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. 19
Bending Towards the Light Jazz Nativity
UNCW Kenan Auditorium, 515 Wagoner Drive • Tickets: $15
The annual tradition to uniquely tell the story of the birth of Christ through the eclectic sounds of jazz is coming back Thursday.
Presented by Wrightsville United Methodist Church, “Bending Towards the Light: A Jazz Nativity” is directed by Julia Walker Jewell and features musicians including Benny Hill, Mike Waddell, the Jewell Family, Wrightsville United Methodist Church Choir and others.
The music was written and arranged by Anne Phillips, Bob Kindred and Dave Brubeck. Opening Thursday’s show will be Port City Trio as well, and the show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 here.
OTHER THURSDAY EVENTS
‘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 entertainment 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 through Dec. 22 on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets are $22-$35 here.
Winter Solstice Celebration — Bring a lantern, enjoy hot cider and celebrate the shortest day of the year as the winter solstice comes in with Three Pines Project — formerly Nature Connect — an organization that offers nature-based learning for all ages. No registration is required, just come to Long Leaf Park at 5 p.m.
Nights of Lights — Bellamy Mansion is welcoming people through the museum to see it decorated for the holidays. The antebellum mansion is donned for the season, showcasing Christmas decor inspired by Victorian traditions. The mansion’s upper bedroom level was decorated by Bellamy’s volunteers, who guide visitors through the spaces and provide insight on the museum’s rooms. Photographs are welcome; visitors should arrive by 7:30 p.m. to have enough time to stroll through the property’s open house. Sweet treats will be available for purchase. Entry is a $5 suggested donation per person and it’s open Dec. 19-21 nightly, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
‘Ain’t Too Proud’ — The story of The Temptations is coming to the Wilson Center at 7:30 p.m. “Ain’t Too Proud” covers the founding of the quintet in Detroit, the choreography of their signature dance moves and their smooth harmonies. With 42 Top Ten Hits and 14 reaching number one, the show — nominated for 12 Tony Awards — has all the hits: “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” “Get Ready,” “Papa Was a Rolling Stone,” and more. The musical is written by three-time Obie Award winner Dominique Morisseau, directed by two-time Tony Award winner Des McAnuff (“Jersey Boys”), and features the Tony-winning choreography of Sergio Trujillo (“Jersey Boys,” “On Your Feet!”). Tickets, if available, are here.
Friday, Dec. 20
Elf Interactive Screening
The Eagle’s Dare, 420 N. Third St. • Tickets: $5-$10
“Son of a Nutcracker!”
Local comedy troupe Pineapple-Shaped Lamps is taking on a holiday shadowcast performance of “Elf” at The Eagle’s Dare starting at 7 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.). The 20-year-old film has become a holiday classic, starring Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf, who was adopted and raised by Santa’s elves. Buddy braves the journey from the North Pole to New York City to meet his biological father and endures an eye-opening experience about the ways of the world, while teaching everyone he meets about the magic of Christmas.
PSL act out scenes live as the film screens and will encourage audience interaction via singalongs, prop bags including fake snowballs. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for kids 12 and under.
OTHER FRIDAY EVENTS
Justin Lacy Holiday Concert — Brooklyn Arts Center will come to life for the season as local indie musician Justin Lacy and his band perform Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. They will perform original and classic holiday tracks. Lacy has become well-known for his rendition of “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” with his Tom Waits-like characterization and cadence. There will be an “oddball ensemble” of strings, clarinet, classroom handbells, sleigh bells and plenty of glockenspiel. Opening will be Asheville’s bedroom punk act, Little Champion. Tickets are $10.
It’s a Broomtail Ugly Christmas Sweater Party, Charlie Brown! — Annually, a local brewery hosts an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party; this year it happens from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday. Don your tackiest holiday gear and bring a sweet or dessert to share with friends over a Broomtail beer. Prizes will be awarded to the ugliest sweater. Also on site will be Made in Venezuela food truck; Broomtail is located at 6404 Amsterdam Way.
Nate Craig — Well-known for stints at L.A.’s Comedy Bar and NYC’s Comedy Cellar and as an actor on screen in “Old Dads” and “Maniac” on Netflix, comedian Nate Craig is stopping through Wilmington’s Dead Crow this weekend for four shows — 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday nights. Craig has released multiple comedy albums, including his latest “Live at Green Mill,” produced by Bill Burr, for whom Craig opened before. “I handled Covid like I always handled herpes,” Craig said. “I tested negative. And there’s just no way that’s right … just based on where I’ve been. I’m gonna say those are false-negatives.” Tickets to his show are $20 to $30.
‘A Christmas Carol’ — Kenan Auditorium is hosting a Charles Dickens’ classic. The story of miser Ebenezer Scrooge comes to life as he is visited by three ghosts during Christmastime, who remind him of the error of his ways and how far-reaching his choices are. The production is presented by local dancers from GAFA Studios, hosted on UNCW’s campus on both Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 to $26.
Saturday, Dec. 21
A Fermental Christmas
Fermental, 600 S. 17th St. • Free
Fermental welcomes visitors to its Cargo District bottle shop for an evening of live music, seasonal beers, holiday wines, food and general merriment.
It also will be a fundraising and collection drive for the Food Bank of Eastern and North Carolina, which helps combat hunger locally and across our region with multiple partner agencies such as soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters, and programs for children and adults. Fermental is accepting nonperishable foods, paper products, basic cleaning essentials and personal hygiene donations.
Pepe’s Food Truck will be on site at 4 p.m. and live music will begin at 7 p.m. from master guitarist and singer-songwriter Andrew Kasab, using traditional and contemporary techniques. For three decades, Kasab has performed a plethora of styles for guitar and harp guitar.
Holiday attire is encouraged and Old Saint Nick is bound to make an appearance.
OTHER SATURDAY EVENTS
Let’s Dance — Fort Lowell Records hosts a dance party at Satellite Bar and Lounge every third Saturday of the month. This weekend will be a holiday get-down, with vinyl spun by Fort Lowell’s own James Tritten. Music starts at 8:30 p.m. and lasts throughout the evening; no cover to get in. Satellite is located at 1510 S. Second St.
Brenda’s Drag Show — Hi-Wire Brewing is have a Holly Jolly Drag Show with Queen Brenda at 8 p.m.; doors at 7 p.m. Along with Brenda will be special guests Ebony Addams, Giselle Cassidy Carter, and Kirby Kolby. Guests are welcome to don their ugliest holiday sweater for a chance to win prizes. Tickets are $15 and available here.
Holiday Drone Show — 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. Two more shows are open on Dec. 21 and 28, 7:30 p.m. Presented by Wilmington Downtown, Inc. (WDI), Wilmington and Beaches CVB 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.
Christmas Train and Light Spectacular —The trains are coming to life at the downtown Railroad Museum, Dec. 20-23, at 505 Nutt St. The Wilmington Railroad Museum will transform into a winter wonderland, as their holiday festivities kick off Friday evening. More than 35,000 lights will light up the museum, as well as musical animations and twilight model train displays. Santa plans to be hanging out, with treats also available like apple cider and other goodies. The festivities will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets are $5 and available at the door only. In addition to the spectacular, there will be readings of “The Polar Express” offered, served with complimentary cookies and cocoa. Readings, $5, are at 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Dec. 21-22, and reservations are required by calling 910-763-2634.
Wilmington Flute Choir — Enjoy holiday sounds from the woodwinds, as the Wilmington Flute Choir will be set up in the Cotton Exchange as shoppers flock for final gifts at area stores. The music will take place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Gingerbread House Competition — From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Upstairs Hampstead welcomes visitors to judge their second annual Gingerbread House competition. A variety of creations from neighbors and businesses will be displayed. Plus, Santa will be available for a meet and greet and cookies made by local bakers are for sale for $30 from BB Bakes NC or a decorate-at-home cookie kit by Katjas Kookies. Upstairs Hampstead is located at 17097 Hwy. 17.
Luminary Gala — A fundraiser for Opera House Theater Company is taking place at Brooklyn Arts Center. Luminary Gala will take place from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., featuring two acts — the first including the best of Brian Whitted’s “Very Merry Downtown Christmas Show” and the second will be star-studded performances of holiday classics from OHTC-produced shows. Auction items will be available to bid on and heavy hor d’ouerves will be served;luminaries will light the stages where musicians, dancers, singers and entertainers will perform. Tickets are $70, which will help OHTC continue supporting the arts in Wilmington.
Santa Crawl — Carolina Beach is calling all Santas to head to Hurricane Alley’s at the Boardwalk at 2 p.m. and join the group as it traverses to various stops to raise money for Western North Carolina citizens affected by Helene, with all proceeds from tickets — $15 a person and $25 a couple — donated. Stops include Hoplite at 3 p.m., Fat Pelican at 4 p.m., The Dive at 5 p.m., Buzz’s Roots at 6 p.m. and back to Hurricane Alley’s at 7 p.m.; there will be food and drink specials at each stop. Raffle tickets will be for sale as well at all stops with winners announced at 8 p.m. at Hurricane Alleys; an afterparty with dancing and a DJ will take place thereafter. Don’t forget to wear your best Santa outfit for a chance to win $100, announced at 9 p.m.
Wrightsville Beach SantaCon — At another New Hanover County beach, SantaCon will take place. Everyone is welcome to wear Santa suits, reindeer ears, elf hats, or any other festive attire to traverse various bars on the beach. It starts at Oceanic at 4:30 p.m. with a Christmas photo on the pier and moves to Jimmy’s, Neptune’s, 22 North, Lagerheads, Jerry Allen’s and Palm Room. The goal is to help Jimmy’s collect bikes as part of its annual holiday drive, so participants are encouraged to bring a bike to be donated — a truck will be on site to haul them.
Sunday, Dec. 22
Merry and Bright: A Holiday of Lights at the Grove
Through Dec. 22, Poplar Grove Plantation, 10200 Hwy 17 • Admission: $10
It’s the last weekend to catch the lights at Historic Poplar Grove Plantation; holiday festivities take place weekends through Dec. 22.
The grounds are decorated with a Christmas lights display and a number of events and activities also take place, including live music.
Admission to the grounds includes: photo opportunities for the family, a USO letter-writing station, vintage carnival games, Santa’s mailbox, Grinch’s junk shop, campfires to roast marshmallows, Christmas movies, food trucks, live music and concessions.
Visits with Santa in the gazebo are until 8:30 p.m. on Thursday and 9:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The Manor House is also open, decorated in traditional Victorian holiday decor.
The event runs Thursday and Sunday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday until 10 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here or at the gate; they’re half-priced for kids on Sunday, though Santa isn’t on site on those days.
OTHER SUNDAY EVENTS
Christmas Lessons and Carols — St. Paul’s Episcopal Church is hosting its Christmas worship at 5:30 p.m., featuring short Bible readings, alternated with the singing of Christmas carols to narrate the story of the birth of Jesus from both Old Testament prophecies and New Testament accounts. It’s open to the public and will be livestreamed here.
Wilmington Victorian Stroll — Stroll through downtown Wilmington’s historic district at sunset with an LED-lit candle to learn about Victorian homes and how they are decorated and celebrated for the holidays. See Wilmington’s most significant architecture on this route, all dressed up for the holidays! Caroling may ensue. Cost is $20 per person and it’s limited to 20 guests per tour. Groups are asked to inquire for a private date. Tours also offered on Dec. 22 and 26; 215 S. Front St. Tickets are $20
“It’s a Wonderful Life: The Radio Play” — The Big Dawg Productions show runs one last weekend at Thalian Hall’s Ruth and Bucky Stein Theater. 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. The play takes place at 7:30 p.m. except on Sundays, for a 3 p.m. matinee. Tickets are available here.
Cape Fear Festival of Trees — Through Dec. 30, the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher welcomes back Lower Cape Fear LifeCare’s Cape Fear Festival of Trees. Businesses and organizations sponsor more than 50 trees that are decorated in various themes; some honor loved ones who have passed, others embrace the spirit of the holiday. Visitors can also add a name to the Memory Dove Tree to honor and remember loved ones who have passed. The trees are set against the aquatic backdrop and the display is included with aquarium admission. Lower Cape Fear LifeCare receives no proceeds from admission sales, so donations are appreciated, with funds helping the organization provide end-of-life and supportive services to people community-wide. The aquarium is located at Fort Fisher, 900 Loggerhead Road. Festival included with aquarium admission.
Holiday Train Expo — Annually, the Cape Fear Model Railroad Society sets up a holiday display in the Dillard’s wing of Independence Mall to showcase the wonderland of the holidays. There will be 12 layouts featuring more than 30 trains, dressed for the season. The event takes place Dec. 21-22, 28; closed Christmas Eve and Day. Admission is $9 for adults, $7 for children ages 3-12, and free for 3 and under, at Independence Mall, 3500 Oleander Drive.
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