Christmas by the Sea Parade highlights these 9 events happening in Brunswick this week
Christmas by the Sea Parade on Oak Island
Everyone loves a parade. The Christmas by the Sea Parade on Oak Island showcases coastal living during the holiday season with elaborately decorated floats, most with a coastal theme andcheerful atmosphere.
The Christmas by the Sea Parade will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 at the Oak Island Town Hall, 4601 E. Oak Island Drive and continues to the intersection of Oak Island Drive and McGlamery Street. While enjoying the parade expect to see beautifully decorated floats, fire trucks, marching band, an appearance from Santa & Mrs. Claus, and more.
A float decorating contest will be held prior to the start of the parade. Floats will be judged on Spirit of the Holidays, Personalization, and Coastal Element (this is our community, what does it mean to you?).
More:38 can't-miss Christmas and holiday events in the Wilmington area for 2022
For more information, please call the 910-457-6964 or visit https://www.southport-oakisland.com/.
Holden Beach will hold its annual Tree Lightning on Thursday, December 1st at 6:00 p.m. Entertainment begins at 5:30 with 'Merry Twistmas' and ugly sweater competitions taking place after the tree lighting.
Belville's Christmas Festival & Tree Lighting Ceremony
The town of Belville will host the eighth annual Belville Riverwalk Christmas Craft and Tree Lighting Festival, Saturday, Dec. 2 at Belville Riverwalk Park, 560 River Road.
The lineup includes:
10 a.m.-3 p.m. - More than 30 craft vendors. The Bridge Dance Arts will be performing.
4-5:30 p.m. - Brunswick Brass Band
5 p.m. - Santa's arrival and tree lighting
5:45-6:15 p.m.- Coastal Dance Academy
6:30 p.m. - Holiday movie "The Santa Claus"
Food trucks will be on site. There will be treats, popcorn, concessions, and hot drinks, movie trivia contest, a sing-along, free photos with Santa, and much more. Bring blankets or lawn chairs.
For more information, call 910-371-2456.
The Spirit of Calabash Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting
The 2022 holiday season lights up in Calabash with the 27th annual Spirit of Calabash Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting. The event will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2 in downtown Calabash at Callahan's of Calabash. The Spirit of Calabash Parade full or colorful and entertaining groups will stroll down Beach Drive to River Road. There also will be community caroling, hot cocoa, children's letter writing and reindeer food stations. Don't forget to be on the lookout for Santa as he being transported to the event by the Calabash Fire Department. The tree lighting will be after the parade.
First Friday Demo Night at Franklin Square Gallery
The First Friday Demo Night will be held 5-7 p.m. Dec. 2 at Franklin Square Gallery, 130 E. West St., Southport. Visitors are invited to enjoy the works on display in the gallery and then venture into the studio where various artists will be giving live demonstrations of their art-making processes. Visitors can watch and converse with the artists as they create original pottery, sculptures, paintings, and other art objects on the spot, in a variety of media, all of which are offered for sale. Free admission.
Oak Island Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
The Oak Island Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held 5-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2 at Middleton Park, 4610 E Dolphin Drive. The free event will feature live music, crafts, and decorations for the whole family to enjoy. Santa also will make an appearance. The "North Pole Mailbox" where children can send letters to Santa's Workshop will be available. For more information, call 910-278-5518.
Leland in Lights at Founders Park
Experience magic and create traditions with the annual display of Leland in Lights which features a festivewalking tour of Founders Park as it transforms into a winter wonderland Dec. 3-Jan. 3. Opening night begins with the Grand Illumination at 6 p.m. Visit with Santa, take a ride on the Leland Express. There will be local food trucks on site. Leland Fire/Rescue and the Leland Police Department will be accepting canned goods to donate to Brunswick Family Assistance. Leland in Lights is free and starts at dusk every evening. For more information, visit https://www.townofleland.com/parks-recreation-cultural-resources/leland-lights.
Christmas Train Show
The Intracoastal Model Railroad Club presents its Christmas Train Show featuring brand new O, HO, N and G scale train sets. The show is open to all ages and will be held 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4 at the Grissettown Longwood Fire Rescue, 758 Longwood Road, Ocean Isle Beach. There also will be kids' interactive displays, concession, bake table, and trains sets and accessories. Free admission. Donations support the fire house.
Shallotte's Christmas Parade
The Christmas Parade in Shallotte will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. The parade starts from the intersection of Main Street and N.C. 130 then ends at the intersection of Main Street and Smith Avenue. The roads will close at 8 a.m.
Southport Winterfest
Festivities kick off Winterfest 2022 with Southport's Winterfest Tea which returns after a two-year hiatus. Join the Southport Winterfest Tea, sponsored by the Sisters of Southport and the city, for an enchanting Colonial Tea with special holiday entertainment. The tea will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 at the Southport Community Building, 223 E. Bay St. Tickets are $45 and are available at Ricky Evans Gallery, 211 N. Howe St., or the Fort Johnston-Southport Museum & Visitors' Center, 203 E. Bay St.
Southport businesses are decking the town with the Second annual Storefront Showcase holiday decorating contest, Saturday, Dec. 3 through Saturday, Dec. 10, visitors, guests, or residents of Southport can follow the Storefront Showcase map that will be available online to visit each store and cast votes on each participating business. There will be five categories: Most Original, Most Kid-friendly, Most Traditional, Biggest Surprise or Best Overall. Voting participants may vote more than once per category.
And don't forget about your pet. Pet Pictures with Santa, sponsor by the City of Southport Animal Protection Services, will be held 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4 at the Indian Trail Meeting Hall/Keziah Park, 113 W. Moore St. Enjoy some pet-friendly activities and treats. Donations will be accepted to receive your photo with a frame.
For more information, visit http://cityofsouthport.com/ or call the Southport Visitors’ Center at 910-457-7927.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Things to do in Brunswick: Christmas by the Sea Parade on Oak Island
