Thanksgiving in Wrightsville Beach is all about water views, fresh island eats and the start of the holiday season. This five-day plan covers everything from dolphin sightings to festive meals and waterside adventures.
Duration: 5 days (Nov. 26-30) | Available: Seasonal
Day 1: Island Flavors & Sunset Views
Drop bags/place to stay: Lumina on Wrightsville Beach
Start your getaway at a modern oceanfront resort with spacious suites, a heated indoor pool and two hot tubs. Step outside for views of the Atlantic Ocean, and you’re officially in Thanksgiving vacation mode.
Afternoon
Lunch: Tower 7 Baja Mex
Get your first taste of Wrightsville Beach at Tower 7 Baja Mex. The Baja fish tacos and specialty margs hit the spot every time.
Afternoon activity: Walk along Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier
Walk to the end of Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier, stretching more than 1,200 feet into the water. Keep an eye out for seabirds, cast a line if you feel like it or just enjoy the cool ocean breeze.
Evening
Evening activity: Spot wildlife on the Dolphin Sunset Cruise with Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours
Set sail at 5:30 p.m. on a Dolphin Sunset Cruise. Glide through the waterways of Wrightsville Beach and Harbor Island, watch the sky turn gold and keep your camera handy – you never know when a dolphin might pop up!
Late Dinner: The Bridge Tender
Finish the night with views of the Intracoastal Waterway. Start with the gorgonzola buffalo shrimp or fried Brussels sprouts, then sample the Chef’s Trio: grilled salmon, jumbo shrimp and a crab cake.
Day 2: An Active Thanksgiving Day
Morning
Morning activity: Play pickleball at Wrightsville Beach Park or walk the iconic Loop
Get in some exercise before the big meal by walking the gorgeous Wrightsville Beach Loop, a 2.5 mile paved walking trail. Complete with scenic salt marsh views, beautiful trees, and plenty of stopping opportunities along the way. Prefer a slower start? Grab a paddle and play a friendly game on the new pickleball courts at Wrightsville Beach Park.
Afternoon
Thanksgiving at Wrightsville Beach offers something for every taste and tradition. Here's a list of local restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day or offering meal pick-ups. Reservations strongly encouraged:
- Bluewater Waterfront Grill
- The Bridge Tender
- La Duna Paradiso
- Oceanic Restaurant
- Solstice Oceanfront Kitchen + Cocktails
Evening
Evening activity: Walk the beach and Crystal Pier
After your holiday meal, take a stroll along the Crystal Pier and adjacent beach. Stretch your legs, breathe in the salty sea air and let the waves bring a peaceful close to your Thanksgiving.
Day 3: Ocean Views & Beach Adventures
Morning
Morning activity: Discover the Wrightsville Beach Mailbox
Start your morning at the Wrightsville Beach Mailbox, a hidden dune-side spot where locals and visitors leave handwritten notes. Stop by to read a few messages or add your own. Pro tip: To find the mailbox, begin at the northernmost public beach access, Access #2 (2698 North Lumina Ave.), and walk north along the shore past Shell Island Resort.
Brunch: Oceanic Restaurant
Oceanic Restaurant offers everything from breakfast tacos to chicken and waffles, plus grit cakes and applewood-smoked bacon. Pair your brunch with ocean views for an energizing start to the day.
Afternoon
Afternoon activity: Bike on the beach with a Wrightsville SUP fat bike rental
Hop on a fat bike from Wrightsville SUP to explore the shoreline with your crew. Pedal through the sand and catch those unforgettable Atlantic views.
Late afternoon activity: Annual Holiday Kick Off and Tree Lighting Ceremony at Wrightsville Beach Park
Grab a cup of cocoa, gather around the town’s Christmas tree and light displays, and watch it all sparkle to life at 5:30 p.m.! Stick around for an appearance from Santa at 5:45 p.m., plus live music by the Elf Patrol and Wilmington Celebration Choir.
Evening
Dinner: King Neptune
King Neptune has been serving up Southern coastal flavors along Banks Channel since 1947. Order a bowl of carrot-ginger soup, then dig into sautéed scallops with lemon risotto or candied bacon. The menu packs local autumnal flavors and fresh ingredients into every dish.
Evening activity: Watch the Wrightsville Beach Tree Lighting Ceremony and then head to Airlie Gardens for Enchanted Airlie
After dinner, grab a cup of cocoa from Bevvy Mart and step into a holiday dreamscape at Enchanted Airlie, a longtime local tradition. Wander the garden paths to see thousands of lights, festive greenery and interactive displays, while holiday tunes add to the magic. Tickets sell out quickly, so be sure to plan ahead for this popular event. For guaranteed tickets and round-trip transportation, Lumina on Wrightsville Beach offers the Enchanted Airlie Package later in the holiday season – the perfect excuse to come back for Christmas celebrations!
Day 4: Holiday Shopping & Waterfront Magic
Morning
Breakfast: Zeke’s Beans & Bowls
Start the morning with an acai bowl or made-to-order eggs. Enjoy your meal with a coffee or tea as sunlight streams through the café windows.
Morning activity: Explore local shops on Small Business Saturday
Explore Wrightsville Beach’s chic boutiques and local surf shops for holiday gifts and goods. At Hallelu Boutique, you’ll find one-of-a-kind accessories, while Sweetwater Surf Shop has everything from surfboards to handcrafted souvenirs.
Afternoon
Afternoon activity: Join Epic Excursions’ Oyster Farm Tour & Tasting, or visit the Day in the Park festival
Hop on the 1 p.m. tour for a ride to Middle Sound Mariculture Farm. Learn how oysters grow and taste freshly shucked oysters while taking in Masonboro Island views. Prefer to stay on land? Check out the Day at the Park festival at Wrightsville Beach Park with local vendors, food trucks and family-friendly activities before the NC Holiday Flotilla.
Evening
Early dinner: Bluewater Waterfront Grill
Reserve an outdoor table for a front-row seat to the NC Holiday Flotilla. Indulge in favorites like baby back ribs or blackened mahi tacos, and sip seasonal cocktails as the festive boats parade by.
Evening activity: Watch the NC Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach
As the sun sets, watch dozens of illuminated boats glide across the water, each decorated with its own festive flair. Once the parade starts, vote by text for the People’s Choice and Crowd Favorite awards, then stick around for the fireworks finale! Pro tip: Plan to park at Wrightsville Beach Park before the drawbridge opens at 6 p.m., and check out the NC Holiday Flotilla website for all the best viewing spots.
Day 5: Garden Strolls & Kayak Outings
Morning
Breakfast: SUNday’s Cafe
Embrace your inner surfer at this casual spot above South End Surf Shop. With specialty fall drinks like the maple leaf matcha, apple chai and cinnamon bun latte, you might just have to try them all.
Morning activity: Stroll the unFROGettable exhibit at Airlie Gardens
Explore the unFROGettable in the Garden exhibit, full of large, locally designed frog sculptures. We can’t promise any turkeys, but the colors and creativity are just as festive! Be sure to purchase tickets in advance using this link, and take your time strolling the gardens’ peaceful paths.
Afternoon
Lunch: Shark Bar & Kitchen
Just steps from Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier, Shark Bar & Kitchen dishes up favorites like chargrilled oysters, a Nashville hot chicken sandwich and Maine lobster rolls. Dig in, sip a signature margarita and enjoy the laid-back waterfront vibe.
Afternoon activity: Paddle to Shark Tooth Island
Rent a kayak from Wrightsville Kayak Company and paddle out at low tide to explore Shark Tooth Island. Before you set off, a guide will share maps and tips so you can explore – and maybe even find a fossil or shark tooth – on your own.
Departure
After returning to the shore, take one last stroll on the beach, snap a few photos and soak up the crisp sea breeze. Dolphins, flotilla lights and island flavors make for a cozy Thanksgiving weekend you won’t soon forget.
