SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — Li’l Friday features plenty of ways to enjoy the weekend via theater, music, art, culinary happenings 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. 4
Seán Heely’s Celtic Christmas
Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. • Tickets: $55-$77
Award-winning fiddle player and vocalist Sean Heely is hosting a concert at historic Thalian Hall.
A Celtic Christmas features ancient carols, lively jigs and soulful ballads performed by Heely and his ensemble of musicians and dancers. The show captures the magic of the Celtic Yuletide.
Tickets start at $55 here.
OTHER THURSDAY EVENTS
Santa and the Grinch — No holiday is complete without jolly ol’ Saint Nick and Christmas’ most famous villain, The Grinch, making an appearance in downtown Wilmington. The Cotton Exchange will host both characters on Thursday, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Bring the kids and a camera for the photo opportunities.
Riverfront Park Tree Lighting — The Riverfront Park in downtown Wilmington at 10 Cowan St. will light the tree at 6 p.m. and have holiday activities for the family to enjoy. It will include a performance from students of the Williston Middle School choir. Afterward, there will be a reading of “Twas The Night Before Christmas,” light refreshments, face-painting and visits with Santa.
Friday, Dec. 5
Langston Kerman
Dead Crow Comedy Room, 511 N. Third St. • Tickets: $25-$36
Langston Kerman already has an impressive resume as a writer (Academy Awards 2016 for Chris Rock), actor (“Insecure,” “English Teacher”), executive producer (“PAUSE”) and podcaster (“My Momma Told Me”).
The L.A.-based comedian is coming through the Port City’s Dead Crow Comedy Room again this weekend, performing two shows each on Friday and Saturday nights. Kerman’s stand-up has been hailed by Vulture in 2018 upon the release of his comedy album, “Lightskinned Feelings,” listed among the top 10 of the year.
Last year, Kerman released his first Netflix special, “Bad Poetry,” directed by John Mulaney to critical acclaim. In it, he discusses his fear in rearing kids: “How do you make your kid into a good person? … Parents plug in a formula: teach them to share, give them vegetables and then you just hope. Hope that your kid doesn’t turn into a serial killer — or even worse, one of those people who draws ‘Lion King’ characters with human titties … remember those psychopaths in school? Those future Republican senators?”
Tickets are $25 to $36 with shows at both 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
OTHER FRIDAY EVENTS
‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ — The local community college’s theater department is putting on its holiday tradition, “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” The stage adaptation is from Eric Schaeffer, based on the classics created by Charles M. Schulz and the TV special by Bill Melendez and Lee Mendelson; CFCC’s show includes special arrangements from Arthur Whitelaw and Ruby Persson. Audiences will watch Charlie Brown search for the true meaning of Christmas as he and his Peanuts gang put on the annual holiday play. The show starts at 7 p.m. on Dec. 5, at the CFCC Wilson Center and tickets are $15 for ages 12 and over; 12 and under are admitted free. A collection of nonperishable food and household items are welcome upon entry, with donations going to the Good Shepherd Center.
Ballet for Young Audiences: The Nutcracker — The story of Clara’s sweet dreams of escape to the Land of Sugar Plum Fairies with her Nutcracker Prince will come to life this weekend at Thalian Hall. With music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, the show features NY Ballet for Young Audiences and has a shorter run time, designed to be interactive and introduce youth to the art form. There are three shows this weekend, including at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Dec. 5 and at 10 a.m. on Dec. 6. Tickets are $32 here.
Saturday, Dec. 6
Old Wilmington By Candlelight Tour
Latimer House, 126 S. Third St. • Tickets: $50
The Lower Cape Fear Historical Society will be celebrating the season with its annual Candlelight Walking Tour. The tours will be held on Saturday, Dec. 6, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 7, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The holiday event takes place in downtown Wilmington and features more than a dozen historic sites and houses of worship. The tours are self-guided, though each site has a docent who will share history of the structure. All stops are adorned for the holiday season.
Tickets are $50 to benefit the historical society, a 501(c)3 non-profit. Ticket booklets with all stops can be picked up at Latimer House during regular office hours.
OTHER SATURDAY EVENTS
(CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER) Downtown Holiday Drone Show — Wilmington Downtown Inc. is hosting a holiday drone show for the next four Saturdays in December along the downtown Riverwalk. Taking place at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 6, 13, 20, and 27, the show includes festival holiday imagery created by hundreds of drones over the Cape Fear River. Music accompanies the show, which is free for everyone to attend.
Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla — The annual boat parade takes place at Carolina Beach at 6 p.m., featuring twinkling and shining vessels moving from Snow’s Cut Bridge to the Carolina Beach Boat Basin. Participants will be able to text in their favorite decorated boats to determine the People’s Choice award. It’s free to attend and is visible at the Carolina Beach Yacht Basin, 401 Marina St.
Carolina Beach Christmas Market — The Carolina Beach Park and Recreation Department is hosting its annual holiday market around Carolina Beach Lake from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. More than 90 artisans and craft-makers will be set up, with specialty foods, garden plantings, soaps, oils and artwork. Santa Claus will make an appearance near the gazebo and Randy McQuay will perform live, plus there will be interactive character performances and storytelling, glitter tattoos and face-painting.
Journey to Bethlehem: A Live Nativity — In Carolina Beach, a live nativity will bring Old Bethlehem to life. An interactive village welcomes visitors to walk through, see live animals, costumed characters, and the sights and sounds of the very first Christmas. Hosted by Seaside Chapel (105 Dow Road), the event is family-friendly and open for free for two weekends only: Dec. 6-7 and 13-14, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Leland in Lights Grand Illumination — Founders Park at Leland Town Hall, 113 Town Hall Drive, is officially reopening after undergoing renovations in the last year or so. To celebrate, the official illumination of Leland in Lights will kick off at 6 p.m. Santa and the Leland mayor, Brenda Bozeman, will flip the switch to light up Town Hall, Founders Park, and Town Hall Drive. Guests will be able to walk through the park to see sparkling displays, write letters and visit with Santa under the new pavilion, dance to a live DJ, enjoy treats from local food trucks and vendors and hop aboard the Leland Express. Onsite parking is limited so a shuttle service will run from 5:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. from Port City Community Church, 187 Old Fayetteville Road, or First Baptist Church of Leland, at 517 Village Road NE.
Bloody Mary Crawl — More than a dozen bars are participating in a Bloody Mary Crawl in downtown Wilmington from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Participants include Brooklyn Arts District businesses, including Chow Town, three10, Angus Grill, Bottega, Goat and Compass, The Kitchen Sink, Commodore Public House, Edward Teach Brewery, Eagle’s Dare and Flytrap Brewery. A few downtown bars also located on the north side of downtown are participating, including Rally Point, Laws and Libations, Brass Tacks and Whiskey Tango Foxtrot. From spicy to savory, multiple flavors will be available and voting cards to choose the best are available for pickup at The Eagle’s Dare and Chow Town.
Wilmington Historic Half 10K & 5K — Runners will unite downtown at the Wilmington Historic Half 10K and 5K this weekend at 10 Cowan St., beginning at 7 a.m. Folks can participate in one of four races: half marathon, 10K, 5K or the Challenge — the 5K followed by the half marathon, totaling 16.2 miles. All courses take runners through historic downtown Wilmington. The finish line is set up in Riverfront Park where there will be music, free beer from Wrightsville Beach Brewery and food. Every participant receives a finisher medal but top runners are also recognized. Registration is open here.
The Nutcracker — Wilson Center is also hosting a performance of “The Nutcracker” from the local City Ballet, bringing to life Drosselmeyer, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and Marie and her Nutcracker Prince. Aside from outstanding and agile dancers, the performance includes City Ballet Orchestra with the Cape Fear Chorale as well. Tickets start at $22 here and there are three performances: Dec. 6, 7 p.m. and Dec. 7, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 7
Downtown Wilmington Christmas Parade
Downtown Wilmington, Front Street • Free
The City of Wilmington’s annual holiday parade is slated for the first Sunday of December. It will feature various organizations, city leaders, marching bands, floats and more on Dec. 7, 6 p.m.
The parade travels down Front Street, which will be blocked off from Walnut to Church streets. Traffic will be closed off to these streets starting at 5 p.m and will reopen by 7:15 p.m.
It’s free to attend.
OTHER SUNDAY EVENTS
Mouths of Babe Theatre Co. Open House — Mouths of Babe is a nonprofit theater company creating original pieces of work based on local history and community. The group will showcase snippets of work ahead of their third annual play festival, Scotopia, taking place every spring. The performance is an hour and tickets are free with a suggested $10 donation here. The open house takes place at Hope Recovery Community Center, 3403 Winston Blvd.
Mamma Mania! The American Tribute to ABBA — An American tribute to ABBA is taking place at Bowstring Brewyard on Sunday, 7 p.m. Mamma Mania! Plays the Swedish band’s favorite hits, from “Mamma Mia!” to “Fernando,” “Dancing Queen” to “Waterloo.” The NY-based group performs in glittery costumes and pitch-perfect harmonies. Tickets are $30 here.
Wicked Winter Market — Waterline Brewing is celebrating a winter market “Wicked” style. There will be crystals and metaphysical items for sale, plus pop culture and fandom art, handmade crafts, nerdy and geeky treasures and more from varied artists and makers. Food trucks will be parked and brews will be available for purchase.
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