Wilmington, North Carolina, is a city full of rich history and opportunities for adventure, especially during the holiday season. Whether you’re looking for a fun way to spend quality time with grandkids or are looking to ring in the new year with a glass of champagne, opportunities abound for a holiday season like no other. Here are some of the most highly anticipated examples of the winter wonderland that Wilmington has to offer.
Festivities for the whole family
Are you seeking seasonal fun for everyone? Plenty of events are taking place this holiday season that are perfect for all ages: the young and the young-at heart! On several days in December, the Independence Mall is hosting the 15th Annual Holiday Train Expo, where 12 unique model train layouts and more than 30 trains will travel across miles of scale track. Watch as the trains traverse through wonderous villages, parks, and landscapes. Take advantage of the photo-op at the famed Polar Express! While at the mall, don’t forget to get a photo of your grandchild with Santa.
That’s not your only opportunity for your grandchildren to meet Santa. Visit Santa’s Workshop at Mayfaire Town Center for a contactless, COVID-19 safe, in-person photo opportunity. Then, visit Dewey’s Bakery at 6869 Main Street (in Mayfaire Towne Center) for traditional Moravian sweet treats. Whether you’re craving a sugar cookie or are looking for the perfect holiday gift box, this bakery brings to the table all the festive sweets.
If you enjoy seeing the many exquisite holiday decorations, check out the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, where you’ll see the Cape Fear Festival of Trees from November 26 until January 3. View an enchanting, glittering forest of trees decorated by local businesses, artists, and organizations at one of the most fascinating attractions in Wilmington. Seeing this festive display is included in the cost of admission to the aquarium, so you can enjoy seeing the intriguing wildlife and beautiful holiday decorations all in the same day.
The wintertime arts
In addition to the fun, family-friendly activities in town, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy inspiring art exhibitions and performances during this holiday season. This year the Wilson Center hosts its holiday tradition performance of The Nutcracker, featuring unique elements such as stilt walkers, high-tech digital imagery, and more. Experience a magical holiday evening as the ballerina Clara adventures through the Land of Snow and the Land of Sweets, and has an epic battle with the Mouse Queen. Tickets are only $15 per person, making this an affordable way to enjoy a night at the theater with the family, grandkids, or just your significant other. Tickets are available on the Wilson Center’s website.
If you’re looking for a quiet night to reflect on the many accomplishments that you and the community have achieved in 2021, consider visiting the Cameron Art Museum for the Art of Illumination Show and Exhibit. Reflect on the many transformations you have achieved this year as you walk through lines of lanterns lit in unusual ways with silk and other fabrics. The theme of this year’s exhibit is rebirth and renewal, so be prepared to see the world in a new light with fresh imagination. (And speaking of fresh and new experiences, this event can be considered just a warm-up for all that’s to come at Trinity Landing!)
New year, new fun
On New Year’s Eve, enjoy a cruise down the Intracoastal Waterway, and then enjoy a fantastic view of fireworks shot off at Kure Beach. Or maybe you’d rather be part of the action. A little bit away from the Intracoastal Waterway, you can actually visit Kure Beach for the Island of Lights New Year’s Eve Celebration, a family-friendly event with dancing and refreshments. Plus, you can watch the giant beach ball drop at midnight followed by the epic fireworks display. Maybe you’re just looking to enjoy a few drinks with friends. Visit the SeaWitch Café and Tiki Bar or the Satellite Bar and Lounge for New Year’s Eve parties that will perfectly ring in 2022.
In addition to the many thrilling events taking place in Wilmington, Trinity Landing is proud to provide our future members of this community with many ways to connect and build on the sense of community that will make this place so special. Future neighbors who are quickly becoming friends recently enjoyed a holiday party where they enjoyed live music and danced the night away.
As 2021 winds down and we look toward the holiday season and what’s to come, we can’t help but be particularly excited about our official opening date in the spring of 2022! No matter the time of year, Trinity Landing will be a place where fun and friends intersect along the shimmering Carolina shores. If you’re interested in joining this special place while availability still remains, be sure to contact us by clicking here or calling 910-398-9400.