Today
in Wilmington
Sunday, November 23rd, 2025
Good morning, Wilmington. Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 23rd of November.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Two new fast-food chains, Del Taco and Guthrie's Chicken, are proposed to open in Hampstead near U.S. 17 and Washington Acres Road, marking the first locations for these brands in Wilmington. Development has begun on the adjacent lots—land is being graded with plans for drive-thrus and limited parking spaces. Wilmington Star-News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Coastal North Carolina Thanksgiving meals feature local seafood, collard greens and sweet potatoes that reflect a long history of region-specific recipes. Local chefs and food historians say these traditions have been passed down through generations and continue to shape holiday tables. Wilmington Star-News
- ➤ Veterans Memorial Reef offers families a unique way to honor their loved ones by adding a marker with a veteran's ashes to a reef five miles off Carolina Beach—each marker is made of eco-friendly concrete and may be personalized with messages and mementos. The three-day ceremony includes a Fallen Heroes event where military honors are given to the veterans. Wilmington Star-News
- ➤ On Saturday, neighbors gathered at Waterline Brewing for the Ukrainian Christmas festival organized by Ukrainians in the Carolinas and Ukrainians Wilmington — attendees enjoyed traditional food, merchandise, and games while celebrating their heritage and raising funds for those affected by the war. WECT
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Three Topsail High School students—Reese Balbuena, Bryce Hughes and Natalie Corbett—earned a spot in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and left for New York yesterday to start rehearsals with top performers. Pender County Schools said the honor shows their hard work and dedication in the music program. WWAY
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Nov. 21, the Sunset Beach Police Department released three rehabilitated pelicans into the wild near the Sunset Beach Fishing Pier, drawing local residents to watch them return to their home. The restoration followed dedicated efforts by Animal Control Officer Arp and the Sea Biscuit Wildlife Shelter — whose teamwork enabled a safe return for the birds. FOX Wilmington
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Wave Transit was awarded $1.02 million from the Federal Transit Administration Low or No Emission Grant—funds that will buy six new vehicles to replace older diesel shuttles. The new low-emission shuttles will serve Seahawk Shuttle routes and other fixed routes—responding to rising ridership and environmental goals. WWAY
- ➤ On Friday, Governor Josh Stein pardoned two turkeys at the Governor's mansion as part of the annual Turkey Pardon Ceremony. Butterball said it would donate 1,500 turkey breasts to the Food Bank+ Krispy and Kreme will live their lives at the Naylor Family Farm. WWAY
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Wilmington Historic Half, 10K & 5K
7:00 AM — Riverfront Park — Registration fee required — Experience the scenic views and festive finish line after conquering historic downtown Wilmington.
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North Carolina Symphony - Handel's Messiah
3-6 p.m. — Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College — Tickets available — Experience the spectacular performance of Handel's Messiah by the North Carolina Symphony.
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Bryan Bielanski Live Performance
6 PM - 12 AM — Barzarre — Check venue for cover charge — Enjoy acoustic rock tunes from the talented Bryan Bielanski while savoring delicious tacos and drinks.
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Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl
4:30-9 p.m. — The Underfront Co. — Ticket required — Celebrate the holiday season in style with festive sweaters and fun activities downtown.
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Holly-Day Floral Design Class
6:30-7:30 p.m. — Current Coffee — Cost not listed — Learn the basics of floral design with local blooms in a cozy atmosphere.
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Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings
4:30-5:30 p.m. — The Elia — Ticketed event — Enjoy a magical evening of Christmas carols performed by the Listeso String Quartet under the soft glow of candlelight.
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A Christmas Carol
2:30-4 p.m. — Kenan Auditorium — Tickets from $86 — Experience the classic tale of transformation and redemption this holiday season.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.
~ Carl Jung
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