Wilmington’s port shines! Anchor down for drone shows over Cape Fear, illuminated Riverwalk cruises, festive flotillas, and Candlelight Tours of historic decks.
Wilmington, NC
December, 2025
Experience the undeniable charm of Wilmington and its island beaches as they transform into a winter wonderland. During the holidays, the historic downtown district truly sparkles, from the festive lights tracing the scenic Riverwalk to the warm glow of candlelight tours winding through historic homes. It’s a season of celebration, filled with bustling holiday markets, dazzling live performances, and the unique magic of a city celebrating its coastal heritage.
The celebration’s highlight is a spectacular high-tech drone show over the Cape Fear River. On four select Saturday evenings (December 6, 13, 20, and 27) at 7:30 p.m., hundreds of drones will paint the night sky with festive imagery. Find the best viewing spots along the Wilmington Riverwalk, directly across from the iconic Battleship NORTH CAROLINA. While you wait, browse local vendors at the downtown holiday market on Market and Water Streets. For a perfect evening, plan to arrive early for dinner at acclaimed restaurants like Caprice Bistro or PinPoint Restaurant, though reservations are strongly recommended. After the show, stroll the illuminated Riverwalk or hop on a cozy, old-fashioned carriage ride. The season officially kicks off with two dazzling tree lightings: the Downtown Wilmington Holiday Tree Lighting on the Riverwalk on November 28, followed by the City of Wilmington’s Tree Lighting at Riverfront Park on December 4, both complete with Santa and live entertainment.
The shimmering skyline is best seen from the water. Wilmington Water Tours’ Holiday Lights Cruise runs from late November through December on a heated catamaran, complete with live music and festive cocktails. For a spirited twist, join the Christmas “Colonial Apparition” Cruise on December 6, or take the family on Santa’s Sleigh Ride from December 20 to 23. You can even ring in 2026 aboard the Henrietta, the city’s oldest operating riverboat, on a New Year’s Eve River Cruise featuring a midnight champagne toast.
Back on land, Wilmington’s rich history comes to life as its grand homes deck their halls. The beloved Old Wilmington by Candlelight Tour (December 6–7) offers a self-guided journey through private homes and historic sites. The Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens hosts its “A250: Night Colonial Christmas Open House” on December 13, while the magnificent Bellamy Mansion Museum transforms for its “Nights of Lights” Holiday Open House from December 18 to 20, showcasing a stunning Victorian Christmas. For sprawling outdoor splendor, visit Poplar Grove Plantation’s “Merry & Bright, A Holiday of Lights,” where the grounds glow with thousands of lights, and guests can toast marshmallows or visit a special Pets Night with Santa.
The city’s stages shine just as brightly. At Thalian Hall Live Theatre, one of the country’s oldest, you can catch favorites like “A Christmas Carol” and “The Nutcracker,” or join the magical Wilmington tradition of screening “It’s a Wonderful Life” on December 22. Nearby, The Wilson Center boasts its own stellar lineup, including “The Muppet Christmas Carol” accompanied by the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra and the soaring “Holiday
Pops” presented by the North Carolina Symphony.
This festive spirit extends just a short drive from downtown to the island beaches. In Carolina Beach, Christmas Parade on December 5 and the dazzling Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla on December 6. The town also hosts a Holiday Tour of Homes, a unique Christmas Palm Tree Lighting, and an “Elf” screening at the lake. Nearby, Kure Beach gets in on the fun with its Holiday Whoobie Whatty on December 19, featuring cookie decorating and a “Grinch” screening. You can also find local treasures at the Kure Beach Holiday Market and ring in the New Year with a beach ball drop and fireworks. For a truly breathtaking experience, secure advance tickets for Enchanted Airlie at Airlie Gardens, a wonderland of sparkling sculptures and light displays.
To bring a piece of the magic home, find the perfect gift in Historic Downtown Wilmington, home to charming boutiques like the Father Christmas Studio. To fully soak up the season, book a stay in the heart of the festivities, as several properties, including Aloft Wilmington at Coastline Center, are offering special holiday packages. From glowing gardens and historic homes to festive flotillas and sparkling drone shows, there’s no place like Wilmington
for the holidays.
