A Classic Christmas Parade
In its early years, Carolina Beach residents and local organizations came together to craft festive floats using family cars and handmade decorations for the Carolina Beach Christmas Parade. The parade captured the essence of a small-town holiday and gave the community a joyful opportunity to come together and celebrate.
The parade, which takes place the Friday after Thanksgiving weekend, has grown over the years, now including elaborately decorated floats, marching bands and more. Santa Claus even makes an appearance during the parade’s journey along Lake Park Boulevard, adding a touch of magic to the evening.
Looking ahead to next year, the 2025 parade promises a special surprise: a whale float currently under construction to commemorate Carolina Beach’s centennial. This float will make its debut in the Azalea Festival parade in April and will continue to appear in various parades and events over the next few years, including next year’s Carolina Beach Christmas Parade. It pays tribute to the former “Whale of the Beach” float, a beloved attraction that made its inaugural appearance in the North Carolina Azalea Festival in nearby Wilmington in 1954.
Island of Lights
Since 1990, Carolina Beach has transformed into the "Island of Lights," during the holiday season giving the town’s free-spirited vibe a holiday twist. This transformation comes alive through events like the Island of Lights: Lighting at the Lake, when the path that encircles Carolina Beach Lake Park sparkles with colorful light displays and the Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla, a festive boat parade that makes its way along the Intracoastal Waterway. Additional celebrations include the Holiday Tour of Homes, which showcases some of the island’s beautifully decorated homes, and the New Year's Eve Celebration.
The Island of Lights: Lighting at the Lake began with just five displays in its first year and has since expanded to over 20 displays. The flotilla has also expanded over the years to a route that now winds through Snows Cut to the Carolina Beach Boat Basin and back. Spectators seeking a prime viewing spot can hop aboard Island Cruises’ Island of Lights Flotilla Cruise, which takes passengers past festively adorned homes and docks before anchoring in an ideal spot to watch the boat procession before joining the parade for its return trip back to the Carolina Beach Marina. This popular cruise sells out each year, so plan ahead and secure your spot early.
Home for the Holidays
To fully immerse yourself in the season’s traditions, book a stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites Carolina Beach Oceanfront or the Courtyard Marriott Carolina Beach Oceanfront. Both hotels offer stunning ocean views and are located in the heart of town. Opt for a vintage motel reminiscent of holidays gone by. If you prefer a more homey setting, a wide selection of vacation rentals caters to families and groups seeking extra space and flexibility.
From the classic Carolina Beach Christmas Parade to Island of Lights celebrations, the holiday spirit comes alive in Carolina Beach.
