Today
in Wilmington
Saturday, December 20th, 2025
Good morning, Wilmington. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 20th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Wilmington offers 19 New Year’s Eve events on Dec. 31 that range from family-friendly Noon Year’s Eve at the Children’s Museum to cocktail galas at Thalian Hall and beach parties at Kure Beach; live music, dancing, and champagne toasts highlight the celebrations. Wilmington Star-News
- ➤ Wilmington Police hosted their annual Santa Cop event on Dec. 19, where officers helped children with Christmas shopping in collaboration with The Eagle’s Dare. The event highlighted the department’s commitment to community support. WECT
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Sugar Buzzed—a local store on South 2nd Street—expects to cut about 40% of its hemp-derived inventory when federal rules limit THC levels to 0.4 mg per container starting next November, affecting edibles, smokables, and drinks. WECT
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Retired CIA operative Ann E. Butler, who published her memoir Wife, Mother, Spy in December, now lives in Wilmington where two of her five children reside. Her interview on the 1on1 with Jon Evans podcast highlights her journey balancing covert missions and family life (a tale of resilience). WECT
- ➤ The Wilson Center will host a winter edition of Free Concert Friday on Jan. 16 at 6:30 p.m. — local bands Kicking Bird, Churchyard Ghost, and Tercel will perform alongside food trucks and mobile bars, with raffle prizes and a summer lineup announcement. FOX Wilmington
- ➤ The Wilson Center will host a winter edition of Free Concert Friday on Jan. 16 with local bands Kicking Bird, Churchyard Ghost, and Tercel + food trucks, mobile bars, and raffle prizes. Organizers say the indoor event will bring a festive twist to a popular summer series. WECT
- ➤ The Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College will host Free Concert Friday on Friday, Jan. 16 with local bands including Kicking Bird, Churchyard Ghost, and Tercel — doors open at 6:30 p.m. on the main stage downtown, with food trucks and post-show festivities at The Eagle’s Dare. WWAY
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ TreeFest will give away free tree seedlings and grasses at Independence Mall on Jan. 16-17 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to help restore the local tree canopy damaged by hurricanes (households can select up to five plants with a suggested $5 donation). Wilmington Star-News
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Local residents rate Sugo Italian Steakhouse as Wilmington's best steakhouse for its unique menu featuring classic tomato sauce + a variety of steaks including in-house aged ribeyes, marinated skirt steaks, and Japanese wagyu, all served family style in a downtown setting. Wilmington Star-News
- ➤ Orion, a 3-year-old malamute mix from Monty’s Home in Burgaw, is seeking a forever home with an active household. He earned basic command training (from Pender Correctional Center) and potential adopters can apply via Monty’s Home website. WECT
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Stores closed at North 17 Shopping Center, one of Wilmington’s oldest retail sites dating to 1954, as plans were submitted to demolish the property and build a five-story mixed-use project next to Bill’s Brewing Company. Wilmington Star-News
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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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.
~ Maya Angelou
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