Trailborn Surf & Sound
Winter at the Coast
Starts Here
Winter along Wrightsville Beach isn’t quiet — it’s reimagined. Wake to sunny winter mornings, wide-open beaches, and plenty to explore around town. With easygoing beach walks and seasonal happenings throughout Wrightsville Beach and Wilmington, winter by the sea is all about fun at your own pace.
Surf Into the Holiday Season
Make the most of the season with festive favorites just minutes from Trailborn Surf & Sound—from boats lit up on Banks Channel to glowing garden walks and a coastal Thanksgiving dinner at La Duna Paradiso.
Flotilla Boat Parade
Directly outside our resort, boats decked in lights glide across Banks Channel, capped by fireworks over the water—a Wrightsville Beach classic that kicks off the season in sparkling style.
Thanksgiving at La Duna
This year, trade the usual for something coastal. La Duna Paradiso brings handmade pastas, fresh-caught flavors, and candlelit Mediterranean charm to the Carolina shore.
Enchanted Airlie Gardens
Wander through Airlie Gardens’ glowing oak allée and lakeside light displays—a beloved Wilmington tradition just minutes away from our resort. Tickets go fast, so plan ahead.
Best things to during Winter
Seasonal Happenings
Movies in the Park
Kick back on the lawn at Wrightsville Beach Park for a holiday classic under the open sky. Blankets and beach chairs encouraged.
Kick back on the lawn at Wrightsville Beach Park for a holiday classic under the open sky. Blankets and beach chairs encouraged.
Holiday Lights River Cruise
Every Day in December
Experience a 30 minutes cruise on the Cape Fear River and view the festive holiday lights on Wilmington’s famous and historic Riverwalk!
Every Day in December
Experience a 30 minutes cruise on the Cape Fear River and view the festive holiday lights on Wilmington’s famous and historic Riverwalk!
Wrightsville Polar Plunge
January 1
Celebrate the annual Plunge into the New Year or cheer on the heroic plungers as they brave the Atlantic Ocean waters from beautiful Wrightsville Beach.
January 1
Celebrate the annual Plunge into the New Year or cheer on the heroic plungers as they brave the Atlantic Ocean waters from beautiful Wrightsville Beach.
NC Jazz Festival
One of the largest traditional jazz festivals in the Southeast — two nights of world-class sets at Hotel Ballast on the Wilmington waterfront. Tickets sell fast.
One of the largest traditional jazz festivals in the Southeast — two nights of world-class sets at Hotel Ballast on the Wilmington waterfront. Tickets sell fast.
Wrightsville Beach Farmers' Market
Fresh local finds, coastal community vibes, and a great reason to start your Saturday outside. Just down the road at Wrightsville Beach Park.
Fresh local finds, coastal community vibes, and a great reason to start your Saturday outside. Just down the road at Wrightsville Beach Park.
New Year's Eve Celebration
Don't miss the giant beach ball drop at midnight followed by an epic fireworks display! The Islands of Lights Celebration is a free family friendly event that features a DJ and dancing, with refreshments available for purchase.
Don't miss the giant beach ball drop at midnight followed by an epic fireworks display! The Islands of Lights Celebration is a free family friendly event that features a DJ and dancing, with refreshments available for purchase.
Christmas Kick-Off & Tree Lighting
Kick off the season in Wrightsville Beach at the Annual Tree Lighting, live tunes, twinkling lights, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from Santa to top it all off.
Kick off the season in Wrightsville Beach at the Annual Tree Lighting, live tunes, twinkling lights, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from Santa to top it all off.
Holidays on Water Drone Show
Saturdays in December
Enjoy Christmas scenes shimmering over the water as 100 drones light up the night sky.
From snowflakes to gingerbread men, each display brings festive magic in motion.
Saturdays in December
Enjoy Christmas scenes shimmering over the water as 100 drones light up the night sky. From snowflakes to gingerbread men, each display brings festive magic in motion.
Old Wilmington by Candelight
Experience Old Wilmington by Candlelight with self-guided tours of holiday-ready homes and historic landmarks across downtown.
Experience Old Wilmington by Candlelight with self-guided tours of holiday-ready homes and historic landmarks across downtown.
Seasonal Favorites
Make winter at the coast your own, from cozy in-room campouts to breezy land boarding on the beach and sunset picnic baskets by the sound. A little adventure, a little downtime, all with a seaside view.
In-Room Camping
Bring the campout inside with a Trailborn-style setup made for cozy nights, family fun, and a little extra magic after a day by the water.
Kite & Wing Land Boarding
Learn the basics of kite control, power generation, and riding with the wind during a breezy beach session made for coastal adventure.
Sunset Picnic Baskets
Borrow a picnic basket from our Market, fill it with your favorite snacks and drinks, then settle in by the sound for a golden-hour picnic.
Gift Cards
Give the Gift of Trailborn
Now you can share the Trailborn experience with your loved ones. Our new gift cards are redeemable for hotel stays and dining at our restaurants–perfect for every traveler and tastemaker on your list.
