Over the years, holiday traditions in Wrightsville Beach have evolved but remain rooted in community and the celebration of holiday magic and cheer. From festive lights to a beloved holiday flotilla and more, continue reading to learn about the local traditions that make the holiday season special in Wrightsville Beach. 

Holiday Flotilla

In 1983, the founders of the NC Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach set out to create a winter tradition that would draw visitors to Wrightsville Beach during the off-season. Martha Lee, one of the founders, noticed local businesses were struggling during the winter months. Driven by a desire to revitalize the community, she and a few others created a local holiday boat parade.

 

This modest parade that began with just three boats has blossomed into a regional event featuring more than 30 boats each year. The festive water parade takes place each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Spectators can take in the parade from Banks Channel Bridge or from waterfront restaurants such as Fish House Grill, Dockside Restaurant, Bluewater Waterfront Grill and South Beach Grill. Get ready to be captivated by a stunning display of beautifully decorated boats, from small vessels to grand yachts, all adorned with festive lights. Attendees can even participate by voting for their favorite boat via text.

 

The flotilla festivities kick off on Friday evening with a tree lighting ceremony and continue the next day with the Festival in the Park at Wrightsville Beach Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Local food trucks and nearly 100 arts and crafts vendors will be on-site, along with bounce houses, obstacle courses and choo choo train for the little ones.

A Dazzling Light Display

Launched in 2005 by the Airlie Gardens Foundation, Enchanted Airlie began as an event to support projects benefiting the gardens and the nearby Bradley Creek watershed. This dazzling display of Christmas lights quickly became a beloved tradition for locals and visitors each holiday season. For nearly a decade, it has supported the stormwater master plan fund, helping manage the millions of gallons of stormwater that enter the garden annually.

 


Enchanted Airlie is one of the area’s most popular holiday events, with tickets selling out fast each year. Running select nights from late November through December, this magical display takes serious prep work, which starts as early as mid-July. What began as a local fundraiser has blossomed into a can’t-miss holiday attraction, drawing 50,000 visitors who stroll through gardens with millions of twinkling lights each year. Be sure to grab a cup of hot chocolate and some popcorn before embarking on the half-mile, self-guided walking trail.

 

 

Holiday Shopping

Check off your holiday shopping list at Wrightsville Beach’s boutiques and specialty shops. Stop by South End Surf Shop or Sweetwater Surf Shop, two local favorites where you can find stylish surf-inspired clothing. For everything from designer brands to sunglasses and unique souvenirs, Redix is the go-to destination for all your shopping needs. Just over the drawbridge, Lumina Station is an open-air shopping village featuring a variety of locally owned boutiques with offerings that range from jewelry and art to unique home décor gifts. Pick up the perfect item of clothing or accessory for the fashionista in your life at Hallelu Boutique, or scoop up handcrafted jewelry featuring shark teeth collected by the owners at The Workshop.

 

Lodging Options

Wrightsville Beach offers a range of inviting accommodations, from full-service resorts like the Blockade Runner Beach Resort (currently undergoing renovations and slated to reopen as Trailborn Surf & Sound in early 2025), perfectly positioned between the surf and the sound, to Lumina on Wrightsville Beach, with luxurious rooms and special holiday packages. For a more intimate experience, consider the Harbor Inn, where spacious suites feature private balconies with stunning views of the flotilla along the waterway. If you prefer the flexibility of a home rental, Bryant Real Estate and Sea Scape Properties offer cozy island homes.

From festive lights and unique shopping to the magic of a holiday flotilla, Wrightsville Beach is where holiday memories are made year after year.