3 things happening in NC this week: ‘The Nutcracker’ reimagined

Every week, Cardinal & Pine curates three things happening in NC that are worth your time and money. This week, Southport’s “Winterfest” speeds toward its annual flotilla, a one-of-a-kind experience in New Bern, and a modern take on “The Nutcracker.”

I spent this past weekend on a getaway to Asheville with my wife and I can confirm with all confidence that the holiday spirit is in full effect in The Land of the Sky. 

Over three days, we imbibed in the Miracle holiday pop-up bar at The Golden Pineapple, took in Christmas at Biltmore, perused the Krampus Night Market at The Well, and generally found all of downtown, West Asheville and the River Arts District to be in festive airs — which was great considering that last Christmas found the whole city shellshocked by Hurricane Helene.

That same holiday atmosphere is taking hold all across the state, as cities and towns each observe the season in their own unique ways. Below, I’ve compiled a quick list of three such celebrations that I found to be especially intriguing and worth a day trip to see. 

For past editions of “3 things happening in NC,” click here.

Live Window Displays in Downtown New Bern

Friday, Dec. 12, 6-8 p.m.

(Photo via Visit New Bern, NC)

Plenty of towns string up lights along their main drag and decorate the storefronts of their respective downtown area, but only New Bern brings those decorations to life with live window displays. 

During this annual event, local shops turn their storefronts into real-life dioramas, each one crafting a scene to be marveled at by residents, who are also welcome to patronize the local businesses and knock out some of their Christmas shopping. 

Think of it like a holiday parade, but the floats are indoors and you can enjoy them at your own pleasure. 

 

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Winterfest 2025 in Southport

Now through Dec. 13

Southport’s Winterfest is a week of holiday celebrations in coastal NC. It culminates with a parade and a holiday lights flotilla on the Cape Fear River. (Photo via Southport Police Department)

Having officially kicked off with a tree-lighting ceremony on Sunday night, the fun has only just begun in Southport, where the annual Winterfest celebration means there’s something festive to do every night of the week until Saturday. 

There’s the Shop-With-a-Cop Concert on Monday, Winterfest-ival of Trees on Tuesday, Supper with Santa’s Elves for the kiddos on Wednesday, an outdoor screening of Polar Express on Thursday, the fire department’s annual Light Up the Night Christmas Parade on Friday night, and the dazzling Winterfest Flotilla on Saturday night. 

That was just me cherry picking a few of the events happening throughout the week, so check out the website for more parties, markets and shows.  

Whatever night you decide to visit, make sure to download a Storefront Showcase map and cast your vote in the port city’s fifth annual decorating contest, with this year’s categories including Most Community Spirit, Most Festive, Best Classic Christmas, Biggest Surprise, and Best Overall. 

‘Clara’s Trip’ in Charlotte

Dec. 12-14

(Photo via Caroline Calouche & Co. on Facebook)

This is not your grandmother’s Nutcracker. Put on by Charlotte-based cirque and dance organization Caroline Calouche & Co., Clara’s Trip has been a Queen City staple since launching — quite literally, for some of the performers — in 2011. 

A contemporary, acrobatic take on Tchaikovsky’s classic, Clara’s Trip catches up with the young protagonist of The Nutcracker as she becomes a woman. Having sprained her ankle at a dance party, Clara spends an evening in the emergency room dreaming up surrealist visions of what could have been had her ankle never been hurt. 

Expect plenty of athletic dancing, aerial silks, and stilts. It’s a wonder that the team pulls it all off without having to make their own ER visits each year. 

Matinee children’s shows on Saturday and Sunday bring the runtime down to an hour with no intermission for those kids whose attention spans can only stand so much cirque.

 

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