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. 11
‘Santa Claus Conquers the Martians’
Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. • Tickets: $35
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 from Dec. 11 through the 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.
And while it opens Thursday, on Sunday, Dec. 14, a special guest appearance will take place from Victor Stiles, the actor who played Billy Foster in the original 1964 film. After the show, Stiles will host a Q&A about the cult-classic film.
OTHER THURSDAY EVENTS
JohnnySwim Christmas Show — L.A.-based husband-and-wife team Amanda Sudano and Abner Ramirez are bringing back their heartfelt melodies to Kenan Auditorium, blending singer-songwriter, rock, blues and pop genres. The two traveled through town last Christmas, showcasing their vocal talents. They 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.” Following up on their self-titled album, “JOHNNYSWIM,” the group released “When the War Is Over,” capturing their journey through personal upheaval and resilience. Tickets start at $41 here.
Alonzo Bodden — Dead Crow Comedy Room is welcoming back to its stage Alonzo Bodden, who was the runnerup in the second season of “Last Comic Standing” but has gone on to become a regular on NPR’s “Wait, Wait … Don’t Tell Me,” as well as late-night shows with Jay Leno and Conan O’Brien. He’s also appeared in films with Steve Martin, Leslie Nielsen and Queen Latifah, including “Bringing Down The House” and “Scary Movie 4” and has multiple comedy specials, including “Heavy Lightweight,” on Amazon Prime. “I got a new iPhone,”’ he said in the special. “It costs somewhere between $700 and $15,000. I don’t know how much it costs because Siri bought it. Siri has reached a point she doesn’t need me anymore — Siri has my identification information, my credit cards…” Bodden is performing two shows on Thursday, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $31 to $42.
Claus for a Cause — A fundraiser for The Big Paw Project, The Rift is hosting Claus for Cause from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Bring donations for local animal shelters in need and also your furry friends and family for photos with Santa, who arrives at 5 p.m. Donations are accepted for photo opps as is $5 cash or Venmo. There also will be a scavenger hunt, pup cups, crafts for kids and an ugly sweater contest, so come donning your best. Donations go to The Big Paw Project, focused on providing supplies to area animal rescues and shelters.
North Carolina Symphony Pops — The North Carolina Symphony will host its annual Holiday Pops concert at Wilson Center. The show will feature well-known traditional and pop songs of the season. The show is conducted by Sophie Mok. Tickets start at $21 and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Wilson Center, 703 N. Third St.
Friday, Dec. 12
‘Ebenezer!’
Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. • Tickets: $42
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 from Dec. 12 through 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.
MORE FRIDAY EVENTS
Christmas Unplugged — 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. It’s even been dubbed the “Office Holiday Party” for singer/songwriters, who are tasked with performing one original holiday tune and covers of two more. This year’s bill includes Sean Thomas Gerard, Lady Die, The Paper Stars, Mike Blair and the Stonewalls, Finch and Duff, Cardinal Spirit, Justin Lacy, Caroline Lemley and Rachel Gore, Evan Baker, and Blase. Admission is a $10 donation or an unwrapped new toy to benefit Toys for Tots; doors are at 6 p.m.
‘More Than Words’ — An arts program that empowers people with disabilities is hosting its annual show this weekend with an original performance, featuring dance, acting and more. “More Than Words” takes place Dec. 12, 7 p.m., and Dec. 13, 2 p.m., at Hannah Block USO in downtown Wilmington. The show explores themes of connectivity and creativity, as kids enter into an adult world, but by embracing imagination realize anything is possible. American Sign Language is featured in the show as well. Tickets are $25 for Friday’s show and pay-what-you-can for Saturday; proceeds benefit the nonprofit arts program.
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.
Rosebud Baker — American comedian, actress and writer Rosebud Baker is headed to Dead Crow Comedy Room this weekend. An actress (“Life and Beth”) and writer (“That Damn Michael Che,” “Inside Amy Schumer,” “SNL”), Baker released, to critical praise, a comedy special “The Mother Lode” earlier this year on Netflix. It’s unique in that it was filmed at The Comedy Cellar in New York in two parts — the first when Baker was pregnant and after she had given birth. “I am 8 months pregnant,” she said in one bit. “Just take it in and then ignore it because I’m not keeping it. I’m just trying to quit smoking. It’s tough.” She performs Thursday and Friday, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. and tickets are $31 to $42.
Saturday, Dec. 13
Minnie Evans Birthday Celebration
Cameron Art Museum, 3701 17th St. • Free, though $5 donations encouraged
From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Cameron Art Museum will host a birthday celebration for the late local artist Minnie Evans, who began painting in the 1930s, primarily her visions from God and inspired from her surroundings at Airlie Gardens. CAM has acquired several of Evans’ works, many of which will be on display Saturday.
Guest artist Jameka Purdie will host a drop-in program designed for all ages — kids, teens, and adults — to make art together, including journals inspired by Evans’ brightly colorful mandala-style illustrations. Youth are encouraged to create birthday cards for Minnie to display in Minnie’s Gatehouse on CAM’s grounds and create artwork inspired by her use of symmetry.
There also will be family-friendly tours of exhibitions open to the public, starting at 11:30 a.m.
Registration to attend the birthday celebration is open here.
OTHER SATURDAY EVENTS
Downtown Holiday Drone Show — Wilmington Downtown Inc. is hosting a holiday drone show for the next three Saturdays in December along the downtown Riverwalk. Taking place at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 13, 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.
Retro Holiday Dance Party — The Beehive Blondes are spinning tunes to celebrate the holly jolly season as part of its Retro Holiday Dance Party. Jess James and Lauren Jones will kick off the party at 8 p.m. at The Rift, 2144 Wrightsville Ave. Sparkly, festive and preferably vintage attire suggested though tacky holiday sweaters and beehives are welcome too. It’s free to attend to dance the night away to tunes spun from the 1950s to the 2000s.
The Nutcracker —If you missed the famed ballet’s two showings last weekend, then you have one more chance to catch the story of Clara’s sweet dreams of escape to the Land of Sugar Plum Fairies with her Nutcracker Prince. It will come to life again this weekend from Wilmington Conservatory at Wilson Center. With music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, this is the 19th season of the conservatory in Wilmington. The show runs both Dec. 13 and 14, with tickets starting at $19 here.
Breakfast with Santa — Brunswick Beer and Cider is opening at 10 a.m. for a special breakfast with a special jolly ol’ Saint Nick. A menu will include various items like chicken and waffles, snowflake pancakes, sausage biscuits and gravy, breakfast pizza, build-your-own hot chocolate, and more. Prices range from $6 to $14 and seating is welcome on a first-come, first-serve basis. There also will be a holiday market for fun holiday gift ideas. The brewery is located at 1313 Dickinson Lane in Leland.
‘Elf’ — The story of everyone’s favorite elf, Buddy, will be screened at the Carolina Beach Lake Park at 5 p.m. on Saturday. It’s free to attend and will also have a visit from Santa, balloon artist Mr. Dantastic, and a character from Fairytales and Dreams by the Sea. Hot chocolate with fun toppings will be set up by Brighter Days Coffee and Hooks Hotdogs will be for sale.
Holiday Open House Burgwin-Wright House — Inspired by the Colonial era, the 1770 Burgwin-Wright House, 224 Market St., is decked out for the holidays. Fresh greenery, fruits and flowers are hung and the public is welcome to tour through the museum from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday. It’s free though donations are appreciated and there will be music from Masonboro Parlor, interpreters in period costumes, and crafts for children. Bring a new, unwrapped to donate to Toys for Tots; the bin is located in the visitor center.
Southport Flotilla — As part of Southport’s 2025 Winterfest celebration, taking place all weekend long, will be the annual Christmas Flotilla — the decorated boat parade. Boats will travel from Old American Fish to Marker 19 near The Landings, then down the Intracoastal Waterway starting at 6 p.m. Southport Elementary School Art Program will judge the boats and Judges’ Artwork will be on display at the North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport during the month of December. It’s free to attend and check out all Winterfest events — ice skating, train and toy show, tour of homes.
Sunday, Dec. 14
The Bells of Christmas
Temple Baptist Church, 1801 Market St. • Free
A Wilmington tradition, Cape Fear Chordsmen Barbershop Society is ready to perform its holiday concert, The Bells of Christmas!
Christmas carols and other holiday classics will come with the Barbershop flair from both the full chorus and individual quartets. Admission is free, though donations are accepted to support The Salvation Army.
The show is free and starts at 2:30 p.m.
OTHER SUNDAY EVENTS
An 18th Century Christmas — The historic site of Brunswicktown/Fort Anderson is taking in back to the 19th century to share how Christmas was celebrated in the Colonial era. There will be costumed interpreters giving tours of St. Philips Anglican Church and 18th century inspired refreshments are served. Traditional games will be available to play and crafts, such as creating a Moravian paper star. Capping off the evening will be a 30-minute authentic period candlelit service in the ruins of St. Philips Anglican Church beginning at 5 p.m. Admission is $5 and children 12 and under are free; it’s open 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Christmas Cookie Fundraiser — 86 Now, which serves meals to people who are struggling but don’t qualify for government help, is hosting a fundraiser. On Dec. 14, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at the North Carolina Sorosis Clubhouse (20 South Cardinal Drive) dozens of Christmas cookies, handmade by chef and 86 Now founder David Scott will be for sale. All proceeds go to helping the nonprofit create Blessing Boxes this holiday season, filled with ham, sides and cookies for those in need. The fundraiser is a partnership with 86 Hunger Now and North Carolina Sorosis Night Department Health and Wellness Community Service Program Committee.
Doggy Ugly Sweater Party — A holiday party for pups and humans to meet, mingle, and show off their ugliest holiday sweaters is taking place at Carolina Beach Bar and Pier, 1800 Carolina Beach Ave. There will be festive cocktails and food, mingling and a special doggy menu available. Be prepared for photo ops. The event takes place from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Wilmington Victorian Candlelight Christmas Stroll — Wilmington Tours is getting into the spirit with an LED candlelight sunset stroll through downtown Wilmington’s historic district. Caroling also may ensue, but the stroll will be enlightening as participants learn about the area’s Victorian homes and see them decorated for the holiday season. Tickets are $20 per person and the stroll is limited to 20 people. Meet at Concorde Espresso Bar, 215 S Front St.
Glow in the Dark Scars — For years this indie band was a large part of Wilmington’s music scene, though it’s been on hiatus for more than a decade. But 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 at Barzarre, 1610 Castle Street, with bands Goldielux and Baker/Glover duo. 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.
Cargo District Winterfest — Need a walkable holiday market to check out varied local creators and businesses selling fun ideas for holiday gifts? Cargo District is hosting its annual Winterfest along Queen Street, from 15th to 17th streets. There will be vendors, holiday activities, plus food and drink. It’s free to attend and takes place from noon to 8 p.m.
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