Holiday Happenings
This season just flies by, doesn't it? And you have every intention of not getting bogged down with less important things so you can focus on family and such.. but you also have to worry about the housework and trying to get ahead at the office and the errands and planning the dinners and attending the parties
and ALL THE THINGS.
Now take a deep breath. I have already done the time consuming work for you!
I found all the awesome holiday happenings local to Surf City, Hampstead, and Topsail area. I have listed them below. Now, you just have to select which ones you want to do and add them to your calendar. I included what the event is, the location, the time, and the cost!
It's always easier to make room for the family fun things once they are on the calendar.
So read!
Then schedule!
Then relax (or make dinner, send that email, rush to that meet... whatever you need to do).
Here we go...
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18 - SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24
Santa Clause in Mayfaire
WHAT:
Santa Arrives at Mayfaire in Wilmington is available for visits and photos. Activities for kids also included.
WHEN: Monday - Saturday 11:00am - 2:00pm, 3:00pm - 7:00pm Sunday 12:00pm - 5:00pm
WHERE: 830 Inspiration Drive Next to Ulta in Mayfaire
COST: $24.99+
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21 - SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31
Cape Fear Festival of Trees
WHAT:
A tour through the always fun, educational, and interesting, Fort Fisher Aquarium. It's sprinkled with trees and holiday decor, and of course all the sea creatures are in festive cheer (no?).
WHEN:
Nov 20 - Dec 31
9:00am - 5:00pm
WHERE:
NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher 900 Loggerhead Road Kure Beach, NC 28449
COST:
$10.95 - $11.95 per person
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24
Date Night at Hullabaloo
WHAT: Date night, girls night out, or just some relaxing quiet time. No need to feel guilty about ditching the kddos because they will be busy having fun with other kids their age and some of the best childcare staff around. Pizza and juice are included.
WHEN:
5:30pm - 8:30pm
WHERE:
Hullabaloo
16747 US Highway 17 N
Hampstead
COST:
$18 per child
$13 per child for annual members
$5 reservation deposit required (call or go online)
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24
Topsail Island Holiday Boat Flotilla
WHAT:
It's like driving around looking at Christmas lights, except you stand still and the Christmas lights float past you. On boats. It's a spectacular experience that you must enjoy if you even dare to consider yourself a local or a beach lover. It's an annual festivity and marks the start of the Christmas season if you wait until after Thanksgiving.
WHEN:
5:30pm (just after the sun goes down)
WHERE:
Intracoastal Waterway. Starts at Surf City at the Channel Bend development and continues all the way past the south end of Topsail Beach. Where can you view it the best? Private docks. Soundside beaches. Assembly Building. You will miss any views if you try to view it from Soundside Park, so don't even waste time there.
COST:
Free
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24
Lake Linda's Christmas Lights
WHAT:
Musical, animated light show behind Bojangles on Highway 17 between Hampstead and Surf City. It's a longer drive than you might think with TONS of lights displays. Kids and adults are big fans of this incredible display. The whole thing is put together by locals who just have tons of Christmas spirit and love to spread their cheer. If you turn your radio to 89.5 FM, you'll be able to here the music for the lights. It's also a location to drop of Toys for Tots and rumor has it that Santa loves the display so much that he frequently makes an appearance!
WHEN:
After dark, November 24 through - ? (Christmas at least, but maybe until the New Year)
WHERE: 218 Old House Road, Hampstead NC 28443
Behind the Bojangles in Hampstead
COST:
Free (but consider donating a toy for Toys 4 Tots)
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24
Surf City Summer Market Black Friday Event
WHAT:
Local vendors selling all the cool things you wish you were skilled enough to make, or had the time to even try to make. Good thing these crafty folks are willing to share their talents for a small fee! You don't want to miss these hand crafted gifts. Santa will also be around for photos. Toys for Tots drop off location.
WHEN:
10:00am - 3:00pm
WHERE: Cedar on the Green
17077 Hwy 17
Hampstead
COST:
Free (but consider donating a toy for Toys 4 Tots)
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25
Topsail Beach Tree Lighting
WHAT:
Christmas tree lighting. There might not be that much to it, but it's just one of those things that your kids will always remember doing. Bundle up for the super mild temperatures and pretend it's snowing. Put hot cocoa in the mug and come out for a good ol' American tradition.
WHEN:
6:00pm
WHERE:
Topsail Beach
820 S. Anderson Blvd.
COST:
Free
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 26
Kris Kringle Christmas Craft Show
WHAT:
Local arts and crafts for unique gifts, supporting small businesses and locals with talent.
WHEN:
9:30am - 4:30pm
WHERE:
Topsail Beach Assembly Building
720 Channel Boulevard
Topsail Beach
COST:
Free
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30 - SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3
The Santaland Diaries
WHAT:
Panache Theatrical Productions brings The Santaland Diaries back home to Level 5, N. Front Theatre (formerly City Stage) in downtown Wilmington, NC. This hilarious and not politically correct look at the holidays features Robb Mann as Crumpet and The Not Ready for Christmas Carolers. The story, written by David Sedaris and adapted by Joe Mantello, follows a disgruntled elf named Crumpet and his misadventures working for the Macy's Santaland. Please note: The Sunday show begins at 3pm.
WHEN:
Thurs - Sat 8:00pm
Sunday 3:00pm
WHERE:
N. Front Theatre 21 North Front Street Wilmington
COST:
$15
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30 - SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3
Every Christmas Story Ever Told
WHAT:
Big Dawg Productions presents Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and then some!) at Cape Fear Playhouse in Wilmington. Instead of performing Dickens' holiday classic for the billionth time, three actors decide to perform every Christmas story ever told -- plus Christmas traditions from around the world, seasonal icons from ancient times to topical pop-culture, and every carol ever sung. Please note: The Sunday performance is a matinee beginning at 3pm.
WHEN:
Thurs - Sat 8:00pm
Sunday 3:00pm
WHERE:
Cape Fear Playhouse 613 Castle Street Wilmington, NC 28401
COST:
$15.00 - $22.00
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30 - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2
Ballet for Young Audiences
WHAT:
Ballet for Young Audiences at Thalian Hall in downtown Wilmington, NC, features 60-minute narrated versions of classic tales. Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker.
WHEN:
Thursday (Sleeping Beauty) 7pm
Friday (The Nutcracker) 4 and 7pm
Saturday (The Nutcracker) 10am
WHERE:
Thalian Hall 310 Chestnut Street Wilmington, NC 28401
COST:
$10.00 - $20.00
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2
Santa's Work Shop
WHAT:
Spend the morning with Santa Clause! Your little cutie pies can take pictures with the man in red himeself, there will be fun holiday crafts that you will treasure forever, and a really neat storyteller who will be weaving tales about pirates and elves and dinosaurs. It's happening at Hullabaloo, which is an incredible indoor play space for little kids, right here in Hampstead!
WHEN:
9:00am-11:00am
WHERE:
Hullabaloo
16747 US Highway 17 N
Hampstead
COST:
$5 if you preorder the tickets
$8 at the door
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2
Drop in Care at Hullabaloo
WHAT:
Drop off your littles to play at Hullabaloo while you go shopping, prepare for a party, or spend quality time with your spouse or friend. You must make a reservation by Friday.
WHEN:
Every weekend, now through December 23
Saturdays 9-5
Sundays 1-5
WHERE:
Hullabaloo
16747 US Highway 17 N
Hampstead
COST:
$9/hour
$15/child +1 sibling
$19/child +2 siblings
$23/child +3 siblings
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2
A Merry Little Christmas Festival
WHAT:
Pretty Christmas decorations, candle light tours through the manor house, and an arts and crafts show. There's also a letter writing station and a bonfire for yummy smores.
WHEN:
Fridays & Saturdays
December 1-2, 8-9, and 15-16
5-9pm
COST:
$5 for general admission
$15 for the candlelight tour
$2 for the wagon rides
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2
Jingle Bell Ball
WHAT:
Fancy pants fun time! Dress up in the gorgeous dud you wish you could wear more and support a great cause. The Jingle Bell Ball supports the Historical Society of Topsail Island. You'll enjoy a catered meal and dancing. There's also a cash bar.
WHEN:
6:30pm
WHERE:
Topsail Island Assembly Building,
720 Channel Blvd.
COST:
$45 per ticket
Call Michael Nelson for more information and to purchase tickets: 910-547-8312
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2
Topsail Beach Christmas Parade
WHAT:
Floats featuring local things with a big dose of holiday cheer. Very small town America. Very fun. Very festive.
WHEN:
11:00am
WHERE:
The parade starts at Emma Anderson Memorial Church and goes through the downtown area. It then turns right onto Davis Ave and ends in front of the Assembly Building.
COST:
Free
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8
Date Night at Hullabaloo
WHAT: Date night, girls night out, or just some relaxing quiet time. No need to feel guilty about ditching the kddos because they will be busy having fun with other kids their age and some of the best childcare staff around. Pizza and juice are included.
WHEN:
5:30pm - 8:30pm
WHERE:
Hullabaloo
16747 US Highway 17 N
Hampstead
COST:
$18 per child
$13 per child for annual members
$5 reservation deposit required (call or go online)
SATURDAY-SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8-9
Sneads Ferry Winterfest
WHAT:
Christmas tree lighting, breakfast with Santa, plus arts and crafts. There will also be food and entertainment at the community building on Peru Road.
WHEN:
6-7 maybe. Their website domain wasn't renewed but it is happening again.
WHERE:
Community Road on Peru Road
COST:
Free
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9
Burgaw Christmas Parade
WHAT:
Super fun parade that includes floats, cars, musicians, bands, and so much holiday spirit.
WHEN:
6:00pm
WHERE:
Downtown Burgaw
COST:
Free
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9
Breakfast With Santa
WHAT:
Breakfast with the jolly man himself! Pancakes and sausage. Plus a vendor craft fair with locals and a raffle. For every 5 non-perishable items donated, you get an extra raffle ticket. Don't forget to take a photo with Santa and the Mrs.
WHEN:
8:00am - 12:00pm
WHERE:
Surf City Community Center
COST:
$5 for the meal
$3 general admission
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14
Historical Society Luncheon
WHAT:
Lunch and a speaker. Reservations are required. Email hstiluncheons@gmail.com. For more info.
WHEN:
11:30am.
WHERE:
Missiles and More Museum
COST:
$13
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15
A Night in Bethlehem
WHAT:
This historically minded activity is a great event for faith based families who want to focus on the birth of Jesus this Christmas. The idea is to travel back in time to ancient Bethlehem. You will get to see, smell, and taste what daily life was like when Jesus was born.
WHEN:
6:00pm - 9:00pm
Raindate: December 16
WHERE:
Hampstead United Methodist Church
15395 US Highway 17 N
Hampstead
COST:
Free
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22
Date Night at Hullabaloo
WHAT: Date night, girls night out, or just some relaxing quiet time. No need to feel guilty about ditching the kddos because they will be busy having fun with other kids their age and some of the best childcare staff around. Pizza and juice are included.
WHEN:
5:30pm - 8:30pm
WHERE:
Hullabaloo
16747 US Highway 17 N
Hampstead
COST:
$18 per child
$13 per child for annual members
$5 reservation deposit required (call or go online)
MONDAY, JANUARY 1
Dolphin Dip
WHAT:
Well obviously, it's chip dip for dolphins. Or dolphin flavored dip? Or maybe it's just the where everyone gets crazy for a few minutes and thinks they have the cold water tolerance of a dolphin... Yep! That's the one!
Seriously, the dolphin dip is super fun. There are usually thousands of people who come. You dress up in crazy costumes and run your warm-blooded hinny into the cold ocean for a super quick dip. Wash off the old year and embrace the new!
WHEN:
Arrive at 11:00am
Swim at 12:00pm
WHERE:
Roland Avenue Beach Access in Surf City
COST:
Free. Buuuut... The proceeds of the t-shirt sales go to Share the Table, a local organization that feeds the hungry.
There ya have it folks!
I included a few fun Wilmington events, but if you are searching for Wilmington specific holiday fun, the website What's On Wilmington is an excellent resource for that. There's nothing like that for the Topsail area, so reference this list for happenings local to Hampstead/Topsail/Surf City/Sneads Ferry area.
