The holidays are a special time at the beach. The Island of Lights organization spreads holiday cheer throughout Kure Beach and Carolina Beach beginning the Friday after Thanksgiving and running through New Year’s Eve. The towns of Carolina Beach and Kure Beach join in the holiday fun with their own seasonal events that delight residents and visitors alike. Your family will cherish the magic of a seaside Christmas and make memories to last a lifetime. Choose your favorite holiday activities and make plans to visit Carolina Beach this December. 

November 29 – The Lighting at the Lake Celebration

Join Santa at the lake for the official lighting of the Carolina Beach Christmas tree. A stroll around the lake will take you past the numerous light displays sponsored by the Island of Lights Committee. The Lighting at the Lake Celebration kicks off at 6:30 pm on November 29th. Can’t make it to the lake for the lighting? The lights will shine nightly through the end of the year and make a wonderful evening walk and photo opportunity for your family this holiday season.

November 30 – Kure Beach Holiday Market

Breathe in the salty sea air as you browse over 50 talented artists, crafters, and food vendors at Ocean Front Park & Pavilion on November 30th from 9 am to 3 pm. Bring an unwrapped toy or monetary donation to Toys for Tots for a chance to win a raffle basket of local, handcrafted items. The Kure Beach Holiday Market is the perfect coastal experience to kick off the holiday season. 

November 30 and December 21 – Santa by the Sea

Santa Claus is coming to Carolina Beach Lake to hear your holiday wish list. Fill your evening with Christmas cheer as you create an ornament craft and enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, and candy canes. On November 30th and December 21st, Santa by the Sea will feature live music, a firepit, photo booth, storytelling, and glitter tattoos. Presented by the Town of Carolina Beach, don’t miss this chance to dive into the holiday spirit. 

December 6 – Carolina Beach Christmas Parade

Starting at Carolina Beach Lake near Atlanta Avenue, the annual Carolina Beach Christmas Parade heads north on Lake Park Blvd and ends at the Publix intersection. Starting at 7 pm on December 6th, you can expect to enjoy candy, music, lights, and dancing as the parade travels down the main road in Carolina Beach. Parade entries include festive floats, classic cars, emergency vehicles, local clubs and sports teams, marching bands, and a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus. 

December 7 – Carolina Beach Holiday Market

Browse local crafts and coastal treats at the Carolina Beach Holiday Market. Live music along with a visit from Santa and other surprises make this a fun-filled morning along the banks of Carolina Beach Lake. Bring your friends and support the local vendors on December 7th from 11 am to 1 pm. 

December 7 – Christmas Flotilla

Fishing boats and recreational watercraft don their most festive lights and decorations for the Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla. The Intracoastal Waterway glows with Christmas cheer as the decorated vessels cruise from Snows Cut to the Carolina Beach Boat Basin and back. Beginning at 6 pm on December 7th, flotilla participants will compete for the best decorated awards this year. Bring your family and friends and help choose the 2024 People’s Choice award winner!

December 13 – Holiday Whoobie Whatty

Join the Town of Kure Beach for their annual Grinch-themed celebration. Dress in your Whoville attire and celebrate the announcement of the 2024 Kure Beach Cheermeister on December 13th from 6 to 8 pm. Stay and enjoy popcorn and hot chocolate during an outdoor screening of “The Grinch.” Holiday Whoobie Whatty activities include cookie decorating, Grinch crafts, face painting, and photos with the Grinch. 

December 14 – Holiday Movie at the Lake

This year’s holiday movie at the lake is “Elf” starring Will Ferrell. Come enjoy this family-friendly film under the stars and enjoy a special visit from Santa, interactive characters, and other holiday surprises. The fun starts at 5 pm on December 14th.

December 14 – Tour of Homes

The Island of Lights Tour of Homes is your opportunity to see inside some of Kure Beach and Carolina Beach’s most jolly homes. Enjoy the magic of a coastal Christmas on December 14th from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. Tickets for the Tour of Homes will be available for purchase at local Pleasure Island businesses. 

December 24 – Christmas Candlelight Celebration

Enjoy the magic of a seaside Christmas Eve with Kure Beach First Baptist Church at Ocean Front Park & Pavilion in Kure Beach. The Christmas Candlelight Celebration brings neighbors and visitors together to sing Christmas carols and celebrate the holiday on December 24th from 6 to 7 pm.

December 31 – New Year Celebration

Say goodbye to 2024 at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk’s New Year Celebration. Presented by the Island of Lights, this New Year’s Eve celebration begins at 9 pm and culminates with a giant beach ball drop at midnight and spectacular fireworks show. Dance along to the DJ and start the new year down by the ocean in Carolina Beach.

Find Your Joy at the Beach this Christmas

Parade or Flotilla? Santa Claus or The Grinch? How you celebrate Christmas in Carolina Beach and Kure Beach is up to you. With a calendar full of holiday activities, December in Carolina Beach has never been more fun. North Carolina Cottages is the perfect homebase for your winter beach getaway. Check out our Top 10 Cold Weather Beach Activities to find more inspiration for your winter visit to Carolina Beach.