One (maybe unexpected) area that NC’s Brunswick Islands specializes in is the holiday season. The most wonderful time of year holds nonstop fun with several events going on in the area. From festive parades to Christmas tree lightings, there is plenty of holiday cheer to ring in for both locals and visitors. Discover some of the long-standing holiday traditions that the whole family can enjoy this year during a holiday getaway to the Brunswick Islands.
Holiday Events for the Whole Family
The holiday fun begins on Saturday, November 30, with the 21st Annual Ocean Isle Beach Flotilla. Enjoy this family favorite event where boats decorated in Christmas lights travel down the Intracoastal Waterway from Inlet View at Shallotte Point to Sharky’s in Ocean Isle Beach. The Sunset Beach Swing Bridge and Museum is the next spot to celebrate the holidays! Taking place on Tuesday, December 3, Christmas at the Old Bridge is a tradition in Sunset Beach and features the museum's very own tree lighting, a holiday sing-along, and even a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus! The town of Holden Beach is quick to follow with its Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Thursday, December 5, when guests can look forward to live music from a local choir and see displays from the town's Gingerbread Creation Contest.
December is in full swing with the Annual Calabash Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting in downtown Calabash on Friday, December 6. If you find yourself spending time in other areas of the Brunswick Islands, tree lighting events in Shallotte, Southport, and Oak Island take place the same day. The town of Belville will also host a tree lighting ceremony as a part of its Christmas Festival on Saturday, December 7. While you are nearby, head over to Leland for the town's own tree lighting event that evening.
Holiday fun also takes to the streets with Oak Island's Christmas by the Sea Parade and Shallotte's Christmas Parade both happening on Saturday, December 7. Over in Southport, Winterfest, a full week of holiday events centered in historic downtown Southport, runs from December 6–14 with fun outings for all ages. Visit the charming downtown area to see and vote for stores with the best holiday decorations in the week-long storefront showcase, walk through the Candy Cane Garden at Keziah Park, or grab your blanket and watch the Polar Express on Fort Johnston Garrison Lawn. Be sure to plan your stay to the end of the week so you can watch the Light Up the Night Christmas Parade on Friday, December 13, and the 30th Annual Southport Winterfest Flotilla the following Saturday at dusk. Families with young children can also look forward to Oak Island's Candy Cane Flashlight Hunt on Friday, December 13.
You don't want to miss Santa's final visits to NC's Brunswick Islands this year either! Catch the jolly Saint Nicholas at Sensory-Friendly Visits in Leland on Saturday, December 14. Don't fret if you miss him, Santa will return for Visits with Santa one final time on Tuesday, December 17. Santa keeps a busy schedule, so don't forget to register for his stops in Leland.
For more information on the events mentioned, and many more, please visit our holiday events page here.
Get in the Spirit with Seasonal Shopping
Offering more than just events, the Brunswick Islands are home to a pair of long-standing and cherished holiday stores that keep families coming back year after year. The first is St. Nick Nacks, where you'll find a fun collection of festive goodies for all ages, a forest of 150+ decorated trees, and more than 4 million Christmas tree ornaments. This holiday haven is part of the larger Callahan's of Calabash gift shop, which has been a destination for shoppers since 1978. Another must-visit shop is The Christmas House in Southport. Since 1997, this family-owned and -operated business has strived to bring Christmas Day to its customers year-round. For even more unique gifts, or just to find some holiday inspiration, be sure to check out the various holiday markets in the area that offer unique handmade items paired with an extra festive shopping experience.
Sunset Beach will host its holiday market early in the season on Saturday, November 30; perfect timing for those looking to get ahead on their wish list shopping. Visitors can also look forward to Leland's holiday market on Saturday, December 7 and Oak Island's holiday market on Sunday, December 8. We also hear that Santa will be stopping by Shallotte's holiday market on Thursday, December 14.
If you’re looking for a beachy escape that encompasses holiday cheer, then look no further than NC’s Brunswick Islands! From holiday events that appeal to the whole family to unique shopping experiences that can get anyone in the spirit, there's no better place to celebrate the season. To learn more about the Brunswick Islands, and to plan your trip, visit NCBrunswick.com.