Today
in Wilmington
Wednesday, November 26th, 2025
Good morning, Wilmington. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 26th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On Thanksgiving, November 27, many Wilmington-area grocery stores will operate at limited hours or be closed. Walmart, Target, Costco, Sam’s Club, Trader Joe’s, Aldi and Lidl will not open — Food Lion ends at 3 p.m., Lowes Foods runs from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Harris Teeter stops at 2 p.m., Whole Foods until 1 p.m., and The Fresh Market until 3 p.m. — so shoppers can plan their trips accordingly. Wilmington Star-News
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Willis Roofing is helping coastal homeowners apply for the NCIUA Strengthen Your Roof Grant Program, which offers between $6,000 and $10,000 to upgrade roofs to IBHS Fortified standards—improving protection from hurricanes and tropical storms. WWAY
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Southeastern North Carolina Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee announced that the MLK Parade will return to downtown Wilmington on Jan. 19, 2026 after last year’s cancellation due to security concerns and logistical challenges. Local bands, community organizations, churches and youth programs are invited to participate, and more details on the route and registration will be released next month. FOX Wilmington
- ➤ Cape Fear region is preparing a series of Christmas events that include parades, tree lightings and holiday celebrations scheduled between November 28th and December 7th. The updates list events in Wilmington, Elizabethtown, Southport, Leland, Carolina Beach and other areas—each with specific times and locations announced. WWAY
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Cape Fear Community College will host a Geographic Information Systems information session on Dec. 9 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in room 139 of the NB Building on North Campus in Castle Hayne—attendees will meet the GIS program instructor, view student projects, and learn about the skills and technologies taught. WECT
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ UNCW Center for Marine Science received a $500,000 grant to plan flood safety efforts in New Hanover County. The two-year grant will help local agencies join a Flood Resilience Consortium to gather data, assess tools, and create a full plan for better flood protection. WECT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Monday, the school board voted 4-3 to delay starting the employee bonus committee until next school year because the proposal needed a supermajority and amended a previous vote — board members also debated transparency issues and considered emailing agenda items to all members at the December 2 meeting — this discussion comes as concerns remain over the release of public documents. WHQR
- ➤ Wave Transit has secured $1.02 million from the Federal Transit Administration to purchase six new compressed natural gas shuttles that will replace aging diesel vehicles and lower emissions. The new shuttles will be used primarily on Seahawk routes — supporting improved reliability and a 48% increase in ridership over the past year. Port City Daily
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Dr. Kathleen Young at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center said that veterans face extra stress during the holidays because busy crowds and high expectations can heighten feelings of loneliness and grief—making it important to take time for themselves. She advised veterans to seek space when needed and reminded them that crisis resources are available by calling 988. FOX Wilmington
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Nearly 4.5 million North Carolina residents are traveling for Thanksgiving from Nov. 25 to Dec. 1 with today being the busiest travel day as heavy traffic is expected from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.—AAA advises drivers to check their vehicles and leave early to avoid delays. WECT
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The 8th annual Wilmington Historic Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K races will take place this December along a 2.5-mile route in the historic River District and are expected to draw about 1,800 runners. Race packets are available at Lumina on Wrightsville Beach on Dec. 5 from noon to 6 and at Riverfront Park on Dec. 6 from 5:45 to 7 a.m.—races will start at 7 a.m. on Dec. 6. WECT
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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.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The creative adult is the child who survived.
~ Ursula K. Le Guin
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