This time of year is brimming with celebrations and festivities and the Holden Beach community is ringing in the holiday season in memorable fashion! From colorful Christmas parades, tree lighting ceremonies, and laser shows to holiday markets and historical presentations, there's something for all ages to enjoy in our lovely corner of southeastern coastal North Carolina.
The sparkling Atlantic Ocean offers the perfect backdrop to get into the holiday spirit and create seasonal memories with friends and family. Here are a few ideas to get you started!
Christmas Parades & Tree Lightings
Holden Beach Christmas Tree Lighting - November 30, 2023
Holden Beach residents and visitors alike look forward to gathering each year at the Holden Beach Pavilion for the annual tree lighting ceremony. There's always festive entertainment - which begins at 5:15 PM - and the tree will be lit at 6:00 PM.
This year the family-friendly entertainment includes a gingerbread house contest! So bundle up and stroll down, bike down, or drive over to the Pavilion to kick off this beautiful season!
Annual Ocean Isle Beach Flotilla - November 25, 2023
The Annual Ocean Isle Beach Flotilla lines up at 5:30 PM in front of Inlet View Bar & Grill. Beginning at dusk the boats light up and slowly travel the Intracoastal Waterway, ending at Sharky's restaurant around 7:00 PM for the rest of the festivities. It's always a competition to find the best viewing spots between both restaurants, with many choosing to watch where the boat parade concludes at Sharky's to enjoy some great food, beverages, and fun atmosphere.
You can make it a full family day by starting with the Ocean Isle Beach Christmas Parade at 3:00 PM to really get in the festive mood!
Calabash Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting - December 1, 2023
For many, Christmas isn't complete around here without the annual trek to Callahan's of Calabash - especially their Christmas Shop, which is open all year long! Enjoy lunch and shopping in the afternoon and be ready for the annual Spirit of Calabash Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting at 6:00 PM, which starts in front of the popular store. They always light the tree on the main stage when the parade concludes, and then you're in store for some good, old-fashioned holiday cheer with entertainment, caroling, hot cocoa, fun stations, and Santa!
Shallotte Christmas Parade - December 2, 2023
On the first Saturday in December you'll find the streets of Shallotte lined with eager children and their families waiting for candy and Santa! The parade begins at 10:00 AM at the intersection of Main Street and Highway 130 and concludes at the intersection of Main Street and Smith Avenue. Arrive early with your chair to claim a great viewing spot along Main Street!
OKI Christmas by the Sea Parade & Festival - December 2, 2023
If you're on the other side of Holden Beach in the Oak Island area, then you'll enjoy their annual Christmas by the Sea Parade & Festival that begins at 2:00 PM. The day's activities are chock full of holiday fun, including Santa visits, a costume contest, arts and crafts vendors, and food!
Music & Laser Shows
Holiday Laser Music Show at the Planetarium - November 10 - December 30, 2023
The Ingram Planetarium is a cool place to see during the holiday season! Folks of all ages enjoy this unique laser light show with strains of classic seasonal music in the background. The Sky Theater lights up with the colorful light show on Friday and Saturday evenings through December 30, 2023 at 6:00 PM.
Mystery of the Christmas Star - December 22, 2023
Another amazing winter light show at the Ingram Planetarium is the Mystery of the Christmas Star, which involves a journey back over 2,000 years ago to Bethlehem. You'll want to take your whole family or group of friends to hear a modern retelling of the Christmas story which seeks a scientific explanation for the star the Wise Men followed to find baby Jesus. The unique show starts at noon.
John Denver: A Rocky Mountain Christmas
It's hard to think about John Denver without thoughts of the snow-capped Colorado Rockies! You'll enjoy an evening at the beautiful Odell Williamson Auditorium - a gem of a regional venue - listening to an impressive Christmas tribute to the legendery musician. The audience is sure to experience some of their Denver favorites during this magical season with this 7:00 PM performance.
Museums & History
HoliDAY at the Museum - November 24, 2023
Lots of holiday fun is planned at the Museum of Coastal Carolina, 10 AM - 4:00 PM, in a beach-themed holiday celebration for the whole family! In addition to crafts and "snow" science activities, the Annual Festival of Trees on site is a beautiful way to get in the spirit of the season.
"Snow" much fun!
Christmas Holiday Market - December 2, 2023
Historic Holidays at the NC Maritime Museum - December 8, 2023
The staff and volunteers are donned in period attire and the NC Maritime Museum in Southport comes alive with history and holiday festivities at this free annual event! A fun bonus is take-home crafts that will be available 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM. It's certain to be a family favorite.
18th Century Christmas at Brunswick Town
Experiencing the Fort Anderson state historic site at Brunswick Town is always a treat during the holidays when families can explore how the American colonists celebrated Christmas. This free event (1:00 PM - 5:30 PM) also offers 18th century-inspired refreshments in their visitor center.
See You Soon
As you can see, Holden Beach is a memory-making coastal retreat for your family and friends. If you'd like to kickstart your holiday season - or better yet, spend the holidays at Holden Beach - browse our collection of island vacation rentals available during this lovely season along the Brunswick Islands. It might be a fantatsic time to find an oceanfront home for a good deal in this peaceful season. We're only a phone call away if you need some expert tips on finding just the right beach getaway for your group at (800) 655-3367.
And you might want to check out the full list of holiday events and other things to do while escaping to Holden Beach!
We hope to see you soon.... at the beach!
Christmas Parades & Tree Lightings
Holden Beach Christmas Tree Lighting - December 5, 2024
Holden Beach residents and visitors alike look forward to gathering each year at the Holden Beach Pavilion for the annual tree lighting ceremony. There's always festive entertainment - which begins at 5:15 PM - and the tree will be lit at 6:00 PM.
This year the family-friendly entertainment includes a gingerbread house contest! So bundle up and stroll down, bike down, or drive over to the Pavilion to kick off this beautiful season!
Annual Ocean Isle Beach Flotilla - November 30, 2024
The Annual Ocean Isle Beach Flotilla lines up at 5:30 PM in front of Inlet View Bar & Grill. Beginning at dusk the boats light up and slowly travel the Intracoastal Waterway, ending at the commercial canal in front of OIFC, Sharky's restaurant, and 59 Causeway Grill around 7:00 PM for the rest of the festivities. It's always a competition to find the best viewing spots, with many choosing to watch where the boat parade concludes to enjoy some great food, beverages, and fun atmosphere, including the winners being announced (in Sharky's parking lot, weather permitting).
Make a Difference: Your purchase of t-shirts (in the booth at 59 Causeway) will benefit Brunswick Family Assistance!
You can make it a full family day by starting with the Ocean Isle Beach Christmas Parade at 3:00 PM to really get in the festive mood!
Calabash Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting - December 6, 2024
For many, Christmas isn't complete around here without the annual trek to Callahan's of Calabash - especially their Christmas Shop, which is open all year long! Enjoy lunch and shopping in the afternoon and be ready for the annual Spirit of Calabash Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting at 6:00 PM, which starts in front of the popular store. (Note: Roads on the parade route will close promptly at 6:00 PM, so you'll want to plan accordingly.) They always light the tree on the main stage when the parade concludes, and then you're in store for some good, old-fashioned holiday cheer with entertainment, caroling, hot cocoa, fun stations, and Santa!
Make a Difference: Contribute to the donation drive to support school children, seniors, and food banks in southern Brunswick County (Drop-offs: Calabash Town Hall or Truist Bank in Calabash by December 9, 2024).
Bonus: Children can send letters to Santa using the North Pole Calabash mailbox and make their own reindeer food to sprinkle outside on Christmas Eve.
Shallotte Christmas Parade - December 6, 2024
On the first Saturday in December you'll find the streets of Shallotte lined with eager children and their families waiting for candy and Santa! The parade begins at 10:00 AM at the intersection of Main Street and Highway 130/Whiteville Road and concludes at the intersection of Main Street and Smith Avenue. Arrive early with your chair to claim a great viewing spot along Main Street!
OKI Christmas by the Sea Parade & Festival - December 7, 2024
If you're on the other side of Holden Beach in the Oak Island area, then you'll enjoy their annual Christmas by the Sea Parade & Festival, held on the first Saturday in December, beginning at 2:00 PM, rain or shine! The parade runs right through the heart of the town along East Oak Island Drive. The day's activities are chock full of holiday fun, including Santa visits, a costume contest, arts and crafts vendors, and food!
The parade joins in a series of events that last the entire weekend and includes the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and the Holiday Market, both of which are held in the Middleton Park Complex (located at 4610 E Dolphin Drive).
Southport Winterfest 2024 - December 6-14, 2024
Southport plays host to a variety of fun holiday events that take place during the week of Winterfest. The 2024 festivities kick off with the Downtown Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6:00 pm on Friday, December 6. You'll certainly want to stroll through downtown to admire the competing decorated storefronts. Other events throughout the week include the Annual Holiday Homes Tour, pet pictures, musical performances, historic holiday tours at the museums, food and beverage events, and the Light up the Night Christmas Parade on Friday, December 13, at 5:30 PM.
For a complete list of activities geared for children and/or adults, please visit Southport's Winterfest website to plan your family outing.
Music & Laser Shows
Holiday Laser Shows at the Planetarium - November 7 - December 31, 2024
The Ingram Planetarium is a cool place to see during the holiday season! Folks of all ages enjoy unique laser light shows, usually Thursday through Saturday evening. The special shows include:
Holiday Laser Music Show - With strains of classic seasonal music in the background, the Sky Theater lights up with the colorful light show!
Mystery of the Christmas Star - Another amazing winter light show that involves a journey back over 2,000 years ago to Bethlehem. You'll want to take your whole family or group of friends to hear a modern retelling of the Christmas story which seeks a scientific explanation for the star the Wise Men followed to find baby Jesus.
Stars with Santa - Geared toward the littles in your life, what a great way to celebrate the season through the eyes of a child... and stars!
Museums & History
HoliDAY at the Museum - November 7 - December 31, 2024
Lots of holiday fun is planned at the Museum of Coastal Carolina on Ocean Isle Beach, for their beach-themed holiday celebration for the whole family! In addition to crafts and "snow" science activities, the Annual Festival of Trees on site is a beautiful way to get in the spirit of the season. Check their website for specific event times and dates - and have "snow" much fun!
Christmas Holiday Market - December 7, 2024
Silver Coast Winery is a unique setting for a Christmas Holiday Market! This is a fan favorite around here because it's a chance to enjoy more than 60 local artisans and crafters 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM. It's a fun way to kick off Christmas shopping with one-of-a-kind gift items - and admission is free!
SOHO-HO and Away We Go 5K Trail Run - December 14, 2024
You'll appreciate a fun way to give back to the community with the first annual holiday 5K Run/Walk at the beautiful Silver Coast Winery in Ocean Isle Beach. The festive trail features cherished holiday-themed areas along the course, including Cindy Lou Hoo’s Loop, Candy Cane Lane, and Griswold’s Holiday Road! Registrants can enjoy a beverage at the after-party in Santa’s Workshop, enter the costume contest, take pictures, visit the local food truck(s), and sing along with holiday music.
Make a Difference: Proceeds will benefit the Brunswick Family Assistance Christmas Program. Visit the winery website for more registration or more information.
Historic Holidays at the NC Maritime Museum - December 13, 2024
The staff and volunteers are donned in period attire and the NC Maritime Museum in Southport comes alive with history and holiday festivities at this free annual event! A fun bonus is take-home crafts that will be available from 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM. It's certain to be a family favorite. (See the Southport section for more information.)
18th Century Christmas at Brunswick Town - December 8, 2024
Experiencing the Fort Anderson state historic site at Brunswick Town is always a treat during the holidays when families can explore how the American colonists celebrated Christmas. This free event (1:00 PM - 5:30 PM) also offers 18th century-inspired refreshments in their visitor center.
A highlight of the evening will be an authentic period candlelit service in the ruins of St. Philips Anglican Church, 5:00-5:30 PM. Kids 12 and under are free and you may purchase tickets online!
A Light in the Darkest of Night at Brunswick Town - December 6, 2024
Visitors may experience a peaceful evening amongst the ruins of St. Phillips Church at Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson when it's decorated in its holiday finest, with candlelight and greenery. This FREE program runs 4:00-7:00 PM and allows for self-guided exploration and meditation.
HOBBS TIP: The visitor center and gift shop will remain open during the course of the evening to also allow a chance for a little holiday shopping.
See You Soon
As you can see, Holden Beach is a memory-making coastal retreat for your family and friends. If you'd like to kickstart your holiday season - or better yet, spend the holidays at Holden Beach - browse our collection of island vacation rentals available during this lovely season along the Brunswick Islands. It might be a fantastic time to find an oceanfront home for a good deal in this peaceful season. We're only a phone call away if you need some expert tips on finding just the right beach getaway for your group at (800) 655-3367.
And you might want to check out the full list of holiday events and other things to do while escaping to Holden Beach!
We hope to see you soon.... at the beach!