Every holiday season, Carolina Beach lights up – literally. Between colorful decorations, festive events and quirky local traditions, there’s a little magic around every corner. Here’s your guide to all the best spots and happenings for Christmas lights in town.
An Island of Lights
After Thanksgiving, Carolina Beach and nearby Kure Beach transform into the Island of Lights. The fun kicks off Nov. 28 at 6 p.m. with the Lighting at the Lake at Carolina Beach Lake Park. Grab a warm chocolate chip cookie from Squigley’s Ice Cream & Treats, then stroll the 1-mile lake trail to enjoy festive displays that stay up through December.
Keep the holiday vibes going with the Carolina Beach Christmas Parade Dec. 5 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., starting at Carolina Beach Lake Park and heading north along Lake Park Boulevard. Sip a cup of hot cocoa, watch the floats and marching bands roll by, and don’t miss Santa waving to the kids! Pro tip: Bring a blanket or chair, or just watch from a nearby restaurant like Havana’s or Island Burgers & Bites. Plan to arrive early for the best parking and front-row spots.
The next evening, the Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla takes over the water at 6 p.m. Watch decorated boats cruise from Snows Cut to the Carolina Beach Boat Basin and back, competing for the most creative and festive displays. For a front-row seat on the water, book Island Cruises’ Flotilla Cruise at 5 p.m. and enjoy coffee, hot chocolate or a drink from the full bar. If you’re watching from land, set up a chair at the Marina, or get cozy at The BARge CB, the island’s only floating bar.
Get a closer look at the Island of Lights Holiday Tour of Homes on Dec. 13 at 5:30 p.m., a self-guided tour through Carolina Beach’s most beautifully decorated residences. Pro tip: Find tickets and maps ahead of time at Salty Chic Boutique or Sumthin’ Beachy. Then, ring in the new year at the Island of Lights New Year’s Eve Celebration in nearby Kure Beach, featuring music, dancing, a midnight beach ball drop and fireworks to welcome 2026 in style.
O’ Coastal Christmas Tree
For a beachy spin on a classic tradition, stop by 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 all lit up, then pop into the festive indoor bar on the third floor of the Pier House. Decorations stay up through the new year, so you can visit later in the season, too.
SEAson’s Greetings
Santa by the Sea brings plenty of festive fun to Carolina Beach Lake Park, including a family-friendly movie screening of "Elf" Dec. 13 at 5 p.m. Ride the train around the park, snap photos with Santa by the water and keep everyone warm with free hot chocolate.
Just down the coast, head to Kure Beach Ocean Front Park & Pavilion for the Kure Beach Holiday Whoobie Whatty on Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. This Grinch-themed celebration includes cookie decorating, crafts, and photo ops with the Grinch while the movie plays on a big screen.
Looking for something a little different? Get your groove on at the Silent Night Beach Disco: Holiday Edition at the Carolina Beach Pier, taking place Dec. 12 at 6 p.m. Pose by the lit-up pier, sing your favorite Christmas songs and dance the night away at this party for all ages.
Holiday Retreats
Plan a holiday stay right in the heart of Carolina Beach. Choose from full-service hotels like the Hampton Inn & Suites Carolina Beach Oceanfront or the Courtyard Marriott Carolina Beach Oceanfront, both within walking distance of the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. Or book a stay at Atlantic Towers to enjoy a holiday discount and private balconies overlooking the water. If you prefer a little extra space, the island’s vacation rentals make it easy to feel at home for the holidays.
From glowing displays around the lake to illuminated boats on the water, Carolina Beach sparkles all season long. Whether you’re coming for an evening event or planning a full holiday weekend, it’s the perfect place to soak up some coastal Christmas vibes.
