Follow the Tea Light Bag Road
It’s like trick-or-treating for history buffs or caroling without the singing part. For two days this winter you can go a-wassailing to tour historic downtown homes decorated to the hilt. Starting in the Victorian parlor of the Latimer House, home to the Lower Cape Fear Historical Society, this tour features new sights each year. This year includes the Alpha Psi Omega House, home to the first southeastern chapter of the historic African-American women’s sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha, est. 1932. Another new north side highlight is the gothic revival style St. Stephen’s A.M.E. Church, built in 1888. Bundle up and take to the cobbled streets and, between homes, you just might feel like singing. Saturday, Dec. 3, 4–8 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 4, 1–5 p.m. Tickets: $30 at www.lcfhs.org or Harris Teeter, Ivy Cottage, or the Latimer House.
Let it Glow
Let your lantern be light and witness brand new works of art created for the juried exhibition, “Art of Illumination,” at the Cameron Art Museum. In years past, entries have come from across the country, abstract or taking shape as owls and jellyfish, but what they all have in common is the light from within. See this exhibit between Dec. 2 – Jan. 8. Or join in the wistful beauty of the Floating Lantern Ceremony on Dec. 11 at 5 p.m. when illuminated lanterns (available for purchase now through the day of the event) are launched onto the pond with well wishes and silent prayers. In winter, approaching the solstice, the darkest point, it’s important to gaze within and let it glow. Cameron Art Museum, 3201 S. 17th St., Wilmington, (910) 395-5999, www.cameronartmuseum.org.
You’ve Got a Poinsettia
And if you don’t, go get one! But not just any leafy red, pink or white fireplace framer; get one from the Ability Garden Holiday Plant Sale. The Ability Garden provides outreach gardening and nature-based programs to our community, as well as horticulture therapy opportunities; they’ve recently been developing school gardens throughout Wilmington. This sale benefits their programming; enjoy a gospel choir and children’s craft fair while you shop for poinsettias, Christmas cactuses and other winter staples. Saturday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Admission is free. Plants start at $5. NHC Arboretum, 6206 Oleander Drive, Wilmington. www.nhcarboretum.org
Season for Singing
If the neighborhood carolers could use a tuning fork for Christmas, head down to hear how it’s supposed to sound at the Williston Alumni Community Choir performance, this year entitled “Gloria! Sing Gloria!” This long-standing group performs regularly with the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra and even performed at the White House in 1994. Under the direction of Marva Robinson, the choir will sing a one-hour program of spirituals, carols and a few gospel arrangements. Sunday, December 11, 5 p.m. Saint Luke A.M.E. Zion Church, 709 Church St, Wilmington. Tickets: $10 (at the door or in advance from choir members).
It’s a Wonderful Tradition
Listed in the American Film Institute’s best 100 films ever made, It’s a Wonderful Life has a special place in this film town’s heart. Directed by Frank Capra in 1946, watching the film at Christmas was a family tradition for his family, including, of course, Frank Capra Jr., who would become the founder and president of EUE Screen Gems Studios, essentially starting the film industry here. During his lifetime, he would screen his father’s Christmas classic each December at UNCW. A first or 15th viewing, It’s a Wonderful Life does not disappoint. Tony Rivenbark’s historic toy collection will be on display and seasonal treats served. Wednesday, Dec. 21, 7 p.m., Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St., Wilmington. Tickets: $10, (910) 632-2285 or www.thalianhall.org.
#Winning at Gifts
ACME Art Studios opens its doors for a weekend of holiday shopping with affordable art. Gift giving can be stressful: What do they need? What do they want? What do they already have? Bypass that vortex by buying local, original art. Have a favorite from ACME’s 20+ artists? This is a perfect time to pick up small works and bring them home. Dec. 9–11, Friday and Sunday 6–9, and Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. ACME Art Studios, 711 North 5th Ave., Wilmington.
“You’re Not a Dancer, You’re an Elf”
“And you’re going to wear panties like an elf!” yells the costumer in David Sedaris’ hilarious and true “SantaLand Diaries” about working at Macy’s one Christmas season. If your sweet tooth is about to rot out this holiday season and you need to blow off some steam, check out Panache Productions’ staged adaption of this one-man show starring local comedian Jamey Stone (plus the loveable “Not Ready For Christmas” Carolers). Mature audiences only, this play contains laugh-out-loud jokes your small ones should not repeat. Dec. 1–4, Dec. 8–11, 15–18. Thursday–Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m., Red Barn Studio Theatre, 1122 South 3rd St., Wilmington. Tickets: $15, Call 910-251-1788 or www.thalian.org.
