Dec 20 Saturday
Historic Poplar Grove rings in the 2025 holiday season with 4 weeks of “Merry and Bright,” a dazzling festival of lights and holiday magic. The decorating divas of Poplar Grove are adding even MORE holiday scenes, vignettes and decorated trees for the ultimate photo ops and MORE of our ancient Oaks will be showcased in warm, flickering light. Fire-pits and marshmallow roasting areas will be out, different food trucks each night, snow machines and the indoor barns will have a select number of culinary delights, adult specialty libations, wine and beer and arts and craft vendors. This year the outdoor tent will be back for covered dining and live music on select nights. A real, professional Santa will be here all nights except for Thursday, December 4th and Mr. Twister (the ingenious balloon man) will be here on his new stage all nights from 5pm-9pm. Of course the Historic 1850’s Manor House will be decked out in its Victorian finest for you to take in the cozy sights and sounds of the Holiday Season.Santa, Mr. Twister, marshmallow roasting, letters to Santa, letters to the troops at the vintage USO, a walk-through of the Victorian manor and all the photo ops you can handle are FREE with paid admission of $10 per person (adult and child, children under 2 are free). Tickets are available at www.poplargrove.org or at the gate the night of although capacity restrictions may apply. You can come anytime you like during the evening of the date selected and stay as long as you like for the ultimate interactive experience!Show runs from Friday, November 28th to Sunday, December 21st from 5pm-9pm. Poplar Grove is a non-profit organization and funds raised help us continue our mission of “Education, Conservation and Preservation.”See website for details or follow us on Facebook at “farmersmarketpoplargrove” and poplar_grove on Instagram.
Join us for our annual holiday open house which allows visitors to see three levels of the site’s main house and the first level of the original slave quarters building. Visitors will see festive decor that ranges from historically accurate in the slave quarters building to whimsically modern inside the main house. You can also meet Father Christmas and on Friday there will be a live performance of Christmas carols. Holiday treats, hot chocolate, and cider will be available for purchase in the carriage house visitors’ center. Cash is preferred, but credit cards accepted for transactions totaling $5 or above. Donations greatly appreciated and help us keep this event FREE.
*Please plan on utilizing street parking which is abundant and free on the blocks surrounding the Museum. There are also paid parking decks nearby.
Dec 21 Sunday
You are warmly invited to a Longest Night Service.
As the winter nights grow long, we gather for a quiet, reflective service designed for anyone who carries heaviness during this season. Whether you are grieving, weary, or simply longing for a calm place to rest your spirit, you are welcome to join us.
Our service will feature soft candlelight, piano and string music, solo hymns, guided meditation, and short, reflective scripture readings-offering an intentional time to pause, breathe, and find comfort and hope.
Dec 23 Tuesday
Bring your friends, bring your family, or bring yourself to Fermental's weekly game night: ROLL AGAIN.
Board games, card games, dice games, strategy, adventure, trivia, vintage, modern, classic, group, solo, etc.
This all-ages evening is a self-guided, casual dive into the world of game playing. From a few familiars to contemporary games, Roll Again is a weekly opportunity to meet other game enthusiasts from beginners to advanced players and everyone in-between.
This is a free event. Several games are provided to use. Bring your own for specific game play.
"When playing a game, the goal is to win, but it is the goal that is important, not the winning." -Reiner Knizia
Every Tuesday 5pm-10pm.Beer, wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages are available.
Family friendly. Pet friendly. Free parking.
600 S. 17th St. Wilmington. NC 28401910.821.0362
Dec 27 Saturday
Dec 30 Tuesday
Dec 31 Wednesday
Join us to ring in 2026 with our special New Year's celebration at 12pm! New Year's Noon is Wilmington's signature family-friendly New Year's event.
This year marks the 18th annual New Year's Noon and we are excited for another year of fantastic festivities; decorate a crown, create a streamer wand, reflect back on 2025, and toast to 2026 with a glass of juice!
The fun doesn't stop there! Our event will culminate with an epic confetti toss at noon in our courtyard and the burying of a 10-year time capsule!
Say farewell to 2025 in oceanfront style at Oceanics' annual New Year's Eve Party!
From 9 PM to 1 AM, join us on the second floor for a cocktail-style evening made for mingling and dancing your way into 2026. Take in the coastal charm and sweeping ocean views as you welcome in the New Year. Enjoy passed small bites, a live DJ, stunning floral décor, and our beloved 360° photo booth to capture every moment. Secure your spot today and make this New Year's Eve one to remember!