Annual Winter Events

Kure Beach Holiday Market

Where: Kure Beach Oceanfront Park & Pavilion

When: Saturday, November 23 & 30, 2024

Time: 9AM to 3PM

Another great market with local vendors, food and crafts to purchase something for everyone on your list! Events and activities for the entire family will be available, making this market fun for everyone. You can't beat the ocean views while shopping!

Island of Lights: Lighting at the Lake

Where: Carolina Beach Lake Park

When: November 29, 2024

Time: TBA, usually 7PM

Kick off the holiday season in Carolina Beach! Take part in the opening ceremony followed by the official Lighting of the Lake. Take the one-mile trail around and view the many displays, and don't forget to visit Santa! 

Christmas by the Sea

Where: Carolina Beach Boardwalk Gazebo

When: Saturday, November 30, December 14 & 21, 2024

Time: Events begin at 5PM

View the holiday lights around town and take part in the family friendly events! You can visit Santa and Mrs. Clause, partake in ornament making, sip hot cocoa, roast marshmallows, listen to holiday stories and much more!

Cape Fear Festival of Trees

Where: North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher

When: Daily, Mid-November - January

Enjoy over 50 uniquely decorated trees spaced throughout the aquarium. All trees are decorated by local businesses, local artisans and other organizations. Touring the Festival of Trees is complementary with your aquarium admissions ticket. 

Kure Beach Holiday Whoobie Whatty

Where: Kure Beach Oceanfront Park & Pavilion

When: December 13, 2024

Time: 5:30PM to 7:30PM

A Grinch themed holiday celebration, including a viewing of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas"! Crafts, cookie decorating, face painting, photos with the Grinch himself and more are provided during the movie. This event is free to attend. 

Island of Lights Christmas Parade

Where: Carolina Beach

When: December 6, 2024

Bring a chair and watch the Carolina Beach Christmas Parade! The route is from Atlanta Avenue, down South Lake Park Blvd to the Federal Point Shopping Plaza. Watch a variety of floats, bands and of course, Santa Claus! The event is free for spectators. 

Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla

Where: Carolina Beach Boat Basin to Snows Cut and back

When: December 7, 2024

A Christmas Parade, but on the water! Watch personal boats and fishing boats decked out in holiday lights and decor sail down the Intracoastal Waterway. At the end, prizes will be given out to the winners by a panel of judges! Some of the best viewing spots are our rental homes facing the canal!

Carolina Beach Holiday Market

Where: Carolina Beach Lake Park

When: December 7, 2024

Time: 9AM to 3PM

Complete your holiday shopping with over 100 artisan and craft vendors! Shop local and support the community. 

Island of Lights New Year's Eve Celebration

Where: Carolina Beach Boardwalk

When: December 31st

A family friendly event with refreshments, dancing, a DJ and more. A giant beach ball drops at midnight, followed by an amazing fireworks display!

Special Olympics Polar Plunge

Where: Kure Beach Oceanfront Park & Pavilion

When: February 2024

Support local Special Olympics athletes by joining in on a 5K or a 1-mile fun run and, of course, taking a dip in the ocean! Live music, food vendors, activities and open to all ages and skill levels. Click here to keep up to date on next year's Polar Plunge!