New Hanover Beaches Calendar of Events

Fourth Friday Gallery Walk
Friday, January 23, 2009 - Friday, November 27, 2009 (6pm - 9pm)
Art Galleries Throughout Downtown Wilmington: Fourth Friday Gallery Night is a self-guided tour through several Wilmington galleries and studios: featuring exhibitions of various artistic genres including oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, photography, sculpture, woodwork, glass, metals, ceramics, mixed media and more.

Showcasing art and art-related events, Fourth Fridays also include opening receptions, artist discussions, live music, wine tastings, food sampling and other traditional and non-traditional art-based activities.

Poplar Grove's Farmers' Market
Wednesday, April 08, 2009 - Wednesday, December 16, 2009 (8am - 1pm)
Poplar Grove Plantation (10200 US Hwy 17 North): Poplar Grove's Farm Market offers absolutely fresh fruits, vegetables, plants, herbs, flowers, eggs, cheeses, meats, seafood, honey and more. The market also features homemade baked goods, pickled okra, jams and peanuts.

The Farm Market also offers a variety of handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gifts such as jewelry, scented candles and wooden toys.

This is a purely local farmers market. Everything is North Carolina grown, made and produced.

Riverfront Farmers' Market
Saturday, April 18, 2009 - Saturday, December 19, 2009 (8am - 12am)
Downtown Wilmington (Water Street): The Riverfront Farmers' Market is a curbside market featuring local farmers, producers, artists and crafters. Products offered include fresh fruits and berries, vegetables, plants, herbs, flowers, eggs, cheeses, meats, seafood, honey, baked goods, fudge, legumes, pickled items, jams and jellies, art, crafts, and more.

Downtown Holiday Tree Lighting
Friday, November 27, 2009 (4pm)
Riverfront Park (Water Street): Join us in Downtown Wilmington as we celebrate the holidays! It all kicks off with the Downtown Holiday Tree Lighting.

Island of Lights - Light Up The Lake
Friday, November 27, 2009 (7pm)
Carolina Beach Lake Park (Lake Park Boulevard/Highway 421): The light up ceremony officially begins the month long Island of Lights Festival. The brief opening ceremony will feature a Cub Scout Color Guard, the National Anthem, Holiday Songs and remarks by Pleasure Mayors.

Walk one mile around the lake to view lighted displays, caroling and live nativity provided by community groups. Santa to visit celebration.

Festival in the Park
Saturday, November 28, 2009 - Saturday, November 28, 2009 (10am - 4pm)
Wrightsville Beach Park (9321 Causeway Drive): Continue to celebrate the season at our annual Holiday Flotilla Festival in the Park. With an Arts & Crafts Show, performing artists, children's rides, antique auto show entertainment, amusements, and over 80 vendors, there's sure to be something for everyone.

26th Annual NC Holiday Flotilla
Saturday, November 28, 2009 (6pm)
Wrightsville Beach: A spectacular lighted boat parade. A tradition at Wrightsville Beach for locals, boat lovers, and tourists for over 25 years. 30-50 boats ranging from yachts to personal watercrafts decorated for the holiday display. A big fireworks display to follow.

Island of Lights Christmas Parade
Friday, December 04, 2009
Lake Park Boulevard (Highway 421): The Christmas parade furnishes exceptional night time electric displays, featuring floats, bands, queens, clowns, horses, Santa Claus and much more.

The 1.5-hour parade brings festive fun and entertainment to all. Bring your chairs, blankets and snacks to enjoy the fun time.

Public parking is free, parade starts at 7:30 p.m.

Holiday Lighting of the Ship
Friday, December 04, 2009 - Wednesday, January 06, 2010 (5pm - 11pm)
View from Downtown Wilmington: Part of historic downtown Wilmington's annual holiday light celebration, the Battleship will be dressed in lights strung from the bow up to the masts and down to the stern.

Enjoy nightly from dusk to 11:00pm. Free viewing from downtown Wilmington.

Battleship Alive
Saturday, December 05, 2009 - Sunday, December 06, 2009 (8am - 5pm)
Battleship North Carolina (Highway 17/74/76/421 Intersection): Watch and interact with World War II living history interpreters as they bring the Ship to life by enacting daily duties and drills

Admission/Fees: Included in regular admission

Old Wilmington by Candlelight
Saturday, December 05, 2009 - Sunday, December 06, 2009 (4pm)
Latimer House & Downtown Wilmington (126 S 3rd Street): Festive tour of the finest private homes, churches and historic sites in the downtown Wilmington area.

Island of Lights Holiday Flotilla
Saturday, December 05, 2009 (6pm)
Carolina Beach Boat Basin (Intracoastal Waterway): Fishing boats and pleasure crafts electrically decorated with thousands of lights present a spectacular display on the Intracoastal Waterway.

The parade of boats will cruise from Snows Cut to Carolina Beach Boat Basin and back. A unique coastal tradition sure to please the hearts of all. Cash prizes are awarded.

View from anywhere along the waterway. Public parking is free and the Flotilla begins at 6:00 p.m.

Poplar Grove's Christmas Open House
Sunday, December 06, 2009
Poplar Grove Plantation (10200 US Hwy 17 North): Poplar Grove Plantation invites the public to stop by for hot cocoa and cookies between noon and 5PM the first Sunday in December.

Decorated in Victorian style, the annual Christmas Open House is a charming gateway to old fashioned holiday spirit.

As Poplar Grove's way of saying thank you to the community and Merry Christmas to everyone, admission to the manor house is free today.

Island of Lights Tour of Homes
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Throughout Pleasure Island (Carolina Beach and Kure Beach): Visit area homes to enjoy holiday decorations and Southern hospitality at it's best as the owners welcome you into the privacy of their homes for a self-guided tour (includes map.)

Tickets available at Linda's Fashions in Carolina Beach.

Island of Lights New Year's Eve Countdown
Thursday, December 31, 2009 - Friday, January 01, 2010 (9pm)
Carolina Beach Boardwalk (Cape Fear Boulevard): The Island of Lights countdown features the lowering of a giant lighted beach ball. A street dance featuring live music precedes a spectacular fireworks display to welcome in the New Year. Refreshments are available at this entertainment event for all ages. Free.

New Year's Eve Party Cruise with Henrietta III
Thursday, December 31, 2009 - Friday, January 01, 2010 (9pm)
Henrietta III Riverboat (Water & Dock Streets): Cruise into the new year aboard the Henrietta III Riverboat. The cruise along the Cape Fear River includes a heavy hors d'oeuvre buffet, entertainment, party favors and a champagne toast. Pre-paid Reservations Required. All ABC Permits.

• The Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce
• The Carteret County Chamber of Commerce
• The Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce
• The Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce
• The Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce
• The Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce