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. 18
Nights of Lights
Bellamy Mansion Museum, 503 Market St. • $5 suggested donation
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. Visitors will see the whimsy from the slave quarters to the main house.
Photographs are welcome and the event takes place Dec. 18 through 20; visitors should arrive by 7:30 p.m. to have enough time to stroll through the property’s open house by the time in closes at 8 p.m.
Sweet treats will be available for purchase. Entry is a $5 suggested donation per person and the house opens at 5 p.m.
OTHER THURSDAY EVENTS
‘Ebenezer!’ — An adaptation of the famed Charles Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol,” “Ebenezer!” includes dance choreography and comedic turns from a North Carolina playwright with Wilmington ties. With book, music, and lyrics by UNCW professor Frank Trimble, “Ebenezer!” comes to life on Thalian Hall’s main stage through Dec. 21, 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, with additional performances on Dec. 18 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 20 at 2 p.m. Produced by Thalian Association Community Theater, Trimble’s take has been told numerous times throughout the years as it embarks on its 30th season for the 2025 Christmas holiday. The musical features varied genres — rock, country, gospel, polka — with Denise Hopper, Thalian Association’s music director, transcribing the music to the formerly tracked show as to include a live orchestra in this year’s production. The tale is well-known: Scrooge must learn the true meaning of Christmas, as he is visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future. His outlook on life is transformed as he views the ins and outs of his interactions from an outside lens, visiting with all the famed characters known to the story — Jacob Marley, the Cratchit family and Tiny Tim. Tickets are $42 here.
Merry and Bright — There are limited days left to catch the season’s bright and shiny displays at Historic Poplar Grove Plantation as part of Merry and Bright. The grounds are decorated with Christmas lights and a number of events and activities also take place, including live music in the Holiday Hootenanny Tent. 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, Bumble’s snowball party, campfires to roast marshmallows, Christmas movies, food trucks, and concessions. Visits with Santa in the gazebo take place until 8:30 p.m. The Manor House is also open, decorated in traditional Victorian holiday decor, with the lower level also showcasing classic scenes from the film “A Christmas Story.” Also new this year — in anticipation of America’s 250th celebration — is the Spirit of ’76 Tavern raising funds for the stables. Merry and Bright is open 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday through Sunday. 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. The season wraps on Dec. 21.
Discipline of the Garden — A tribute to ‘90s grunge rock and one of the icons of the era, Chris Cornell, will be staged at Bowstring Brewyard this weekend. Discipline of the Garden will perform Cornell’s solo music, as well as his hits while he was part of Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog, and Audioslave. Also performing is Audiomelt, a Wilmington rock outfit. In 2022 the band joined author Jeff Kinney on the Diary of a Wimpy Kid “Diper Överlöde” book tour and performed as the real life “Löded Diper” from the book series. Tickets to the show are $27 here.
Friday, Dec. 19
Kure Beach Whoobie Whatty Party
Kure Beach Ocean Front Park • Free
Kure Beach will become Whoville from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., as it prepares for a Grinch-themed celebration.
The evening kicks off with the announcement of the Kure Beach Cheermeister — awarding the most festively decorated home in town, which was voted on by the public. Afterward, the 2000 animated film “The Grinch” will screen. Plus, there will be various activity stations set up in the park for families to enjoy, including face-painting, craft-making and cookie-decorating. Photos also will be available with the Grinch.
This event is free; refreshments are available for purchase. It takes place at Kure Beach Ocean Front Park.
OTHER FRIDAY EVENTS
‘Santa Claus Conquers the Martians’ — Christmas is going to be out of this galaxy with Big Dawg Theater Company’s holiday show. The science-fiction comedy “Santa Claus Conquers the Martians” opens Thursday, directed by Devin Dimattia as adapted by Sullivan Hamilton from the 1964 movie. Kimar, the Martian leader, thinks his species’ youth are lazy, obsessed with their planet’s television programming, and are in need of a dose of imagination that seemingly captivate and enliven Earth children. Enter Santa and some stowaway Earth kids who are kidnapped to Mars, in hopes of bringing joy to the little alien lads. The production brings a fun dose of whimsy and humor to the holiday season and takes place through Dec. 21, Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets are $35, with $5 from each sold will be donated to the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina. The production takes place at Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St.
The Grinch’s Christmas Spectacular — Thalian Hall is also celebrating Dr. Seuss’ most prominent Christmastime characters with a “Who-Bilee.” Hot cocoa, Christmas cookies, arts and crafts and Grinch-mas cheer takes place at the “Grinch’s Christmas Spectacular.” This holiday event-production is an interactive theatrical experience for youth, featuring local talent ages 8 and up. It takes place in the Red Box at Thalian Hall through Dec. 23. Shows are Friday through Tuesday at 5 p.m. and on Monday and Tuesday at 3 p.m. Tickets are $26 to $32.
‘A Christmas Carol’ — Charles Dickens’ most famed holiday tale is also coming to life at UNCW Kenan Auditorium. Presented by GAFA Studios, this retelling is a dance adaptation of the narrative that follows Scrooge as he looks back on his life and transforms his miserly, bitter ways into becoming a compassionate man. The performance takes place on Dec. 19, 7 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 20, 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 to $26 and the show takes place at 515 Wagoner Dr. at UNCW.
Glow in the Dark Scars — After performing last week for the first time in more than a decade, Glow in the Dark Scars is back this weekend at Reggie’s 42nd Street. With a new 13-track self-title album under its belt — available on Bandcamp — Fred Champion, Jarrod Drobot, Sam Goodman, Jamie Tomosunas and Cameron Champney are performing alongside bands Teeth of England and Oort Patrol. Glow in the Dark Scars blend quippy, fun lyrics with sentimental ethos, including droning guitars, poppy melodies, some infused with punk overtones, and Champion’s wispy vocals. It’s a $10 admission and GITDS will go on first.
Saturday, Dec. 20
‘The Muppets Christmas Carol’ with Wilmington Symphony Orchestra
Wilson Center, 703 N. Third St. • Tickets start at $15
Perhaps one of the best adaptations of Scrooge’s cautionary tale comes with Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, Rizzo the Rat, Fozzie Bear, Robin the Frog and the rest of the Muppets gang. Jim Henson’s best creations take on Charles Dickens in “The Muppets Christmas Carol,” with Ebenezer Scrooge played by no one other than Michael Cain.
Filled with music as well, The Muppets sing and dance through the miser’s outlook and his journey with ghosts of Christmas past, present and future. Saturday’s screening will be brought to life with the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra providing the soundtrack as the Disney film screens.
Don’t miss a multi-sensory screening that illuminates a story of hope and redemption. Tickets start at $15 here.
OTHER SATURDAY EVENTS
Downtown Holiday Drone Show — Wilmington Downtown Inc. is hosting a holiday drone show two more Saturdays in December along the downtown Riverwalk. Taking place at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 20, and 27, the show includes festival holiday imagery created by hundreds of drones over the Cape Fear River. Music accompanies it and it’s free for everyone to attend.
PokeCon Wilmington — A fandom trade show is happening Saturday in downtown Wilmington at Hotel Ballast from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be all-things Pokemon on display and for sale — from candy to magazines, toys to panels, artwork to Cosplay, video games to apparel and jewelry. Plus, Pokemon industry professionals will be in attendance. Tickets start at $20 here but escalate in price with VIP entry.
Santa By the Sea — Christmas is less than a week away and if the kids still need to deliver their lists to jolly ol’ Saint Nick, now’s their chance. Santa by the Sea takes place at the Carolina Beach Lake, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., with Santa available for photos. There will be live music from the talented Randy McQuay, a photo booth from keepsake snapshots, Mr. Dantastic balloon artistry, Campfireball interactive storytelling, events by P3 glitter tattoos, characters from fairytales and Dreams by the Sea, an ornament-making tent with the Island Arts Council, plus refreshments will be for sale.
‘Polar Express’ — The Golf Barn in Brunswick County is hosting a holiday movie classic at 6 p.m. for free. “The Polar Express” will screen and families are welcome to bring blankets to cozy up, with popcorn and hot cocoa ready for a magical night under the stars. The Golf Barn is located at 7 Bell Swamp Connection NE in Winnabow.
North Brunswick High School Choir — Holiday music will permeate throughout downtown Wilmington as North Brunswick High School students sing festive classics at the foot of Front and Grace streets. It is free to watch and takes place from 11 a.m. to noon.
Bar-Hop Christmas Caroling — If you would rather be singing the carols and have a few toddies while doing so, head to Duck and Dive to bar-hop and carol. “If you can hold a drink and a note, you’re in,” the organizers detail. Meetup is between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. with the group traversing downtown and ending at the new karaoke bar, K-Town. Carols to sing include: “Frosty the Snowman,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Let It Snow,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town, “Up on the Housetop,” “Jingle Bells,” “Deck the Halls,” “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” “Joy to the World,” and “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” It’s free to attend.
Ornament Painting Workshop — Head to Bookworm Pottery at 707 S. 16th St. in the Cargo District for an ornament-making workshop, with a portion of proceeds benefiting Paws Place Dog Rescue. The event will have participants painting two pre-made ornaments to hang on their Christmas trees, with instruction by Savanna Merklinger of Banaro Design Co. Children under 14 must be supervised and assisted by a parent. It takes place from 10 a.m. to noon, with paid parking next to DesignWorx and free street parking on Queen and 17th street. Cost is $42.
Living Nativity at St. Andrews Covenant — St. Andrews-Covenant Presbyterian Church at 1416 Market St. is hosting a living nativity from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. It will take place on the church’s lawn and everyone can attend the free event celebrating the Christmas season.
Christmas Train and Light Spectacular —The Wilmington Railroad Museum transforms into a winter wonderland, with more than 45,000 lights in the museum, as well as musical animations and twilight model train displays. Santa will 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., Dec. 20-22. Tickets are $5 and available at the door only.
Aaron Berg — Canadian-born comedian Aaron Berg, also the author of books “Mr. Manners” and “American Etiquette,” will be at Dead Crow Comedy Room for four shows this weekend. Berg, who now lives in New York City, started his career as a standup comedian a decade ago. Since, he has appeared in feature films like “The Boondock Saints 2,” “Detroit Rock City,” “The Kitchen” (featuring Melissa McCarthy), Saturday Night Live’s “The Ladies Man” and “The Lookout.” Berg also has launched “Street Famous” where he rips on people walking in New York and is a regular on Fox News Saturday Nights with Jimmy Failla. He is performing at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; tickets are $25 to $36.
Sunday, Dec. 21
Christmas Jazz
Bourgie Nights, 127 Princess St. • Tickets: $10-$15
The Jim Farris Trio frequently performs at Bourgie Nights in downtown Wilmington but this week’s show will center on holiday music from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The Jim Ferris Trio relocated to Wilmington in 2018, after being a fixture on the Raleigh jazz scene since 2008. They are ranked in the top slot on the Raleigh ReverbNation Jazz Charts, since 2015, have performed at Art of Cool Jazz Festival and locally at Jazz at the CAM, the Bellamy Mansion Jazz Series and regularly at Tails Piano Bar.
Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door for 21 and over only. Bourgie Nights is located at 127 Princess St.
OTHER SUNDAY EVENTS
Holiday Train Expo — For a quarter century, the Cape Fear Model Railroad Society has been setting up a holiday display locally to awe spectators of the magic of model trains. Set up in the Dillards wing of Independence Mall will be a wonderland for the holidays, featuring 12 layouts and more than 30 trains, dressed for the season. The event is open one final weekend, Dec. 20-21. Admission is $9 for adults, $7 for children ages 3-12, and free for 3 and under, at Independence Mall, 3500 Oleander Drive.
The Longest Night: A Blue Christmas — St. Andrews on the Sound Episcopal Church is hosting a special holiday service for people who are struggling this season. “The Longest Night: A Blue Christmas” takes place at 6 p.m. at 101 Airlie Rd., especially for people who are having a difficult time enduring grief or illness, anxiety or estrangement, financial stress, or simply exhaustion. Worship will be gentle, providing a quiet space to find peace in the Christmas story with hope at its center.
Films on Tap: ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ — Flytrap Brewing continues its Winter Wonderland and will screen a classic holiday film, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” on Sunday at 6 p.m. Firepits will be lit, free popcorn and free marshmallows for roasting will be available, plus sippers will be for sale. Bring a blanket; 319 Walnut St.
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