Today
in Wilmington
Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025
Good morning, Wilmington. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 2nd of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Wilmington Fire Department is holding its annual Holiday Food Drive to benefit NourishNC and help feed families and children. Donations of nonperishable food are accepted at 10 fire stations and a downtown collection box until Dec. 11 — with items scheduled for delivery on Dec. 12. Port City Daily
- ➤ Wings Over Carolina Beach airshow will begin on Dec. 6 at 2:45 p.m. along the beach in front of the boardwalk. The free event will feature the National Anthem, a flag ceremony by Civil Air Patrol cadets, and aerial acts by Chris Thomas (Warbird Thunder), Rooster Schmidle, RJ Gritter Airshows, and Warbird Thunder Airshows and will be rescheduled to Dec. 13 if weather issues occur. FOX Wilmington
- ➤ Broomtail Brewing is hosting Pints for Paws on December 17 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.—the fundraiser supports Seaside Animal Rescue with kid’s activities, a food truck and photos with The Grinch—and donations of pet supplies will be collected. WWAY
- ➤ Residents across the country can nominate their dog for the 2026 paws4people Dog of the Year Contest by submitting a photo, a $10 donation and a statement in the dog's voice until midnight, Jan 1—winners will earn cash prizes, brewery gift certificates and special recognition at a brewery event. WECT
- ➤ The city will hold a tree lighting at Riverfront Park on Dec. 4th at 6 p.m.—students from Williston Middle School will perform as a reading of 'Twas The Night Before Christmas' accompanies refreshments, face-painting and a visit from Santa. On Dec. 7th at 6 p.m., the annual holiday parade will begin along Front Street with free on-street parking and expected traffic delays. Port City Daily
- ➤ Historic downtown Wilmington’s waterfront will host holiday drone shows that begin at 7:30 p.m. on December 6, 13, 20 and 27 with 150 drones lighting up the sky from a spot across from Battleship North Carolina — the best viewpoint on the Wilmington Riverwalk. Santa will also be available for visits and photo opportunities near the Riverbooth visitor center from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on December 6, 13 and 20. FOX Wilmington
- ➤ The Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina announced December pop-up food bank markets that will let families choose fresh fruits, vegetables, snacks and drinks with no ID needed. Markets will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on December 16th at Cape Fear Christian Church in Wilmington — on December 19th at St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Bolivia, on December 20th at Jerusalem Chapel Free Will Baptist Church in Chadbourn, and on December 30th at St. James AME Zion Church in Leland. WWAY
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Owners Justin and Bekah Smith and their business partners have transformed a hidden space at the back of The Rift in Cargo East into a pizza kitchen that will start serving pies by Friday night—though it may open Saturday if the final permits wrap up on time. The remodeled area will offer hand-tossed pizzas with both classic and unique toppings and features counter service with orders placed via QR codes. Port City Daily
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Cameron Art Museum will honor local folk artist Minnie Evans on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.—offering a family-friendly tour of exhibitions and art programs for all ages. Registration is encouraged with a $5 donation and guest artist Jameka Purdie will attend. FOX Wilmington
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Pender County Schools approved mascots on Monday for the new J.H. Lea Elementary and Middle Schools after a public vote; Pelicans will represent the elementary school and Marlins the middle school + students from nearby schools submitted ideas in October. WWAY
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Today, the NCDHHS announced a $20 million Licensed Workforce Loan Repayment Program to help retain mental health, substance use, IDD and TBI professionals in Wilmington and underserved areas across the state; the program will offer up to $50,000 in student loan repayment for licensed master’s-level professionals who commit three years of service. FOX Wilmington
- ➤ Wave Transit will hold a public meeting tomorrow from 4 to 6 p.m. at Padgett Station to discuss proposed service changes from its January redesign that altered four routes — staff will answer public questions following a presentation on the adjustments. FOX Wilmington
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Two heart surgeons from Novant Health in Wilmington were named to Newsweek’s list of America’s Leading Doctors for cardiothoracic surgery—Dr. Peter Kane ranked 12th among 185 while Dr. Hank Marks joined a group of nine top North Carolina physicians recognized for their high-performance coronary bypass treatments. 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.
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New Year's Eve Bash at Bluewater
9:00 PM — Bluewater Waterfront Grill — Ticketed event — Celebrate the New Year with live music, dancing, and a midnight champagne toast overlooking the water.
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