Holiday Things to Do

Experience a Seaside Holiday at Kure Beach, NC

Celebrate the holidays by the sea with a relaxing getaway to Kure Beach. Experience the Island of Lights activities and spend time off the beaten path with an outdoor adventure on the island’s unspoiled coastline. Enjoy glad tidings all season long in our merry little beach town!

NC Aquarium's Cape Fear Festival of Trees

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS & DELIGHTS

Wander through North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher's winter waterland at the Cape Fear Festival of Trees Nov. 22 – Dec. 30. Local businesses and artists transform the aquarium into an enchanted holiday oasis with more than 50 decorated Christmas trees. Catch an outdoor showing of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas," enjoy family friendly activities and crafts and even meet the Grinch during the Holiday Whoobie Whatty event Dec. 13 at Ocean Front Park. The Island of Lights Festival kicks off Nov. 29 when nearby Carolina Beach Lake Park lights up in colorful holiday displays during the Lighting at the Lake. Get into the holiday spirit at the Christmas Parade Dec. 6 with a special visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Continue your festive celebrations with the Christmas Flotilla, an annual lighted boat parade that illuminates the Intracoastal Waterway Dec. 7. Take in the parade from the water with Island Cruises' Flotilla Cruise, which includes a full cash bar and seasonal favorites like hot chocolate.

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Nov 21

Behind the Scenes Aquarium Tour

November 21, 2024

NC Aquarium at Ft. Fisher

Nov 22

Cape Fear Festival of Trees

November 22, 2024 - December 30, 2024

NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher

Nov 23

Kure Beach Holiday Market

November 23, 2024 - November 30, 2024

Kure Beach Ocean Front Park

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Kure Beach Market

ISLAND GIFT GEMS

This season of gifting, opt out of mall madness and shop locally seaside at the Kure Beach Holiday Market Nov. 23 and Nov. 30 at Ocean Front Park & Pavilion. Find handcrafted goods from jewelry to paintings and more – all from local creators. Find aquatic treasures at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher’s gift shop for the ocean-lover in your life. Nearby on the island, discover Boardwalk boutiques and surf shops for specialized gear, surf boards, attire and more or visit the Carolina Beach Holiday Market Dec. 7 for handmade gifts for the artist or collector on your list.

Shop Local

Fort Fisher

A SANDY & BRIGHT ESCAPE

Skip the holiday rush altogether and unwind surrounded by tranquility and scenic natural beauty. Visit Fort Fisher State Recreation Area to hike the Basin Trail or search for rare seashells and sea stars on a stroll along the protected shoreline. Nearby on the island, hike the Sugarloaf Trail in Carolina Beach State Park to view the Sugarloaf Dune, a 50-foot sand dune with views of the Cape Fear River. Check out the other eight hiking trails in the park, two of which are wheelchair accessible, to explore more hidden gems within the park’s 761 acres of natural beauty.

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