Christmas in Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach: Lights, Parades and Holiday Events
Explore Christmas lights in Wilmington, NC, holiday parades, ice skating and Wrightsville Beach’s Flotilla with a stay at Trailborn Surf & Sound.
Read MoreThe Holidays, Trailborn Style
Make the Holidays a Little More Coastal
The festive season brings a full lineup of activities and gatherings to Trailborn Surf & Sound. Join us for holiday gatherings on the Great Lawn, seasonal programming, creative activities, and a few new ways to celebrate by the water.
Holiday Kick-Off
Holiday Kick-Off
December 4, 2026 | 5–7 PM
Kick off the season at Trailborn with festive decorations, a Christmas tree lighting, Santa, holiday music, crafts, letters to Santa, and more. It’s the start of a month filled with holiday fun by the water.
Countdown to Christmas
Countdown to Christmas
December 11–25, 2026
Count down to Christmas with a lineup of festive activities and surprises throughout the season. Check the calendar for what’s happening during your stay.
Holiday Crafts & Activities
Holiday Crafts & Activities
Throughout the Season
Get creative with seasonal crafts and hands-on activities for the holiday season. From making something festive to gathering with family and friends, there’s always a little more fun happening around Trailborn.
Breakfast with Santa
Breakfast with Santa
December 19, 2026 | 9–11 AM
Start the morning with a festive breakfast and a visit from Santa. Bring the whole crew for a holiday tradition at Trailborn.
Mingle & Jingle
Mingle & Jingle
Select Thursdays
Make your Thursday a little more festive with holiday cocktails, a special non-alcoholic offering, and live music at the resort.
Festive Family S'mores
Festive Family S’mores
Thursdays after 5
Gather the family for a festive evening of roasting marshmallows, making s’mores, and enjoying a little holiday magic around the fire.
Waterfront Igloos
A Little More Magic
by the Water
November 27th, 2026 – February 28, 2027
Cozy up by the water this winter in one of Trailborn Surf & Sound’s seasonal igloos. Gather with your crew, settle in, and make an evening of it with a little extra holiday magic.
Seasonal Packages
Make the most of the season with special packages designed for a coastal holiday getaway. From an evening at Enchanted Airlie to a cozy experience in our waterfront igloos, there’s more to discover at Trailborn.
The Coast Comes Alive for the Holidays
Trade snow boots for bare feet, twinkling boats for twinkling trees, and the holiday rush for a few days by the water.
At Trailborn Surf & Sound, the season comes with ocean air, fireside evenings, festive drinks, long meals, and plenty of reasons to stay awhile. Make the most of the holidays without having to go far.
Enchanted Airlie
November 27–28 & December 1–21, 2026
Wander through Airlie Gardens as the historic grounds glow with holiday lights, music, and festive displays. Tickets are sold out, but you can still experience the magic with our Enchanted Airlie package, which includes admission.
Book Enchanted Airlie Package
NC Holiday Flotilla
November 28, 2026
Take in the view from your Soundside room or make your way to our private viewing area for Wrightsville Beach’s annual holiday tradition, where decorated boats cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway.
Book Your Flotilla Stay
Local Holiday Happenings
Christmas Season Kick-Off & Tree Lighting
November 27, 2026
Kick off the holiday season at Wrightsville Beach Town Hall with festive music, lights, hot chocolate, cookies, and a visit from Santa during the annual Christmas Season Kick-Off & Tree Lighting.
November 27, 2026
Kick off the holiday season at Wrightsville Beach Town Hall with festive music, lights, hot chocolate, cookies, and a visit from Santa during the annual Christmas Season Kick-Off & Tree Lighting.
Holiday Lights Cruise
Throughout the Holiday Season
See downtown Wilmington from the water on a festive holiday cruise along the Cape Fear River. Take in the Riverwalk lights while enjoying hot cocoa, holiday drinks, and seasonal music aboard Cape Fear Riverboats.
Throughout the Holiday Season
See downtown Wilmington from the water on a festive holiday cruise along the Cape Fear River. Take in the Riverwalk lights while enjoying hot cocoa, holiday drinks, and seasonal music aboard Cape Fear Riverboats.
Holidays on Water Drone Show
December 5, 12 & 19, 2026
Head downtown for a holiday light show in the sky. Watch 150 drones create festive scenes above the Wilmington Riverwalk, then stroll the waterfront and take in the lights, shops, and holiday atmosphere.
December 5, 12 & 19, 2026
Head downtown for a holiday light show in the sky. Watch 150 drones create festive scenes above the Wilmington Riverwalk, then stroll the waterfront and take in the lights, shops, and holiday atmosphere.
Enchanted Airlie
November 27–28 & December 1–21, 2026
Wander through Airlie Gardens after dark as the historic grounds glow with thousands of twinkling lights, festive displays, and seasonal music. It’s a magical way to spend an evening just a short drive from Trailborn Surf & Sound.
November 27–28 & December 1–21, 2026
Wander through Airlie Gardens after dark as the historic grounds glow with thousands of twinkling lights, festive displays, and seasonal music. It’s a magical way to spend an evening just a short drive from Trailborn Surf & Sound.
NC Holiday Flotilla
November 28, 2026
Watch Wrightsville Beach’s annual flotilla light up the Intracoastal Waterway from Trailborn’s waterfront. Settle in by the sound, enjoy a drink, and take in the parade of decorated boats followed by fireworks.
November 28, 2026
Watch Wrightsville Beach’s annual flotilla light up the Intracoastal Waterway from Trailborn’s waterfront. Settle in by the sound, enjoy a drink, and take in the parade of decorated boats followed by fireworks.
Holiday Lights Around the Island
Make an evening of it and explore Wrightsville Beach after dark. Throughout December, homes around the island get into the holiday spirit, making a slow drive or walk another easy way to take in the season.
Make an evening of it and explore Wrightsville Beach after dark. Throughout December, homes around the island get into the holiday spirit, making a slow drive or walk another easy way to take in the season.
Old Wilmington by Candlelight Tour
December 5 & 6, 2026
Experience Old Wilmington by Candlelight with self-guided tours of holiday-ready homes and historic landmarks across downtown.
December 5 & 6, 2026
Experience Old Wilmington by Candlelight with self-guided tours of holiday-ready homes and historic landmarks across downtown.
Island of Lights New Year’s Eve Celebration
December 31, 2026
Keep the holiday spirit going through New Year’s Eve with a beachside celebration at nearby Carolina Beach. Enjoy music, dancing, and family-friendly festivities before the giant beach ball drops at midnight, followed by fireworks.
December 31, 2026
Keep the holiday spirit going through New Year’s Eve with a beachside celebration at nearby Carolina Beach. Enjoy music, dancing, and family-friendly festivities before the giant beach ball drops at midnight, followed by fireworks.
Winter Happenings at Trailborn
The holiday season may come to an end, but there’s still plenty to do by the water. Keep the getaway going with winter activities, outdoor adventures, and cozy ways to spend the season at Trailborn Surf & Sound.
The holiday season may come to an end, but there’s still plenty to do by the water. Keep the getaway going with winter activities, outdoor adventures, and cozy ways to spend the season at Trailborn Surf & Sound.
Trailborn Gift Cards
Give Them a Weekend
by the Water
Give a little escape from the holiday rush.
A Trailborn gift card can become a stay at Surf & Sound, dinner at La Duna Paradiso, drinks by the water, or a weekend spent making memories together.
Your Guide to the Holidays
Get to know the local traditions, events, shops, and experiences that make the holidays on the coast a little different. Start planning your stay with our favorite local guides.
Your Guide to the NC Holiday Flotilla
Planning to attend the Holiday Flotilla? Discover the best viewing spots, event tips, and where to stay for Wrightsville Beach's biggest holiday tradition.
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Things To Do In Wrightsville Beach
Paddle calm waterways, grab dinner with an ocean view, or watch the sun sink into the sound—you’ll never run out of ways to spend a day.
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Where to Go Holiday Shopping in Wrightsville Beach and Wilmington, NC
Planning holiday shopping near Wrightsville Beach? Here's where locals and repeat guests go, from the island to downtown Wilmington, organized by distance.
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Christmas in Wrightsville Beach
Celebrate Christmas in Wrightsville Beach with twinkling lights, the Holiday Flotilla, and festive coastal charm. Stay near it all at Trailborn Surf & Sound.
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Things to Do in Wilmington NC
Discover the best restaurants in Wrightsville Beach, NC. From iconic waterfront seafood spots to Italian, Mexican, and dog-friendly dining options.
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