Holiday Things to Do in Carolina Beach, NC

Christmas By The Sea

Celebrate Christmas coastal-style on the island 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 the Santa by the Sea at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. Finally, 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

The Island of Lights Festival officially kicks off each year with the Lighting at the Lake, held the night after Thanksgiving at Carolina Beach Lake Park. Kids can visit with Santa and then explore the one-mile decorated trail that surrounds the lake. Another Carolina Beach holiday tradition, the Christmas Parade takes place the second Friday after Thanksgiving and features decorated floats, marching bands and, of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus. The following day, the festivities take to the water during the Christmas Flotilla, when themed boats decorated with thousands of lights put on quite a show as they cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway.

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