05 November . 2025
Wilmington NC’s Calendar of End-of-Year Festivals, Events and Attractions
So much to do in these last several months of 2025
The Cape Fear region may cool down a bit in the fall and winter months, but that’s no reason to head inside. There are still plenty of festivals and events to keep you going, going, going.
November 7th – 9th, the Cape Fear Kite Festival marks the end of the professional kite flying season with this annual celebration at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area. The festival kicks off Friday evening with lighted ground displays, a “Sand Glow Disco” neon dance party on the beach, and a spectacular drone show that night. Throughout the weekend, more than 80 professional kite flyers will take to the skies with kites of every shape, size, and color — a breathtaking and joyful sight for all ages. For more information, visit their website.
Just ten days later, from November 19th – 23rd, downtown Wilmington hosts the Cucalorus Film Festival, one of the South’s most celebrated festivals for independent film. Filmmakers and cinephiles from around the world gather for this five-day celebration of film, art, and storytelling. From thought-provoking documentaries to blocks of creative shorts, and full-length narratives, Cucalorus offers a menu not generally found at your neighborhood movie theater, along with plenty of opportunities to hear from, mingle with, and party among film creators.
On Friday, November 28, Wilmington kicks off the holiday season with its Downtown Wilmington Holiday Tree Lighting, where crowds gather along the Riverwalk for live music, family fun, and the big moment when the tree bursts into light and Santa bellows his signature “ho, ho, ho!”
Unless you already have your tickets, put this one on your schedule for next year. Enchanted Airlie, sells out early every year and with good reason. The gardens near Wrightsville Beach are fully transformed into a winter wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights that illuminate the live oaks, gardens and pathways. It’s a beautiful, breathtaking experience for visitors, young and old. HINT: Airlie Garden members get first dibs on tickets.
Another holiday spectacle not to be missed, actually two, are the NC Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach and the Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla at Carolina Beach. Both feature local boat owners competing to outdo one another is this parade of fully lit and decked-to-the-hilt fishing boats and pleasure crafts. The light show created by those glowing vessels dancing across the Intracoastal Waterway makes these two of the season’s most unforgettable sights. Wrightsville Beach’s is on Saturday, November 29th; Carolina Beach hosts theirs on Saturday, December 6th.
The day before its flotilla, Carolina Beach hosts its annual Christmas Parade, making the full weekend one of holiday festivities. Visitors are asked to line up on Lake Park Blvd near Atlanta Ave, with the parade heading north to the Publix intersection. Floats, marching bands and performers bring their holiday best with Santa pulling up the rear!
Back in Wilmington, that same weekend of December 6-7, the Old Wilmington by Candlelight Tour invites you to enjoy a self-guided tour of historic homes, churches and spaces decorated for the holidays. Benefitting the Latimer House and the Lower Cape Fear Historical Society, this annual event extends Southern hospitality in a most seasonal and historic manner.
While the Cape Fear region is usually associated with summer fun and coastal venues, the winter months have their own allure. From kite festivals to candlelit historic homes, Wilmington is a year-round destination.