Tag Archives: holiday

39th Annual Dickens Christmas Show & Festivals… The Show Must Go On!

Dickens Christmas Show & Festivals Week-

Celebrating 39 Years of Holiday Tradition

The Dickens Christmas Show & Festivals Will Go On… The tradition reigns and the holiday sparkles brighter than ever with the return of the Dickens Christmas Show & Festivals to the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, November 12-15.  Each year brings new festivities, crafters, artisans, exhibits and tours and this year is no exception This year’s 39th Annual Dickens Christmas Show & Festivals, which is a National Award-Winning arts, crafts and gift show set in a Victorian Marketplace is adapting to changes in The New Environment. It was our mission to continue our timeless tradition for many families as safely and responsibly as possible by creating a suitable show floor appropriate for this new environment.

We have implemented safety protocols such as required temperature scanning, mandatory masks or shields, and managing appropriate social distancing. Before anyone is allowed entrance to the Victorian Era Marketplace, it is required for your temperature to be scanned and to properly wear a face mask or shield. The Convention Center has assisted in creating a safe environment for event attendees by implementing their International GBAC Disinfecting Program daily. Bathrooms will be attended to frequently with appropriate sanitization techniques. The facility has their very own heating and air conditioning system which is a Fresh Air System which ensures the quality of air in the building.

We invite you to step back in time into an ever-changing magical setting where shoppers delight and shop from multitude of period clad vendors hawking their wares among the sites & sounds of a Victorian winter wonderland showcasing everything from fine arts and crafts, holiday decorations, homemade soaps & lotions, clothing, jewelry, imported items and more.  See exciting new vendors and returning vendors you may have missed over the past few years, all bringing fun & unusual items not found anywhere else on the Grand Strand. Surrounding a spectacular Christmas tree adorned for such a special occasion, everything is dressed and ready for your arrival, even the benches and lampposts are laden with snow. Old Saint Nick visits nearby in his Victorian Castle benefiting the Barnabas Horse Therapy Foundation, the child in all of us is encouraged to come alive!

While there, treat your family to one of the show’s oldest and most memorable exhibits – Santa Through The Ages.  Follow the transformation of Santa from Medieval Times through modern day. You can never know too much about this magical man from the North Pole. Elegantly costumed and life sized, the history of each Santa will amaze and enthrall even the biggest scrooge. Wander through the Festival of Trees, an array of fifty magnificent Christmas trees, each dressed in its own unique holiday splendor shimmering, beautifully designed, and sold to benefit the Family Justice Center. See the Festival of Wreaths, fifty spectacular examples of craft and creativity, offered for sale to benefit the Kiwanis Children’s Charities. Ooh and aww over the Festival of Tables centerpieces offering selections that compliment almost any deco, sold to support the Waccamaw Animal Rescue Mission.  

And returning to the Dickens Christmas Show & Festivals, by popular demand and keeping a dying art alive, Mr. Sean Keohane along with his Marionette Performers, recreate a lively rendition of the Punch and Judy Shows. Young and old alike enjoy this comedic performance, whether remembering days gone by or generating new ones. Warning… The giggles are contagious!

Experience the Festival of Worlds where you’ll find traditions and foods of selected countries from around the world. Don’t let your taste buds miss out on this one of a kind event which also benefits local charities.  In the English tradition, you may decide to step back into the days of old at the Victorian Holiday Teas…an event with authentic flair featuring Mr. Scrooge – the crotchety non believer from Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol’ as played by Howard Burnham, festival music, and a divine feast.

From the Dickens Christmas Show & Festivals inception in 1981 …attendees have been intrigued by its uniqueness and new ingredients year after year.  Unique to Myrtle Beach and to South Carolina, the Dickens Christmas Show & Festivals has been named one of the “Top 20 Events in the Southeast” in 2018 by the Southeast Tourism Society. As in the tradition of Dickens, local charities are invited to participate and gain support from the giving community. Here for a limited time only, make plans to attend this special annual event with friends and family where you’ll find a holiday spirit you won’t soon forget.

It takes a village to put together this annual event. This show in particular, is one we believe Charles Dickens himself would be proud and happy to attend. Everyone is working together. The vendors, the charities, Leisure Time Unlimited, and the City have come together to make this work. We are all doing our part to protect the local economy, jobs, community and tourism of the city of Myrtle Beach. We are positively contributing to our community by providing opportunity to so many who have gone without for far too long. Charities need to be funded, businesses need to run, exhibitors need face to face interaction to increase their sales, etc. Together we can survive and thrive. Together we will get through this!

For information or tickets, visit www.DickensChristmasShow.com or call 843-448-9483. 

Group rates available.

Gallery to present Holiday Art Market

Sunset River Marketplace art gallery in Calabash, NC will hold its annual Holiday Art Market from Friday, Nov. 13 – Sunday, Nov. 15. Always a popular seasonal event, this year the Market will take place over three days in order to help reduce crowds and better maintain social distancing. According to owner Ginny Lassiter, she expects that this ease congestion. “We have a large gallery,” she says, “10,000 square feet of space, so people should be able to social distance pretty easily. We’re also offering a reserved shopping hour with limited availability from 10 – 11 a.m. each day. Anyone wishing to take advantage of it should call the gallery to make a reservation. We expect this to fill up quickly.”

Raku Santa by Betsy Parker

Approximately 15 artists are being featured to include Holiday pottery, jewelry, oil paintings, acrylics, watercolors, home decor items, photography, metal art, carved and turned wood, wearable art, fiber art, kokedama plants, hand made furniture and more. A ten-foot Christmas tree will be filled with artisan-made ornaments, so customers can choose their favorite directly from the tree. There will also be gift certificate drawings, holiday treats, wine and hot mulled cider. Lassiter says, “With the pandemic, we’ve had to make some changes, but once again, this will be a fun Holiday Art Market!”

Featured artists over the weekend, include: Donna Michaux (pottery), Betsy Parker (pottery), Gary Baird (wildlife photography), Ardie Praetorius (pottery),Vicki Neilon (watercolor and acrylics), Pat White (watercolors), Mary Cross (pottery), Jewel Simmons (jewelry), Mona Bendin (pillows), Wes Wagner (wood furniture), Kathy Wolk (pottery and jewelry); Kakie Honig (fused glass), and Sherry Godfrey (pottery and kokedamas). Two authors will be on hand, as well, including Carol O’Neill (Saturday) and Tom Kelso (Sunday).

Special Hours

Holiday Art Market hours are 11 – 6 on all three days.

Located in coastal Brunswick County, Sunset River Marketplace caters to both tourists and a growing local community of full time residents seeking fine art for their homes and businesses. Featuring work by approximately 150 North and South Carolina artists, the eclectic gallery is well known in the area for its collection of oil paintings, watermedia, pastels, photography, hand-blown glass, fused glass, pottery and clay sculptures, turned and carved wood, unique home décor items and artisan jewelry.

There are two onsite kilns and five wheels used by the gallery’s pottery students. Art classes are currently being offered on a limited basis. Call the gallery for details.

Special Covid 19 Notice

To meet North Carolina State mandates, Sunset River Marketplace requires that patrons wear face coverings and requires the use of hand sanitizer plus six-foot social distancing between gallery visitors and at the cash register.  The gallery staff conducts thorough cleaning of surfaces upon opening and closing and during the day and has placed complimentary hand sanitizer throughout the gallery for visitor use.

The gallery address is: 10283 Beach Drive SW, Calabash, NC 28467.  Hours are Monday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information, call 910.575.5999 or visit the website at www.sunsetrivermarketplace.com. Daily updates are available on the gallery’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

Gullah Kinfolk Christmas Wish… Freedom Coming

Partake of the Spirit of the Season with the Gullah People of the Sea Islands

Enjoy a Weekend of Original Musical Theater, Storytelling and Great Food

Friday, December 1 at 7 p.m.

University of South Carolina-Beaufort Performing Arts Center

801 Carteret Street, Beaufort, SC

 

Artwork by Diane Britton-Dunham Griffin

A Taste of Gullah

Saturday, December 2 from Noon to 5 p.m.

Tabernacle Baptist Church

907 Craven Street, Beaufort, SC

 

Aunt Pearlie Sue and the Gullah Kinfolk will perform their foot-stomping, soul-stirring musical, Gullah Kinfolk Christmas Wish… Freedom Comin’ on Friday, December 1, at 7 p.m. at the University of South Carolina-Beaufort’s Performing Arts Center, 801 Carteret St., Beaufort, S.C.

The show is set on a South Carolina plantation in 1860 just before the start of the Civil War shortly after South Carolina succeeded from the union and on the eve of reconstruction.  There is excitement in the air as the anticipation of war and liberation penetrates the “Quarters” and “Big House.” The expectation of freedom is joyfully expressed through story-telling and song. The production is intended for people of all ages and races.

The historically-based performance was created by Anita Singleton Prather, who stars as story teller and singer Aunt Pearlie Sue. The powerful voices of the Gullah Kinfolk – a 20-member choral group – generate a jubilant celebration of song, dance and audience participation demonstrating the hopeful expectation of the time and the deep faith of the Gullah people.

Prather is a retired school teacher, ordained minister and nationally-acclaimed storyteller and writer. She has appeared on SCETV and other television networks. She also produced and starred in the film, My Man Done Me Wrong, which was screened at film festivals around the nation. Prather and the Gullah Kinfolk were featured in the made-for-television film Circle Unbroken… From Africa to America, which was also written by Prather. She also performed before the United Nations in 2016.

The Gullah Kinfolk specialize in the hymns, spirituals, dances and traditions of the Gullah people. Many cast members are known individually for their vocal gifts and performance skills. Aunt Pearlie Sue and the Gullah Kinfolk are scheduled to tour California next year for a series of performances and will appear at the World Bank in Washington, D.C, and Villanova University of Philadelphia and at shows in Virginia, New Jersey, Alabama and North Carolina.

Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. Admission is $10 for those aged 7 to 17. Advance reservations may be made by called the Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce at (843) 986-1102 ext. 2.  Information for out of town visitors regarding hotel and meal packages is also available.

A Taste of Gullah will be enjoyed Saturday, Dec. 2 from noon until 5 p.m. at the historic Tabernacle Baptist Church, 907 Craven Street, Beaufort. It will offer a feast of soul food dishes, a Gullah art exhibit and marketplace and live entertainment. Menu prices vary. For more information call the Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce.

Prather said this first weekend in December promises a great opportunity to indulge in the gifts of the rich Gullah culture and the heritage of the Sea Islands of South Carolina. “We delight in sharing our history, music, stories and wonderful food with visitors and residents, family and friends of all backgrounds. To God be all the glory for the great things he has done,” she said.

The events complement other annual yuletide activities in Beaufort, including the popular Night on the Town, Light up the Night and the annual Christmas parade. For more information on these events, contact www.downtownbeaufort.com.

Chamber Singers to Present Christmas Concert

chanber-singers-pixFirst Presbyterian Church Spartanburg’s Chamber Singers will present their annual Christmas Concert — Tidings of Comfort and Joy — in Chapman Cultural Center’s theater in Spartanburg, SC, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016, starting at 7 p.m.

         The 30-member choir will sing 13 holiday songs, many without accompaniment and all without any electronic amplification. Because of the 500-seat theater’s unique and excellent acoustics, there is no need for amplification. As a result, many of the songs will be heard as they were originally written to be performed in small and intimate concert halls.chamber-at-chapman-2014

         “We strive for vocal excellence,” Director Holt Andrews said. “This music will be as vocally pure as we can possibly make it. It is our intention to touch people with the Christmas spirit in the most honest and sincere way — by giving them songs that will cause them to wonder in awe at the spiritual power this music can inspire. We want to touch them emotionally with the true beauty and meaning of Christmas.”

         Most of the songs will be classical, sacred, and creatively arranged to appeal to both serious music lovers and those looking for an alternative to the commercialization of Christmas. The evening with start with a traditional chant by the men who will be in the balcony. The women will be on the stage, and in between will be the seated patrons, surrounded by voices that were carefully chosen for their exceptional quality. Members of the choir are selected by audition on their voice quality and musical ability.

         Two of the songs are especially noted for being arranged by local professional musicians. A jazzy version of “The Holly And The Ivy,” arranged by Brennan Szafron, and a jazzy/gospel-like version of “Go Tell It On The Mountain,” arranged by John Moody will be highlights of the evening. Szafron is a teacher at Converse College’s Alia Lawson Academy of the Arts and the organist and choirmaster at Episcopal Church of the Advent. Moody teaches Advanced Placement Music Theory and Music Technology and is the Music Department Chair at Spartanburg High School.

         “This is probably our most varied Christmas concert in the history of the choir,” Andrews said. “Most songs will be classical, but the arrangements will give them new appeal… surprising, upbeat, and engaging.”

         Because of the choir’s emphasis on vocal excellence, only eight of the scheduled songs will have musical accompaniment by Greenville harpist Aubrey Elliot and Spartanburg pianist Marcia Andrews. “We love having both Aubrey and Marcia accompanying us, and they will be most valuable when we invite the audience to sing along with some popular and traditional Christmas songs,” Andrews said. “We feel it is important to provide the very best in vocal selections and to engage the audience and let them share in the spirit of the season. It’s just not a proper Christmas concert unless the audience gets to sing, too.”

         In addition to the Christmas concert at Chapman Cultural Center, the Chamber Singers will also present selections from that concert at other events, including their Sunday, Nov. 20, engagement at the Biltmore House in Asheville, NC. For 24 years, the Chamber Singers have been invited to perform at Biltmore as part of the historic home’s annual Candlelight Tours, which draws thousands of tourists during the holiday season. “We consider it to be an honor to be invited year after year,” Andrews said.

         Also, some of the songs will be performed in the church’s chapel on Sunday, Dec. 18, as part of the annual “Moravian Love Feast.”

         “Even though we perform throughout the year, Christmas is our busiest season,” Andrews said.

         The church’s Chamber Singers ensemble was originally formed in 1977 with six members. It quickly grew to become one of the Upstate’s most respected and accomplished choirs. Its members include many local professional musicians, as well as people who are considered to be “serious musicians,” such as Virginia Shuler, who continues to hone her craft by taking one-on-one voice lessons, in addition to the weekly Sunday night choir practice.

         “We take the Chamber Singers very seriously,” Shuler said. “But only because we enjoy it and the people who listen to the music enjoy it. Sometimes, I look out into the audience and see people’s faces and know we are touching them. We can feel it, and the audience can feel it. Singing is an art form to be shared, and we want to share our music with the citizens of this community. In a very real way, this Christmas concert is a gift to the Upstate.”

         Tickets to the Chapman concert are available through the Church and through Mobile Meals, which will be the recipient of concert’s proceeds. Tickets are $15 each and can be purchased by calling 864-583-4531 or 864-573-7684.

Holiday Show Schedule at Ingram Planetarium

Ingram Planetarium’s holiday show schedule will begin on November 25th and will continue through the end of the year. We will be closed on December 24th to allow our staff and volunteers to celebrate the holidays with their families.

Doors open at 11:30am on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Additional open days include December 26, 27, and 28. Show trailers and complete playlists for laser art and music shows are available at www.MuseumPlanetarium.org. The full December schedule of events is listed below:

sol_poster

Immersive Sky Theater Shows

All Immersive Theater presentations are accompanied by a live star show.

12:00   Season of Light – NEW

Explore the origins of winter’s most endearing holiday customs as

we discover winter constellations and consider the “Star of Bethlehem.”

1:00     Earth, Moon & Sun – NEW

This year’s new family program is sure to be a hit with all ages! Discover                                       the important relationship between our Earth, Moon, and Sun.

2:00     Undiscovered Worlds

The hunt is on to discover planets orbiting around distant stars.                                                       Could life exist on one of these far-off worlds?

3:00     Seven Wonders – Half-priced admission

Experience the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, then travel                                                    through the cosmos to discover seven wonders of the night sky!

4:00     The Sky Tonight! – LIVE

Find out “what’s up” tonight! Explore the planets, constellations, and                                               other celestial events visible in the Carolina night sky.

6:00     Season of Light – NEW

Explore the origins of winter’s most endearing holiday customs as

we discover winter constellations and consider the “Star of Bethlehem.”

7:00     Laser Holidays

Get into the holiday spirit and sing-a-long to your favorite hits of the

Season as you enjoy dazzling laser artwork!

Public funding for “Earth, Moon & Sun” was provided by the Town of Sunset Beach through its Accommodation Taxes.

Ingram Planetarium is located at 7625 High Market Street in Sunset Beach, NC. Admission is free for members. Non-member, per-show admission (including NC sales tax) is $9.50 for adults, $8.50 for seniors (62+), $7.50 for children (3-12), and free for age 2 and under. For more information, call 910-575-0033, visit www.museumplanetarium.org, or like us on Facebook.com/IngramPlanetarium.

Wreath Making Traditions at the Museum of Coastal Carolina

shell-wreath-2

Mandee Williams, owner and designer of Bloomers Floral Design, Inc. comes to share her expertise about holiday decorating Saturday, Nov 5 at 11 am. This demonstration and hands on program is open to both children and adults. Get a jump on your holiday preparations by joining this fun class!  Adult seating for wreath makers is limited to 15, but the lecture has no capacity limit. Call the Museum to reserve your spot.

Williams will demonstrate the basic steps for making a holiday wreath and go over some wreath traditions from the past. Participants will have the opportunity to create their own special wreath with her direction. Children 12 and under will be given an artificial  wreath to work on as well as shells, ribbons and accessories but they must be accompanied by an adult to assist with assembly and hot glue gun usage.

Adults with seat reservations need to bring wire cutters and a bare wreath (any size and of their choice of material-grapevine, evergreen, silk, etc.). Participants should also bring along embellishment items to assemble a custom designed holiday decoration. Some materials will be provided such as shells, holiday décor, and ribbon – if you need ideas or have specific color preferences for ribbons and accessories, be sure to stop in to see Mandee at her shop to pick up your supplies ahead of time. Examples of materials for wreath decorating include: silk leaves, holly berries, pine cones, silk or dried flowers, ornaments, greenery, etc.

Bloomers Floral Design is located on Rt. 179 in Ocean Isle and Mandee can be reached at 910-575-4000.

The Museum of Coastal Carolina is located at 21 East Second Street, Ocean Isle Beach, NC. Admission to the museum is free for members. Non-member all-day admission is $9.50 for adults, $8.50 for seniors, $7.50 for children (3-12), and free for age 2 and under. For more information about the Museum of Coastal Carolina, call 910-579-1016 or visit www.MuseumPlanetarium.org.

 

RING IN THE NEW YEAR CITY-STYLE OR COASTAL-STYLE

Where will you be when the clock strikes midnight on Thursday, December 31? Since New Year’s Day is on a Friday, why not ring in the New Year and spend the rest of the weekend enjoying your favorite vacation destination? In Wilmington, North Carolina and the island beaches of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Wrightsville Beach, you can welcome 2016 “city-style” or “coastal-style.”

From the river to the sea, there are many ways to celebrate. Riverboat and party cruises sail into the New Year with music, dancing, buffets and champagne toasts. Prefer to live it up onshore? The Island of Lights New Year’s Eve celebration begins at 9:00 p.m. with a street dance/countdown party at the newly renovated Carolina Beach Boardwalk, featuring a deejay and a giant lighted beach ball drop withmidnight fireworks. There are also galas, theatrical productions and contemporary variety shows, as well as restaurant and nightlife festivities. Many outstanding restaurants offer special New Year’s Eve menus and entertainment, as well as traditional good luck meals on New Year’s Day. Families can cheer for the New Year at the strike of 12:00 noon on New Year’s Eve and again on New Year’s Day at the Children’s Museum of Wilmington, then “Toast the Coast” at the N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher on January 1.

 

Take advantage of shoulder season rates and stay through the weekend to experience all there is to see and do at our island beaches and on Wilmington’s #1 Best American Riverfront (USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Award). Each morning you can wake up to an ocean sunrise, a river vista or a vibrant city view. For hotel specials and packages, visit www.wilmingtonandbeaches.com/packages-deals. You’ll also find great after-Christmas sales at beach boutiques, downtown specialty shops and city-style shopping villages. Take in several year-round museums, attractions and tours. To download a free official visitors guide, visit http://365publicationsonline.com/WilmingtonVG2015/.

 

Here’s a preview of New Year’s events to suit your ‘style’ in Wilmington, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Wrightsville Beach:

 

Dec. 31 & Jan. 1– New Year’s Noon Countdown at the Children’s Museum. 9:00am-12:00pm. Celebration begins at 10:00am with crafts (streamers, crowns, glittery slime), music and dancing. Families count down the New Year at 12:00pm (Noon) with streamers, confetti toss & juice toast! Admission charge. Children’s Museum of Wilmington, 116 Orange St., Wilmington. 910-254-3534;www.playwilmington.org

 

Dec. 31 – 25TH Annual Island of Lights New Year’s Eve Countdown Party & Fireworks Extravaganza.  9:00pm-12:30am. This unique New Year’s celebration features a deejay and dancing, followed by the lowering of a giant lighted beach ball at midnight and spectacular fireworks over the Atlantic Ocean. Festivities for all ages begin at 9:00pm. Free. Carolina Beach Boardwalk, Carolina Beach.www.pleasureislandoflights.com/the-new-year-celebration.html

 

Dec. 31 – New Year’s Eve Cruise aboard the Henrietta III. New Year’s cruise down the Cape Fear River. Board 8:00pm; cruise 9:30pm-12:30am; party ‘til 1:30am. Heavy hors d’oeuvre buffet, entertainment, party favors and champagne toast. Admission charge. Prepaid reservations required. Board at foot of Dock and Water streets, Downtown Wilmington. 910-343-1611; 800-676-0162;http://cfrboats.com/product-detail/?prod=1011

 

Dec. 31-New Year’s Eve Party Cruise aboard the Royal Winner Princess II. Boards at 10:30pm; returns 12:30am. Cruise to watch the midnight fireworks with dance music, party favors, champagne toast and the best view for the Island of Lights New Year fireworks.  Cash bar. Departs from Carolina Beach Marina, Carolina Beach. Admission charge. Reservations required. 910-458-5356;www.winnerboats.com/tours-cruises.

 

Dec. 31—New Year’s “Memphis” Musical Broadway & Gala. 7:00pm-1:00am. Cape Fear Theatre Arts, LLC presents “Memphis,” a Broadway musical gala to benefit Thalian Hall. Enjoy dinner, drinks and live theatre. After the show, ring in 2016 with dancing, karaoke, dessert, party favors and a midnight toast. Admission charge; advance reservations. Thalian Hall, Wilmington. 910-632-2285 or 800-523-2820;www.thalianhall.org.

 

Dec. 31— New Year’s Eve: Baccanalia! Two seatings: 6:00pm & 9:45pm. Tickets include a 4-course meal and show with contemporary acts, music, comedy, party favors, and champagne toast. Advance reservations. Admission charge; tickets required. TheatreNOW, 19 S. 10th St., Wilmington. 910-399-3669; www.theatrewilmington.com

Jan. 1—Toast the Coast. 9am-5pm. Pint-size revelers and adults can “Toast the Coast” on New Year’s Day at the Aquarium. The coastal theme party lasts all day with crafts, ocean resolutions and programs featuring “What we love most about the coast.” A noise-maker craft and kid parade precede two beach ball drops during the daily dive programs at 10:30am and 2:30pm. Admission charge. NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher, 900 Loggerhead Road, Kure Beach. 910-772-0500; www.ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher.

Dove Street Festival of Lights

dove street

Presented by Kroger, Belk and the merchants of Shelter Cove Towne Centre, the Dove Street Festival of Lights™ will run from November 21, 2015 through January 2, 2016 and will be open to the public nightly from 6 to 10 pm.

Holiday Basketball Tournaments in Myrtle Beach

2015 CresCom Bank Holiday Invitational Girls’ Basketball Tournament
December 17 through 22
Myrtle Beach Convention Center

The CresCom Bank Holiday Invitational Girls’ Basketball tournament is December 17 through 22 at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. This is a 16-team, national invitation tournament with top high school talent from around the country. Tickets can be purchased at the Convention Center on game days or in advance by calling 843-213-0032. Visit http://www.beachballclassic.com for more information.

2015 Beach Ball Classic Boys’ Basketball Tournament
December 26 through 31
Myrtle Beach Convention Center

The 35th annual Beach Ball Classic Boys’ Basketball tournament is December 26 through 31 at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. This is the nation’s premier high school holiday basketball tournament! Tickets can be purchased at the Convention Center on game days or in advance by calling 843-213-0032. Visit http://www.beachballclassic.com for more about teams and game times.

Enchanted Airlie Creates Lasting Holiday Memories

Half-mile Walking Trail Features 750,000 Lights, Music, Santa and Superheroes

One enchanted evening can create lasting holiday memories. Each year since first illuminating in 2005, visitors from near and far have made the trek to Airlie Gardens to celebrate the season during its Enchanted Airlie event. On select dates from late November through December 22, Airlie’s tastefully decorated half-mile, self-guided walking trail features elaborate holiday displays with more than 750,000 twinkling lights.

Enchanted Airlie is a holiday light extravaganza like no other, featuring an enchanted forest of lighted oaks and dazzling displays in a coastal garden setting. It’s a 67-acre holiday fantasy with whimsical exhibits suitable for all ages. This year, superheroes will join Santa to greet guests and pose for photos. Other highlights include: a Poinsettia Paradise with more than 400 holiday plants, live musical entertainment and visits with Santa. Airlie’s 2,400-square-foot floral conservatory provides a festive backdrop for family photos. Warm holiday refreshments are available for purchase and the Airlie gift shop is open with one-of-a-kind gifts.

A Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event, Enchanted Airlie continues to add new exhibits and the light count is fast approaching one million! Volunteers and staff begin planning in January and start decorating by early September so visitors can experience a stunning wonderland of theatrically illuminated large oaks, small native trees, holiday flowers, and elegant displays.

Want to go? Enchanted Airlie runs from Thanksgiving weekend through Christmas on select dates. Additional dates have been added to accommodate all who want to experience Enchanted Airlie’s magical evenings: December 4-6, 10-13, and 16-22 and in two time slots: 5:00-7:00 p.m. and 7:00–9:00 p.m. Enchanted Airlie tickets must be purchased in advance, no later than 4:00 p.m. the night of the event. Due to the popularity of this event, it is recommended that visitors purchase tickets for their preferred dates prior to arrival. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.airliegardens.org or in-person at the Airlie Gardens service center (300 Airlie Rd., Wilmington) between 9am and 4pm. Single admission tickets are $12 for individuals over the age of 4. Children under age 3 are free. Couples arriving in the same vehicle can purchase a couples pass for $17. An economical green option is the carload ticket for $27, which will cover as many people as will safely fit into an automobile; no individual tickets or parking passes are required for this option (excludes buses and multi-passenger vans).

Airlie Gardens, located at 300 Airlie Road, is a 67-acre historic public garden bordering Bradley Creek in Wilmington, North Carolina. Visitors are encouraged to dress warmly and comfortably for the half-mile outdoor walking tour on gravel, sand, and mulch paths. For details about Enchanted Airlie, please call 910-798-7700 or visit the Airlie Gardens website www.airliegardens.org for event information, rules, restrictions and rain policy.

City + Beaches: See where the water takes you this holiday season! From the river to the sea, more than 50 holiday-themed events help celebrate in Wilmington, North Carolina’s historic river district and the island beaches of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach. For seasonal specials and visitor information and to download a Holiday Event Brochure, visit www.wilmingtonandbeaches.com/seasonal-page. For a free official visitors guide, call 1-866-266-9690, email visit@wilmingtonandbeaches.com, or stop by the Visitors Information Center at 505 Nutt Street, Unit A, in historic Downtown Wilmington.