SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — Li’l Friday is a weekly roundup of events in art, music, theater, comedy, pop-up markets and more.
All events featured were scheduled as of Thursday; however, it’s wise to check in ahead of attending any one. Inclement weather, changes in schedules and unforeseen circumstances may shift for organizers at the last minute.
Thursday, Dec. 12
‘It’s a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play’
Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. • Tickets: $35
Big Dawg Productions is opening “It’s a Wonderful Life: The Radio Play” at Thalian Hall’s Ruth and Bucky Stein Theater for the next two weekends.
Taking place Thursday through Sunday until Dec. 22, the show comes to life via actors taking on the characters in a “live” 1940’s radio broadcast. The theater audience becomes part of the live studio audience as five actors — Randy Davis, Fracaswell Hyman, Brett Sicola, Chloe Belle Mason, and Anna Gamel Huber — go through the ins and outs of Bedford Falls and all of its various neighbors. Each will perform around 15 characters, completing the show with live sound effects.
What won’t change is the warmth evoked from the classic tale, as George Bailey faces a life-changing decision on Christmas Eve and finds the meaning of life and hope, while also understanding the effect he has on others.
“’It’s A Wonderful Life’ is a classic for a reason,” Big Dawg director Robb Mann said in a release. “This production allows us to transport the audience back to another time while still honoring the cinematic seasonal favorite.”
The play takes place at 7:30 p.m. except on Sundays, for a 3 p.m. matinee. Tickets are available here.
OTHER THURSDAY EVENTS
Marina District Christmas Market — Held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., the marina at 18 Harnett St. along the Cape Fear River welcomes shoppers to stroll through its local market. Vendors, including Oti By the Sea, Jaws Jewelry and Sun Club, among others, will be set up and there will be seasonal treats, such as from Cool Beans Coffee Truck. It’s the place to find one-of-kind gifts for family and friends this holiday season.
‘Christmas with C.S. Lewis’ — A one-man play about the author of famed literary books “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” will be staged at Kenan Auditorium for one night only. British actor David Payne tours with the show from his Baby Bird Productions to take on one of Britain’s most famed writers. A good friend to author J.R.R. Tolkien, Lewis, once an atheist at the start of his writing career, was influenced by Tolkien, who told him the “Jesus myth was the one true myth.” Lewis became a Christian throughout the years and this show explores that transformation. The show sets the tale at Lewis’ Oxford home on Christmas Eve, where he is hosting Americans for dinner and tells them about his friendship with Tolkien influencing his spiritual beliefs and Christmas celebrations. Tickets are $64, available here and the show takes place at Kenan Auditorium on UNCW’s campus.
Friday, Dec. 13
Christmas Unplugged
Bourgie Nights, 127 Princess St. • Tickets: $10 or new unwrapped toy
Annually, numerous local musicians take the Bourgie Nights stage in December to perform their own holiday tunes and classics to celebrate the music community, while also spreading the cheer and merriment of the season.
“I consider this the ‘Office Holiday Party’ for singer/songwriters in the area,” musician Sean Thomas Gerard told Port City Daily in 2021.
This year Gerard will be unveiling his new Christmas tune, “Christmastime in My Living Room.” The impetus to create it began in early fall.
“I found myself in the holiday spirit, which isn’t saying much since my girls have been singing Christmas songs since last December,” Gerard said, referring to his two daughters and wife, Heather.
The first line of the song was inspired by his 5-year-old’s inquiry on how Santa delivers presents to all the kids worldwide, even ones who live in houses that don’t have chimneys. Gerard and his wife clarify in the upbeat pop-indie track:
“I’ll leave the windows down so you can bring my presents tonight.”
Gerard brought in his wife to sing with him as he recorded the song in his home studio in November; she was also featured on his last Christmas song, “When We Hit December,” released in 2022.
“I’ve always thought Heather had a beautiful voice,” he said.
Gerard played every instrument and produced the track in his home studio. He attempted to evoke the magic of waking up on Christmas morning, in anticipation of seeing what Ol’ Saint Nick left behind — a new guitar ruminating his own memories as a 4-year-old as the house permeates with scents of hot chocolate and sweets.
Creating Christmas tracks has a transformative power, Gerard explained. He said during production of “Christmastime in My Living Room” he was cheered on by both of his daughters, who sang along and danced (to be fair, its opening does give off David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance” vibes).
“I think Christmas songs should be a family affair, since they are sung and enjoyed by the whole family,” Gerard said. “I want our kids to look back one day and feel the joy and love in these songs. The idea of them sharing these songs with their families one day is the holiday gift that will last a lifetime.”
For Gerard, he hopes in coming years to release a holiday album, though his holiday tracks can be streamed here or on any streamer.
He is performing both at Christmas Unplugged Friday night and will be joined by upright bass player Nick Loeber. Also on the bill are Lady Die, Tanner Lackey, Tres Altman and Kevin Rhodes — who released his own Christmas song last year, “Doghouse Christmas” — Olivia Gillaspie, Madisinn, Caroline Lemley, Benjamin Lusk, Mike Blair, Jason Andre and Billy Heather and The Fontanelles.
“Some of these artists have original holiday songs and some have very unique takes on holiday classics,” Gerard said. “It’s always fun to see what they’ve worked up.”
OTHER FRIDAY EVENTS
Eagle Whitt — A cast member from “Wild ‘n Out” on VH1, New York comedian Eagle Whitt is coming to Dead Crow Comedy Room on Dec. 13 and 14, for two shows each night at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. The artist tackles pop culture amid the friend divide: “One of my white friends once said Bob Dylan is the greatest lyricist of all time. Nothing in life infuriates me more. You can be like, Black Lives Don’t Matter and Bob Dylan is great, and I’ll be like, ‘What’s the second thing you said?’” Tickets are $20 to $30.
Kure Beach Whoobie Whatty — From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., as it prepares for a Grinch-themed celebration. It’s free to attend and the evening kicks off with the announcement of the 2024 Kure Beach Cheermeister — awarding the most festively decorated home in town, as voted on by the public. Afterward, the Jim Carrey holiday classic of Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” will be screened. Various activity stations will be set up in the park for families to enjoy Grinch-themes crafts, face-painting, and cookie-decorating. Photos also will be available with the Grinch. Refreshments available for purchase. Donations will be accepted for the Help Center of Federal Point.
Swinging into the Holidays — The Wilmington Big Band, a 16-piece orchestra, will perform at Leland Cultural Arts Center (1212 Magnolia Village Way). Classic holiday tunes will be played and dancing is welcomed; tickets to the concert are $15.
Silent Night Disco on the Beach — The holiday edition of a silent disco will be hosted in Carolina Beach this weekend. From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. it takes place on the sandbar level at the Carolina Beach Pier; tickets are $15 per person and all ages are welcome. Tickets include a wireless headphone to set the channel to one of three Christmas-themed music stations.There also will be caroling on the beach and Santa will be on hand for photos.
‘White Christmas’ — Irving Belin’s holiday musical is coming to life on Thalian Hall’s mainstage. The holiday classic is based on the Bing Crosby film from 1954 and follows the story of successful entertaining duo Bob Wallace and Phil Davis at the height of World War II. The former military men, with a popular sister duo, head to a Vermont lodge and launch a production in honor of Wallace and Davis’ former Army commander who owns the business. Songs like “Sisters,” “I Love a Piano,” and the title track are featured. The production is being put on by Thalian Association Community Theater and will run Dec. 13 through 22 Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets are $22-$35 here.
Saturday, Dec. 14
Holiday Drone Show
Downtown Riverwalk • Free
Along with expanding the light displays across downtown Wilmington, a new addition to celebrating the holidays this year will come with drone shows launched over the Cape Fear River.
Three dates have been chosen, with the first kicking off on Dec. 14, 7 p.m; then two more shows will take place the following weeks, on Dec. 21 and 28. Presented by Wilmington Downtown, Inc. (WDI), Visit Wilmington, NC and Beaches, and Downtown Business Alliance of Wilmington, drone shows include imagery created by hundreds of drones flying over the Riverwalk to merge into festive designs like gingerbread cookies, ornaments, bells and Santa Claus himself.
It’s free to watch along the Riverwalk.
OTHER SATURDAY EVENTS
Santacon — If you see dozens of Santas in downtown Wilmington Sunday, don’t be alarmed. It’s just the annual Santacon event taking place at Duck and Dive, 114 Dock St. The event requests participants don their best Santa costumes — or other holiday wear — and bring a new, unwrapped toy to go toward the U.S. Marines Toys for Tots drive and a nonperishable food item to be donated to the Food Bank of Eastern North Carolina. The event kicks off at 1 p.m.
100 Dozen Cookies and Cocktails — Love the popular holiday cookie trade but don’t want to do the baking? Well, there will be two ways to enjoy cookies without listing a teaspoon of baking soda; just head to Panacea Brewing Company on Oleander Drive from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and then on Sunday to Freya’s Haus in Scotts Hill from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy cocktails and take home cookies by the pound for a donation to local nonprofit 86 Now, which works toward feeding the hungry in Wilmington. Santa will be on site for photos at Freya’s Haus.
Larry Keel Experience — Bowstring Brewyard is bringing back flat-picking madman Larry Keel at 7 p.m. Keel is known for his newgrass sound, blending bluegrass and country with rock and improvisational jazz. He’s released more than 100 compositions, appeared on over 20 albums — 12 he produced — and has dropped a single “Being Kind” as he works on another EP release for 2025. Tickets to the 7 p.m. show at Bowstring are $20 and up.
Jingle on the Battleship — Hosted in collaboration with the North Carolina Azalea Festival, Jingle on the Battleship welcomes the public to enjoy holiday crafts, story readings, holiday performances, snacks and a self-guided tour of the ship. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to noon and tickets are $16 for children and $5 for adults; however, a ticket upgrade to $35 for kids and $15 for adults is available, to include breakfast with Santa and a holiday gift. Tickets can be purchased here and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Cape Fear Volunteer Center and Big Buddy.
Burgwin-Wright Holiday Open House — Celebrate a Colonial Christmas in the 1770 Burgwin-Wright House. The museum is decorated with fresh greenery, fruits and flowers. There will be music by Masonboro Parlor, and interpreters in period costumes. The drop-in event lasts from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and admission is free though donations are accepted. The museum also has a bin for Toys for Tots for people interested in donating a toy this holiday season. A holiday craft market in the garden will take place in the afternoon from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring more than 30 local artists.
The Nutcracker — The Nutcracker featuring the Joffrey Ballet and Dara Holmes will take place Dec. 14 and 15 at the Wilson Center, with two shows each day at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. The show is put on by The Wilmington Conservatory of Fine Arts and features Tchaikovsky’s stunning score, providing the backdrop to the iconic tale of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they travel to the Land of Sugar Plum Fairies. The show features intricate set designs, period costumes, and more than 200 dancers including Conservatory students, local actors and professional dancers. Tickets are $25.
A Cape Fear Christmas — Techmoja Dancy Company is also getting into the holiday spirit at the Garage at Dreams (901 Fanning St.). Techmoja director Kevin Lee-y Green will host the show, featuring 10 performers, performing holiday classics and dancing. “The Christmas Song,” “Winter Wonderland,” and “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” will be featured by Denise Jackson (“American Idol”), Christa Gabrielle Faison (violinist), Ian Daviz (seven-time Apollo winner), as well as Terrill Williams, Gregory Devon Brown, Adrienne DeBouse, Mura Graham Quines, Adriana Howard-Hugh, Ky’ran Randolph, and Kaleb Bradley. Members of Techmoja touring dance company will also take the stage. Tickets are $15 for children and $20 for adults.
Sunday, Dec. 15
Multiple Holiday Markets
Various locations • Free
If you still need to flesh out your Christmas list, multiple markets are taking place on Sunday.
In Carolina Beach, Hoppy Holidays from Good Hops Brewing will take place from noon to 4 p.m.; there will be more than 20 hand-selected vendors.
Over in the Cargo District from noon to 8 p.m. is Winter Festival. Plenty of locally owned stores will be open, selling everything from books to vinyl, plants, home goods, clothes and more. Bars and restaurants will be open, too, slinging libations and nibbles. Plus, there will be family-friendly fun — ornament painting, fresh wreath making bar, flash tattoos and fairy hair. Two new stores will be open in the Cargo District, including Burning Pages and in its new food court, Sinful Cupcakes.
Less than a mile away on Castle Street and 5th Avenue, Rx Chicken and Oysters is also hosting a holiday market from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. It will feature art from local makers, music by local folk artists The Fonanelles, and a raffle will be held for those impacted by Helene in Western North Carolina.
Over on Fourth Street, Castle Bottle Shop is hosting a market from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Featured vendors include Midnight Oil Coffee, Solemar Handmade, Archive Vintage, Let It Grow Plants, and more. Wine tastings take place from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m .and live music will be featured from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
OTHER SUNDAY EVENTS
Homemade Holiday Shorts — An annual tradition boasting the power of storytelling on live radio, Homemade Holiday Shorts will air at 6 p.m. on Sunday, from NPR affiliate WHQR. This year features engaging tales of the season, read by NYT Bestselling author Wiley Cash, local actor and executive director of Thalian Hall, Shane Fernando, and comedian Wills Maxwell. The event is hosted by WHQR board member and New Hanover County commissioner Rob Zapple, featuring music from Delia Stanley. The program is followed by a holiday party with food and wine. Though the live event is sold out, listeners can tune in to 91.3 FM.
Johnnyswim — L.A.-based husband-and-wife team Amanda Sudano and Abner Ramirez are bringing heartfelt melodies to Kenan Auditorium, blending singer-songwriter, rock, blues and pop genres. The two have been performing for more than a decade, after their 2013 debut EP “Don’t Let It Get You Down.” Yet, 2014’s album “Diamonds,” featuring “Home,” helped their familiarity grow as it became the soundtrack for HGTV’s “Fixer Upper.” Most recently, the group released their self-titled album, “JOHNNYSWIM,” with “Heaven is Everywhere” as its lead single. Four albums have been released to date amid live albums, EPs, singles and Christmas releases. Tickets are $39 to $49 here.
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