Home Care In Wilmington, NC

It's December and perhaps the best time of the year as we celebrate the holidays.

The StarNews has worked to cover several holiday events throughout the Wilmington area in 2025. From homes and businesses decked out for the season to parades and enchanted gardens, there's plenty to delight in to get in the holiday spirit.

Here's a one-stop place to catch our photo galleries and videos from places in the region.

Gardens of Southeastern North Carolina, Pender County

Some places brought out the holiday joy before Thanksgiving, such as The Southern Lights light show at the Gardens of Southeastern North Carolina in Willard, which held its opening night on Nov. 15.

The show continues Dec. 15, 18-20 and 22-23 and features a 12 Days of Christmas display and a whimsical Elf Quest wagon ride. Make sure to have some snowballs for the elves.

Downtown Wilmington lights

It was also an early start for downtown Wilmington, which has had Front and Water streets lit up since mid-November. Plenty of lights also adorn the Riverwalk.

Thalian Hall lights, Wilmington

Staying in the downtown area, Thalian Hall held a ceremony to show off its illuminated columns on Dec. 1. Special appearances included the Grinch and Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Enchanted Airlie, Wilmington

Since 2005, this display of lights at Airlie Gardens has become a hit in Wilmington. This year has been no different as the event again sold out quickly.

Amber Dale's Pumpkin Patch and Christmas Trees, Wilmington

There are several great local Christmas tree lots in the area, and Amber Dale's is no different.

Amber Dale's Pumpkin Patch and Christmas Trees at 2307 N. College Road opens each September selling mums, pumpkins and straw during the fall. After a short break, it reopens in November with an assortment of Christmas trees, handmade wreaths, garland and other holiday items.

The holiday fun has only grown in recent years, including visits from princesses, ponies and Santa along with a hayride.

Wilmington Holiday Parade

On Dec. 7, residents huddled along Front Street downtown for the annual Wilmington Holiday Parade.

Some of the sights included monster trucks, classic cars, floats, a snow machine, boats and one vehicle shooting fire into the air.

Downtown, Live Oak Bank tree lightings

Wilmington has recently celebrated two tree lightings downtown. One took place at Market and Water streets on Nov. 28 while another on the north end of downtown at Live Oak Bank Pavilion on Dec. 4.

Both included appearances by Santa Claus and plenty of holiday cheer.

Winterfest, Southport

The magic of Christmas came to Southport last week as the city hosted Winterfest.

The week-long celebration of holiday cheer and family fun kicked off a bit later than planned when the Christmas tree lighting was delayed due to heavy rains. Although it was delayed a couple of days, a crowd gathered at Waterfront Park on Sunday, Dec. 7 to enjoy hot cocoa and cookies.

Winterfest also included a few new events, including a pop-up ice skating rink on the tennis courts in front of the community building.

The week culminated with its annual Tour of Homes, winter craft market and flotilla on Saturday, Dec. 13.

Homes decorated for the holidays

Of course, the holidays are not complete without taking in the many light displays and decorations at homes.

Owen Hassell is the local news editor of the StarNews. You can reach him at [email protected].

This "romantic parasite" associated with Christmas is a common plant in N.C.'s coastal plain

If you think of Christmas and what greenery goes with the holiday, several species of flora probably come to mind.

Probably high on the list is mistletoe, which is seen as a symbol of love and luck in Western culture.

But why is the evergreen often associated with amorous behavior dubbed North Carolina's "romantic parasite"?

Why is mistletoe associated with love and Christmas?

Because mistletoe blooms in winter, it has been popular with cultures for centuries, even pre-Christian ones, as a symbol of life, vitality, sexuality and fertility.

The plant was known to be celebrated in Roman, Norse and Celtic winter celebrations. But its popularity with Christmas really took off during the British Victorian era, where kissing under the mistletoe was said to bring luck.

Can it be found in the wild in Southeastern N.C.?

Yes, and there's a lot of it.

According to the the N.C. Cooperative Extension, the state's coastal plain is a hotbed for mistletoe.

The plant, which is commonly found on hardwood trees like oaks and maples, is often hidden from view during the warmer months. But as the leaves fall, mistletoe becomes clearly visible since it is a vibrant green.

While common and easily visible and accessible, Matthew Collogan, a natural resources agent with the Brunswick County Cooperative Extension, cautioned people from just picking it on private property without the owner's permission.

He noted it's also illegal to remove any plant material without a permit from any public lands, including state forests and parks.

Is mistletoe a parasite?

Yes. The plant lives on other trees and relies on its host for water and other nutrients, although it does produce some of its own food source through photosynthesis.

Still, the fact that it sucks resources from its host tree can cause problems if the mistletoe grows too thick and big, weighing down a tree and siphoning off too much water and other resources from its host.

Mistletoe berries also can be a health concern to pets and humans if consumed in large quantities.

Reporter Gareth McGrath can be reached at [email protected] or @GarethMcGrathSN on X/Twitter. This story was produced with financial support from the Green South Foundation, the Prentice Foundation and the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation. The USA TODAY Network maintains full editorial control of the work.

When people talk about "the history of Wilmington," they usually and almost exclusively mean the past 300 years or so, which is the amount of time since European settlers came to Southeastern North Carolina.

Back in December 1991, however, Wilmington was reminded that its actual history dates back hundreds of thousands if not millions of years.

That's when a skateboarder named Mike Young (who also happened to be an amateur paleontologist) discovered what turned out to be fossils from the skeletons of two giant ground sloths, fossils that were later estimated to be some 1.5 million years old.

The story of how the discovery occurred is recounted at the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science, which has long had a replica of one of the sloth's skeletons on display in its front window.

According to the museum, Young was out looking for a place to skateboard when he came across a large pile of dirt from the excavation of a drainage pond next to what is now Randall Parkway, which at that time was just being built.

Johnson "recognized that particular type of dirt can be rich in fossils and started looking around," according to the museum's website. "It wasn’t long before he found some very large and very old bones."

Soon enough, scientists from the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C., were flying into Wilmington. Their trip was rewarded, as they found many more bones, including teeth, claws and vertebrae from what was later determined to be two different animals.

According to the Cape Fear Museum, a former staffer, John Timmerman, helped the Smithsonian scientists during the excavation.

Ultimately, both skeletons were determined to be over 50 percent complete, something the Cape Fear Museum called "a rare find in paleontology."

After taking the bones back to Washington, the fossils were eventually sent to the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh, where they remain on display. The sloth skeleton at the Cape Fear Museum in Wilmington is a replica, although a few original fossils on loan from the state museum are on display there as well.

Giant ground sloths were large plant-eaters who stood 16 or more feet tall and weighed up to three tons. They roamed the American Southeast for hundreds of thousands of years but are thought to have gone extinct around 10 or 12,000 years ago,

That coincides with the time a new ice age began, and when humans began arriving in this part of the world. Other ground sloth fossils have also been found in the area, including one near Hallsboro in Columbus County in 2008, another specimen that was estimated to be around 1.5 million years old.

Today, the sloth replica stands guard just a couple of miles from where its inspiration was munching leaves so many thousands of years ago.

The sloth will soon be on the move once again for the first time in many years. In 2026, the Cape Fear Museum moves from its current home on Market Street to a new building on North Third Street shared with the New Hanover County Public Library.

The 2025-26 North Carolina high school basketball season is off to a fast start as Wilmington-area teams battle it out against nonconference opponents.

As conference play is set to begin in January for most of the area teams, this winter brings new questions as three new conferences look for their first basketball champions.

In Wilmington, the Carolina Coast Conference pits five-time champion New Hanover against a field that's itching to end the Wildcats' 58-game conference win streak on the boys side. The team hasn't lost a conference matchup since 2021.

For South Brunswick, which sits alone in the 3A/4A/5A Southeastern Conference, this season is about new beginnings. The Cougars haven't had a winning season in eight years.

In Pender County, Trask and Pender will battle for the first East Central basketball title. The Titans won back-to-back league championships from 2022-23.

On the girls side, Hoggard is in a very similar position to the New Hanover boys, having won four straight conference titles and going 61-0 in league play since 2021.

Here are seven Wilmington-area high school basketball games fans will want to watch this winter.

Wilmington, NC high school basketball games to watch in 2025

New Hanover boys vs Hoggard

We start with a Wilmington classic that never fails to disappoint. Hoggard and New Hanover bring the best of high school basketball rivalries to the court each year, even if it's been a lopsided affair in recent times.

The first chance to watch this game is on Jan. 16 at 8 p.m. in Brogden Hall. The Vikings host the rematch on Feb. 6 at Sheila Boles Gymnasium at 7:30 p.m.

While the Wildcats have won 12 straight against their Wilmington rivals, this matchup is always close early. From an unmatched atmosphere to gritty on-court play, Hanover-Hoggard remains the area's most compelling basketball showdown.

Hoggard girls vs Laney

Hoggard has owned the area in recent years, making a trip to a state semifinal in 2024 and a final four appearance last winter. The Vikings have dominated at every level locally, rattling off 61 straight conference victories since 2021.

So why could Hoggard's matchups with Laney, which the Vikings have gone 12-0 in since 2021, be any different this winter? The Bucs have been one of Hoggard's toughest opponents over the past two seasons, falling by just 13 points in two of the team's last three meetings.

Laney's India Williams and Sofia Clayton were two of the area's best freshmen a season ago, and they join senior Katelyn Lucera (Back from ACL injury) on the court this season as Laney searches for its first conference title since the 2018-19 season.

Hoggard hosts Laney at 6 p.m. on Jan. 6. The Bucs get a home rematch just weeks later on Jan. 30.

North Brunswick boys vs West Brunswick

The Scorpions are two seasons removed from a 20-8 finish that saw them finish third place in league play. While last winter was a step back (8-16), North Brunswick has started 2025 fast, as senior forward Jack Baker is averaging around 19 points per game early this season.

West Brunswick has new leadership this winter after Aaron Taylor resigned earlier this year. Former Lumberton coach Bryant Edwards is leading the program now, and the Trojans have started the season with wins over Cape Fear Academy and county rival South Brunswick.

The Brunswick County teams clash first on Jan. 16 (At North) and again on Feb. 6 in Shallotte.

Hoggard boys vs Laney

Another marquee Wilmington matchup comes as Hoggard hosts Laney on Jan. 8. The teams have had tight finishes over the past few years as Hoggard holds a 3-2 advantage since 2024.

Last season, Hoggard handled the Bucs with two double-digit victories before sealing the sweep with a 47-39 win in the league tournament. Laney beat Hoggard in both of the team's games in 2024 and will be searching for its first league title in recent memory.

Topsail girls vs New Hanover

Topsail has finished second in conference play in three of the last four seasons. The Pirates went 20-8 last winter but were blown out by Hoggard twice and fell to the Wildcats in the conference tournament.

They'll host New Hanover in Hampstead at 6 p.m. on Jan. 23 before traveling to Wilmington to face the Wildcats in the regular-season finale on Feb. 13. This series has been dominated by New Hanover, as the Wildcats have won four of the last five.

Ashley girls vs Laney

Another girls squad looking to flip the script is Ashley, which finished 10-16 and fourth in conference play last season. Sophomore Ella Rose and junior JaKicey Gardner have helped the Screaming Eagles to a quick start this season as Ashley looks to claim its first conference title since 2019.

Ashley hosts Laney at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 6 and travels to Buctown at 6 p.m. on Jan. 28.

New Hanover boys vs Laney

For the first time in four years, New Hanover will not face Hoggard in the regular season finale. Instead, the Wildcats host Topsail on Feb. 13 before league tournament play begins.

On Feb. 10, however, the Wildcats get a solid test in their final matchup with Laney. The Bucs and Wildcats have had some thrilling games in recent times, but New Hanover is 44-3 in the series since 2005. The last time Laney won this matchup was in 2019, when they beat New Hanover in three straight games.

Luck was on the side of nearly a dozen Wilmington-area residents who hit the jackpot playing the North Carolina Education Lottery in 2025.

For some of the recipients, like Wilmington residents Krystal Hastings and James Patana, the money means realizing the dream of buying a home.

Others, like Pender County's Robert Lee, who planned to buy some new lawnmower blades, didn't have big plans but said the money would come in handy.Winner after winner expressed surprise when they realized they had luck on their side:

“I thought it was fake at first,” recalled Michael Pepper of Wilmington.

“I was kind of stunned,” said David Meehling of Wilmington.

But there were a few like Wilmington resident Audrey Peele who believed that one day they would hit the jackpot.

“I always thought I would win big one day,” Peele said. “In my mind, I manifested it.”

After his win, Lee said he and his wife, Jennifer, “believe in karma” and their lottery win reflects that.

Winner John Watson, who was still recovering from heart surgery when he bought his lucky lottery ticket called his win “just the icing on the cake” Here's a look at Wilmington-area residents who struck it big in 2025.

Krystal Hastons and James Patana

Krystal Hastings and James Patana of Wilmington hit the top prize off of a $10 scratch-off ticket. Their big win was for $1 million. The couple bought the Lucky Loteria ticket from the Harris Teeter on Parker Farm Road in Wilmington.

Once they'd gotten over the shock of winning, Patana and Hastings immediately knew how they were going to spend the money.

"We are finally going to get a house," Patana said.

Patana and Hastings chose the lump sum and split the $600,000 prize equally. After taxes, Patana and Hastings each took home $215,251.

Michael Pepper

When Michael Pepper of Wilmington hit the $100,000 Cash 5 jackpot on Sept. 20, he had a hard time believing it at first.“Then I texted my brother and said, ‘It looks like I’m a winner.’”

After federal and state tax withholdings, he brought home $71,750. He plans to invest and buy a new computer with his winnings.

Chelsea Carter

Chelsea Carter of Ocean Isle Beach celebrated her birthday by collecting over $600,000 from her jackpot win.

Carter, who cleans houses for a living, won the “Grand Fortune” jackpot on a $10 play in the Monopoly digital instant game.

“This is insane,” said Carter. “I’ve cried, I’ve laughed, it’s surreal.”

She claimed her prize on her 40th birthday, Sept. 12. After required tax withholdings, she took home $449,548.She plans on investing the money, buying land and using some of it as a safety net for her three kids.

Melinda Ratcliff

Melinda Ratcliff of Castle Hayne had luck on her side when a $5 scratch-off won her a $200,000 top prize.

Ratcliff’s lucky Double Your Money ticket was purchased from Circle K on North College Road in Wilmington.

After required tax withholdings, Ratcliff took home $143,501.

Robert Lee

A Pender County man knew exactly what he wanted to purchase after winning a $1 million top prize.

“I’m going to buy a new set of lawn mower blades,” Lee said. “That’s the only thing we really need."

The Rocky Point resident bought his lucky $10 Emerald 10’s ticket from the Han-Dee Hugo’s on U.S. 117 South in Rocky Point.

He chose the lump sum of $600,000 and, tax withholdings, took home $430,503.

“We’ll just put it away and enjoy life,” Robert said.

Audrey Peele

The power of positive thinking paid off for Audrey Peele when a $20 scratch-off delivered the first $100,000 prize in a new lottery game.

The Wilmington resident bought her lucky Ruby Red 7's ticket from the Scotchman on Country Club Road in Hampstead.

“I called my wife and told her I just won 100 grand,” Peele recalled. “She didn’t believe me because I kid with her a lot.”

After tax withholdings, Peele took home $71,756.

She plans to use her winnings to pay off her car.

John Watson

Only a few weeks after heart surgery, John Watson tried his luck on a new scratch-off game and instantly became the first winner of the top prize of $200,000.

The Brunswick County man said his win is “just the icing on the cake” to his smooth recovery, according to his wife, Lois.

He purchased his winning ticket (The 5 Times Lucky) from the Scotchman on Whiteville Road in Shallotte.

Watson took home $143,501 after taxes.

He plans to put his winnings toward additional healthcare and possibly a new truck.

Barry Spellman

A typical Monday morning for Barry Spellman morphed into one he will never forget when he won a $100,000 prize.

“I kind of freaked out,” the Wilmington man recalled. “I was shaking.”

Spellman bought his lucky ticket from the Han-Dee Hugo’s on Carolina Beach Road in Wilmington. He said he stops at Hugo's every morning to get coffee and tickets.

Spellman, who took home $71,764, plans to use his winnings to pay bills, invest, and take a trip to Disney World with his wife.

David Meehling

David Meehling of Wilmington couldn’t believe his luck after a $1 Cash 5 ticket won him a $200,757 jackpot.

He bought his lucky ticket from the Masonboro Country Store on Masonboro Loop Road in Wilmington. His ticket matched all five numbers in the drawing to win the jackpot. The odds of matching numbers on all five balls are 1 in 962,598.

After tax withholdings, he took home $144,044. He planned to use the money to travel.

“We like to go on cruises,” he said. “This will make it a lot sweeter next time.”

Kyle Clouser

Kyle Clouser of Bolivia does not typically buy lottery tickets, but after receiving some scratch-offs as a birthday gift, he became inspired to try his own luck and got rewarded with a $1 million prize.

Clouser bought his lucky $10 Million Spectacular ticket from Han-Dee Hugo's on Southport-Supply Road Southeast in Bolivia.

Clouser chose the lump sum of $600,000 and, after taxes, took home $430,514.

He planned to use his winnings to take care of his family.

“We have a three-year-old so this will help make things a little easier for us as a family,” Clouser said.

Gary Godwin

Gary Godwin of Shallotte tried his luck in a second-chance drawing and won the $1 million top prize.

Godwin, who won his prize in the Millionaire Maker drawing, chose the lump sum of $600,000 and, after tax withholdings, took home $430,500.

Terry Hansley

While Terry Hansley of Burgaw didn't hit the homerun jackpot on his Powerball ticket, he did win a not-too-shabby $100,000 prize in the drawing on Saturday, Dec. 6.

Hansley's lottery win was home grown, as he purchased his $3 ticket from the Walmart on N.C. 53 East in Burgaw.

Hansley traveled to the state lottery headquarters in Raleigh on Wednesday, Dec. 10 to collect his prize.

The ticket hit for $50,000 with a 2x Power Play multiplier, bringing the total winnings up to $100,000 dollars. After state and federal tax withholdings, Hansley took home $71,751.

The Powerball jackpot currently sits at a $930 million annuity or $429 million in cash. The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292 million.Melinda Ratcliff of Castle Hayne had luck on her side when a $5 scratch-off won her a $200,000 top prize.

Ratcliff’s lucky Double Your Money ticket was purchased from Circle K on North College Road in Wilmington, according to a news release from the North Carolina Education Lottery.

Ratcliff arrived at lottery headquarters to claim her prize and, after required tax withholdings, took home $143,501.

The Double Your Money game is a scratch-off game that debuted on First Tuesday with five top prizes of $200,000. Four $200,000 prizes remain to be claimed.

For details on how $11.1 million raised by the lottery made a difference for education in New Hanover County visit www.nclottery.com and click on the “Impact” section.