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

Holiday entertainment begins at 6:00 pm with the lighting of the tree and the arrival of Santa to follow. The tree will remain lit through December 31, 2006. Admission is free. For more information, contact Tammy at 910/341-4602 or tammy.skinner@wilmingtonnc.gov. Also visit us on the web at www.wilmingtonrecreation.com.
Visit with Santa! Friday December 1, 2006-Sunday December 3, 2006 Friday December 8, 2006-Sunday December 10, 2006 Friday December 15, 2006-Sunday December 17, 2006 Hilton Park (located next to the World's Largest Living Christmas Tree) 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm.

Hilton Park
US Hwy 117, Castle Hayne Road
Wilmington, NC 28401
www.wilmingtonnc.gov/specialevents/tabid/203/Default.aspx

Island of Lights Night-Time Christmas Parade
7:30:00 PM

Exceptional night-time electric parade featuring floats, bands, queens, clowns, horses, Santa Claus, and much more. All combined to bring festive fun and entertainment to all! The parade travels along Lake Park Blvd. in Carolina Beach from Atlanta Avenue to Federal Point Shopping Center. Free to public. $10 entry fee for parade participants. For more information call 910.458.5507.

Carolina Beach
Lake Park Blvd (Hwy 421)
Carolina Beach, NC 28428
www.islandoflights.org

Silver Bells & Diamonds: The Diamonds’ Holiday Show
8:00:00 PM

The classic rock & roll hit-makers whose multi-million sellers include “Little Darlin’,” “The Stroll” and “Why Do Fools Fall in Love” add seasonal favorites to their Vegas-style stage show that’s already a real gift -- at any time of year. Tickets $28/22. Call 800.523.2820 or 910.343.3664.

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

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

Enjoy jazz performances through the winter months, inside Cape Fear Museum. Sit back, unwind from a long week, and experience your Museum in a whole new light! Guests are invited to bring folding chairs, blankets, snacks, and the beverage of your choice. Tonight's band is Liz Pina with the Kevin Kolb Trio. For more information, call 910.798.4350.

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

Caroling by Candlelight
6:15:00 PM - 8:00:00 PM

Come one come all for a fun-filled evening full of song and holiday cheer. Join us in front of The Latimer House, and sing your way through old Wilmington. Bring along treats and a thermos full of hot chocolate. The evening will end with a spectacular chorus at the foot of Market Street. Oh, what a grand evening it will be. Call 910.762.0492 for details.

Latimer House
126 S. Third Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
www.latimerhouse.org

Wilmington Symphony Orchestra - Holiday Concert
8:00:00 PM

A Wilmington tradition continues with a performance of Handel's Messiah and we introduce Wilmington Symphony Select--the new professional core orchestra of the Wilmington Symphony. Sponsored by Plantation Village. Call 800.732.3643 or 910.962.3500 for tickets.

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

Island of Lights Holiday Flotilla
7:00:00 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 910.458.0211.

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

Candlelight Jubilee - A 50th Anniversary Celebration

It's two enjoyable days of fun and jubilation celebrating the Lower Cape Fear Historical Society's 50th Anniversary. Historic Orange Street between Second and Third near The Latimer House Museum will take on a magical glow from rows of luminaries lining the blocked street for this special celebration. Join us for a wonderful variety of musicians, singers, storytellers, carolers, unique vendors, lamplights and strollers dressed in Victorian costume. This celebration takes place during the Old Wilmington by Candlelight tour. The highlight of the Jubilee will be the 1st Annual Candlelight Jubilee Fruitcake Contest. Call 910.762.0492.

Latimer House/Orange Street
Between 2nd & 3rd Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
www.latimerhouse.org

Old Wilmington by Candlelight

This year's prestigious two-day tour includes over 10 historic private residences, B&B's, churches, the Cameron Center, the new Children's Museum of Wilmington and The Latimer House Museum decorated for the holidays in gold and white to celebrate 50 years of preserving history for the Lower Cape Fear region. Luminaries adorn the historic paths from home to home. Come and enjoy rich and romantic history at its best in downtown Wilmington. Tickets are $25 through Nov, 17 then $30. Hours are Saturday 4-8 pm and Sunday 2-6 pm. Call 910.762.0492.

Historic Downtown Wilmington
www.latimerhouse.org

Christmas Open House @ Poplar Grove

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. Call 910.686.9518 for more information.

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

Holiday Parade/Toys for Tots Run

Join CCHD, the USMC, and the CCHD HOG chapter as they ride through the streets of Wilmington with Santa and all of his helpers. To participate in the ride you just need to bring a new, unwrapped toy to CCHD on or before 12/3. Food will be provided after the run. It is the largest event CCHD sponsors all year. Call 910/791-9997 for more information.

Carolina Coast Harley Davidson
6620 Market Street
Wilmington, NC 28405
www.cchd.com

Festival of Trees, 24th Annual
10:00:00 AM - 7:00:00 PM

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. Sponsorships are available by calling 910/772-5478. More details on the 2006 Festival of Trees as they become available.

Hilton Wilmington Riverside
301 N. Water Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
hospiceandlifecarecenter.org/festival_trees.asp

World War II Book Signing
10:00:00 AM

Program features books on southeastern North Carolina in World War II. Authors on hand to sign copies and chat with visitors. Staff and volunteers dressed in World War II period uniforms do talks and demonstrations. Program hours are 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Admission is free. Call the site at 910.458.5538 or email becky.sawyer@ncmail.net for more details. All events are subject to change at the last minute due to circumstances beyond our control.

Fort Fisher State Historic Site
1610 Fort Fisher Blvd. S
Wilmington, NC 28449
www.fortfisher.nchistoricsites.org

Cruise to pick-up Santa
10:00:00 AM - 12:00:00 PM

Cape Fear Riverboats, Inc. will be sponsoring a cruise for children and their families aboard the Henrietta III to the 'North Pole'. Admission is 6 canned food products per person. The food collected will be given to the Salvation Army to help fill their pantry, so that families in need will have food for the holiday season. Those wishing to attend are required to call Cape Fear Riverboats, Inc. at 910/343-1611 or 800/676-0162 to make reservations. Santa Claus will arrive on board once we reach the 'North Pole' and will be able to talk to each child before the boat arrives back at the dock in Historic Downtown Wilmington. Board at S.Water St.

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

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

A Wilmington tradition for over 25 years, this popular event is a great start to the holiday season. Visitors will experience beloved Moravian traditions, including the Putz, and purchase authentic Moravian sugar cookies and sugar cake. Free admission and free parking. For more information please call 910.799.9256.

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

Island of Lights Tour of Homes
4:00:00 PM - 9:00:00 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 910.458.0211 for more information.

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

Wilmington Holiday Parade
6:00:00 PM

Celebrate the holidays with the City of Wilmington in historic downtown Wilmington. The parade is hosted by the City of Wilmington’s Parks, Recreation and Downtown Services Division and features area schools, bands, businesses, organizations and community groups. For more information regarding the parade, please contact Tammy at 910/341-4602 or tammy.skinner@wilmingtonnc.gov. Also visit us on the web at www.wilmingtonrecreation.com.

Historic Downtown Wilmington
Water Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
www.wilmingtonnc.gov/specialevents/tabid/203/Default.aspx

Over the River and Through the Woods
8:00:00 PM

Nick is a single, Italian-American guy from New Jersey. Although his parents have retired to Florida, he sees both sets of his grandparents every Sunday for dinner. This routine is threatened when he’s offered a dream job that will take him away from his beloved, but annoying, grandparents. Thus begins a series of hilarious schemes to keep Nick around that includes bringing to dinner a lovely – and single – young woman as bait. From the author of the long-running hit I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE. Call 800.523.2820 or 910.343.3664

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

Colonial Christmas
10:00:00 AM - 4:00:00 PM

Historic home built in 1771 is decorated for the Holidays in traditional Colonial style. Music and re-enactments enhance the visitor's experience. Food preparation in "Colonial Times" will be held in the colonial kitchen and hot wassail will be served. A colonial surgeon will also be available to demonstrate life during the colonial period, colonial dancers in authentic costumes will be dancing during the two day event. Spinning and weaving will be held in the craft room above the kitchen. The old dungeon can be viewed in the cellar area. Saturday 10-4pm, Sunday 1pm-4pm. For more information call 910/762-0570.

Burgwin-Wright Museum House
224 Market Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
www.geocities.com/picketfence/garden/4354

North Carolina Symphony -Annual Holiday Pops Concert
8:00:00 PM

Make your holidays bright with joyful music by the North Carolina Symphony! Bring the whole family and get into the spirit of the season with this much-loved concert featuring your favorite carols and the sing-along. For ticket information call 910.962.3500 or 800.732.3643.

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

It's A Wonderful Life Screening

An evening of celebration featuring Frank Capra Jr and It's a Wonderful Life. Carolers and hot beverages will be served at 6:30pm, program begins 7pm. Free and open to the public. Financial donations, new clothing or toys for ages 3-9 accepted at the door. Sponsored by UNCW's Film Studies Department. Call 910.962.3500.

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

Riverfront Farmers' Market
8:00:00 AM - 12:00:00 PM

The City of Wilmington, in cooperation with the New Hanover County Cooperative Extension, announces the opening of the Riverfront Farmers' Market. The market will be held Saturdays on Water Street beginning April 15th and operating through December 20. Regional produce, plants, herbs, cut flowers, seafood and more will be featured weekly, with special events and promotions to be held throughout the year. The third Saturday of every month is arts and crafts day at the market, where local artisans and crafters will sell their wares. Musical entertainment will be also be highlighted monthly. Call 910.254.0907.

Downtown Wilmington
Water Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
www.wilmingtonfarmers.com

Farmers' Market @ Halyburton Park
8:00:00 AM - 12:00:00 PM

The City of Wilmington, in cooperation with the New Hanover County Cooperative Extension, announces the opening of the Farmers' Market at Halyburton Park. Regional produce, plants, herbs, cut flowers, seafood and more will be featured weekly, with special events and promotions to be held throughout the year. Call 910.254.0907 for information.

Halyburton Park
4099 S. 17th Street
Wilmington, NC 28412
www.wilmingtonfarmers.com

The Nutcracker

Enjoy this holiday classic by Tchaikovsky. Call 910/962-3500 or 800/732-3643 for tickets.

UNCW, Kenan Auditorium
601 S. College Rd
Wilmington, NC 28403
www.uncw.edu/kenan

Enchanted Airlie

Beginning in late November, Enchanted Airlie offered visitors an opportunity to celebrate the Season underneath the stars. The ancient southern landscape of Airlie Gardens was alive with magical illuminations throughout the holiday season. Enchanted Airlie featured over 13 acres of the Gardens, tastefully decorated for the enjoyment of all ages. Each evening featured live entertainment, refreshments, and holiday gifts for purchase from several vendors under our large decorated tent. Santa also stopped by to visit and brighten the holidays for many. Call 910.798.7700 for details.

Airlie Gardens
300 Airlie Road
Wilmington, NC 28403
www.airliegardens.org

Caroling by Reindeer Drawn Carriage or Trolley
7:00:00 PM - 10:00:00 PM

Come and sing Christmas carols with Santa. See the beautiful lights of Old Wilmington snuggled under warm lap blankets in our enclosed "reindeer" drawn Christmas trolley or carriage. $11 adults, $5 children under 12. Free candy canes for children. For more information please call 910/251-8889.

Downtown Wilmington
Market & Water Streets
Wilmington, NC 28401
www.horsedrawntours.com

Island of Lights New Year's Eve Countdown Party/Fireworks

The Island of Lights countdown features the lowering of a giant lighted beach ball. A street dance featuring live music precedes a spectacular fireworks display to welcome in the New Year. Refreshments are available at this entertainment event for all ages. Free. For more information call 910.458.6900.

Carolina Beach Boardwalk
On the beach end of Cape Fear Blvd
Carolina Beach, NC 28428
www.islandoflights.org

Lower Cape Fear Arrivals

How did you arrive? Explore the ways that people have come to the region—by water, footpath, rail, highway, or air. Discover how the history of the Lower Cape Fear is shaped by the land and by the people who arrived and settled here. Call 910.798.4350

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

Living Small: Crafting Miniatures

Explore the multi-faceted world of miniatures, the creators, consumers, and collectors of mini-objects, crafted within a scaled-down universe that is both vast and tiny. Experience a wide variety of miniature objects that define the importance of miniatures in all our lives. Call 910.798.4350.

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

Pirates, Princesses, and Produce: Lower Cape Fear Festivals

Azalea Festival Associated Event. Celebrate a century of festivals in the Lower Cape Fear—Feast of Pirates, Piney Woods, Azalea Festival and others. Why did some festivals fade away, while others flourish to this day? Discover the origins and themes of 20th-century festivals in costumes, photographs, and festival-related objects. Call 910.798.4350 for more information.

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

New Year's Eve Party Cruise
9:00:00 PM - 12:30:00 AM

Cruise into the new year aboard the Henrietta III Riverboat. The cruise along the Cape Fear River includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, entertainment, party favors and a champagne toast. Pre-paid Reservations Required. All ABC Permits. For more information call 910-343-1611 or 800-676-0162.

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

Walking Tour of the Lake

One mile magical walk around Carolina Beach Lake. Local community groups will have lighted displays, luminaries and caroling. This begins on November 24 and will continue through Christmas. Free, dusk until...Call 910-458-0211 for more information.

Carolina Beach Lake
Hwy. 421 and Atlanta Ave.
Carolina Beach, NC 28428
www.islandoflights.org

Annual Holiday Lighting of the Battleship NC

Part of historic downtown Wilmington's annual holiday light celebration and naval tradition, the Battleship is dressed in lights strung from the bow up to the masts and down to the stern. Enjoy nightly. Free viewing from downtown Wilmington. Enjoy nightly from dusk to dawn. For more information call 910.251.5797 or visit www.battleshipnc.com.

View from Historic Downtown Wilmington
Water Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
www.battleshipnc.com

Weave!

WEAVE! explores both the process and product of weaving. Traditional materials and techniques employed in Persian rugs and weaving are examined alongside new mediums and forms by contemporary installation artists. Innovative weaving with unconventional artists’ materials such as computer cables, telephone and video surveillance lines provides a metaphor of life in the age of information technology. Large-scale photographic panels by Phil Moody interpret the rise, fall and transformation of the once powerful textile industry in North and South Carolina. Featured installation artists include Dan Brawley and Dixon Stetler of Wilmington, NC; Jan-Ru Wan, Greenville, NC and performance/installation artist, Pate Conaway of Chicago, Illinois. Call 910.392.5999 for more information.

Cameron Art Museum
3201 S. 17th Street
Wilmington, NC 28412
www.cameronartmuseum.com

Colonel Lamb's Pets

Display of two pieces of British-manufactured horse artillery used by Confederat soldiers at Ft. Fisher to patrol the beaches and protect shipwrecked Confederate blockade runners during the Civil War. Captured by Union naval forces in 1863, these two unique and long-range weapons are on temporary loan from the U.S. Navy Yard museum in Washington, D.C. Call 910/458-5538 for details.

Fort Fisher State Historic Site
1610 Fort Fisher Blvd. S
Kure Beach, NC 28449
www.ah.dcr.state.nc.us/sections/hs/fisher/fisher.htm

Printed in Beauty

An exhibition of prints demonstrating transcultural influences, historic conventions and modern innovations in printmaking, including work by 19th century artists Mary Cassatt, Utagawa Hiroshige (also called Ando), 20 prints by Henri Matisse from the seminal 1947 portfolio, “Jazz”, and prints by Pop artists including Brits Gerald Laing, Peter Phillips and American pop masters James Rosenquist, Ed Ruscha, and others. Contemporary works by local printmakers Ann Conner and Don Furst will also be featured. Call 910.395.5999 for more information.

Cameron Art Museum
3201 S. 17th Street
Wilmington, NC 28412
www.cameronartmuseum.com