A Carolina Beach Rental Christmas

This year, skip the snow and head for the shoreline. Carolina and Kure Beaches transform into a festive paradise, where twinkling lights meet ocean breezes and holiday cheer stretches from the boardwalk to the pier.

From dazzling parades and cozy markets to beachfront dinners and cheerful community events, Pleasure Island offers a warm and spirited way to celebrate the season. Pack your flip-flops, bring your holiday spirit, and make this Christmas one to remember—right by the water.

CHRISTMAS IN A CAROLINA BEACH RENTAL

It's never too early or late to start planning your North Carolina Beach rental getaway. Join in on the Christmas cheer and festive fun as our community comes together to celebrate some of our favorite annual events and activities. We hope you can join us!

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS 

After you're checked in and unpacked, I highly recommend heading straight to the Island of Lights ceremony on November 25; I've watched that tree lighting every year since 2018, and it still gives me chills. This annual event kicks off the Holiday Season here in Carolina and Kure Beaches. Enjoy live music, carollers, and festive fun! The opening ceremony starts at 7 pm, followed by the lighting of the tree. visit their website for more details.

The fun doesn't stop there! On December 2, we celebrate with the annual Island of Lights Christmas Parade! As far back as we can remember, we've all enjoyed admiring decorative floats, golf carts, boats, and more! It's fun entertainment for the whole family! 

We can't forget The 2024 Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla. On December 3, the community boat owners come together to cruise along the intercoastal waterway from Snows Cut to the Carolina Beach Boat Basin and back. All are decorated to the nines in their holiday lights and decor. 

Take a self-guided tour of Caroline and Kure beach neighborhoods for the Island of Lights Holiday Tour of Homes. Enjoy sweet treats and holiday goodies as individual owners open their doors for genuine southern hospitality this Christmas season. 

FESTIVALS & MARKETS

Enjoy a live Nativity scene, and as you stroll the famous Carolina Boardwalk, visit their website for dates and event details, and don't forget to stop by Santa's workshop. Enjoy a little gift shopping as you walk along the Atlantic Ocean. 

Want to give the gift of something one-of-a-kind and special? Be sure to shop this year's Holiday Markets!

2025 Kure Beach Holiday Market - November 19 & 26 at Ocean front park 

2025 Carolina Beach Holiday Market - December 3 at Lake Park Shelter 

HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

"No matter how different a Who may appear, he will always be welcomed with holiday cheer." - Cindy Lou Who. Dress in your best Whoville attire and join us for this year's Kure Beach Holiday Whoobie Whatty. Kicking off the night by announcing the 2025 Kure Beach Cheermeister! 

The Cheermister represents the Town's most decorated and festive home, voted by the public! Stroll the park for face painting, crafts, cookie decorating, and pics with the Grinch as the 2000 version of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" plays on the lawn. The Town will collect donations for the Help Center of Federal Point; please consider donating to this wonderful cause. 

CHRISTMAS DINNER

Christmas Dinner is a tradition many families share and is often the highlight of festive meals. This year, pass on the prepping, cooking, and cleanup.

Enjoy a Christmas meal at the SeaWitch Café & Tiki Bar! They've already started accepting reservations. I've eaten Christmas dinner at SeaWitch Café three times now, and their crab-stuffed flounder is hands-down the best holiday meal I've had outside my own kitchen. For menu details, visit their website or call them at 910-707-0533.

Michael's Seafood is open on Christmas eve and available for dine-in, take-out, and delivery. Serving a special Christmas menu, warm appetizers, delicious entries, and more! Reserve your table today.

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