Halloween has past and the Christmas Decoration are flooding the store! Let's be honest, the stores were decorated for Christmas before October ended anyway. Scout greeted every Trick or Treater with enthusiasm this year and perhaps a bark or two. She was confused by some of the costumes such as the two blow-up ones that made the girls either Oranges or Umpa Lumpa's; we were not quite sure what their angle was.
This week the weather has been chilling down, the sun sets around 5pm, and the feel of the holidays is just a grasp away. One of our favorite things to do this time of year is visit the different festivals and holiday events all the towns in our area have to offer. From Swansboro to Beaufort and Emerald Isle to Atlantic Beach there are many coastal events for you and family to attend!
Swansboro by Candlelight is kicking off the season this year. This celebrates the lighting of the Christmas Tree in Olde Towne Square. Walk the streets of the town and sip some hot apple cider (it is some of the best around) and get in the holiday spirit on the Swansboro waterfront!
Morehead City will be holding their 6th Annual "Holiday Extravaganza Show." Gaylon Pope & SweetWater's Christmas Show will feature favorites from their Christmas CD. The event will take place on November 19th at 7pm.
The Crystal Coast Lady out of Beaufort hosts their Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise on November 24th from 1-3pm. And who wouldn't want to have Thanksgiving dinner with a view?! The Crystal Coast Lady will tour you around Beaufort and Morehead City where you can enjoy the views of the coastline and the wild horses at play.
The Swansboro Christmas Flotilla is held annually the Friday after Thanksgiving (November 25th this year). This parade of lights takes place on the White Oak River and down to the Swansboro Waterfront. Santa Claus makes his entrance at the end and will make his way to land for some Christmas Fun!
Santa also Arrives in Beaufort on November 25th at 1pm. Santa will be cruising to his workshop located by the Dockhouse on a 34 ft Cornish gig with his crew of helpers in their Santa Hats! Santa's Elves will escort him to his workshop where he and Mrs. Claus will listen to holiday wishes until 5pm.
Emerald Isle will hold its 13th Annual Christmas Parade on November 26th at 3pm. Santa will ride in on a float at the end of the parade and the Christmas Tree Lighting at Merchants Park will follow. Join in on free refreshments, as well as a holiday caroling sing-a-long as Santa Claus visits with the children.
Atlantic Beach will be holding their 10th Annual "Light Up the Night" Christmas Parade on December 2nd at 6pm. Bring the kids to see lit up boats, floats, cars and trucks! The parade will begin at the Dunes Club and head west and around the circle. Santa will later arrive at the Fire Department to meet the kiddos who have come out to see him.
The Crystal Coast Christmas Flotilla features boats, yachts, oars, kayaks and commercial vessels decorated for the season. On December 3rd be ready to see them at 5:30pm on the Morehead City Waterfront. All of the decorated boats will be judged and prizes for creativity will be awarded at the Awards Party after the Flotilla in the Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center.
Visit the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores for "Santa by the Sea" on December 10th. Sit with Santa with the sea life behind you and enjoy crafts, reindeer food, and reading time with Mrs. Claus. A snow filled sledding area will also be available for added winter fun!
There is plenty to do and see this holiday season so explore some town events and get wrapped up in the spirit of the holidays!