Today
in Wilmington
Friday, December 5th, 2025
Good morning, Wilmington. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 5th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Multiple roads will be closed for holiday parades around the Cape Fear region. The Calabash Christmas Parade is today at 6 p.m. — closures affect Beach Road, River Road and Oak Street, while Oak Island and Shallotte parades on Saturday, Dec. 6, prompt detours. WECT
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ On Thursday, Dec. 4, a gas leak on Evans Street off Princess Place Drive forced evacuations and road closures—city officials confirmed it was the latest of over 100 leaks this year and that responders acted quickly to secure the area. FOX Wilmington
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Chick-fil-A reopened at 5123 Market St. on Dec. 4, 2025, after a complete rebuild and now serves local customers near Target + PetSmart. The South College Rd. store is closed for remodeling and will reopen in early January while work begins on a new Shipyard Blvd. location. Wilmington Star-News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The long running Gruff Goat Comedy series will return on Dec. 17 at Waterline Brewing beneath the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge featuring local comedians and lively humor. Wilmington also offers Christmas themed events this weekend with outdoor concerts and parades, though the weather will be cold & rainy. Wilmington Star-News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Cameron Art Museum educator September Krueger was named the NC Art Education Association’s Museum Division Art Educator of the Year for 2024–2025. The award honors her work to create accessible art education in community schools (including a project with a Title I elementary school) in Wilmington. WWAY
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ State regulators extended the public comment period for the Wilmington Harbor deepening project until Dec. 20. The $1.35 billion plan aims to deepen the Cape Fear River channel to 47 feet (a measure to keep the port competitive) and may affect local wetlands. Wilmington Star-News
- ➤ Governor Stein announced Thursday, Dec. 4 that the Rural Infrastructure Authority approved $5,042,113 in grants for 15 rural projects, including $220,000 for a medical device facility in Elizabethtown and $850,000 for Bladenboro wastewater upgrades, which are expected to create jobs and draw over $104 million in private investments. WECT
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Local heart surgeon Dr. Peter Kane from Novant Health explained heart care improvements in a studio interview, noting that his team (including Dr. Marks) earned national recognition for their work. FOX Wilmington
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Wilmington native Alex Highsmith, a Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker, has been named his team's nominee for the 2025 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award — one of 32 finalists with the overall winner to be announced at the NFL Honors ceremony on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026. FOX Wilmington
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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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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The beauty of a living thing is not the atoms that go into it, but the way those atoms are put together.
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Reveal the authorAbout Today in Wilmington
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