To Market, to Market
Going NC Local presents an Artisan Holiday Marketplace at Mayfaire Town Center. In addition to artisans’ works of sculpture, pottery, ornaments and clothing, there will be an art gallery, gourmet foods and a natural skin-care shop. Admission: Free. Through December 23, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sundays noon to 6 p.m. Mayfaire Town Center, 6835 Conservation Way, Wilmington. For info: (910) 769-4833 or goinglocalnc.com.
Old Wilmington by Candlelight
The Lower Cape Fear Historical Society will host its 46th annual Old Wilmington by Candlelight Tour, which this year will feature seven historic houses and three churches, among them the Mitchell-Anderson House (1738), the oldest house in Wilmington, which has recently been restored. The tour will also visit Chestnut Presbyterian Church (1858), Shiloh Baptist Church (1870), and St. Mark’s Episcopal Church (1871), highlighting the rich architectural and religious heritage of the city’s African-American community. Tickets: $40. December 1, 4 – 8 p.m.; December 2, 1-5 p.m. Latimer House, 126 S. Third St., Wilmington. For info: (910)762-0492 or lcfhs.org.
Sing Out, Sister
The hundred-voice Wilmington Choral Society presents its 68th seasonal program, “I’m Gonna Sing! A Celebration of Gospel.” Directed by Paula Brinkman and accompanied by pianist Bryan Marshall, the chorus will perform such favorites as “Mary Had a Baby,” “Go Tell It on the Mountain” and “Elijah Rock.” Featured guest soprano is Denise Murchison Payton. Tickets: $16-$20. Audience members are encouraged to bring non-perishable foods to be delivered to Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard Food Pantry. December 13, 7:30 p.m. 703 N. Third St., Wilmington. For info: (910) 362-7999 or wilmingtonchoralsociety.com.
A Festive Forest
The Lower Cape Fear Hospice presents the Cape Fear Festival of Trees, hosted by the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. A winter woodland of Christmas trees decorated by local businesses, organizatons and artists graces the halls of the aquarium to create a spectacular holiday forest. Tickets: $10.95-$12.95. Through January 3, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. 900 Loggerhead Road, Kure Beach. For info: 910-458-8257 or ncaquariums.com.
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Poplar Grove Plantation is the setting for a Merry Little Christmas Festival, featuring 60 arts and crafts vendors, a blazing bonfire for toasting marshmallows, visits with Santa and lawn games, as well as outdoor screenings of classic Christmas movies. The grounds and outbuildings will be open, and there are also candlelight tours of the manor house for an additional fee. Tickets: $5. Dec. 7-9 and 14-16. Various times; see website. Poplar Grove Plantation, 10200 U.S. Highway 17 N., Wilmington. For info: (910) 686-9518 or poplargrove.org.
Vienna Boys Choir
The Vienna Boys Choir has been performing since 1498, when it served as the choir of the Viennese court in the Middle Ages. The group has changed dramatically since the original medieval choir of six boys — this year’s singers, led by conductor Manolo Cagnin, features boys from all over the world, from Cambodia to Iceland, and many of the performers have ancestors who were members of the choir. The group will also be featured in a new film, Curt Faudon’s Good Shepherds, which will have its North American premiere this fall. Tickets: $25-$65. December 20, 7:30 p.m. Wilson Center, 703 N. Third St., Wilmington. For info and tickets: 910-362-7999.
Moravian Magic
The Covenant Moravian Church of Wilmington is sponsoring a pop-up shop of Dewey’s, the legendary bakery founded in downtown Winston-Salem in 1930. The historic shop is best known for its wafer-thin Moravian cookies and cheese straws, as well as chocolate-dipped cookies in mint, blood orange and salted caramel. The shop is staffed by volunteers from the church, which benefits from a portion of holiday sales. Through December 23, 11 a.m.- 7 p.m.; Sundays noon – 5 p.m. Mayfaire, 980 Inspiration Drive, Wilmington. For info: 910-799-9256.
Dancing Queen
Thalian Hall’s legendary New Year’s Eve Gala will feature dinner, drinks and a live performance of the Opera House Theatre Company’s production of the smash Broadway musical Mamma Mia! with the musical numbers of ABBA. Afterward, ring in the new year with karaoke, dancing to a live DJ, and a champagne toast. VIP tickets include seating in the Starlight Room with a private buffet and bar. Tickets: $165-$200. December 31, 7 p.m. Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St., Wilmington. For info and tickets: (910) 632-2285 or thalianhall.org.
