Downtown Wilmington lights holiday tree

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY)– An annual event bringing holiday cheer to people of the Cape Fear.  

Friday night, hundreds of people came out to see the Downtown Wilmington tree lighting ceremony on Market and Water Streets.  

The holiday joy began with live music, a local artisans’ shopping village, face painting, and free spin-the wheel prizes, all followed by the countdown of the tree lighting.  

After the lighting of the tree, everyone was treated to a special visit from Santa. 

Along with the newly lit tree, the streets in Old Downtown Wilmington are now lined with Christmas wreathes to get visitors into the holiday spirit as they take a stroll among the restaurants and shops, ahead of the annual Small Business Saturday.

If you didn’t make it to Friday’s Downtown Tree Lighting, you have another chance.

The City of Wilmington Tree Lighting is happening Thursday November 30th from 6-8pm at Live Oak Bank Pavillion.

The event will feature a special performance by the Roland-Grise Middle School KNIGHT singers, a reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” by Mayor Bill Saffo, free Santa visits, and light refreshments while supplies last.

For more information, click here.