It’s the most wonderful time of the year! With Thanksgiving right around the corner, and Christmas here before you know it, you may be looking to get into the holiday spirit. Well, you’re in luck – there is always plenty to do in the Coastal Carolinas, and the holidays are no exception! Coastal Community Real Estate Group has the round-up of two of our favorite coastal traditions: Holiday Parades and Flotillas! Curl up with a hot cup of cocoa and read about these exciting traditions:
Experience Holidays on the Water with a Local Flotilla
Possibly one of the most anticipated coastal holiday traditions, a holiday flotilla is a boat parade on the water where participants deck their vessels out in holiday lights and décor to spread holiday cheer (and often support a local charity!).
The official NC Holiday Flotilla is hosted every year in Wrightsville Beach. The Flotilla is scheduled for Saturday, November 30 at 6 pm, but this event brings a weekend full of activities, such as a Kickoff Party at Bluewater Grill, a Day in the Park with food vendors and local artisans, and a fireworks show following the parade. While Wrightsville Beach certainly knows how to host a Holiday Flotilla, many other local beach towns host flotillas as well
The 21st Annual Ocean Isle Beach Flotilla is also scheduled for November 30th, beginning around 5:30 and launching from Inlet View Bar and Grill at Shallotte Point. The nautical parade route takes the vessels along the Intracoastal Waterway, ending at Sharky’s Waterfront Restaurant and Marina where there will be an award ceremony. The best part? The Ocean Isle Beach Flotilla benefits Brunswick Family Assistance. Enjoy a great time for a great cause!
Pleasure crafts and fishing boats of all styles and sizes glide down the Intracoastal in a spectacular display during the Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla in Carolina Beach. Scheduled for December 7, this is a wonderful way to get in the holiday spirit. Gaze across the water as these vessels compete for prizes and spread Christmas cheer!
As part of the annual week-long Winterfest celebration, the 30th Annual Winterfest Flotilla occurs on December 14th in Southport, NC. Bring chairs and a blanket to enjoy sparkling Christmas lights dancing off the water as boaters parade down the water. Students from Southport Elementary will be judging the sail, power and paddle boats.
Local Area Holiday Parades
Our local beach towns host Annual Christmas Parades on land as well! With local area involvement, nothing is better to get you in the holiday spirit than to attend a Holiday Parade amongst your community. Whether you choose the long-standing tradition of the Wilmington Jaycees Christmas Parade or attend the Light up the Night Christmas Parade sponsored by the Southport Fire Department, you’re sure to be in a merry mood!
- November 30 at 11 AM: 60th Annual Wilmington Jaycees Christmas Parade (Downtown Wilmington)
- December 7 at 10 AM: Christmas Parade on Main Street Shallotte
- December 6 at 6 PM: Calabash Christmas Parade
- December 7 at 2 PM: Christmas by the Sea Parade in Oak Island
- December 13 at 6:30 PM: Light Up the Night Christmas Parade in Southport
These fun traditions are just a small part of what makes our local area so special. Whether you choose to attend a local Flotilla, Holiday Parade, or enjoy some of your own traditions, we hope you have a merry holiday season!
