Carolina Beach shines a little brighter during Holidays on Water, the annual celebration that lights up Wilmington and its island beaches. Head to the coast for a laid-back getaway with light displays, a boat parade, local shopping and all the festive vibes.

 

Dazzling Lights

The Island of Lights is back, bringing holiday spirit to Carolina Beach. It all starts with the Lighting at the Lake at Carolina Beach Lake Park. Take a stroll around the lake as life-sized displays sparkle to life on Nov. 28 at 6 p.m. or come back later to see the lights shining all season long.

Don’t miss the Christmas Palm Tree Lighting at Carolina Beach Pier on Dec. 7 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Walk the pier to see the giant palm tree shining bright, then pop upstairs for a cocktail from the Pier House bar. The pier lights stay up through the new year, so you can swing by anytime for a holiday stroll.

Need some holiday decorating inspo? Take the self-guided Island of Lights Holiday Tour of Homes on Dec. 13 at 5:30 p.m. to see the island’s most beautifully decorated homes. Find tickets and maps ahead of time at Salty Chic Boutique or Sumthin’ Beachie, then watch your Christmas Pinterest board come to life!

Take in the Island of Lights Christmas Parade Dec. 2 as residents and visitors of all ages cheer on holiday-inspired floats, bands and more. Santa Claus will be in attendance to join in on the fun and help provide an evening of family entertainment.

Festive Floats and Boats

Line up along Lake Park Boulevard on Dec 5 at 7 p.m. to see the Carolina Beach Christmas Parade, featuring floats, bands and an appearance from Santa. Pro tip: Grab a chair or blanket and stake out your spot, or watch from a window seat at Havana’s or Island Burgers & Bites.

On Dec. 6 at 6 p.m., the fun hits the water with the Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla. Watch decked out boats cruise from Snow’s Cut to the Carolina Beach Basin and back, competing for prizes and spreading coastal cheer. For the best view, hop aboard the Flotilla Cruise with Island Cruises, reserve a dockside table at Stoked Restaurant or pull up your own chair by the Marina.

Holiday Fun by the Sea

Carolina Beach Lake Park is the spot for small-town holiday vibes. On Dec. 13 at 5 p.m., bundle up for an “ELF” Outdoor Movie screening under the stars, complete with train rides, Santa photoshoots and free cocoa. Or, visit Santa by the Sea on Nov. 29 and Dec. 20 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Kids can say hi and pass along their wish lists. Expect live music, sweet treats and a few extra surprises along the way!

Crank up the fun at the Silent Night Beach Disco: Holiday Edition, happening Dec. 12 at 6 p.m. at the Carolina Beach Pier. Grab headsets for the whole family, sing like no one’s listening (literally) and dance your heart out under the festive lights.

Shop Coastal & Local

Check out the Carolina Beach Holiday Market Dec. 6 at Carolina Beach Lake Park for one-of-a-kind finds, from soaps to megalodon shark teeth. With more than 90 vendors selling handmade arts and crafts, you’re sure to score something unique.

Take a piece of the beach home with a gift from Seaside Shenanigans Boutique, then treat yourself to a scoop (or two) of Irish-style ice cream from Celtic Creamery, located in the same building. You deserve it!

New Year’s Eve Fun

Carolina Beach has two great ways to ring in the new year, whether you’re keeping it family-friendly or going out with friends.

Stop by the New Year’s Eve Pier Party any time after 8 p.m. Grab a drink at the bar, enjoy live music and toast the new year with a midnight fireworks show. 

Want a night out with the 21+ crowd? Grab tickets to the New Years Eve Bash: Seawitch Café & Tiki Bar. The red carpet rolls out at 6 p.m. for an evening of live rock ’n’ roll, party favors and a midnight champagne toast, all inside a heated tent. When the clock hits twelve, the DJ keeps the party going well into the night.

Even More Festive Finds

Take a short drive to Kure Beach Ocean Front Park & Pavilion, where the holiday fun keeps rolling. Visit the Kure Beach Holiday Market Nov. 22 and 29 for food trucks, local vendors and a live DJ by the ocean, then catch the 2018 film, “The Grinch,” on the big screen at the Kure Beach Holiday Whoobie Whatty Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. Bring the kids back for Holiday Story Time by the Sea on Dec. 20 at 11 a.m., and ring in the new year with dancing, fireworks and a beach ball drop at the Island of Lights New Year’s Eve Celebration, beginning at 9 p.m.

From sparkling lights to festive boat parades, Holidays on Water brings the season to life along the Carolina Beach coast. Slow down, kick back and soak up all the magic, island-style.

For more details about Holidays on Water in Wilmington and its island beaches, visit this link.