Thanksgiving weekend in Wilmington, NC: What to do

There’s the food for Thanksgiving, and then there’s what to do with the longer holiday weekend.
If you’re fortunate enough to have that time off, Thursday-Sunday, then there’s plenty happening in the Wilmington area to celebrate both Thanksgiving and the Christmas season.
Here are six events:
Wrightsville Beach Turkey Trot
The annual Wrightsville Beach Turkey Trot, to benefit and support Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity’s mission to build homes, will be held on Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, Nov. 23). Runners raise funds to sponsor a home in the community. The 1 mile-walk starts at 8 a.m. follow by the 5K at 8:30 a.m. There will be costume contests for participants and their dogs. Dogs are not allowed to race but is welcome to join in the contests. Judging will be from 7:30-8:30 a.m. Winners announced at 9:15 a.m. Register at Wrightsville Beach Turkey Trot.
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Smith Island Art League show and sale
Thanksgiving is gone, and you are trying to figure out what to do with the rest of the holiday weekend. How about take a ferry ride to Bald Head Island and stop by The Smith Island Art League members’ show and sale? The show will be held from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24 and Saturday Nov. 25 at the Bald Head Island Association Center, 111 Lighthouse Wynd. Admission is free. The Art League members will show a variety of styles and mediums such as ceramics, oil and watercolor paintings, cards, jewelry, fabric art, photography and more. For more information contact Prudy Weaver at 704-907-4287 or email [email protected].
NC Holiday Flotilla
The 40th annual NC Holiday Flotilla is a two-day event which will begin on Friday, Nov. 24. A captain’s social and safety meeting with cocktails and appetizers will be held from 5-7 p.m. alongside the Coastal Kia kickoff party featuring the Band of Oz (purchase tickets at NC Holiday Flotilla Kickoff Party). Both events will be held at the Lumina Resort at Wrightsville Beach. The boat parade will begin at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25. Fireworks after the flotilla. For more schedule information, visit https://www.ncholidayflotilla.org/weekend-events/.
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Holiday Treasures and Gift Shoppe
Are you ready to do some holiday shopping now that Thanksgiving is officially over? Franklin Square Gallery in Southport invite the public to visit the Holiday Treasures and Gift Shoppe, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24 and Saturday, Nov. 25. Gallery members have handcrafted original ornaments, jewelry, accessories, glass and ink art, cards, paintings, pottery and more. The gallery is located at 130 E. West St. The shop will be open through Friday, Dec. 22.
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Topsail Beach Christmas Parade
The town of Topsail Beach will hold its Christmas parade beginning at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25. The town’s annual tree lighting ceremony will follow in the park, located at 624 S. Anderson Blvd. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be visiting. There will be entertainment for the children. Also, there will be cookies and holiday punch. Pender County Girl Scout Troop #4242 will be serving hot chocolate and also collecting donations for the local humane society.
Ocean Isle Beach Flotilla
Celebrating its 20th year, the Ocean Isle Beach Flotilla will be held Saturday, Nov. 25. The boat parade starts at 5:30 p.m. in front of Inlet View Bar & Grill and proceeds down the Intracoastal Waterway to the canal in front of Sharky’s and 59 Causeway. There will be raffles and prizes. An awards ceremony will be held immediately following the flotilla. Benefits Brunswick Family Assistance. There will be live music by the FGH Band at Sharky’s.
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