Holiday Things to Do

Christmas By the Sea in Carolina Beach

Celebrate Christmas coastal-style with festive lights, holiday markets, a boat parade and more. Watch boats adorned in their holiday best glide across the water during the Christmas Flotilla, and while visiting, discover coastal finds on your gift list at Carolina Beach Holiday Market at Carolina Beach Lake Park. And come back to ring in the New Year with a giant beach ball drop. It’s the most colorful time of the year in Carolina Beach.

Island of Lights Flotilla

Island of Lights

Kick off your holiday getaway at Lighting at the Lake with a walk around the one-mile decorated trail at Carolina Beach Lake Park Nov. 29 through Dec. 31. Take the little ones to see Santa in his workshop, hear carolers, shop and more during Christmas by the Sea at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, every Saturday Nov. 30 through Dec. 21. Head to the Christmas Parade Dec. 6 as weekend festivities continue Dec. 7 with the Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla. Watch themed boats decorated in lights as they cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway or set sail with Island Cruises for a special viewing of the parade on the Flotilla Cruise, which includes a full cash bar on board, as well as hot chocolate. Explore a winter waterland at North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher’s Cape Fear Festival of Trees Nov. 22-Dec. 30. Christmas trees decorated by local businesses and artists will be placed throughout the aquarium to create an enchanted holiday forest.

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Nov 21

Behind the Scenes Aquarium Tour

November 21, 2024

NC Aquarium at Ft. Fisher

Nov 22

Cape Fear Festival of Trees

November 22, 2024 - December 30, 2024

NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher

Nov 23

Kure Beach Holiday Market

November 23, 2024 - November 30, 2024

Kure Beach Ocean Front Park

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Seaside Shenanigans Boutique Christmas Display

COASTAL CHRISTMAS FINDS

Shop local artists and vendors at the Carolina Beach Holiday Market Dec. 7 at Carolina Beach Lake Park. Find unique coastal treasures at Seaside Shenanigans Boutique for friends and family and then reward yourself with a delicious scoop (or two) of Irish-style ice cream at Celtic Creamery, located in the same building! Nearby on the island, find more handmade treasures at the seaside Kure Beach Holiday Market Nov. 23 and 30 at Ocean Front Park & Pavilion.

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New Year's Eve fireworks

CELEBRATE NEW YEAR’S EVE AT THE COAST

Ring in the New Year on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk during the Island of Lights New Year's Eve Celebration Dec. 31. Dance the night away to live DJ tunes, enjoy refreshments and more during this free, family-friendly event. End the evening with a giant beach ball drop as the countdown to 2025 begins, and then stay for a spectacular fireworks display. Or, say goodbye to 2024 with a race around the island at the Carolina Beach State Park Half Marathon & 5K Dec. 28. Choose a vacation rental and host your own NYE celebration with a catered seafood boil from Cape Fear Boil Company or Michael's Seafood.

Fudgeboat

Festive Food, Drinks & Sweet Treats

Warm up with hearty homemade soups from Soul Flavor Kitchen like their Chicken and Noodles, made with low roasted chicken in a loaded fresh herb and vegetable chicken gravy with buttery broad noodles. Save room for Fudgeboat’s melt-in-your-mouth Red Velvet fudge, a traditional seasonal favorite for chocolate lovers. Quench your thirst with local holiday brews and craft drinks like the traditional Apple Cider 'Mosa at Crush and Grind or visit Malama Cafe and try the Polar Express holiday drink made with hot cocoa, drip coffee, topped with marshmallow syrup and whip cream.

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