New Hanover County
December 6th-22nd
Enchanted Airlie
Airlie gardens
300 Airlie Rd, Wilmington
Admission: $30-55 Time: 5-7pm, 7-9pm
(910) 798.7700
www.airliegardens.org/events-news/enchanted-airlie
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. Tickets are pre-purchased by car load.
December 6th
Island of Lights Christmas Parade
Atlanta Ave & S Lake Park Blvd., Carolina Beach
Admission: Free Time: 7:30pm
(910) 458.5507
www.pleasureislandoflights.com/christmas-parade.html
Island of Lights holds their annual Christmas Parade which courses from Atlanta Ave. down Lake Park Blvd. to Federal Point Plaza and features floats, bands, and Santa Claus.
Brunswick County
December 7th-14th
Winterfest
Various locations in Southport
https://www.ncbrunswick.com/event/winterfest-schedule-southport-nc
A week of celebration and events in the downtown area. Enjoy live theater, a tea party, cookie contest, supper with Santa’s elves, a viewing of the “Polar Express”, a costumed history tour, Christmas fire engine parade, Winter Craft Festival, book sale, performing arts, Santa’s workshop, historic jail tour, Tour of Homes and Christmas Flotilla.
December 14th
Southport Christmas Flotilla
Southport Marina/Old Yacht Basin
Bay Street, Southport
(910) 457.7927
https://www.ncbrunswick.com/event/christmas-flotilla-southport-nc
Boats of all sizes (power, paddle and sail) will be dressed for the holidays in this festive parade. Cheer for your favorite boats judged by guest judges, students from the Southport Elementary School art class.
Pender County
December 7th
Jingle Bell Ball
720 Channel Blvd., Topsail Beach
(910) 547.8312
http://topsailhistoricalsociety.org/jingle-bell-ball/
Join the Topsail Island Historical Society for a fantastic meal, dancing and entertainment in a winter wonderland. Cash bar available.
December 13th-15th
A Merry Little Christmas Festival
10200 US Hwy 17 N, Wilmington
Friday: 5-8pm; Saturday: 10am-8pm; Sunday: 10am-4pm
910.686.9518
Admission: $5
http://poplargrove.org/festivals/amerrylittlechristmas/
The grounds of Poplar Grove Plantation will be aglow with lights. Peruse the Snow Queen’s Grand Bazaar with over 60 different arts and craft vendors. Enjoy a camp fire with s’mores, live music, entertainment, holiday décor and kid’s activities. Candlelight tours of the Victorian themed Christmas in the manor house are available.
Onslow County
December 6th
Jacksonville Winterfest
100 Recreation lane, Jacksonville
https://jacksonvillenc.gov/646/Winterfest
Head to Jacksonville Commons for a show of artisans and crafters from all areas of North Carolina providing you a chance to do some holiday shopping. There will be an Upcycled Art Contest, Cookie Contest, pet photos with Santa and a Gingerbread Workshop.
December 17th
Quality Inn & Suites Holiday Party
1565 NV Hwy 210, Sneads Ferry
(910) 327.8282
http://www.onlyinonslow.com/events/#!/171742-quality-inn-and-suites-annual-holiday-party
Join the Quality Inn & Suites annual Holiday Party from 5-7pm. Hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be served. Bring a canned or non-perishable food item to be donated to a local food bank.
Craven County
December 6th
Chamber Music by Candlelight
Tryon Palace, 529 S Front St, New Bern
Admission: $50
7-9pm
(252) 639.3524
https://www.visitnewbern.com/event/chamber-music-by-candlelight/
Join Tryon Palace in the Palace Council Chamber for a superb acoustic experience. For the second year in a row, the Brierwood Ensemble will perform a variety of holiday Baroque favorites and traditional carols. Join the musicians for a post-concert reception at the Commission House featuring festive beverages and food.
December 14th
Holly & the Ivy Holiday Homes Tour
Downtown New Bern
10:30am-3:30pm
https://www.visitnewbern.com/event/21st-annual-the-holly-the-ivy-holiday-homes-tour/
Join the New Bern Woman’s Club for the 21st annual holiday homes tour showcasing historic homes. This walking tour will include 6 houses. All funds will go to victims of Hurricane Florence.
Carteret County
December 6th
Gingerbread Festival
3505 Arendell St, Morehead City
(252) 808.2244
https://www.crystalcoasthospicehouse.org/gingerbread-festival-2019/
Join the Crystal Coast Hospice House at the Civic Center for their annual holiday festival. The festival begins with a ticketed preview party. North Tower band will perform and catering will be provided by Seaside Sensations. A gingerbread village will be on display created by local artists, individuals, schools and community groups plus decorated crab pot Christmas trees. There will be activities for kids, holiday entertainment and a contest.
December 7th
Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair
7500 Emerald Dr, Emerald Isle
9am-3pm
(252) 354.6350
https://www.crystalcoastnc.org/region/all/events/
Tha 8th annual holiday crafts fair will feature handmade and hand-authenticated items by local artisans and crafters. Find that unique one-of-a-kind item for your holiday gift shoppin