The White Oak River will shimmer as illuminated boats glide past downtown. Stick around for live music, holiday treats from local vendors, and Santa’s grand arrival by boat.
visitswansboro.org/swansboro-christmas-flotilla-visit-swansboro
A fireworks show will follow the evening’s judged boat parade down the Intracoastal Waterway and Motts and Banks channels. Past winners include a dinosaur-riding Santa (the “Sea-Rex”) and a Viking ship with a Christmas tree.
This parade will cruise from Windy Point to the canal just before Odell Williamson Memorial Bridge via the Intracoastal Waterway, raising funds for Brunswick Family Assistance, which provides emergency support for families in need.
facebook.com/Oceanisleflotilla
A spectacular display of boats — from fishing vessels to pleasure crafts — wrapped in thousands of colorful lights will sail from Snow’s Cut to the Carolina Beach Boat Basin.
wilmingtonandbeaches.com/event/island-of-lights-christmas-flotilla/4864
The evening before the town’s 40th annual Christmas parade, set up your chair at Bonner Point to watch boats motor along Bath Creek in a sparkling show of coastal cheer.
townofbathnc.com/event/2025-bath-christmas-flotilla
Local vendors will provide hot cocoa and other holiday treats at Union Point Park as boats decked out in glittering lights float down the Trent and Neuse Rivers.
visitnewbern.com/annual-events/coastal-christmas-flotilla
From kayaks to yachts, boats of every size will glimmer as they travel from the Morehead City waterfront to the Beaufort waterfront. An awards party at the Beaufort Hotel will follow this 33rd annual event.
visitbeaufortnc.com/events/crystal-coast-christmas-flotilla
Anchored beside Roanoke Island Festival Park, the Elizabeth II pays homage to the island’s storied settlers. photograph by Wes Snyder Photography
As you watch this cheerful boat parade from the downtown Manteo waterfront, catch a beautiful view of the Elizabeth II, a representational 16th-century merchant ship anchored at the edge of Roanoke Island Festival Park, as she lights up Shallowbag Bay.
roanokeislandyachtclub.com/flotilla
Watch from Soundside Park as boats adorned with twinkling lights glide down the Intracoastal Waterway — a grand finale to the day’s Christmas Market featuring unique gifts, food trucks, and entertainment.
business.topsailchamber.org/event-calendar/Details/annual-topsail-area-christmas-flotilla-1467866
Decorated boats — judged by local elementary school students — will light up the Cape Fear River and Intracoastal Waterway during this annual flotilla along Southport’s Waterfront, one of 20 Winterfest events occurring during the weeks leading up to Christmas.
cityofsouthport.com/event/31st-annual-southport-christmas-flotilla
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In busy workshops and bright stores, our state’s toymakers and purveyors keep wonder alive. Dolls, trains, and games remind us: The joy of play never grows old.
Whether it’s secret Santa or the company cookie swap, sweet gatherings get everyone into the Christmas spirit.
Among dazzling lanterns, silk creatures, and twinkling lights at the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival, one little boy leads his parents straight to the heart of the holidays.
Sparkling streets, local traditions, and the cozy charm of a city wrapped in holiday wonder — Asheville offers merriment for every age of visitor.
