Find your festive in Wrightsville Beach this holiday season with an annual tree lighting, a boat parade and light displays. Read on for all the info you need to experience the magic, island-style.
Annual Tree Lighting
Kick off the season with the Annual Holiday Kick Off and Tree Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 28 at 5:30 p.m. Gather around the Christmas tree at Wrightsville Beach Park and watch it (and the rest of the town’s holiday lights!) come to life. Then, stick around for live music, carolers, hot cocoa and a chance to see Santa. After the festivities, stop by Poe’s Tavern or Flying Machine Oyster Bar if you’re craving a coastal bite.
Flotilla Festivities
On Nov. 29 at 6 p.m., the NC Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach lights up the water. Watch dozens of illuminated boats cruise around the island, each decked out with its own festive flair. Local judges pick the best in show, while you and your crew vote for the People's Choice winner. Get there early for the Day in the Park at Wrightsville Beach Park, featuring local vendors and bounce houses from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and stay after the parade for a 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 the best viewing spots.
Take a stroll or drive around the island to see everything from classic wreaths and lights to over-the-top holiday scenes, all part of the annual Holiday Decorating Contest. With awards for Most Creative, Most Traditional, Best Holiday Lighting and Most Holiday Spirit, you’ll find plenty of local charm lighting up the streets. Pro tip: Visit the Town of Wrightsville Beach website to find a list of past winners and plan your route around the island. Afterward, treat yourself to a seasonal seafood feast at King Neptune, right behind last year’s Most Traditional winner.
Enchanting Light Displays
From Nov. 28 to Dec. 21, step into a winter wonderland at Enchanted Airlie at Airlie Gardens. Grab a cup of hot cocoa from Bevvy Mart, bundle up in your coziest sweater and wander more than 67 acres of illuminated sculptures, trees and interactive displays. Tickets to this event sell out quickly each year, so be sure to book yours ahead of time using this link. Or, add the Enchanted Airlie Package at Lumina on Wrightsville Beach for guaranteed tickets, round-trip transportation and a 2025 Lumina ornament.
On the west end of the island, stroll through Harbor Way Gardens to see native plants, local art and the Hope Inspires Giving at Christmas lights and decorations. This public garden sits along The Loop, a 2.5-mile path winding past the Intracoastal Waterway and Banks Channel, making it a great spot for a brisk evening walk. Park by the Wrightsville Beach Visitor Center or Wrightsville Beach Park for easy access.
Keep an eye out around the island, too – The Harbor Island Garden Club adds more than 50 wreaths to town buildings, plus holiday lights on the telephone poles and trees near the drawbridge. Don’t miss the “Welcome to Wrightsville Beach” sign for an especially festive photo op!
Holiday Resorts
Make a weekend of it with a stay right on the island. At Trailborn Surf & Sound, you’ll wake up to views of the Atlantic on one side and Banks Channel on the other, while Lumina on Wrightsville Beach offers special holiday packages for a resort-style getaway.
From twinkling gardens to festive boats and island traditions, Wrightsville Beach shines bright all season long. Take a stroll by the water, sip something warm and soak in a little coastal holiday magic.
