It's that time of year! So many fun activities for kids (and big kids, aka adults) to enjoy in and around Wilmington! We've gathered a few fun things to do this weekend and in the upcoming weeks. There's just to many to list so check out http://www.whatsonwilmington.com for all the fun! We'd love to hear of any more, so please share.
Holly, Jolly, Holiday Stroll!
December 11, 2015 to December 12, 2015
www.hollyjollyholidaystroll.com
Around Town
Wilmington, NC 28401
Admission: FREE!
The Holly Jolly Holiday Stroll in historic downtown Wilmington, NC, features a variety of holiday sights and activities including street musicians and local choral groups and more than two dozen businesses participating in a window decorating contest, and of course a visit from Santa (arrives on the Henrietta III Saturday and will be at the Cotton Exchange from noon to 4 pm that same day). Other highlights include boat decorations at Port City Marina and Bennett Brothers Marinas, a performance of selected excerpts from the show Mame and a drum circle at the Orange Street Landing. HOURS: Friday, 4-8pm; Saturday, 11am to 8pm.
Light & Train Spectacular
December 11, 2015 to December 12, 2015 6:30 PM
Wilmington Railroad Museum
505 Nutt Street, Wilmington, NC 28401
Admission: $5.00
The Light & Train Spectacular at the Railroad Museum in downtown Wilmington, NC, features 22,000 twinkling lights, model train exhibits, musical animations, plus cookies and cider, and a visit from Santa Claus. Kids under 3 get in free. HOURS: 6:30-8pm.
Christmas by the Sea
Carolina Beach Boardwalk: Cape Fear Blvd, Carolina Beach, NC 28428
Admission: FREE
Christmas by the Sea at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk features Santa and hot chocolate at the Welcome Center, a fire pit with story telling, caroling, holiday themed movies at the Gazebo, puppet shows, and arts & crafts. HOURS: 6:30-8:30pm.
Holiday Bazaar
Moose Lodge (Wilmington)
4610 Carolina Beach Road
Wilmington, NC 28412
Admission: $2.00-4.00
Girl Scout Troop 1324 hosts a Holiday Bazaar at the Moose Lodge in Wilmington, NC, featuring homemade craft shopping, bake sale, and sweet treats. Activities include a Polar Express reading, face painting, and cake walk. Bring a canned food item and get $1 off the admission fee. HOURS: 9am to Noon.
Santa by the Sea
December 12, 2015 5:00 PM
NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher
900 Loggerhead Road, Kure Beach, NC 28449
Admission: $15.00-18.00
Santa by the Sea at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher in Kure Beach features a chance for holiday guests to make crafts, enjoy music, play games, win prizes, explore the Aquarium's decked halls, plus a meet n greet with Santa and some of his wild friends (he may even surprise everyone with a dive alongside sharks, rays and one of his favorite sea turtle friends, Shelldon). Children must be accompanied by at least one paying adult. HOURS: 5-8pm
Christmas Flotilla
December 12, 2015 7:00 PM
Southport Waterfront
Yacht Basin Drive, Southport, NC 28461
Admission: FREE
The Christmas Flotilla takes place at the waterfront in Southport, NC (from the Southport Marina to Kingsley Park), and features a parade of well lighted boats to be judged by students from the Southport Elementary School art class on originality and creativity. Weather permitting. HOURS: 7-9pm.
Enchanted Airlie
December 10, 2015 to December 13, 2015
Airlie Gardens
300 Airlie Road, Wilmington, NC 28403
www.airliegardens.org
Admission: $12.00-27.00
Airlie Gardens in Wilmington, NC, presents Enchanted Airlie, an opportunity for families to share in the joy of the season with a half-mile self-guided stroll through the gardens featuring festive lights, holiday displays, and Santa Claus, plus local food and beverage vendors with coffee, hot chocolate, popcorn, cookies and more. Tickets must be pre-purchased and include Carload (3+ persons and 1 vehicle, $27), Couples' Pass (2 people, 1 vehicle, $17), and Single Admission ($12). Children under 4 admitted free. TWO VIEWING TIMES: 5-7 and 7-9pm. PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE.