Places to Stay | Things to Do | Food & Drinks

Festive Flotilla, Christmas Cabaret & More

Enjoy a coastal twist on holiday traditions in Wrightsville Beach. Kick off your holiday season with a walk, jog or run across the island at the Seaside Shuffle 5k Nov. 21 or the Wrightsville Beach Turkey Trot Nov. 25. Revel in a weekend of merry and bright celebrations during the North Carolina Holiday Flotilla Nov. 27. Set sail with the Blockade Runner’s Holiday Harbor Cruise Nov. 28 – Dec. 4 to check out the lights adorning docks on the island. Hear the sounds of the season at the 15th Annual Hark The Herald Angels Swing Cabaret Dec. 17-18. Escape from the everyday hustle and bustle this holiday season with an island getaway.

Escape the mall madness and shop local this holiday season for handcrafted and unique goods from Wrightsville Beach. For the fashionistas, peruse clothing, jewelry and more at Hallelu Boutique, shop handmade fossil jewelry at The Workshop or find designer clothing and beach gear at Redix. Give the gift of island flavors with local brews from Lighthouse Beer & Wine or Flying Machine Taproom + Kitchen. Visit one of the island’s many surf shops like South End Surf Shop or Annex Surf Supply to find handcrafted boards perfect for the surfer or paddleboarder in your family.

Make the most of your island stay with holiday packages including lodging. Hop aboard the Blockade Runner Beach Resort’s Holiday Harbor Cruise to see decorated docks Nov. 28 - Dec. 4 or attend nearby Airlie Gardens’ signature holiday event: Enchanted Airlie with the resort’s Enchanted Airlie package. Including a one-night stay, this package offers admission to the sold-out event so guests will be able to stroll through the gardens and take in the spectacular displays featuring one million twinkling lights, the festive flowers, holiday tunes and more.