Tuesday, December 16th, 2025
Good morning, Wilmington. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 16th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Local children will receive bikes this holiday season as Weller’s Wheels collected 855 bikes during a toy drive from Nov. 10 to Dec. 12 (donations went directly to the Salvation Army). WECT
- ➤ Wilmington Voices is hosting free community concerts to spread holiday cheer, as explained by Angela Burns and Isabella Dolande in a recent studio interview. The concerts will offer neighbors a chance to celebrate the season together. WECT
- ➤ Warming Shelter ILM opened two emergency shelters on Sunday at 5 p.m. to serve over 125 people in need, with one at 920 North 6th Street and one at 402 Grace Street. The shelters remain open until 9 a.m. today + director Meg McBride asks for donations to cover costs. WWAY
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ American Distillation Inc. pleaded guilty for deliberately dumping harmful chemicals into the Cape Fear River from 2020 to 2024, breaking the Clean Water Act as federal prosecutors and state investigators push for stricter enforcement. FOX Wilmington
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Wilmington area celebrates the holiday season with festive displays across Gardens of Southeastern North Carolina, downtown's decorated streets, and popular events like the sold-out Enchanted Airlie. Local tree lightings and Winterfest in Southport add to the seasonal cheer + invite residents to enjoy the spirit of the holidays. Wilmington Star-News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ UScellular donated $1,500 in art supplies and headphones to support the DREAMS Center for Arts Education, which provides free arts classes to over 600 children. The supplies were presented at 901 Fanning St. on Monday, Dec. 15 at 4 p.m. FOX Wilmington
- ➤ Cape Fear Community College will host its 9th-annual Benny Hill Quartet Fundraising Concert on Jan. 30 at 7:30 p.m. at the Wilson Center to raise funds for student scholarships and buying instruments. Tickets for members debut on Dec. 15 and for the general public on Dec. 16. FOX Wilmington
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Parks and Recreation Department is offering fee assistance to residents with incomes at or below the thresholds set by family size. Residents can check local guidelines to see if they qualify for reduced fees for park programs. WECT
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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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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches but to reveal to him his own.
~ Benjamin Disraeli
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