Today
in Wilmington
Friday, December 12th, 2025
Good morning, Wilmington. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 12th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Volunteer carpenters at the New Hanover County Arboretum have built wooden structures since 1988 — their work includes a Japanese Tea House, red torii gates, and a children’s playhouse inspired by Snow White. Their ongoing projects continue to enrich the garden for all visitors today. Wilmington Star-News
- ➤ Frances Weller is hosting a holiday toy and bike drive today at two Walmart locations to help Cape Fear children get bikes and gifts for Christmas. Donations are accepted at Porters Neck (6:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) and Monkey Junction (4 to 6:30 p.m.). WECT
- ➤ The Wilmington Fire Department will hold free car seat safety checks on Thursday, Dec. 18 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Burlington Store parking lot at 4715 New Centre Drive, and residents can also visit any WFD station when crews are available. WECT
- ➤ Catholic Charities operates a mobile laundry service for Wilmington’s homeless at the Clean Start trailer in downtown Wilmington. The service, led by Layla Perez, cleans clothes on Tuesday afternoons (from 4 to 7 p.m.) and Wednesday mornings (9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) to help those in need. FOX Wilmington
- ➤ Willowdale Farm, a nonprofit community garden (at 301 N. 30th St.) will close soon after its church owner reclaims the land for another project; Community Enrichment Initiatives plans to secure a new plot near food-insecure neighborhoods to keep growing produce and supporting families. WHQR
- ➤ The Warming Shelter ILM will open Sunday night at 5 p.m. at 920 N. Sixth St. for single women, families and people in cars and at 401 Grace St. for men and couples to help those experiencing homelessness until Tuesday, Dec. 16. Volunteers and donations are welcome. FOX Wilmington
- ➤ A nonprofit and its volunteers are improving Carolina Beach with tree and garden upgrades. They completed a wildflower garden along the Island Greenway and are planting 30 canopy trees along Harper Ave (a $7,500 grant will fund Friends Nursery upgrades near Carolina Beach State Park early winter 2026). WWAY
- ➤ The City of Wilmington will host MLK Fun Day on Jan. 17 at the MLK Community Center from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering families games + bounce houses, resource tables and activity stations. WECT
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Three local chains made the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards for 2025; The Fresh Market topped the list at Mayfaire while ALDI and Publix also earned top rankings. The awards recognize quality offerings in fresh produce, baked goods and deli selections in local stores. Wilmington Star-News
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Aquarium celebrated the birth of three male Asian small-clawed otter pups on Friday, Dec. 5 at Fort Fisher. Staff say both the pups and their mother are healthy - the litter is a milestone for the species survival plan. WWAY
- ➤ The 2025 hurricane season produced 13 storms, including powerful Category 5 hurricanes that largely stayed offshore but brought heavy rain, erosion, and flooding to coastal NC from Tropical Storm Chantal. Local communities in Wilmington continue feeling its effects as officials monitor weather for a normal 2026 season. Wilmington Star-News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The NCDHHS reported an increase in flu activity, with three flu-related deaths last week and nine for the season so far. Health officials urged residents to get vaccinated to prevent serious illness (especially for high-risk groups like young children and those with underlying conditions). WECT
- ➤ The Wilmington Fire Department is adding a new crisis response dog named London, working with Senior Firefighter Adam Molinelli at Fire Station 5 (A Shift) to help calm stress after calls. He will receive his official vest Tuesday to begin supporting mental health and emergency comfort efforts. WWAY
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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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Floating Lantern Ceremony
2-7 p.m. — Cameron Art Museum — Free outdoor event — Create and float a lantern while enjoying live music and reflecting on special moments.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage.
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