From the sacred to the burlesque, here are 12 things to do in the Wilmington area this weekend

John Staton, Wilmington StarNews
·5 min read

Christmas is on Monday, which means that, for the most part, this is the last weekend for holiday-themed events in the Wilmington area.

It's a nice mix, too, with a couple of long-running happenings that wrap on Saturday as well as the last of the Christmas touring shows and several performances by local groups. There are a couple of notable film screenings as well, and a Christmas cabaret that's a blend of burlesque and jazz. (If you're looking for things to do in Brunswick County, we've got a seperate list for that.)

Happy holidays, and here's hoping that all of your events are merry and bright.

Local tunes: Wilmington Christmas playlist: Holiday songs from Charlie Daniels, Beta Radio and more

ALL WEEKEND

Zainab Johnson

At Dead Crow Comedy Room: Johnson is a very smart and funny comic and actress who has some great material about growing up in a Muslim family (her Prime Video special is titled "Hijabs Off") and trying to figure out which of her siblings is most likely to be gay. She'll be at Wilmington's top comedy club for four shows this weekend. 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Dec. 22-23, tickets are $20 and $30.

'All is Bright'

At Poplar Grove: Last weekend for this event. Former plantation at the New Hanover County/Pender County line will be lit up and decorated for the holidays by Patriot Illumination. Hours are 5-9 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, and kids can visit with Santa, too. Tickets start at $10, with package deals available. Details at PoplarGrove.org.

Get lit: Disenchanted you missed Enchanted Airlie tickets? Try these Wilmington-area holiday lights

Christmas Train & Light Spectacular

Mike Stephens' son Cape rides on his shoulders as his wife Angie holds their daughter Callie along with Patti Long as they enjoy the Christmas Train & Light Spectacular at the Wilmington Railroad Museum in downtown Wilmington in 2017.
Mike Stephens' son Cape rides on his shoulders as his wife Angie holds their daughter Callie along with Patti Long as they enjoy the Christmas Train & Light Spectacular at the Wilmington Railroad Museum in downtown Wilmington in 2017.

At the Wilmington Railroad Museum: This weekend marks your last chance to catch this event, in which thousands of lights set to music illuminate holiday-themed model train displays at the only museum dedicated to Wilmington's extensive railroad history. Kids can visit with Santa as well. 6:30-8 p.m. Dec. 22-23. Tickets are just $5. Details at 910-763-2634.

THURSDAY

'Bending Towards the Light: A Jazz Nativity'

'Bending Towards the Light: A Jazz Nativity' is Dec. 21 at UNCW.
'Bending Towards the Light: A Jazz Nativity' is Dec. 21 at UNCW.

At Kenan Auditorium: Show directed by Wilmington singer Julia Walker Jewell puts an original spin on the story of the Christmas Nativity. Wilmington musicians, including jazz sax player Benny Hill and singer Annie Jewell, team with the Chancel Choir of Wrightsville United Methodist Church to perform the tale. Features the music of Dave Brubeck and others, with an opening performance by the Wrightsville Ringers handbell group. 7 p.m. Dec. 21, tickets are $14.

The Four C Notes: Seasons Greetings

At Thalian Hall: Touring show from a performer in Broadway hit "Jersey Boys" recreates the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons with a Christmas flair. Hits like "Sherry," "Big Girls Don’t Cry" and "Workin’ My way Back To You (Babe)" mix in with holiday favorites. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20-21, 910-632-2285.

FRIDAY

'It's a Wonderful Life'

"It's a Wonderful Life" screens Dec. 22 at Thalian Hall.
"It's a Wonderful Life" screens Dec. 22 at Thalian Hall.

At Thalian Hall: It's the 13th annual screening of this Christmas classic starring Jimmy Stewart as a man questioning the meaning of his life. Always packs the house at Wilmington's most storied and historic theater. 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 22. 910-632-2285.

Local tradition: How Wilmington's connection to 'It's a Wonderful Life' keeps film screening here each year

Chamber Music by Candlelight

The Brierwood Ensemble will play chamber music by candlelight Dec. 22 at St. John's Episcopal Church in Wilmington.
The Brierwood Ensemble will play chamber music by candlelight Dec. 22 at St. John's Episcopal Church in Wilmington.

At St. John's Episcopal Church: Wilmington's Brierwood Ensemble — a group with the uncommon instrumentation of violin, viola, harp and bassoon — will play a mix of seasonal carols and classical chamber music during this intimate concert conducted, you guessed it, by candlelight. 7 p.m. Dec. 22, tickets are $15 to $25.

A Very Barzarre Food Drive

At Barzarre: It's a hip-hop show and food drive at this longtime Castle Street spot. Featuring more than a half-dozen performers, including the rapper MB Love. 9 p.m. Dec. 22, admission is by donation: three cans of food or $5.

SATURDAY

'Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour'

At Thalian Hall: Experience the concert film of the year, performed by Time Magazine person of the year Taylor Swift, in the ornate majesty of Wilmington's most storied venue. "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour" is a bit a of an unusual offering for the long-running Cinematique films series; organized by the Hall and public radio WHQR, it usually screens a range of art films. But the sound system in Thalian is rockin', as evidenced by a screening of concert documentary "Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars" earlier this year, so it'll be the perfect place for Swifties who've already seen "The Eras Tour" three times to re-experience the magic, or for their parents (or grandparents) to see the film for the first time. 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 23, tickets are $10.

It's a Fermental Christmas

Fermental wine shop and beer garden is now open at its new location at 600 S. 17th St. in Wilmington, N.C. ALLISON BALLARD/STARNEWS
Fermental wine shop and beer garden is now open at its new location at 600 S. 17th St. in Wilmington, N.C. ALLISON BALLARD/STARNEWS

At Fermental: The cozy Cargo District spot holds a Christmas celebration to thank its many customers and to collect donations (nonperishable food, as well paper, hygiene and cleaning products) for the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina. Bring in multiple donations, and get a free gift. Plus, live tunes from Max Levy and the Hawaiian Shirts at 4 p.m., and the Jay Killman Jazz Trio at 7 p.m. 4 p.m. Dec. 23, free.

Comin' Home for Christmas Cabaret

Singer and burlesque artist Velvetina Taylor will perform at the Eagle's Dare Dec. 23.
Singer and burlesque artist Velvetina Taylor will perform at the Eagle's Dare Dec. 23.

At the Eagle's Dare: Have yourself a jazzy, sexy Christmas when singer and burlesque artist Velvetina Taylor joins James Godwin, Mike Tavares and Duke Ladd for some musical holiday shenanigans. With an "extra special" burlesque performance by Meka La Creme. 4-6 p.m. Dec. 23, tickets are $15-$125.

SUNDAY

Christmas lights

Get illuminated: PHOTOS: Must-see Christmas lights in the Wilmington area

Sunday is Christmas Eve, so what better time to experience the beauty of Wilmington's best displays of holiday illumination. Click here for prime locations, and Merry Christmas, everybody!

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Things to do in Wilmington NC Dec. 21-24 2023: comedy, music, movies