As parents here in the Wilmington area, we pretty much know that Santa has been coming to Mayfaire since they opened in 2004. We also know that this area is a great place to stop and get a variety of gift shopping done in one spot! (And efficiency at the holidays is key.)

But as we were putting together our Holiday Bucket List for Cape Fear Families (which was recently sent to our email list), we discovered that there was a lot more going on over at Mayfaire than we realized. Local schools are involved, a huge Toys for Tots drive is organized, a one-of-a-kind skating rink is being unveiled for 2018, and a special Santa Cares night is planned.

Paige Coniglio,  Specialty Leasing Manager / Marketing Director of Mayfaire, shared that Mayfaire has been trying to help the diverse Wilmington community at-large for years. They don’t think that the holidays are all about shopping – they are about memories and dreams. As Coniglio said:

“The holidays are a special time for giving, being with loved ones and sharing special memories. It’s a time for making dreams come true and it gives us great joy to help families fulfill those dreams at Mayfaire.”

This year, there are some special events planned that should be a treat for families.

Santa Arrival & Holiday Show, Saturday, November 24th, 6:30 – 7:30 pm at Regal Cinema.

Santa arrives and to celebrate Thalian Association will perform a scene from the beloved classic, “A Christmas Carol”. The Wilmington School of Ballet will present the magical story of the Nutcracker and Cape Fear Chordsmen will sing holiday favorites. Santa magically arrives and the inspiring 18-foot Christmas tree will be officially lit for the season!

Mayfaire is also planning to fill two boats from MarineMax with toys for Toys for Tots this night so is asking attendees to please bring a new unwrapped toy to donate.

PJ Party with Santa, Saturday, December 1st, 7:30 – 9:00 pm at Chick-Fil-A.

You need to feed them dinner! They love Chick-Fil-A! Why not take advantage of this special event? Santa will be at Chick-Fil-A for a night of activities and kids are encouraged to come in their PJs. (Meals sold separately.)

Storytime with Santa, Saturday, December 8th, 9:00 – 10:00 am at Barnes &  Noble.

There is nothing like a good book to remind families that the true meaning of Christmas is love – and at Barnes & Noble kids can gather around Santa as he tells Christmas stories and classic tales are read out-loud. Admission is free.

Santa Cares – Sensory Friendly Santa Event, Sunday, December 9th, 12:00 -5:00 pm inside Santa’s Workshop located on 980 Inspiration Drive.

Planned in partnership with Autism Society of NC,  Santa Cares is a sensory-friendly opportunity for children with special needs to enjoy the time-honored tradition of taking their photo with Santa in a calming environment. Accommodations are made to support the sensory, physical, and developmental needs of this special audience. Children will enjoy a day of fun activities and visits with Santa are free. (Keepsake Santa photo packages will be available for purchase during the event.)

NEW FOR 2018: A Holiday Skate Rink!

This year Mayfaire is adding an outdoor ice skating rink to their holiday festivities. This is, of course, wild as Wilmington doesn’t often have below-freezing temperatures, even in December. But Mayfaire has figured out how to bring this classic winter activity to a beach town: a synthetic 40×80 rink! The rink will be open from November 21 to January 2, Mondays to Sundays from 10:00 am-10:00 pm. It will be located in the parking lot on International Drive, across from Belk. Skates will be available for rental.

Ongoing: The Mayfaire Holiday Window Display

Mayfaire merchants have partnered with local area schools to encourage art and creativity. Storefronts are showcasing the talent of local students.  Beautiful window displays will be on display from November 23 to December 31. Grab a cup of hot chocolate and stroll the streets, enjoying what budding artists conjure up.

Ongoing: The Holiday Light Show

’Tis the season for dazzling light displays! After the impressive 18-foot Christmas tree is officially welcomed during the celebration, the tree and plaza in front of Regal Cinema light up each evening with a spectacular light display choreographed to music. Lights shows are nightly from 6:00 – 9:00 pm throughout the holiday season.

Ongoing: The Cape Fear Optimist Club Tree Farm

Of course, getting a tree was on our bucket list, and maybe you have a favorite tree place already in mind. But at Mayfaire, it is one-stop holiday celebrations and here families can choose from a selection of North Carolina grown Fraser Fir Christmas trees and wreaths. Cape Fear Optimist Club will be on hand to help customers trim their tree and load it onto their car. The Farm will be open until December 24, Mondays to Sundays from 10:00 am – 9:00 pm and all proceeds benefit Cape Fear Optimist Club. The trees are located on 1055 International Drive across from Belk. 

More to love!

Did you know that, in addition to big-name stores you love, there are actually over 30 small businesses in Mayfaire? Shop Local Day is November 24th, and merchants are gathering together throughout the holiday shopping season to encourage residents to consider local shopping options.

Covenant Moravian Church is hosting Dewey’s Bakery inside Santa’s Workshop November 23 thru December 24. Dewey’s is known for Moravian Cookies, Sugar Cake, Cheese Straws and other scrumptious goodies.

To support and serve the local artist community, Michelle Conely of Going Local NC is hosting an Artisan Holiday Market between World Market and David’s Bridal. The event will showcase a Gourmet Local Foodie Market, a Natural Skincare Shop and an Art Gallery, plus a variety of wares from local artists who produce hand-crafted jewelry, ornaments, paintings, pottery, woodwork, candles, soaps, clothing, and curios. It is set to run through December 24th.

There truly is a lot at Mayfaire for families this holiday season, even outside of the shopping spectaculars and delicious eats. Why not enjoy days and nights of merry and bright holiday cheer?

Want to stay tuned to Mayfaire’s events year-round?
Visit www.mayfaire.com.