spending Christmas in Wilmington North Carolina.
1.PinPoint Restaurant – PinPoint Restaurant is another popular choice for upscale dining, as it offers a classy atmosphere and concentrates on only the well-prepared and delightful dishes.
2. Caprice Bistro – This is a refined French bistro that visitors prefer for its traditional and sumptuous cuisine.
3. Port Land Grille – Port Land Grille is also a well-regarded restaurant that offers high-end dining experiences to everyone who visits it.
4. Floriana – Floriana is popular for its Italian fare.
5. Circa 1922 – This is a downtown restaurant that provides every visitor an unforgettable dining experience.
As Christmas is a prevalent dining time, make your reservations at the earliest. Inquire whether they are going to serve your choice of Christmas delicacies or not. A few of these establishments need reservations so that they can offer a botheration-free service to all; hence, you need to reserve them beforehand.
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7. The Merry and Bright Festival
Around the Christmas season in Christmas in Wilmington North Carolina, you can expect to see the Merry and Bright Festival at Poplar Grove Plantation. It features an adorned manor house and different kinds of festive activities. It happens between Thanksgiving Day and the Christmas weekend. If you have children, take them to this festival so that they can spend some time with their dear Santa. Campfires and holiday movies enhance the mood of this festival. You can get food trucks, and the event might also feature performances such as Mr. Twister.
A trip to the Historic Mansions
When you spend Christmas in Wilmington North Carolina, make it a point to visit:
1. Bellamy Mansion Museum
This is a historic mansion located in Wilmington. It is an instance of antebellum architecture. Though it lacks listed holiday events, it has a huge historical significance. Its eye-catching scale makes it a perfect destination for people who love to visit historic sites while visiting Christmas in Wilmington North Carolina.
2. Downtown Wilmington
To get a unique festive experience like the yearly riverfront drone show, historic Downtown Wilmington is the best if you are spending Christmas in Wilmington North Carolina.. It offers holiday-themed performances, and the River District of the area allows everyone to get an exclusive shopping and dining experience. The Battleship NC offers visitors a historical perspective on many seasonal events.
3. Thalian Hall in Wilmington
On Christmas, Thalian Hall hosts many holiday-themed performances. This is a historic venue and an ideal place for holiday performances that feature both community theater offerings and professional productions. Some other attractions of Thalian Hall in Wilmington are
Community Engagement – You can also expect to see community events from the Thalian Association. Thus, it creates a festive mood for visitors who visit downtown Wilmington.
Annual Lighting of Lights – This is a tradition of annual lighting and takes place in the early part of December.
The NC Aquarium- Love marine life? The NC Aquarium won’t fizzle your expectations. However, it remains closed on Christmas Day, but you will find it open on the following day, that is, on the 26th of December.
You can expect early closure of the aquarium on Christmas Eve, and it might have last entry times and limited hours. Besides the common exhibits of the aquarium, you will find the location to host the “Festival of Trees,” and the event displays decorated trees.
5. Holidays on Water Drone Show
It is a public event that features a drone light show in Christmas in Wilmington North Carolina., and one hundred drones contribute to making the Christmas scenes illuminated, like gingerbread men and twinkling snowflakes. To get the finest views, reach Riverwalk in downtown.
Holiday Shopping with a Difference
To make yourself free from the pressure of common holiday shopping, twist it. Visit hotels and restaurants that give magnificent oceanfront and riverside views. The best thing about these shopping villages is that they are pedestrian-friendly and found around and in Wilmington.
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Why will Wilmington be an ideal choice for you?
When you choose to spend Christmas in Wilmington North Carolina, you end up making one of the best decisions because very few cities allow one to enjoy a festive celebration that blends charm, history, and coastal beauty. Wilmington is different from other overcrowded tourist hubs, as here, you can relax and spend Christmas as you always wanted.
This city makes you feel as if every moment is giving you the warmth of cafes and local shops. Once you spend your Christmas here, you will know why people flock to this place. This city wraps everyone in a seasonal magic, and they go back with countless memories that remain etched in their minds.
