The holiday season has arrived, and there’s no place like North Carolina’s Crystal Coast to celebrate! Wrapped in festive cheer and sparkling coastal lights, it’s the season to gather with your favorite people, rekindle cherished traditions, and add a bit of seaside magic to your holidays.
Imagine a holiday getaway to Emerald Isle, where cool ocean breezes, peaceful shores, and a charming atmosphere create an idyllic setting for your end-of-year escape. With the coast transformed into a seasonal, small-town wonderland, you can enjoy holiday dinners with an ocean view, stroll along quiet sands, and add a coastal twist to your treasured traditions. Whether it’s a morning coffee with the sound of the waves or a festive toast as the sun dips below the horizon, the simple moments here feel a little more magical.
Whether you’ve already planned a December escape or are looking to embrace the magic of a spontaneous holiday getaway, explore all the merry ways to make the Crystal Coast part of your holiday story. Come for the cheer, stay for the memories, and let the spirit of the coast make this season one to remember.
1. Go on a Holiday Stroll
Swansboro, the town known as the “Friendly City by the Sea” is just a quick drive from Emerald Isle and sits along the Water Oak River and Intracoastal Waterway. Visitors come to the area every year for picturesque views, shopping, dining, beaches, kayaking and water views as far as the eye can see.
Many tourists flock to the area because of its historic downtown district and antique shops offering unparalleled finds. The town also hosts several annual festivals and events, offering family fun and entertainment for locals and visitors while also experiencing the rich history and culture of the area.
Every November, the coastal community lights up during Swansboro by Candlelight. This can’t-miss event is the area’s kickoff to the holiday season, where downtown streets are decorated in whimsical wintery scenes and storefronts adorned with beautiful ribbons and bows for the various winter holidays.
2. See the Gallery of Trees
Experience the holiday magic at the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center’s annual Gallery of Trees! This festive and unique display brings coastal stories to life, as local families and organizations decorate stunning crab pot trees with beautiful, handcrafted ornaments. Wander through the museum to see each tree’s special touches — including Emerald Isle Realty’s festive additions to this much-loved tradition. Catch the Gallery of Trees from November 22, 2024, through January 10, 2025, and soak in the coastal holiday spirit!
3. Watch a Christmas Parade on the Water
Make a splash with holiday cheer at the Swansboro Christmas Flotilla on November 22, 2024! This isn’t your average parade — it’s a boatload of festive fun! Every year, visitors and locals gather at Swansboro’s scenic waterfront at dusk to watch a dazzling parade of lights sail down the White Oak River.
Grab a warm cup of cocoa, soak in the seasonal tunes, and watch as holiday magic floats by on the water. You might even see Santa himself! It’s a perfect twist on a classic holiday parade, bringing coastal sparkle and charm to the season’s kickoff.
If you want to find some locally-crafted wares, stop by the Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair. This annual yuletide market takes place on Saturday, December 2nd from 9am to 3pm. The holiday fair will exclusively feature handmade or hand-authenticated items from local artists. With more than 30 local vendors, you are sure to find just the right gift for everyone on your list!
4. Watch a Christmas Parade on Land
After celebrating Thanksgiving, keep the festivities going that weekend in Emerald Isle!
On Saturday, November 30, 2024, join the community on Emerald Drive for the annual Emerald Isle Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting. It’s a jolly journey through the heart of town, with floats that bring the seasonal spirit to life in true coastal style. From merry music to dazzling décor, it’s a fun-filled way to ring in the Christmas season and a cheerful atmosphere for making holiday memories by the sea!
5. Celebrate Waterfowl Heritage
The season’s spirit can be felt throughout Harkers Island, where small-town charm makes for a holiday experience like no other! Each year, the Crystal Coast’s waterfowl heritage takes center stage on December 6-8, 2024 — at the Core Sound Museum for the unforgettable Core Sound Waterfowl Weekend.
This celebration brings together talented artists, carvers, and crafters from all over, showcasing their work in a vibrant festival atmosphere. From incredible handmade pieces to delicious coastal treats, the weekend is packed with seasonal cheer, live entertainment, and tasty local favorites. Guests can savor scallop fritters, enjoy sweet puppies, or try coastal classics as they browse works of art and witness the talent on display. With a retriever demonstration, an exciting carving competition, and an online auction, there’s no shortage of fun and festivities for all ages.
6. Wrap up Your Holiday Shopping
While vacationing in Emerald Isle, knock out some holiday shopping by getting a few Crystal Coast gifts for those closest to you! Emerald Isle is home to one-of-a-kind boutiques where you can find apparel, jewelry, coastal treasures and even antiques. Many of these trinkets are perfect to remind your special someone of memorable days on the coast. The Emerald Plantation Shopping Center remains a favorite for locals and visitors alike and is the ideal destination for anyone looking to do some serious holiday shopping!
If you want to find some locally-crafted wares, stop by the Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair. This annual yuletide market takes place on Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 9am to 3pm. The holiday fair will exclusively feature handmade or hand-authenticated items from local artists. With more than 30 local vendors, you are sure to find just the right gift for everyone on your list!
7. Create a Gingerbread Masterpiece
The charming town of Morehead City may be known as an angler’s paradise, but come December, it reels in holiday cheer with the Gingerbread Festival! This three-day celebration kicks off Friday, December 13, 2024, and promises a delightful mix of sugar, spice, and everything nice, all while supporting the SECU Crystal Coast Hospice House (CCHH).
Step into a holiday wonderland where festive crab pot Christmas trees light up the path, and the scent of gingerbread fills the air. Along with marveling at gingerbread masterpieces, families can enjoy kids’ crafts, games, and a special appearance by Santa himself on both Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
Grab a bite at the Gingerbread Café, and don’t forget to vote for your favorite gingerbread creation and Christmas tree! Winners will be revealed at the awards ceremony on the final day, so cast your vote and make the season even sweeter!
8. Spend Time with Santa by the Sea
Santa may have his reindeer up North, but he’s got a special crew of helpers on the coast! “Isle” bet you never thought you’d spot Santa soaking up the seaside! The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is one of Santa’s favorite stops — and he’s bringing a little extra holiday cheer to the shore.
On Saturday, December 14, 2024, bring the family for Santa by the Sea — an event brimming with holiday spirit. Kids can make festive holiday cards and an ornament, enjoy delicious treats, and join in themed games. Santa will be ready for photos, and Mrs. Claus will roam the aquarium for holiday storytime. Plus, food trucks will be on-site for extra holiday bites! Each child will go home with a keepsake photo with Santa, crafts, holiday goodies, and seasonal surprises. Tickets are required for the event so be sure to visit their site and purchase tickets ahead of time.
After visiting Santa, be sure to visit all the aquarium’s attractions. There are also guided tours, fish-feeding activities and a playground area outside near the start of the Alice Hoffman Nature Trail. The North Carolina Aquarium offers plenty of fun things to do for kids of all ages, all while trickling in some holiday cheer. Almost everything at the aquarium is hands-on and at the perfect height for even younger ones to view.
9. Tour Historic Homes on a Candlelight Tour
The waterfront community of Beaufort, NC is no stranger to tradition and festivities. Nothing compares to the holiday spirit of a tight-knit community, and the seasonal scenes are a sight you don’t want to miss.
Experience an illuminated look at the town’s historic homes on December 14, 2024, from 5pm to 8pm with the annual Christmas Candlelight Tour. The Beaufort Historical Association hosts the annual event. Ride through the area on a double-decker bus with local carolers as you get a rare glimpse into private historic homes, inns and churches, all elegantly decorated for the season.
If you still want to explore more of the coastal culture, be sure to stop by the Beaufort Historic Site. Visitors can tour the historic homes of Josiah Bell, John C. Manson and other prominent figures from the past. The Beaufort Visitor Information Center is an excellent resource for guided tours to many attractions.
10. Enjoy the Holidays in your Private Vacation Home
Spending time with your loved ones is the key to a memorable holiday getaway. While organizing your family’s winter vacation to the Crystal Coast, check out Emerald Isle Realty’s charming properties! You and your loved ones can scroll through the property images as you envision yourselves decorating cookies or prepping a special dinner in any of these inviting rentals.
Spend Christmas Eve creating gingerbread beach houses with an ocean view! After setting up your sweet, beachscape, whip up some creamy hot chocolate and tune into your favorite Christmas movie. There’s nothing like revisiting your favorite films with your most cherished people, at your special place during the magical holiday season.
Whether you’re looking for a luxurious Sand Castle home, a breathtaking beach cottage, a condo or a duplex, each home comes complete with a fully equipped kitchen. You and your family will enjoy preparing a delicious turkey or start a new tradition with roasted seafood and rice pilaf. After dinner, share your favorite Christmas stories over hot wassail and pineapple rum cake. Christmas dinner at your vacation home will be a memory everyone will enjoy looking back on and want to repeat again and again.
Plan Today
The holidays are filled with joy and warm moments with your favorite people, and a trip to Emerald Isle adds an extra touch of magic. Sprinkle in some enchantment with a sandy landscape, a beautiful ocean and fun holiday festivals. Treat your loved ones to a holiday vacation they’ll cherish forever with a winter getaway to the Crystal Coast that even Santa would envy, courtesy of Emerald Isle Realty.
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