2nd Annual Wilmington Fur Ball

Enjoy dancing to the music of 360 Degrees, hors d'oeuvres, auctions and more at this black-tie red-carpet fund-raising gala. Call 910.798.1946 to volunteer or for more information.

Thalian Hall
310 Chestnut Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
www.wilmingtonfurball.com

Candy Cottages at the Children's Museum

The tradition continues. Build a fantasy candy cottage for your holiday decorations. We supply all the goodies, you supply the imagination. Admission is $8. Call 910.254.3534 ext 107.

Children's Museum of Wilmington
116 Orange Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
www.playwilmington.org

Island of Lights Holiday Flotilla
6:00 PM

Fishing boats and pleasure crafts electrically decorated with thousands of lights present a spectacular display on the Intracoastal Waterway. The parade of boats will cruise from Snows Cut to Carolina Beach Boat Basin and back. A unique coastal tradition sure to please the hearts of all. Cash prizes are awarded. View from one of the Winner Boats or anywhere along the waterway. Free to the public. Parking available in the local parking lots. For more information call 910.395.4410 or email iolinfo@aol.com.

Carolina Beach Boat Basin
Intracoastal Waterway
Carolina Beach, NC 28428
www.pleasureislandnc.org

Moravian Candle Tea
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

On the first Saturday in December, come to this warm, friendly church any time between 10 AM to 2 PM to enjoy a tour of the church, a brief explanation of Moravian history, spiced tea or sweet Moravian coffee with cookies, and demonstrations of traditional Moravian crafts. See the putz (Nativity scene), which has a special sound and light show, then go to the crafts area where you'll see traditionally garbed men and women making Moravian stars, beeswax candles, Advent wreaths and Moravian cookies. These items plus crafts and carvings are available for you to take home For more information please call 910.799.9256.

Covenant Moravian Church
4126 S. College Rd
Wilmington, NC 28409

Battleship Alive
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Come see what Christmas 1943 was like aboard the Battleship North Carolina. Living history interpreters bring the Ship to life by enacting daily duties and drills. In the snack bar from 12noon-4pm, visitors can make holiday cards for veterans at the VA hospital in Fayetteville. For information call 910.251.5797 Ext. 2046.

Battleship North Carolina
Battleship Drive
Wilmington, NC 28401
www.battleshipnc.com

Old Wilmington by Candlelight

The Old Wilmington by Candlelight Tour ushers in the holiday season December 1st & 2nd. The festive tour, now in its 34th year, is presented by the Lower Cape Fear Historical Society. The 2007 Candlelight Tour will feature sites within the historic district. Paths to each site will be marked with luminaries and lamplighters will stroll the streets with light and information. Each ticket has a map and commemorative programs will be available with information about the various homes and other events taking place during the holidays. Tickets are $25 through November 16 and $30 thereafter. Hours are Saturday 4-8pm and Sunday 2-6pm. Call 910.762.0492.

Historic Downtown Wilmington
www.latimerhouse.org

Holiday Concert, Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker
8:00 PM

Wilmington Symphony Orchestra with Wilmington School of Ballet and Wilmington Ballet Company. Experience Wilmington’s first Nutcracker with live orchestral accompaniment- a great way to start the holiday season! Pre-concert commentary by conductor Steven Errante begins at 7:00 PM. 3pm on Sunday. Call 910.962.3500 or 800.732.3643 for tickets.

UNCW, Kenan Auditorium
601 S. College Rd
Wilmington, NC 28403
www.wilmingtonsymphony.org

The Polar Express Comes to the Museum

Enjoy a special presentation of "The Polar Express," a charming story about a child's visit to Santa Claus. Shows are the first three weekends in December. Saturday shows (Dec 1, 8, 15 will be at 5:30 p.m.). Sunday shows (Dec 2, 9. 16) will be at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. We'll have special favors for kids, hot chocolate, and a visit from Santa along with a dramatic reading of "The Polar Express." Admission is by reservation, only $5.00 per person prepaid, and limited to 25 children per show. Call the Museum at 910.763.2634 to make your reservations for this holiday favorite!

Wilmington Railroad Museum
505 Nutt Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
www.wrrm.org

Holiday Matinee: Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker
4:00 PM

Wilmington Symphony Orchestra with Wilmington School of Ballet and Wilmington Ballet Company. An encore performance of Wilmington’s first Nutcracker with live orchestral accompaniment is presented at a family-friendly matinee hour of 4:00 p.m. For tickets call 910.962.3500 or 800.732.3643.

UNCW, Kenan Auditorium
601 S. College Rd
Wilmington, NC 28403
www.wilmingtonsymphony.org

Santaland Diaries

For the 4th year, CITY STAGE presents what's become a wildly popular holiday tradition. It's the merrily subversive true-life account of working as an elf at Macy's Department store by NPR humorist, playwright and best selling author David Sedaris. Riddled with sardonic humor and incisive social critique this hilarious tale has become an “anti-holiday” cult classic and the perfect recipe for cutting the sugar in that holiday punch! This season actor & member of the Wilmington comedy troupe “Changing Channels” Sam Robison stars as the irrepressible elf at Macy's Santaland! Reservations required. Please call 910.342.0272.

City Stage
21 N. Front Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
www.citystageatlevel5.com

Festival of Trees, 25th Annual

"What a Wonderful Life" Celebrate the diversity of worldwide seasonal traditions with beautifully decorated trees, silent auctions, entertainment, holiday shopping and more. Festival scenery and decorations draw inspiration from the variety and uniqueness of international holiday cultural customs. Hours Mon-Fri 9am-9pm Sat & Sun 10:30am-6:30pm. Call 800.773.1476 or 910.772.5444 for details.

Coast Line Convention Center
501 Nutt Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
hospiceandlifecarecenter.org/festival_trees.asp

Black River Mistletoe Kayak Tour
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Come view mistletoe in its natural habitat; learn about its life cycle and harvest some to take home on this kayak day tour. $60, register by November 26. Call 910.341.0836.

Black River
www.adventurepathways.com

Christmas Open House @ Poplar Grove
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Everyone is invited to enjoy Poplar Grove’s annual Christmas Open House. Sip some yuletide punch and nibble on a Christmas cookie in the warmth of our “Victorian Christmas” Manor House. You’ll be back in antebellum times; stroll the beautifully decorated plantation, see the blacksmith or weaver creating their treasures, or visit the farm animals. The Poplar Grove gift shop is stocked full of locally made crafts, ornaments, food and other fine gifts. Admittance is free this one special day. Call 910.686.9518 ext. 26 for more information.

Poplar Grove Plantation
10200 Hwy 17 N
Wilmington, NC 28411
www.poplargrove.com

Pet Photo Night with Santa
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Smile and say "Fleas" at Independence Mall's Pet Photo Night. Pet owners can bring their dog and/or cat after hours(6:30pm-8:30pm) to have photos taken with Santa. All pets must be on a leash or cages while waiting. Packages starting at $15.99. Call 910.392.1776 for more information.

Independence Mall
3500 Oleander Drive
Wilmington, NC 28403
www.shopindependencemall.com

Lighting of the World's Largest Living Christmas Tree, 78th
6:00 PM

The Annual Lighting of the World’s Largest Living Christmas Tree will be held on Thursday December 6, 2007 at Hilton Park. Holiday entertainment will begin at 6:00 pm with the arrival of Santa to follow. For more information visit us online at www.wilmingtonrecreation.com or call Tammy Skinner at 910.341.4602.

Hilton Park
407 hilton Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
www.wilmingtonrecreation.com

African-American History Day at the Bellamy Mansion
10:00 AM - 1:30 PM

Mansion tours on the hour. African-American History Tours on site on the ½ hour, beginning with mini-lectures on slavery topics with Greg Zugrave. Kitchen interpretation of African-American slave life and foods of the region with Sulnora Spencer. Regular museum admission charged. Call 910.251.3700.

Bellamy Mansion Museum
503 Market Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
www.bellamymansion.org

Homemade Holiday Shorts
6:00 PM

WHQR’s wintertime tradition, Homemade Holiday Shorts. The program features guest appearances by Carl Kassell, Margaret Maron, Kimberly McLaughlin Smith, and Master of Ceremonies, Peter Jurasik. Doors open at 6pm. A light reception, including drinks and hors d’oeuvres, will precede the live performance, which runs from 7 to 8pm. Tickets to this event can be purchased by phone at 910.343.1640, or stopping by the station for $50.

WHQR Gallery
254 N. Front Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
www.whqr.org

Winter Jazz at Cape Fear Museum
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Bring friends and food for an evening of jazz at Cape Fear Museum. Tonight enjoy Jack Krupicka & Julie Rehder. Guests are invited to bring snacks and a beverage of choice. Tickets are $5, seating is limited. Call 910.798.4370 for more information.

Cape Fear Museum
814 Market Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
www.capefearjazz.com

Holiday Pops Concert
8:00 PM

This seasonal favorite makes everything bright with joyful music. Gather friends and family for this holiday event. $33/$38/$48 Call 800.732.3643 or 910.343.3664 for tickets.

UNCW, Kenan Auditorium
601 S. College Rd
Wilmington, NC 28403
www.ncsymphony.org

Cruise to pick-up Santa
9:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Cruise on the Henrietta III to the North Pole to pick up Santa. Children can enjoy a clown on one deck while waiting to see Santa on the main deck. Benefit for the Salvation Army, admission is 6 cans of food. Call 800.676.0162 or 910.343.1611.

Henrietta III Riverboat
Water & Dock Streets
Wilmington, NC 28401
www.cfrboats.com

Candy Cottages at the Children's Museum
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

The tradition continues. Build a fantasy candy cottage for your holiday decorations. We supply all the goodies, you supply the imagination. Admission is $8. Call 910.254.3534 ext 107.

Children's Museum of Wilmington
116 Orange Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
www.playwilmington.org

Island of Lights Tour of Homes
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Visit area homes to enjoy holiday decorations and Southern hospitality at it's best as the owners welcome you into the privacy of their homes for a self-guided tour. (includes map) Tickets available at Linda's Fashions in Carolina Beach. Call 910.458.7115 for more information.

Pleasure Island
Carolina & Kure Beach
Carolina Beach, NC 28428
www.pleasureislandnc.org

A Christmas Story
8:00 PM

Thalian Community Theatre. One of the most beloved holiday films of recent times bursts onto the stage with all the wit and warmth that marked the movie as a modern classic. This memoir of growing up in the Midwest during the late 30’s follows young Ralphie Parker in his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. Call 800.523.2820 or 910.343.3664.

Thalian Hall
310 Chestnut Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
www.thalian.org

5th Annual Wilmington Holiday Parade
5:25 PM

Join area schools, bands, community groups and businesses as they celebrate this festive holiday event! The parade will start at the corner of N. Front and Walnut at 5:25 pm traveling south on N. Front to Orange, down the 00 block of Orange and then north on Water ending at Walnut. The reviewing stand will be in Riverfront Park in the 00 block of N. Water Street and live coverage will begin at 5:30 pm on WECT. Presented by U.S. Cellular and hosted by the City of Wilmington's Parks, Recreation and Downtown Services Division. Media sponsors include WECT, Encore Magazine and Cumulus Broadcasting. For more information visit us online at www.wilmingtonrecreation.com or call 910.341.4602.

Downtown Wilmington
Front Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
www.wilmingtonrecreation.com

Christmas Pudding

Did you ever wonder why Santa brings presents to all the rotten children, the ones clearly residing on the "naughty" list? This play, taken from the memoirs of Elf Sugarcrumb, explains the workings of the North Pole, and how the magic of a dreamtime elf brings everyone in line in time for Christmas. In order to protect the identity of some of those involved in this previously secret process, puppets have been employed for several of the characters! Tickets are $9. Call 800.523.2820 or 910.343.3664.

Thalian Hall Studio Theatre
310 Chestnut Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
www.thalianhall.com

The Polar Express Comes to the Museum

Enjoy a special presentation of "The Polar Express," a charming story about a child's visit to Santa Claus. Shows are the first three weekends in December. Saturday shows (Dec 1, 8, 15 will be at 5:30 p.m.). Sunday shows (Dec 2, 9. 16) will be at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. We'll have special favors for kids, hot chocolate, and a visit from Santa along with a dramatic reading of "The Polar Express." Admission is by reservation, only $5.00 per person prepaid, and limited to 25 children per show. Call the Museum at 910.763.2634 to make your reservations for this holiday favorite!

Wilmington Railroad Museum
505 Nutt Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
www.wrrm.org

Trolley Tour of Holiday Lights
6:00 PM

A 45 minute trolley tour of several fantastically lit Wilmington neighborhoods. Enjoy th spirit of the holidays in a warm festive trolley. 6pm, 7pm & 8pm. $10 adults, $5 children 2-12. Call 910.763.4483

Downtown Wilmington
www.wilmingtontrolley.com

Santaland Diaries

For the 4th year, CITY STAGE presents what's become a wildly popular holiday tradition. It's the merrily subversive true-life account of working as an elf at Macy's Department store by NPR humorist, playwright and best selling author David Sedaris. Riddled with sardonic humor and incisive social critique this hilarious tale has become an “anti-holiday” cult classic and the perfect recipe for cutting the sugar in that holiday punch! This season actor & member of the Wilmington comedy troupe “Changing Channels” Sam Robison stars as the irrepressible elf at Macy's Santaland! Reservations required. Please call 910.342.0272.

City Stage
21 N. Front Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
www.citystageatlevel5.com

Pet Photo Night with Santa
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Smile and say "Fleas" at Independence Mall's Pet Photo Night. Pet owners can bring your dog and/or cat after hours(6:30pm-8:30pm) to have photos taken with Santa. All pets must be on a leash or cages while waiting. Packages starting at $15.99. Call 910.392.1776 for more information.

Independence Mall
3500 Oleander Drive
Wilmington, NC 28403
www.shopindependencemall.com

Visit Santa!
6:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Have you been naughty or nice? Visit Santa and one of his Elf's to find out before he heads off to deliver presents all around the world! The line to visit Santa closes at 8:30 pm each night so arrive early. For more information call 910.341.4602.

Hilton Park
407 Hilton Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
www.wilmingtonrecreation.com

Breakfast with Santa
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Create a lasting memory with a visit from Santa. On December 15 from 9am -10am, parents and their children can have breakfast in the food court while Santa greets them. Advance tickets are $5 (price subject to change) and