Holidays on Water in Wilmington, NC

Celebrate the Season from Historic Downtown to Our Three Island Beaches

Celebrate the holidays in Wilmington and its three island beaches: Carolina, Kure and Wrightsville, where coastal charm meets festive magic. Enjoy twinkling lights, riverfront drone shows, lighted boat parades and seasonal flavors at award-winning restaurants. Shop unique gifts at oceanfront and downtown holiday markets. With endless holiday cheer, a getaway here is the ultimate gift. There’s no place like our coast for the holidays.

Holiday drone show over the Cape Fear River in historic downtown Wilmington. The drones lit up the sky with a North Carolina shaped display with a starfish on Wilmington.

Historic Downtown Holiday Drone Shows

Don’t miss the highlight of Wilmington’s holiday season—the dazzling drone shows lighting up the downtown riverfront with stunning displays over the water.

Drone Show Schedule:

When: Dec. 13, 20 and 27 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Water Street on Wilmington's Riverfront

UPDATE: Due to the chance of rain Saturday evening, Dec. 6, the Holidays on Water drone show and visitation with Santa will be rescheduled for a future date. More information on a future date to come!

Enjoy a visit and photo op with Santa at the Dec. 13 and 20 shows. Head to the visitor booth at the end of Water and Market streets near the riverfront from 5 to 8 p.m.