'Tis the sea(son): 5 holiday flotillas that will light up the Wilmington area
Who doesn't love a boat parade? This time of year, the annual holiday flotillas will delight visitors with boats and pleasure crafts decked out with themed spectacular lights.
Here are five flotillas in the Wilmington area to enjoy.
NC Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach
The 40th annual NC Holiday Flotilla is a two-day event which will begin on Friday, Nov. 24. A captain's social and safety meeting with cocktails and appetizers will be held from 5-7 p.m. alongside the Coastal Kia kickoff party featuring the Band of Oz (purchase tickets at NC Holiday Flotilla Kickoff Party). Both events will be held at the Lumina Resort at Wrightsville Beach. The boat parade will begin at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25. Fireworks after the flotilla. For more schedule information, visit https://www.ncholidayflotilla.org/weekend-events/.
Ocean Isle Beach Flotilla
Celebrating its 20th year, the Ocean Isle Beach Flotilla will be held Saturday, Nov. 25. The boat parade starts at 5:30 p.m. in front of Inlet View Bar & Grill and proceeds down the Intracoastal Waterway to the canal in front of Sharky's and 59 Causeway. There will be raffles and prizes. An awards ceremony will be held immediately following the flotilla. Benefits Brunswick Family Assistance. There will be live music by the FGH Band at Sharky's.
Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla
Pleasure crafts and fishing boats decorated with lights competing for prizes will cruise the Intracoastal Waterway from Snow's Cut to the Carolina Beach Boat Basin and back at the annual Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla. The flotilla will be held Saturday, Dec. 2. The Carolina Beach Christmas Parade will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1. For more events, please visit http://www.pleasureislandoflights.com/2023-events.html.
Greater Topsail Area Flotilla
The Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism will hold its third annual flotilla on Saturday, Dec. 9. The flotilla should arrive at Soundside Park by 6 p.m. weather permitting. The flotilla is just a portion of the day activities, which also includes the Christmas Market which will open at noon at Soundside Park, 517 Roland Ave. in Surf City. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for photos with the family from 3-6 p.m. Music will be by Fryd on the Boat band.
Southport Flotilla
The Southport Flotilla will be held Saturday, Dec. 9. The Southport Flotilla's lineup will start at 6 p.m. beginning at Morningstar Marinas going toward Indigo Plantation Marina. The flotilla will continue proceeding past downtown Southport cruising to Deep Point Marina. The flotilla will turn around back past Southport, the extended route will cruise to Midway Bridge, down to Veteran's Park just past St. James Marina.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Holiday flotillas to see in the Wilmington area
