Celebrate Holidays on Water in Kure Beach, where the season’s all about easygoing coastal fun. Catch a movie with the Grinch, shop local at seaside markets and ring in the new year with fireworks over the ocean.
An Island of Lights
When the holidays roll around, Kure Beach turns into the Island of Lights. On Dec. 13 at 5:30 p.m., take the self-guided Island of Lights Holiday Tour of Homes to see how locals deck out their beach houses. Grab tickets and maps at Salty Chic Boutique or Sumthin’ Beachie in nearby Carolina Beach, then explore the prettiest Kure Beach homes at your own pace.
Ring in 2026 at the Island of Lights New Year’s Eve Celebration starting at 9 p.m. at Kure Beach Ocean Front Park & Pavilion. Dance to live music, watch the beach ball drop at midnight and catch a fireworks show over the ocean at this party for all ages.
Festive Stories by the Sea
Get in the holiday spirit at the Kure Beach Holiday Whoobie Whatty Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. at Kure Beach Ocean Front Park & Pavilion. Watch “The Grinch” (2018) on the big screen while kids enjoy face painting, crafts and cookie decorating. Santa might skip this one, but the Grinch is sure to make an appearance!
Swing by at 11 a.m. the next morning for Holiday Story Time by the Sea. Three princesses lead story time and Christmas crafts, giving kids a hands-on way to get creative and soak up a little seaside holiday magic.
A Coastal Holiday Haul
Get your shopping done island-style at the Kure Beach Holiday Market, taking place right by the Kure Beach Fishing Pier Nov. 19 and Nov. 26. Browse handmade treasures from local artists, grab a bite to eat from the nearby food trucks and enjoy the crisp coastal air.
Still checking names off your list? Stop by the Fort Fisher State Historic Site gift shop for history-inspired gifts, or call ahead to buy a half gallon of Happy Hippies Java Hut’s cold brew coffee potion, Mermaid Magic. It’s the perfect pick-me-up for the coffee lovers in your life!
Bonus: Treat your loved ones to a gift card from Freddie's Restaurant, Ocean View Restaurant or Jack Mackerels Island Grill – an easy way to inspire their next beach getaway (and maybe yours, too!).
Nearby Cheer
Just up the coast, Carolina Beach keeps the holiday fun going. The Island of Lights: Lighting at the Lake kicks things off on Nov. 28, lighting up Carolina Beach Lake Park with festive displays that shine all season long. Grab a cup of cocoa, and stroll the lakeside trail to take in the lights. Then, visit the Carolina Beach Holiday Market Dec. 3 to find even more unique goods, from soaps and fine art to ocean treasures. Shark teeth, anyone??
Catch the Carolina Beach Christmas Parade on Dec. 5 – complete with an appearance from Santa – and the Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla on Dec. 6, when boats decked out in festive lights cruise around the beach. The next day, head to the Christmas Palm Tree Lighting at Carolina Beach Pier from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., then head upstairs to the Pier House bar to keep the cozy vibes going. A festive cocktail is practically mandatory!
Don’t miss Santa by the Sea, bringing tons of lights and cheer to Carolina Beach Lake Park. Visit Santa on Nov. 29 and Dec. 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. for photos, crafts and sweet treats. Or, bundle up for an "ELF" Outdoor Movie screening on Dec. 13 at 5 p.m.
Whether you’re shopping for handmade gifts, catching festive lights or ringing in the New Year, Kure Beach makes it easy to celebrate with a little coastal cheer.
For more details about Holidays on Water in Wilmington and its island beaches, visit this link.
