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!
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS & DELIGHTS
Wander through North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher's winter waterland at the Cape Fear Festival of Trees through 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. 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.
Featured Events
Behind the Scenes Aquarium Tour
NC Aquarium at Ft. Fisher
Cape Fear Festival of Trees
NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher
Kure Beach Holiday Whoobie Whatty
Kure Beach Ocean Front Park & Pavilion
ISLAND GIFT GEMS
This season of gifting, opt out of mall madness and shop locally seaside at the Kure Beach Holiday Market 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.
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.
Happy New Year
Say goodbye to 2024 and ring in the new with the Island of Lights New Year’s Eve Celebration in nearby Carolina Beach. Featuring a festive beach ball drop at midnight, a DJ, refreshments, party favors and more, this annual, family-friendly event will be held on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk.
WHERE TO STAY
Opt for a vacation rental with all the comforts of home or wake up to incredible sunrises with unobstructed ocean views from an inn with luxury apartment suites. Or stay close to the action at a vintage mom-and-pop motel located in the heart of Kure Beach. Find your perfect home-away-from-home for a special family holiday retreat.
Featured Holiday Blogs
Find Holiday Cheer in Kure Beach
Escape to Kure Beach this holiday season for festive celebrations that promise a coastal twist on holiday traditions, from a dazzling display of...
3 min read