Holiday Things to Do

Dock for a Coastal Holiday

Head over the drawbridge and to the beach for a holiday season to remember. Kick off the season with a tree lighting, festival in the park and lighted boat parade. Escape the hustle and bustle with a stroll through enchanted gardens adorned with more than a million twinkling lights, or discover upscale and budget-friendly shopping options for all your gifting needs. With events and activities to complement a coastal escape, get in the spirit for the holidays at Wrightsville Beach.

NC Holiday Flotilla & Enchanted Gardens

Bring the whole family along on Thanksgiving weekend to celebrate the start of the holiday season with the NC Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach. The fun begins the Friday after Thanksgiving with a tree lighting ceremony and continues the next day at the Wrightsville Beach Festival in the Park, where kids can hop aboard the popular Arab Choo Choo while adults browse through the selection of arts and crafts vendors. Saturday night, put a coastal twist on the holidays as the Christmas lights take to the water in a dazzling parade of boats during the signature flotilla. Cast your vote for “People’s Choice” and “Crowd Favorite,” then watch a spectacular fireworks show over the water to end the evening.

Enchanted Airlie

Wander through a winter wonderland at Enchanted Airlie, the perfect place to get in the holiday spirit. Named a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society, head to nearby Airlie Gardens to take in more than one million twinkling lights, Christmas music, festive flowers and a visit with Santa. Grab a hot cup of cocoa and explore the enchanting exhibit offered each year from late November through Christmas. Visitors are advised to check event websites or social media pages to determine if events have been canceled or postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions.

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A woman hanging an Open for Business sign outside a shop in Wrightsville Beach, NC

SHOPPING FOR Coastal Treasures

Check off your holiday shopping list at one of Wrightsville Beach’s chic boutiques. Gift a unique coastal treasure or pick up the perfect accessory for your favorite fashionista at local shops like Hallelu Boutique. Visit surf shops to choose from a variety of popular surf and skate brands or head to Redix to shop some of the top southern retail and outdoor gear brands. Opt out of the mall madness and visit Lumina Station. Just over the drawbridge, this open-air shopping village is home to a collection of locally owned boutiques, from jewelry and art to home décor gifts.

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