Spend Thanksgiving weekend in Wilmington for a mix of riverside charm, tasty coastal eats and holiday fun.This five-day itinerary takes you from waterfront strolls and seasonal feasts to sparkling light shows and local boutiques – everything you need for a seasonal escape.
Duration: 5 days (Nov. 26-30)
Available: Seasonal
Day 1: Riverfront Stays & Iconic Bites
Drop bags/place to stay: Embassy Suites Wilmington Riverfront Hotel
Check in along the Wilmington Riverwalk at the Embassy Suites Wilmington Riverfront Hotel, where the heated indoor pool and spacious rooms make it easy to unwind. Book now using this link to snag special Thanksgiving weekend rates!
Afternoon
Lunch: Try the iconic “churkeychanga” at Flaming Amy's Burrito Barn
Start your trip with a Wilmington legend: the “churkeychanga.” This once-a-year special wraps roasted turkey, mashed red skin potatoes and jalapeño cornbread stuffing in a golden-fried tortilla, finished with jalapeño cream gravy and cranberry salsa. It’s bold, local and totally unforgettable.
Afternoon activity: Embark on a Daily Eagles Island Cruise with Wilmington Water Tours
Hop on a cozy catamaran for a view of Wilmington from the water. Cruises run hourly from noon to 4 p.m., passing Eagles Island, the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA and other historic sites. Wildlife sightings are a bonus, so keep your eyes peeled!
Evening
Dinner: Rooster & The Crow
Enjoy Southern comfort food with a playful twist. Share fried green tomatoes or gator bites, then dig into apple cider bacon mac and cheese or creamy chicken pot pie. Save room for the banana pudding – it’s worth every bite.
Evening activity: Grab a treat from Kilwin’s Chocolates, Fudge & Ice Cream before attending "RAIN: A Beatles Christmas" at The Wilson Center
Pick up a fudge square, caramel apple or peanut brittle, then head to “RAIN: A Beatles Christmas.” This nostalgic show blends holiday favorites with timeless The Beatles hits – from “Here Comes the Sun” to “Come Together” – brought to life with creative sets and multimedia magic.
Day 2: Thanksgiving Day by the River
Morning
Breakfast: Thanksgiving breakfast takeout from Spoonfed Kitchen & Bake Shop
Start the holiday with a smoked ham and sausage quiche or tea breads and seasonal scones. Be sure to place your order ahead of time using this link, and don’t forget to add on dessert for later – the buttermilk pumpkin and apple cranberry pies are holiday favorites.
Morning Activity: Take a walk at Greenfield Park
Get some exercise in before the big meal while celebrating the 100th anniversary of Greenfield Park, a 250-acre landmark that’s welcomed visitors for generations. Take a peaceful walk or bike ride along the trails and admire the views of Greenfield Lake and the new Rainbow Bridge.
Afternoon
Lunch: Front Street Brewery
Catch some Thanksgiving Day football with a turkey plate and award-winning local craft beer at Wilmington’s original restaurant and brewery. The lively, welcoming atmosphere makes it easy to feel at home while cheering on your favorite team.
Afternoon activity: Stroll the Wilmington Riverwalk
Walk off (or prepare for!) your feast along the 2-mile Wilmington Riverwalk. Follow the river past the BATTLESHIP North Carolina and Cape Fear Memorial Bridge while soaking in the cool November air.
Evening
Thanksgiving Dinner: Pine Valley Market Thanksgiving Takeout or The Fork n Cork’s “2nd Annual Fork n Cork Thanksgiving Cluster Fork”
For a cozy night in, order a gourmet Thanksgiving dinner from Pine Valley Market, complete with roasted turkey, stuffing and all the classic sides. Meals often sell out – so be sure to order ahead of time using this link.
If you’re in the mood for a livelier local scene, head downtown for the “2nd Annual Fork n Cork Thanksgiving Cluster Fork.” Savor turkey sandwiches, hearty plates and festive cocktails surrounded by friendly locals and visitors. It’s a welcoming, laid-back way to wrap up your Thanksgiving.
Day 3: History, Shopping & Holiday Lights
Morning
Breakfast: Luna Caffe
Begin your day in the Castle Street Arts District with a seasonal latte and pastry from Luna Caffe. This cozy neighborhood spot showcases local artwork and offers an energizing start to the morning. Cranberry pecan matcha, anyone?
Morning activity: Step back in time at the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA
Step aboard the World War II vessel-turned-museum and imagine life as a sailor on board. Wander nine levels full of gun turrets, bunks and crew stories, then snap some pics on the main deck with the Cape Fear River as your backdrop.
Afternoon
Lunch: Dixie Grill
Established in 1901, Dixie Grill is a Wilmington classic. Try the roasted turkey bacon wrap for another tasty nod to Thanksgiving flavors. Craving some green instead? A salad with sautéed shrimp keeps things light and fresh.
Afternoon activity: Visit local shops in the heart of downtown
Spend the afternoon exploring downtown Wilmington’s charming boutiques. Step into Papercut Books for your next read, browse Island Passage Elixir for chic coastal fashion and pop into The Black Cat Shoppe for quirky gifts and Wilmington-inspired treasures.
Evening
Early Dinner: Circa 1922
Enjoy a refined dinner at Circa 1922, known for its daily oyster selection, creative tapas and indulgent seafood entrees. Top it all off with a s’mores martini or smooth crème brûlée – sharing optional.
Evening activity: See the Downtown Wilmington Holiday Tree Lighting and Drone Show before heading to Fourth Friday Gallery Nights
Kick off the holiday season at the Downtown Wilmington Holiday Tree Lighting, featuring live entertainment at 5:30 p.m. and Santa’s arrival at 6:30 p.m. Stick around for a festive drone show over the Cape Fear River. For the best view, join Wilmington Water Tours’ Holiday Lights Cruise, and watch the show from the water onboard a fully enclosed and heated motor catamaran. Enjoy local musicians playing holiday-inspired songs while sipping yuletide cocktails and mocktails. Pre-register using this link, as this popular cruise is likely to sell out.
End your evening back on land at Fourth Friday Gallery Night, when local galleries showcasing exhibitions and artist meet-and-greets stay open late. Pro tip: Pick up a map at any participating gallery, including the Arts Council of Wilmington/NHC on Front Street.
Day 4: Local Flavors & Holiday Magic
Morning
Breakfast: Java Dog
Start your morning with a relaxed breakfast, pairing the must-try apple fritter with a chai latte or cappuccino. Bonus: You might spot some friendly pups enjoying a morning treat!
Morning activity: Browse local goods at the Wilmington Farmers Market at Tidal Creek
Make your way to the Wilmington Farmers Market at Tidal Creek, where local farmers, bakers and artisans fill the green with fresh vegetables and handmade treasures. Browse tables piled with late-autumn produce, honey and baked goods, or chat with vendors about their craft. The market often features chef demos and live music.
Afternoon
Lunch: The Copper Penny
As seen on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” this local favorite serves up a hot roast pork sandwich and award-winning wings. It’s classic comfort food done exactly right.
Afternoon activity: Explore Wilmington’s shopping districts on Small Business Saturday
With the holidays just around the corner, spend your afternoon exploring Wilmington’s shopping districts for locally made gifts. Wander through The Cotton Exchange for coastal keepsakes, browse the Cargo District’s container shops and vintage finds, or pop into Chandler’s Wharf and Lumina Station for one-of-a-kind boutiques. Each neighborhood has its own unique vibe and shopping surprises.
Evening
Dinner: River 128 Restaurant
Settle in for Southern coastal dishes with riverside views. Choose from fresh seafood, hearty pastas or a perfectly cooked burger, and toast the season with a local draft from Waterline Brewing Co.
Evening Activity: Take in the holiday lights at Airlie Garden’s Enchanted Airlie
After dinner, step into Christmas mode with a visit to Enchanted Airlie, a beloved local tradition. Wander the garden paths with a cup of cocoa, taking in the illuminated displays, festive greenery and holiday tunes. Tickets sell out quickly, so be sure to plan ahead for this popular event.
Day 5: Art, Jazz & Neighborhood Charm
Morning
Morning activity: Stroll the Birds of a Feather Art in the Garden exhibit at Airlie Gardens
Make your way back to Airlie Gardens to see vibrant, oversized bird sculptures designed by local artists. No turkeys guaranteed, but the colors and creativity are just as fun! Be sure to purchase tickets in advance using this link, and take your time exploring the gardens’ peaceful paths.
Brunch: Benny Hill Jazz Brunch at True Blue Butcher & Table
Savor locally inspired dishes alongside the live saxophone tunes of Wilmington’s own Benny Hill starting at 11:30 a.m. Pair your meal with a craft cocktail or mimosa, ideal for easing out of the long holiday weekend.
Afternoon
Afternoon activity: Drive around Wilmington’s unique neighborhoods
Explore Wilmington’s neighborhoods like a local. Wander through the Cargo District, where shops, cafés and barbershops fill repurposed shipping containers. Stroll the Brooklyn Arts District, home to colorful murals and creative studios, or browse Castle Street’s vintage shops and galleries. If you have extra time, swing through Midtown or the National Register Historic District – each with its own mix of history, personality and hidden gems.
Departure
Before you head out, fuel up with a latte from Bespoke or Port City Java, and take one last stroll along the Riverwalk. With twinkling lights overhead and shop windows already dressed for the season, you’ll leave Wilmington excited for the holidays ahead – and ready to plan your next coastal escape.
