The Wilmington, NC area has 14 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from The Nutcracker: World Ballet Company in Wilmington on November 21 to Enchanted Airlie in Wilmington, which runs through December 21. 6 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in North Carolina, part of our guide for every state.
The short version
- 14 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Wilmington, NC for 2026, in Wilmington, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Wrightsville Beach
- First: The Nutcracker: World Ballet Company, Wilmington, November 21. Runs latest: Enchanted Airlie, Wilmington, through December 21
- Free: Wilmington Holiday Parade, Carolina Beach Christmas Parade, Holidays on Water Drone Show and Santa, Watercolor Snowflakes, Winter Wonderland Holiday Storytime and Kure Beach Holiday Whoobie Whatty
- Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our North Carolina Christmas train rides page.
Wilmington, NC Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 14 confirmed for 2026
- Cities
- Wilmington, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Wrightsville Beach
- Season
- November 21 to December 21, 2026
- Free events
- 6
- Kinds of events
- holiday show, holiday parade, holiday lights and holiday crafts
- Last checked
Plan your December
When each Wilmington, NC Christmas event for kids happens
The first is The Nutcracker: World Ballet Company in Wilmington on November 21; the last runs to December 21. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.
- The Nutcracker: World Ballet CompanyWilmington · Nov 21
- NC Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville BeachWrightsville Beach · Nov 27 to Nov 28
- Enchanted AirlieWilmington · Nov 27 to Dec 21
- Downtown Wilmington Holiday Tree LightingWilmington · Nov 28
- Wilmington Holiday ParadeWilmington · Nov 29
- Who Brought the Humbug?Wilmington · Dec 1
- Carolina Beach Christmas ParadeCarolina Beach · Dec 4
- Ballet for Young Audiences: The NutcrackerWilmington · Dec 4 to Dec 5
- Island of Lights Christmas FlotillaCarolina Beach · Dec 5
- Holidays on Water Drone Show and SantaWilmington · Dec 5 to Dec 19
- Watercolor SnowflakesWilmington · Dec 14
- Winter Wonderland Holiday StorytimeWilmington · Dec 16
- Kure Beach Holiday Whoobie WhattyKure Beach · Dec 18
- Home Alone in ConcertWilmington · Dec 19
Look inside the book
Story time with Santa in Wilmington, NC? Bring Rally home.
Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.
Rally Takes the Train
Eight pages from the book
Turn the page
That's 8 of 25 pages
See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $16.99 on Amazon.
See the full bookPage 1 of 8
Like it so far? See the full book
25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.
Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
Christmas events for kids in Wilmington
10 confirmed events for kids in Wilmington, soonest first.
Wilmington: The Nutcracker: World Ballet Company
Holiday showUNCW Presents · Wilmington
- Host
- UNCW Presents (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- UNCW Kenan Auditorium, 601 S College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403
- When
- Saturday, November 21, 2026
- Cost
- Ticketed, see UNCW
- Ages
- Family friendly
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The World Ballet Company presents a dazzling, family friendly Nutcracker featuring Tchaikovsky's unforgettable music, more than 150 costumes and lavish hand painted sets. Audiences join Marie and the Nutcracker on a Christmas Eve adventure to the Kingdom of Sweets, with the Waltz of Flowers and the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. A multinational cast of 50 professional ballet dancers performs the production.
The visitors bureau lists the performance on Saturday, Nov 21 at Kenan Auditorium on the UNCW campus, 601 S College Road, and warns that it will surely sell out. The listing does not give a showtime or ticket price, so check with the university's performing arts box office before you plan your day. A full length ballet suits school age children who can sit through an evening or matinee performance, and it makes a memorable holiday outing for older relatives visiting from out of town.
Parent tip: Plan ahead because the tourism page expects this performance to sell out. Confirm the showtime with the box office.
See dates and details from UNCW Presents (opens in a new tab)Wilmington: Enchanted Airlie
Holiday lightsAirlie Gardens · Wilmington
- Host
- Airlie Gardens (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Airlie Gardens, 300 Airlie Road, Wilmington, NC 28403
- When
- Fri November 27, Sat November 28, Tue December 1, Wed December 2, Thu December 3, Fri December 4, Sat December 5, Sun December 6, Mon December 7, Tue December 8, Wed December 9, Thu December 10, Fri December 11, Sat December 12, Sun December 13, Mon December 14, Tue December 15, Wed December 16, Thu December 17, Fri December 18, Sat December 19, Sun December 20 and Mon December 21, 2026, 5:30 to 9:30 pm
- Cost
- $35 per carload, $65 per XL van; advance tickets required
- Ages
- All ages
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Enchanted Airlie has been a Wilmington holiday tradition since 2005. Guests take a self guided walk through the gardens past millions of twinkling lights and holiday flowers, with festive music along the way. The gardens say the lights help fund projects such as their stormwater plan, so ticket money supports the grounds.
Tickets are sold by vehicle, not by person. A carload ticket is $35 for a car, standard truck, SUV or minivan, and an XL van ticket is $65 for up to 11 passengers. Each ticket includes parking and entry for everyone in the vehicle, but there are no walk ins and no bicycles. Entry slots run hourly between 5:30 and 9:30 pm on Nov 27, Nov 28 and Dec 1 through 21, and dates sell out quickly. Ticket fees apply online. The gardens note that Santa is no longer part of the event, and select snacks and drinks are available to buy.
Parent tip: Buy tickets in advance through the official ticket link on the Airlie page, and avoid third party sellers. All guests must arrive in the same vehicle.
See dates and details from Airlie Gardens (opens in a new tab)Wilmington: Downtown Wilmington Holiday Tree Lighting
Tree lightingWilmington Downtown, Inc. · Wilmington
- Host
- Wilmington Downtown, Inc. (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Wilmington Riverwalk, 2 Princess Street, Wilmington, NC 28401
- When
- Saturday, November 28, 2026, 5:30 pm
- Cost
- Price not listed
- Ages
- Family friendly
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Downtown Wilmington's Christmas tree lighting is described as family friendly fun on the Riverwalk. Entertainment begins at 5:30 pm on Saturday, Nov 28, followed by the countdown and tree lighting at about 6:25 pm. Visitors can grab hot cocoa while the lights come on and snap a picture with Santa, a favorite of children and parents alike.
The night also includes a vendor village, where you can stroll among the shops and restaurants of downtown to kick off the holiday season coastal style while listening to live music. The event is at the Wilmington Riverwalk near 2 Princess Street. The tourism listing does not state a price, and the lighting time was marked as to be determined, so confirm details with the host before you go. Downtown streets can be busy on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, so give yourself time to park and walk to the river.
Parent tip: The countdown time was listed as to be determined on the tourism page, so check with Wilmington Downtown before heading out.
See dates and details from Wilmington Downtown, Inc. (opens in a new tab)Wilmington: Wilmington Holiday Parade
Holiday paradeFreeWilmington Downtown, Inc. · Wilmington
- Host
- Wilmington Downtown, Inc. (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Historic Downtown Wilmington, Front Street, N Front Street at Walnut Street, Wilmington, NC 28401
- When
- Sunday, November 29, 2026
- Cost
- Free to watch
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The 23rd Annual Wilmington Holiday Parade brings brightly lit marching bands, floats, entertainers and Santa Claus to historic downtown. The visitors bureau describes colorful costumes, millions of twinkling lights, wonderful music and a special Santa appearance, a sparkling Christmas tradition for all ages.
The parade begins at North Front and Walnut Streets and travels south on Front Street to Church Street, taking place on Sunday, Nov 29. Metered parking is free on Sundays, so arrive early to grab a spot. The tourism listing does not give a start time, so check the host organization, Wilmington Downtown, Inc., before you leave home. Spectating is free. With the parade on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, it makes a good family outing for visiting relatives, and downtown restaurants and shops are within walking distance of the route for lunch or a warm drink.
Parent tip: Metered parking is free on Sundays. Confirm the start time with the host, since the tourism listing does not state one.
See dates and details from Wilmington Downtown, Inc. (opens in a new tab)Wilmington: Who Brought the Humbug?
Holiday showThalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts · Wilmington
- Host
- Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut Street, Wilmington, NC 28401
- When
- Tuesday, December 1, 2026
- Cost
- Ticketed, see Thalian Hall
- Ages
- Fun for all ages
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Who Brought the Humbug? is a family friendly, feel good Christmas season musical set at the wildest ugly sweater party ever. The guests are talented singers, tap dancers and high energy musicians, and the show promises holiday fun for all ages. The swinging fun gets going when Santa Claus starts rapping with Rudolph, Frosty the Snowman tap dances, and the other reindeer hip hop to the beat.
The party comes to a hilarious halt when someone is revealed to have brought a humbug. The visitors bureau describes it as a joyous, magical musical celebration. The show is listed for Tuesday, Dec 1 at Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut Street in downtown Wilmington. The tourism listing does not state a showtime or ticket price, so check the Thalian Hall box office. A weeknight show in a historic theater is a good option for families with school age children who like music and dancing.
Parent tip: Showtime and prices were not listed on the tourism page, so check with the Thalian Hall box office.
See dates and details from Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts (opens in a new tab)Wilmington: Ballet for Young Audiences: The Nutcracker
Holiday showThalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts · Wilmington
- Host
- Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut Street, Wilmington, NC 28401
- When
- Fri December 4 and Sat December 5, 2026
- Cost
- Ticketed, see Thalian Hall
- Ages
- Designed for young audiences
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Ballet for Young Audiences, from New York, returns to Thalian Hall with a version of The Nutcracker made for children. The visitors bureau describes a narrated, sixty minute production designed to captivate and inspire young audiences and to help the whole family get into the holiday spirit.
The story follows Clara, who with the help of her godfather is transported to a magical realm where she journeys through the land of sweets, witnesses a daring battle and meets the Sugar Plum Fairy. The performances are listed for Friday, Dec 4 and Saturday, Dec 5 in the historic downtown theater at 310 Chestnut Street. Showtimes and ticket prices were not on the tourism page, so check Thalian Hall's box office for details. The shorter length and narration make this a gentler first ballet than a full evening Nutcracker, which suits younger children and first time theatergoers.
Parent tip: Check Thalian Hall for showtimes and seating before you buy. The shorter format is aimed at younger audiences.
See dates and details from Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts (opens in a new tab)Wilmington: Holidays on Water Drone Show and Santa
Holiday lightsFreeWilmington Downtown, Inc. · Wilmington
- Host
- Wilmington Downtown, Inc. (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Wilmington Riverwalk, near the Visitor Information Booth, Water Street between Dock and Grace Streets, Wilmington, NC 28401
- When
- Sat December 5, Sat December 12 and Sat December 19, 2026, 5 to 8 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Holidays on Water adds a riverfront drone show to downtown Wilmington on three Saturdays. About 150 drones light the night sky above the water with enchanting Christmas scenes, from twinkling snowflakes to cheerful gingerbread men, in synchronized patterns. The shows take place on Dec 5, Dec 12 and Dec 19.
Santa visits each Saturday for a holiday photo opportunity from 5:00 to 8:00 pm near the Visitor Information Booth, so families can combine the photo with the show. The experience is free and open to all, and the visitors bureau suggests bundling up and bringing loved ones to the Riverwalk. Before and after the drone show, downtown shops are decorated and special Holiday Happenings are planned. The listing does not give the exact drone show time, so check Wilmington Downtown for the schedule on the night you plan to attend.
Parent tip: The drone show time is not listed on the tourism page, so check the host schedule. Bundle up for the river breeze.
See dates and details from Wilmington Downtown, Inc. (opens in a new tab)Wilmington: Watercolor Snowflakes
Holiday craftsFreeNew Hanover County Public Library · Wilmington
- Host
- New Hanover County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Northeast Library, Makerspace, 1241 Military Cutoff Road, Wilmington, NC 28405
- When
- Monday, December 14, 2026, 4 to 4:30 pm
- Cost
- Free, registration required
- Ages
- Ages 9 to 12
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Kids ages 9 to 12 are welcome at the Makerspace in Northeast Library, where they will paint snowflakes using several watercolor methods. According to the library, creating art alongside others builds creativity, boosts confidence and sharpens decision making, so this half hour session is about practice as much as the completed piece.
Registration is required and begins at 4:00 pm on Monday, Nov 30. The program itself is Monday, Dec 14 from 4:00 to 4:30 pm at 1241 Military Cutoff Road. The library sees this as a chance for kids to build independence, so caregivers do not sit in with the group but need to stay somewhere in the building throughout. A watercolor snowflake is an easy winter craft for the season, and it looks nice taped to a window or the fridge once it has dried at home.
Parent tip: Stay somewhere in the library while your child is in the program. Sign up when registration opens on Nov 30.
See dates and details from New Hanover County Public Library (opens in a new tab)Wilmington: Winter Wonderland Holiday Storytime
Holiday story timeFreeNew Hanover County Public Library · Wilmington
- Host
- New Hanover County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Pine Valley Library, Outdoor Children's Area, 3802 College Road, Wilmington, NC 28412
- When
- Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 10:15 to 10:45 am
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Kids and families
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Winter Wonderland Holiday Storytime is an outdoor family story time at the Pine Valley Library. The librarians build the session around five early literacy practices: singing, talking, reading, writing and playing, which help children develop the skills they need before they learn to read. Children and caregivers sit together for songs and stories with a winter holiday theme.
The program runs Wednesday, Dec 16 from 10:15 to 10:45 am in the outdoor children's area at 3802 College Road. No registration is required. Families should bring a blanket or towel to sit on, and children can enjoy free play outdoors after story time. If the weather is bad or the wind chill drops below 40 degrees, the story time moves indoors, so dress warmly either way. The session is short, which makes it a good match for toddlers and preschoolers who have limited attention for a longer event.
Parent tip: Bring a blanket or towel to sit on. The program moves indoors in bad weather or if the wind chill is below 40 degrees.
See dates and details from New Hanover County Public Library (opens in a new tab)Wilmington: Home Alone in Concert
Holiday showWilmington Symphony Orchestra · Wilmington
- Host
- Wilmington Symphony Orchestra (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- The Wilson Center, 703 N Third Street, Wilmington, NC 28401
- When
- Saturday, December 19, 2026, 2:30 to 7:30 pm
- Cost
- Ticketed, see the Wilson Center
- Ages
- Family film
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Home Alone in Concert pairs the holiday classic with a live orchestra. Audiences watch the film on a large HD cinema screen while the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra performs the delightful and iconic score. The visitors bureau calls it a magical experience that is sure to put families in the holiday spirit.
There are two showtimes on Saturday, Dec 19, at 2:30 pm and 7:30 pm at the Wilson Center, 703 N Third Street. The afternoon performance is the easier choice for younger children, while the evening show suits families with older kids. The listing does not give ticket prices, so check the Wilson Center box office. Seeing a movie scored live is a good way to introduce children to an orchestra, and the story is familiar enough that most school age viewers will stay engaged through the whole film.
Parent tip: Choose the 2:30 pm matinee for younger children. Check the box office for ticket prices and seating.
See dates and details from Wilmington Symphony Orchestra (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Carolina Beach
2 confirmed events for kids in Carolina Beach, soonest first.
Carolina Beach: Carolina Beach Christmas Parade
Holiday paradeFreeTown of Carolina Beach · Carolina Beach
- Host
- Town of Carolina Beach (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Lake Park Boulevard, Lake Park Boulevard, Carolina Beach, NC 28428 (near Wilmington)
- When
- Friday, December 4, 2026
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Carolina Beach Christmas Parade celebrates the season on Friday, Dec 4 with floats, bands and Santa Claus. The visitors bureau calls it a night of free family entertainment and holiday cheer, and says the parade is traditionally held the Friday following Thanksgiving weekend.
The parade travels along Lake Park Boulevard, the main street of the island town, so families can combine it with dinner at one of the nearby restaurants. The listing describes the event as an evening, but it does not give a start time, so check the Town of Carolina Beach for the schedule and any street closure notes. Spectating is free. Carolina Beach is about 15 miles south of downtown Wilmington, so allow extra driving time on a weekend evening when parking near the parade route tends to fill up.
Parent tip: Confirm the start time and road closures with the town. Plan to park early and walk to Lake Park Boulevard.
See dates and details from Town of Carolina Beach (opens in a new tab)Carolina Beach: Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla
Holiday paradeTown of Carolina Beach · Carolina Beach
- Host
- Town of Carolina Beach (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Carolina Beach Boat Basin, Carolina Beach Boat Basin, Carolina Beach, NC 28428 (near Wilmington)
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026
- Cost
- Price not listed
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Boats of all shapes and sizes, sparkling with thousands of lights, present a display on the Intracoastal Waterway during the annual Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla. The boats cruise from Snows Cut to the Carolina Beach Boat Basin and back, competing for prizes. A panel of judges chooses winners, and onlookers can text a vote for the People's Choice award once the parade begins, which gives children something to do besides watching.
The flotilla is traditionally held on the second Saturday following Thanksgiving weekend, which is Saturday, Dec 5 this year. The visitors bureau invites families to bring everyone for a colorful, festive evening. A start time was not listed on the tourism page, so check with the Town of Carolina Beach for details before you go. The boat basin has restaurants nearby and open waterfront for viewing, so a dockside dinner is an easy way to pass the time before dark.
Parent tip: Start time was not posted on the tourism page. Bring layers, since waterfront evenings can be windy.
See dates and details from Town of Carolina Beach (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Kure Beach
1 confirmed event for kids in Kure Beach, soonest first.
Kure Beach: Kure Beach Holiday Whoobie Whatty
Holiday craftsFreeTown of Kure Beach · Kure Beach
- Host
- Town of Kure Beach (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Kure Beach Ocean Front Park & Pavilion, 105 Atlantic Avenue, Kure Beach, NC 28449 (near Wilmington)
- When
- Friday, December 18, 2026
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Families are invited to dress in their best Whoville attire for a Grinch themed outdoor holiday celebration at Kure Beach Ocean Front Park. The evening starts with the announcement of the 2026 Kure Beach Cheermeister, followed by a viewing of the 2000 film How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
While the movie plays, everyone can visit different stations around the park for face painting, Grinch crafts, cookie decorating and photos with the Grinch. The event is free to attend, according to the visitors bureau, and takes place on Friday, Dec 18 at the oceanfront pavilion at 105 Atlantic Avenue. The listing does not give a start time, so check with the Town of Kure Beach for the schedule. Because it is outdoors in December, bring warm clothes and blankets for sitting on the lawn during the film. It is a relaxed option for children who want to join in the costume fun.
Parent tip: Dress for cool coastal weather and bring blankets for the movie. Confirm the start time with the town.
See dates and details from Town of Kure Beach (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Wrightsville Beach
1 confirmed event for kids in Wrightsville Beach, soonest first.
Wrightsville Beach: NC Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach
Holiday paradeWrightsville Beach Parks and Recreation · Wrightsville Beach
- Host
- Wrightsville Beach Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Wrightsville Beach Park, 1 Bob Sawyer Drive, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480 (near Wilmington)
- When
- Fri November 27 and Sat November 28 (6 pm), 2026
- Cost
- Price not listed
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The NC Holiday Flotilla has been a local delight since 1983. The celebration kicks off Friday night with the Wrightsville Beach Tree Lighting Ceremony, which is open to the public. On Saturday the Festival in the Park features more than 100 arts and craft vendors, an antique car show, festival food and a large play area for children with several inflatables.
The flotilla itself, a lighted boat parade, begins at 6:00 pm on Saturday, Nov 28 and is followed by a fireworks show. Spectators are encouraged to vote by text for the People's Choice and Crowd Favorite awards once the parade starts. The visitors bureau says additional details will be available closer to the event, and it does not list prices, so check with Wrightsville Beach Parks and Recreation before you go. Parking in town is limited on festival days, so plan extra time and consider walking from a distance.
Parent tip: Details were still being finalized on the tourism page. Check the town's parks and recreation page for times and parking.
See dates and details from Wrightsville Beach Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)Looking further afield? Our North Carolina Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Durham, NC, Winston-Salem and Asheville. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.
A story for the drive home
A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.
Buy on AmazonWilmington, NC Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Wilmington, NC in 2026?
We confirmed 14 Christmas events for kids in Wilmington, NC for 2026 on each host’s own page: The Nutcracker: World Ballet Company in Wilmington (November 21), Enchanted Airlie in Wilmington (November 27), NC Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach in Wrightsville Beach (November 27), Downtown Wilmington Holiday Tree Lighting in Wilmington (November 28), Wilmington Holiday Parade in Wilmington (November 29), Who Brought the Humbug? in Wilmington (December 1), Ballet for Young Audiences: The Nutcracker in Wilmington (December 4), Carolina Beach Christmas Parade in Carolina Beach (December 4), Holidays on Water Drone Show and Santa in Wilmington (December 5), Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla in Carolina Beach (December 5), Watercolor Snowflakes in Wilmington (December 14), Winter Wonderland Holiday Storytime in Wilmington (December 16), Kure Beach Holiday Whoobie Whatty in Kure Beach (December 18) and Home Alone in Concert in Wilmington (December 19). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.
What Christmas events for kids are in Wilmington, North Carolina?
For families in and around Wilmington, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: The Nutcracker: World Ballet Company (Sat, Nov 21 (see UNCW for showtime), ticketed, see uncw); Enchanted Airlie (Nov 27 and 28, Dec 1 to 21, hourly entry from 5:30 to 9:30 pm, $35 per carload, $65 per xl van; advance tickets required); Downtown Wilmington Holiday Tree Lighting (Sat, Nov 28, entertainment 5:30 pm, lighting about 6:25 pm, price not listed); Wilmington Holiday Parade (Sun, Nov 29 (check host for start time), free to watch); Who Brought the Humbug? (Tue, Dec 1 (see Thalian Hall for showtime), ticketed, see thalian hall); Ballet for Young Audiences: The Nutcracker (Fri and Sat, Dec 4 and 5 (see Thalian Hall for showtimes), ticketed, see thalian hall); Holidays on Water Drone Show and Santa (Saturdays, Dec 5, 12 and 19; Santa 5 to 8 pm, free); Watercolor Snowflakes (Mon, Dec 14, 4 to 4:30 pm, free, registration required); Winter Wonderland Holiday Storytime (Wed, Dec 16, 10:15 to 10:45 am, free); Home Alone in Concert (Sat, Dec 19, 2:30 pm and 7:30 pm, ticketed, see the wilson center). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Wilmington section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Carolina Beach, North Carolina?
For families in and around Carolina Beach, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Carolina Beach Christmas Parade (Fri, Dec 4 (check host for time), free); Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla (Sat, Dec 5 (check host for time), price not listed). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Carolina Beach section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Kure Beach, North Carolina?
For families in and around Kure Beach, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Kure Beach Holiday Whoobie Whatty (Fri, Dec 18 (evening, check host for time), free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Kure Beach section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina?
For families in and around Wrightsville Beach, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: NC Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach (Fri, Nov 27 tree lighting; Sat, Nov 28 festival and 6 pm flotilla, price not listed). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Wrightsville Beach section of this page.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Wilmington, NC?
Yes. 6 of the 14 events here are free: Wilmington Holiday Parade in Wilmington, Carolina Beach Christmas Parade in Carolina Beach, Holidays on Water Drone Show and Santa in Wilmington, Watercolor Snowflakes in Wilmington, Winter Wonderland Holiday Storytime in Wilmington and Kure Beach Holiday Whoobie Whatty in Kure Beach. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa in Wilmington, NC this December?
Santa appears at Downtown Wilmington Holiday Tree Lighting in Wilmington (November 28), Wilmington Holiday Parade in Wilmington (November 29), Carolina Beach Christmas Parade in Carolina Beach (December 4) and Holidays on Water Drone Show and Santa in Wilmington (December 5). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.
Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Wilmington, NC?
Holiday story times on this page: Winter Wonderland Holiday Storytime in Wilmington. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.
Which Wilmington, NC Christmas events are best for toddlers?
These are aimed at babies, toddlers and preschoolers: Winter Wonderland Holiday Storytime in Wilmington (Kids and families).
How much is The Nutcracker: World Ballet Company in Wilmington?
Ticketed, see UNCW. The Nutcracker: World Ballet Company is on Saturday, November 21, 2026 at UNCW Kenan Auditorium. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Enchanted Airlie in Wilmington?
$35 per carload, $65 per XL van; advance tickets required. Enchanted Airlie is on Fri November 27, Sat November 28, Tue December 1, Wed December 2, Thu December 3, Fri December 4, Sat December 5, Sun December 6, Mon December 7, Tue December 8, Wed December 9, Thu December 10, Fri December 11, Sat December 12, Sun December 13, Mon December 14, Tue December 15, Wed December 16, Thu December 17, Fri December 18, Sat December 19, Sun December 20 and Mon December 21, 2026, 5:30 to 9:30 pm at Airlie Gardens. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is NC Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach in Wrightsville Beach?
Price not listed. NC Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach is on Fri November 27 and Sat November 28 (6 pm), 2026 at Wrightsville Beach Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Downtown Wilmington Holiday Tree Lighting in Wilmington?
Price not listed. Downtown Wilmington Holiday Tree Lighting is on Saturday, November 28, 2026, 5:30 pm at Wilmington Riverwalk. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Wilmington Holiday Parade in Wilmington?
Free to watch. Wilmington Holiday Parade is on Sunday, November 29, 2026 at Historic Downtown Wilmington, Front Street. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Who Brought the Humbug? in Wilmington?
Ticketed, see Thalian Hall. Who Brought the Humbug? is on Tuesday, December 1, 2026 at Thalian Hall. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Ballet for Young Audiences: The Nutcracker in Wilmington?
Ticketed, see Thalian Hall. Ballet for Young Audiences: The Nutcracker is on Fri December 4 and Sat December 5, 2026 at Thalian Hall. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Carolina Beach Christmas Parade in Carolina Beach?
Free. Carolina Beach Christmas Parade is on Friday, December 4, 2026 at Lake Park Boulevard. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Holidays on Water Drone Show and Santa in Wilmington?
Free. Holidays on Water Drone Show and Santa is on Sat December 5, Sat December 12 and Sat December 19, 2026, 5 to 8 pm at Wilmington Riverwalk, near the Visitor Information Booth. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla in Carolina Beach?
Price not listed. Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla is on Saturday, December 5, 2026 at Carolina Beach Boat Basin. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Watercolor Snowflakes in Wilmington?
Free, registration required. Watercolor Snowflakes is on Monday, December 14, 2026, 4 to 4:30 pm at Northeast Library, Makerspace. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Winter Wonderland Holiday Storytime in Wilmington?
Free. Winter Wonderland Holiday Storytime is on Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 10:15 to 10:45 am at Pine Valley Library, Outdoor Children's Area. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Kure Beach Holiday Whoobie Whatty in Kure Beach?
Free. Kure Beach Holiday Whoobie Whatty is on Friday, December 18, 2026 at Kure Beach Ocean Front Park & Pavilion. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Home Alone in Concert in Wilmington?
Ticketed, see the Wilson Center. Home Alone in Concert is on Saturday, December 19, 2026, 2:30 to 7:30 pm at The Wilson Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Wilmington, NC?
Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Wilmington, NC Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
