The days ahead are merry and bright, especially in Wrightsville Beach. The island is bringing the spirit of the holidays to the shore this year with lodging packages, festive events and seasonal activities that allow you to create the perfect holiday coastal escape.

Holiday Lodging Packages

From resorts to vacation rentals, feel at home this holiday season when you book a stay with one of Wrightsville Beach’s holiday lodging packages. The Blockade Runner Beach Resort has several packages for guest to enjoy throughout the season. Their 3-night Thanksgiving Package and 2-night NC Holiday Flotilla Package includes waterfront accommodations and other amenities aimed at taking the stress out of the holidays. Book the resort’s Enchanted Airlie Package and receive admission and round-trip transportation to Enchanted Airlie to guarantee entry to this sold-out event. Stay at the newly renovated Lumina Resort and enjoy Holiday Cheer special rates that run into the new year. For larger groups or those looking for a holiday home-away-from-home, Bryant Real Estate's Can't Make it a Whole Week deal lets you celebrate on your own schedule at one of the island's vacation rentals.

 

Holiday Flotilla Fun

The festive fun kicks off the weekend of Thanksgiving with the NC Holiday Flotilla. Enjoy all your favorite festival foods and find a unique holiday gift from the on-site arts and craft vendors at the NC Holiday Flotilla: Festival in the Park on Saturday, Nov. 26. With bounce houses and inflatables of all shapes and sizes to an antique car show, the festival will surely bring holiday cheer to the whole family. The weekend of events ends on a high note as visitors and locals gather together for the main event: the lighted boat parade. Boats decked in dazzling lights float along the Intracoastal Waterway, delighting the spectators lining the shore. Be sure to pay close attention so you can cast your vote at the end of the parade for both “People’s Choice” and “Crowd Favorite.” Check out this map of the flotilla route to find the best spot to watch the parade and the spectacular fireworks display that follows.

 

Festive Flavors

Savor seasonal bites at the island’s restaurants, bars and taprooms. Grab some fresh fare from the award-winning chef at EAST Oceanfront Dining or the signature southern comfort dishes from 22 North. Add a splash of cranberry to the Ketel One Ginger Mule at Bluewater Waterfront Grill and avoid the stress of cooking holiday meals when you make reservations for Thanksgiving lunch or dinner paired with all of your favorite fixings. Or, take in all of the holiday lights sparkling on the water when you dine there on Christmas.

Seasonal Shows

Get in the holiday spirit and celebrate the sounds of the season with the Hark! The Herald Angels Swing cabaret and dinner show at the Blockade Runner Beach Resort. Across the drawbridge, there are many holiday performances showcasing the sounds of the season in Wilmington. Catch a screening of Christmas classics such as It’s a Wonderful Life, a live theatre performance of A Christmas Story or the unique vocal performances from the Celtic Angels at historic Thalian Hall. The Nutcracker comes to life through ballet and a live orchestra at The Wilson Center, where you can also hear some of your favorite holiday tunes from Mannheim Steamroller.

Blockade Runner Beach Resort Holiday Cabaret

 

Coastal Treasures & Gifts

Find the perfect gift at one of Wrightsville Beach's chic boutiques, like Hallelu Boutique. Pop into a local surf shop and add some coastal spirit under your Christmas tree with skate or surf gear. Redix, a local favorite since 1969, has everything you need, from high-end coolers and fishing gear to designer clothes and accessories. Stroll through the Lumina Station, a shopping village by the sea complete with locally owned boutiques, restaurants and cafes.

 

From holiday lodging packages to festive events and activities, the spirit of the season abounds at Wrightsville Beach.