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