With outdoor holiday traditions still in store, Wrightsville Beach is an ideal place to get in the spirit for the season. Our island is here to help you celebrate the holidays, so head to Wrightsville Beach to take part in holiday traditions like festive road races, a lighted dock parade and enchanted gardens.  

Jingle All the Way 

Lace up your running shoes and get decked out in your holiday best to kick off the season with one of Wrightsville Beach’s annual road races. Burn off those Thanksgiving calories on Nov. 26 at the Wrightsville Beach Turkey Trot with a 5K timed race or one-mile scenic walk along the Wrightsville Beach Loop. Whether you’re running or walking, wear your best gobbler gear to take home the prize for best costume.   

 

Or, break out your favorite holiday-themed apparel for the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History’s Jingle Bell Run 5K on Dec. 12. Take in views of historic beach cottages and beautiful seasonal marshes as you race to the finish line, where prizes will also be awarded for Best Overall Costume, Best Group Costume, Best Family Costume and Best Pet Costume.  

 

NC Holiday Flotilla with a Twist 

Experience the holidays coastal style and take in festive sights with exciting events on or by the water.  Put a twist on a beloved Wrightsville Beach tradition with the NC Holiday Flotilla Door-to-Dock Decorating Contest on Nov. 27 and 28. Docks, docked boats and homes south of the drawbridge along Motts Channel into Banks Channel and to the Coast Guard station will be adorned with festive lights and decorations spectators can view.

Experience Enchanted Airlie, with more than one million twinkling lights, holiday flowers and music set amidst the 67 acres of scenic gardens from Nov. 27-29 and Dec. 4-22. Tickets are available through the Enchanted Airlie Hotel Package for a stress-free experience including a one-night stay, event ticket and a Harbor Cruise shuttle from the hotel to the dock at Airlie Gardens.  

 

From land to sea, there’s no better place to celebrate the holidays outdoors than Wrightsville Beach.

Find affordable activities, lodging and dining for a last-minute getaway in our quickie trip travel guide to Wrightsville Beach.