Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How bright did downtown Wilmington’s holiday lights get this year?

Also check out 'CHRISTMAS JOE' 1 Man Biblical Play + Concert – 10am! FREE! on the Wilmington Patch calendar

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What's up Wilmington! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How bright did downtown Wilmington’s holiday lights get this year?
  • How one Wilmington teacher turns music and love into classroom magic
  • Which new Wilmington spots are making waves in local seafood?

Also on today's calendar: ‘CHRISTMAS JOE’ 1 Man Biblical Play + Concert – 10am! FREE! and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Wilmingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

And lastly, we have a post from a neighbor, Ann M.!

Today's riddle: What did the balloon say to the doctor? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Find out what's happening in Wilmingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Sunday: Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 65 and low of 34 degrees.
  • Monday: Sunny and cooler, temps: high: 53, low: 37.
  • Tuesday: Mostly cloudy and warmer, with a high of 70 and low of 50 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Holiday Highway 6: Downtown Wilmington lights growing watt by watt each year (wect.com) — Downtown Wilmington is glowing with 40 miles of Christmas lights stretching along the Riverwalk and past Hotel Ballast, and they’ll stay up through about mid-January. Funded partly by ARPA dollars and local sponsors, the display aims to boost small businesses in the off-season while giving residents a festive backdrop for strolls, photos, and winter nights out.
   

2. 'Teacher of the Month' recognized for her leadership through music and love (wwaytv3.com) — A Wilmington educator at Sunset Park Elementary has been named December’s Teacher of the Month for using music and a lot of love to reach her young students. With nearly 20 years in the school system, Natasha Grady says the recognition affirms her advocacy for kids and parents, and the award includes a $600 prize funded by local sponsors.
   

3. All the fresh news and fresh seafood at Wilmington-area restaurants (starnewsonline.com subscription) — Seafood lovers have plenty to track this week, with a new Wilmington restaurant opening Saturday and new owners putting their stamp on a longtime local seafood favorite. Nearby Surf City, Brunswick, and Pender counties are also seeing fresh restaurant and breakfast spots, while Wilmington-area chefs join a statewide effort promoting locally caught fish and shellfish.
   

4. No. 10 Most Read of 2025: Physician, former Congressional candidate sues Novant (portcitydaily.com) — A Wilmington physician and former congressional candidate’s lawsuit over her father’s death was one of Port City Daily’s most-read stories of 2025, and the case is still moving toward an April 2026 trial. The piece highlights ongoing questions about care at Novant’s NHRMC and reflects strong local interest in medical accountability and high-profile legal battles involving Wilmington residents.
   

5. What's the story behind the Christmas flounder, a Wilmington tradition? (starnewsonline.com subscription) — Wilmington’s quirky Christmas flounder tradition, born from Depression-era hardship, once saw families gigging fish on Christmas Eve instead of buying turkey. This reprinted tale from local journalists keeps that Lower Cape Fear folklore alive and even shares a modern stuffed-flounder recipe so you can revive the custom at your own holiday table.
   

📸 Around Wilmington

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📸 Eagles Island looking across the Cape Fear River to downtown Wilmington. —Ann M. Like

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Wilmington

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • To everyone who participated in the Elderhaus at the Lake adopt a senior, I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
    Each and every one of you showed such generosity, kindness, and have made a wonderful Christmas for all of our participants. On behalf of our… (Nextdoor Sunset Park / Woodlawn)
  • My 8 month old cat got out last night.
    She has never been outside before. Please help me find her. (Nextdoor Sentry Oaks)
  • BEACH SOUTH CAROLINA Dec 20 Climate: High: 57 Low: 37 Precip:" Snow: Missing... (X: iembot_ilm)
  • Yesterday, we celebrated the completion of the Fifth Avenue Improvements Project — a coordinated effort with @CFPUA to improve safety, mobility, and... (X: CityofWilm)
  • ServiceMaster Clean posted a job opening for Cleaning Technician PM Wilmington in Wilmington. Apply here.
  • Molly Maid posted a job opening for House Cleaner in Wilmington. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Wilmington here.

Ok Wilmington! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I feel lightheaded!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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