
SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — Li’l Friday is a weekly roundup of events in art, music, theater, comedy, pop-up markets and more.
It’s wise to check in ahead of attending any one happening to ensure it’s scheduled as normal. Inclement weather and unforeseen circumstances may shift for organizers at the last minute.
READ MORE: What’s open for Christmas? More than 20 restaurants in the Cape Fear
Thursday, Dec. 22
Nights of Lights
Bellamy Mansion Museum, 503 Market St. • Free, but donations appreciated
Bellamy Mansion will be decorated in its Christmas finest from the Victorian era and welcomes the public to tour through the antebellum grounds.
Historically accurate adornments, from festooned mantels, gasoliers, and ornate Christmas trees on the mansion’s three levels, to the decor of the original slave quarters, are on display. In the upper-level bedroom, volunteers have become creatively inspired in its adornment.
The docents in each room will briefly speak to the space during the open house, wherein visitors can stop by at any time during opening hours. It’s open from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., though it’s suggested to arrive by 7:30 p.m. for ample time to go through the tour. Participants will be able to take photographs.
There will be baked goods and hot chocolate for sale in the carriage house.
OTHER THURSDAY HAPPENINGS
It’s a Fermental Christmas — Located in the Cargo District at 600 S. 17th St., Fermental bottle shop will host a holiday celebration with a wine tasting, seasonal beers, live music by Max Levy Jazz Trio and dinner served from the food truck Wheelz Pizza. Fermental also will be collecting nonperishable food items, paper products, basic cleaning essentials, and personal hygiene donations for the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina.

‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ — It’s become a holiday tradition: screening Frank Capra’s “It’s a Wonderful Life” at downtown’s historic Thalian Hall every year the week of Christmas. Capra — whose grandson Frank Capra Jr. helped found EUE/Screen Gems studio in Wilmington in the mid-’80s — filmed the Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed classic in 1946. It has since been remastered and follows the tale of George Bailey who is visited by an angel, Clarence, who shows him what life would look like in Bedford Falls if George wasn’t around. There are two showings at Thalian Hall (310 Chestnut St.) on Dec. 22 at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., with tickets costing $14.
We Three Queens — Hi-Wire Brewing is hosting a Christmas-themed drag show, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The live singing spectacular will feature Brenda the Drag Queen, Marsha Mellows and Kiara Mel. Tickets are $15; brews will be for sale as well as pizza from Cugino Forno next door.
Chanukah Services — Daily through Sunday at the Chabad of Wilmington, Chanukah services will be held — at 7:30 a.m. through Friday. Then on Saturday and Sunday, Chanukah Shacharis Service takes place at 9:30 a.m. on Rosh Chodesh. COW is located at 2317 Market St.

Friday, Dec. 23
Comedy Fundraiser and Clothing Drive
Dead Crow Comedy Room, 711 N. Third St. • Tickets: $15-$25
A group of local comedians are coming together to raise money for a nonprofit that supports victims of sex exploitation and human trafficking.
Lew Morgante, Cliff Cash, Billy Raim, Ellie Coleman and Zack Burk will all take the stage for one show only at 7 p.m. to help fundraise for A Safe Place in Wilmington. The nonprofit is transitioning to a larger place it’s buying in the coming year, going from less than an acre to 11 acres with long-term housing in the works.
Money from the comedy show will go toward A Safe Place’s restorative housing, the outreach center, as well as education and prevention of basic human trafficking information.
Dead Crow will also be collecting new and moderately used clothes for all genders and sizes.
OTHER FRIDAY HAPPENINGS
Christmas with Cover Lip — Rock ‘n’ roll will be pervasive at Reggie’s 42nd Street on Christmas Eve-Eve, as Cover Lip turns up the amps. The local band plays a bevy of electric covers from T. Rex to Bowie and beyond. Tickets are $10 at the door, 1415 S. 42nd St.
All is Bright — Only two more weekends are available to enjoy Poplar Grove Plantation’s All is Bright features. The plantation grounds are bedazzled in tens of thousands of lights and illuminated scenes with photo opportunities. The Manor House is also decked out and open. There will be fire-pits and marshmallow roasting areas, with various food trucks featured every night among other cuisines, hot and cold libations, wine and beer, and arts and craft vendors. Tickets are available at www.poplargrove.org or at the gate. It’s open Dec. 21-23 and Dec. 28-30, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Funds raised help Poplar Grove continue its mission of “education, conservation and preservation.”
Topsail Family Christmas — On both Dec. 23 and 24, Renovation Church in Topsail will celebrate the season at the Topsail High School gym, 245 N. St. Johns Church Road. Designed for all ages, there will be live music and refreshments, as well as the delivery of the Christmas story, with shows taking place at 7 p.m. on Dec. 23 and 3 p.m. and 5 p.m on Dec. 24. It’s free, but tickets need to be reserved as seats fill.
Wilmington Railroad Museum — Annually, downtown’s Wilmington Railroad Museum also has a train and light show, featuring more than 25,000 lights, visits with Santa, even Polar Express readings. The museum is open Dec 23 and 30 at 505 Nutt St.; $5 admission.
Ugly Christmas Sweater Party — It will be the final Ugly Christmas Sweater party of the season at The Lookout at Iron Front, located on the fourth floor of 23 N. Front St. Don your tackiest threads and enjoy live performances by local artists Pike Dugga, Lotus, JGID, D.RY, MB Love, Vanilla.K, M.C.X,music by DJX and special guests. Tickets are $10 and the event takes place Dec. 23, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. There will be a cash bar.

Saturday, Dec. 24
Christmas Eve Services
Various locations • Free
While the secular side of the holiday has the little ones awaiting the big man in a red suit to deliver all the toys, the religious community is preparing to celebrate the Christmas story. It will be told at various churches and community centers on Christmas Eve.
Below is a list of services taking place throughout the day and into the evening, many offering candlelight vigils.
828 Church: Live music, treats, snow and the Christmas message will be presented at 6934 Market St. for two services at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Church of the Servant: Two services will take place at 4925 Oriole Drive, the first of the Holy Eucharist at 4 p.m., the second, to be accompanied by a choir, at 7 p.m. On Christmas Day, the sermon will take place at 10 a.m., and carols of the season will be sung. Masks are optional.
Hampstead Baptist Church: Worship includes praise with Christ-centered songs, reading of scripture, and a candlelight service. It takes place at 67 Factory Road in Hampstead at 6 p.m.
Liberty Church of Wilmington: Worship will take place from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 7957 Market St.
Port City Community Church: Located at 250 Vision Drive, services take place at 9 a.m. (sign language interpretation offered), 11 a.m. (Spanish translation offered), 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Reach Community Church: The Christmas Eve candlelight service will take place at 6 p.m. and there will be hot chocolate and hot cider, as well as sweets, served afterward. Located in Brunswick Center at Leland, 121 Town Hall Drive.
St. Andrews-Covenant Presbyterian Church: A contemporary retelling of Christ’s birth will be presented through music and a “spontaneous pageant” at 5:30 p.m. At 7:30 p.m. a traditional service will take place, including a candlelight vigil and solo performances, as well as singalongs to Christmas carols and hymnals. The church is located at 1416 Market St.
St. John’s Episcopal Church: The church, located at 1219 Forest Hills Drive, will celebrate the Nativity of Jesus Christ with a family service at 5 p.m. (nursery open) and traditional service at 7 p.m. (no nursery).
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church: The church, located at 608 S. College Road, will celebrate the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom at 5 p.m. There also will be services held Christmas morning at 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church: There will be two services offered at 16 N. 16th St., the first suited for children. It begins at 5 p.m. with pre-service music and at 5:30 p.m. there will be a children’s presentation of the Nativity with Holy Eucharist. The second pre-service music begins at 8 p.m. with the Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Choral Eucharist at 8:30 p.m.; it also will be presented Christmas Day at 10 a.m.
Town Creek Baptist Church: The Leland church, 832 Green Hill Road, will host a candlelight vigil and present an evening of music beginning at 4 p.m. A photo booth will be available for holiday pictures as well. The Christmas Day worship will take place at 10 a.m. on Sunday.
Wrightsboro United Methodist Church: A candlelight and communion will take place at 5:30 p.m. at 3300 Kerr Ave. The choir will perform and the Christmas Eve message from the Gospel of Luke will be delivered by Pastor Angelo. Earlier in the day at 3 p.m., the church will host the ABC’s Gospel of Christmas, a kid-friendly service, with each child choosing a shepherd, wiseman or angel upon entering. It will be a tool to have them interact with during the service. Cookies and cocoa will be provided.
OTHER SATURDAY HAPPENINGS
Xmas Tacky Holiday Flow — Salty Dog Yoga and Surf in Carolina Beach will help you destress ahead of the marathon present-opening and 24-hour cook-a-thon. Mandy Nicolau Bernard is leading an all-levels class and encourages everyone to wear their tackiest workout wear for a chance to win a prize. The class starts at 9 a.m. and to book, click here.
Christmas Eve Lasagna Project — Unity of Wilmington is welcoming the community to join in its Lasagna Project, a community outreach program that feeds elderly shut-ins throughout the area via Meals on Wheels. Contact the church office, 910-763-5155, to volunteer in putting the meals together or to make a pan of the Italian pasta dish.
Many Everythings — The duo, Travis Henry and Amanda Grace, has plenty of shows planned in the coming week to end 2022 with a bang. They’re bringing their dancey vibes and playful performances to Seawitch Cafe on Dec. 23, The Vibe for a special Christmas Eve show on Dec. 24, Waterline Brewing on Dec. 30 and Whiskey Tango Foxtrot on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31. They perform pop covers with Grace’s soulful vocals and guitar playing and Henry’s masterminding of juggling multiple instruments including percussion and synth. Learn more about the band here.
Feast of Zero Fishes — Wilmington Vegan is hosting a Christmas Eve potluck tipping its hat to the Italian-American traditions of the Feast of Seven Fishes. While some say it’s a custom based in the Catholic tradition of refraining from meat and animal fat on Christmas Eve, the local vegan community is doubling down. No meat, animal fat or fish will be served in its Feast of Zero Fishes. Hosted at South Front Apartments, anyone can attend, vegan or not, though only food based in vegan principles will be served; those contributing should list ingredients of the dish for everyone to see. The theme is Italian, though all cuisines welcome. The goal of the event is to make it low- or no-waste, so bring reusable plates, cutlery and drinkware. The event takes place in the community kitchen; South Front Apartments is located at 1400 S. 2nd St., across from Satellite Bar and Lounge.

Sunday, Dec. 25
Christmas Cookie Pajama Party Singalong
Unity of Wilmington, 717 Orchard St. • Free
A nondenominational church, open to all beliefs and religions, Unity of Wilmington will host a pajama and cookie party on Christmas morning.
The event takes place at 11 a.m. and participants are encouraged to come in their favorite PJs and bring cookies to share. Singing of holiday classics and fellowship will take place, led by Dr. Ellen Contente.
OTHER SUNDAY HAPPENINGS
A Service of Lessons and Carols — Welcome to Wesley, 1401 S. College Road, is hosting a Christmas Day party that includes a 10 a.m. worship service featuring nine lessons, similar to Dickens’ famed “A Christmas Carol.” There will be cocoa, coffee and cookies served, and everyone is welcome in their Christmas pajamas. Anyone interested in reading one of the lessons can contact Pastor Becca at beccad@welcometowesley.com.
Have comments or tips? Email info@portcitydaily.com
Want to read more from PCD? Subscribe now and then sign up for our morning newsletter, Wilmington Wire, and get the headlines delivered to your inbox every morning.