Home Care In Wrightsville Beach, NC

Wilmington is a coastal town surrounded by a bunch of other coastal towns and beaches, so it's no real surprise that we like to celebrate our holidays at least partly on the water.

That includes the Christmas season, of course, and over the decades a half-dozen flotillas, or boat parades, have popped up around the area, with local watermen and pleasure boat enthusiasts bedecking their craft with festive lighting in honor of the season. It's a real perk for those of us who like to gaze in wide wonder at colorful and shiny things.

Here is a list of flotillas to see in New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties in 2025.

Greater Topsail Area Christmas Flotilla

in Topsail Beach and Surf City: This Pender County flotilla, which used to be known as the Topsail Island Holiday Boat Flotilla, leaves from Bush Marina in Topsail Beach at 5 p.m. and proceeds to Soundside Park in Surf City. Top prize for best-decorated boat is a cool $1,000, which could buy a lot of Christmas presents. The flotilla will be preceded by a Christmas market in Soundside Park from noon-6 p.m. Details at TopsailChamber.org.

North Carolina Holiday Flotilla

at Wrightsville Beach: It's the 42nd year for this annual boat parade through Motts Channel and Banks Channel. A ticketed kickoff party starts 7 p.m. Nov. 28 at Bluewater Grill, with a "day in the park" festival 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 29 at Wrightsville Beach Park. The flotilla itself starts 6 p.m. Nov. 29, with an array of watercraft striving to outdo each other with colorful lights and creative themes. Winners announced Nov. 30 at a "captain's breakfast." Details at NCHolidayFlotilla.org.

Ocean Isle Beach Flotilla

in Ocean Isle Beach: This 22nd annual Brunswick County event starts at dusk in the Intracoastal Waterway a mile east of the Shallotte River and proceeds into the Ocean Isle Beach Commercial Canal, where the largest crowds will gather. An awards ceremony with prizes for best-decorated boat will be held at the end of the flotilla at the Ocean Isle Beach Fishing Center. Details at OceanIsleBeachFlotilla.com.

Pleasure Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla

in Carolina Beach: Fishing boats and pleasure craft decorated for the season will float down the Intracoastal Waterway between Snows Cut and the Carolina Beach Yacht Basin (the latter location is where the biggest crowds tend to gather). Start time is 6 p.m. Judges pick the best-decorated boats, and there's also a People's Choice Award. The flotilla is part of the annual Pleasure Island of Lights Festival, which also includes the Lighting at the Lake on Nov. 28, a Holiday Tour of Homes on Dec. 13 and a New Year's Eve celebration and "beach ball drop" Dec. 31 in Kure Beach. Details at PleasureIslandOfLights.com.

Southport Winterfest Flotilla

in Southport: This 31st annual boat parade is the final event in Southport's big Winterfest celebration, which starts with a tree lighting on Dec. 5. The flotilla starts at 6 p.m. and will proceed down the Intracoastal Waterway from the American Fish Company to The Landing before turning around and returning back down the ICW, ending at St. James Marina. Students from Southport Elementary School will serve as judges for the lighted boat display. Details at CityOfSouthport.com.

WILMINGTON, N.C. – UNCW and Jimmy's Wrightsville Beach are excited to announce a partnership that will make Brooks Field and Seahawk baseball games even more exciting and entertaining this season.

"Brooks Field is one of the finest parks to watch a game, and joining with Jimmy's brings even more excitement." Said UNCW Director of Athletics Michael Oblinger. "During my time here at UNCW, we have continued to upgrade the fan experience with renovations to the field, upgrades of concessions and adding a video board for the 2026 season. This partnership with Jimmy's is a natural fit."

The newly renovated 100-section at Brooks Field will be known as Jimmy's Brooks Field. The revitalized area will include premium seating with a mixture of stadium seating and specialized areas like drink rails, high tops and table seating areas. Many of the amenities that make Jimmy's famous will also make their way to Brooks Field.

Opening in 2014, Jimmy's Wrightsville Beach is known as "The bar for everybody, down on Wrightsville Beach." The establishment offers a variety of entertainment and beverage options in a casual beachfront setting. It's open 365 days a year and features live music daily.

"We are incredibly excited to join forces with UNCW baseball and can't wait for Jimmy's at Brooks Field," said Jared Sales of Jimmy's. "As UNCW alums and lifelong sports fans, we couldn't think of a better partnership! We're ready to bring another level of excitement and energy to the newly-renovated stadium with giveaways every game to our signature slushee! Get your season tickets today! We will see you there! "

In 2025, the Seahawks ranked among the top 50 nationally in attendance and posted three game attendances of at least 2,800.

Brooks Field will host the Coastal Athletic Association championship tournament for the 16th time in 2026.

Wilmington wouldn’t be the oft-frequented vacation destination it is without water. A tale of two waterways, the North Carolina city is known for its charming riverfront on the Cape Fear River and also for its three beach communities on the Atlantic Ocean: Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach. While each beach town has a personality all its own, the laidback island vibes on Wrightsville Beach make it one of our favorite places to spend time—and it also earned it a top spot as our readers' favorite waterfront town in North Carolina the 2024 South's Best Awards. Spend time soaking up the sunshine on the sand, try out a new watersport like paddleboarding, or explore the surfer-friendly village where great restaurants meet unique local shops. Here are the best things to do in Wrightsville Beach.

Get Out On The Water

If you didn’t grow up on the water, you may be unfamiliar with sailing. Get acquainted with this style of watercraft with Wrightsville Performance Sailing. The company offers everything from half-day catamaran sails to three-hour private adventure charters to Masonboro Island. If you want to learn how to captain instead of just ride, sign up for an hour-long Hobie sail lesson.

; 330 Causeway Drive, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

Folks in Wrightsville Beach love a workout on the water. The town is home to some of the country’s most prestigious stand-up paddleboarding competitions like the annual Carolina Cup. Get in on the craze with a rental or lesson from Wrightsville SUP. The outfitter also rents kayaks and bikes, so you’ll have your pick of outdoor adventures.

; 96 West Salisbury St., Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

For a more passive activity on Wrightsville’s crystal blue waters, hop aboard a boat for a relaxing cruise on the calm waters. The Wrightsville Beach Sunset Cruise with Soundside gives a gentle tour of the tranquil sea that’s set against the picturesque image of a vibrant sunset.

; 226 South Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

Anglers can go inshore or deep sea fishing with Captain Robbie Wolfe of Whipsaw Charters, who has spent years taking folks out on the water to enjoy this active ocean sport. On a half-day family fishing trip, you can reel in everything from king mackerel and bluefish to black sea bass, then take home a giant cooler filled with your fresh catch.

If you’ve ever dreamt of hanging ten, there’s no better place to turn your far-off fantasy into reality than in North Carolina’s first surf town. The talented and patient instructors at WB Surf Camp will have you up on your board and catching waves in no time.

; 222 Causeway Drive, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

See The Sights

One of the best things about Wrightsville Beach is that there are seemingly endless ways to get to the beach. Rather than one central public access point, there are 44 smaller access points spread out over around 4 miles. Find a public parking spot, load up your beach day essentials, and prepare to soak up all the wonders of the surf, sun, and sand. Pro tip: For the best sunset spot, try Access #43 and #44, which are on the southern end of the island.

Extending more than 1,200 feet into the Atlantic Ocean, this iconic fishing pier is a must-see for all Wrightsville Beach visitors. Take a stroll along the state’s oldest concrete fishing pier and stop to cast a line if you’re feeling lucky. The attached tackle shop offers rod rentals if you didn’t bring your own and daily fishing passes are just $8.

; 23 Eeast Salisbury St., Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

To get a quick overview of the island, walk or bike the 2.5-mile paved pedestrian path that’s known simply as The Loop. With marsh and intracoastal views, you’ll have plenty to look at while you unknowingly get your exercise for the day. Detours along the path include Wrightsville Beach Park, where you’ll find sport courts and a wide, grassy field; the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History; the Wrightsville Beach Arboretum; and the Wrightsville Beach Farmers Market from May through October.

Sticking out like a sore thumb along gently swaying sea oats and majestic sand dunes, the Wrightsville Beach Mailbox is a legendary character in this part of North Carolina. Head to Beach Access #2, then walk north along the shore until you reach a point just past Shell Island Resort. It’s here that the mysterious mailbox resides. Peek inside to discover notes and letters from fellow travelers, and add your own story for others to read.

Explore The Town

Any time you visit a new destination, it’s good to have context about the corner of the world that you’re exploring. At the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History, you can learn about the island town’s more-than-100-year history. The historic Bordeaux Cottage gives a chronological account of the town’s history, complete with artifacts. In the neighboring Myers Cottage, you’ll find a deeper dive into several subjects relating to the town’s history.

; 303 W Salisbury St, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

Take a stroll through the historic Wrightsville Beach town square to get a glimpse into what the Wrightsville Beach of yesteryear looked like. You can follow the online map to see several historic homes and landmarks. On select weekends the Museum of History even installs exhibit signs along the Loop, giving additional information about each of the structures.

When you need a break from the beach, head inland to peruse the many local shops and boutiques that makeup Wrightsville Beach’s sunny town. Try spots like South End Surf Shop, Holly Aiken, and Lighthouse Beer and Wine for a little something for everyone.

southendsurf.com; 708 South Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480hollyaiken.comlighthousebeerandwine.com; 220 Causeway Drive, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

If you’re looking for evening entertainment, one place in Wrightsville Beach has been a beloved standby since 1955. The historic Palm Room Bar is the universal gathering place for anyone seeking ice-cold beer, a cocktail, or live music performances spanning all types of genres. Open until 2 a.m. every day, there’s always a party at the Palm Room.

palmroomwb.com, 11 E Salisbury St., Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

Where To Eat

La Duna Paradiso, the recently opened restaurant inside Trailborn Surf & Sound resort, has a stylish dining room and a menu inspired by Italy, the Mediterranean, and North Carolina's coast. Open to the public as well as guests, the dinner menu is heavy on fresh seafood and pastas, and the breakfast menu has dishes ranging from acai bowls to loaded pancakes. Bar Duna, the hotel's lobby bar, is open from noon to 9 p.m. and offers salads, sandwiches, and cocktails.

ladunaparadiso.com, 275 Waynick Blvd. Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

Start your day with a hearty meal in the form of artisan toasts, breakfast bowls, and more at Drift.

Farm- and sea-to-table dining is the name of the game in Wrightsville Beach. For fresh seafoodwith a gorgeous view of the ocean from which it came, head to Bluewater Waterfront Grill or Oceanic for dishes like the classic North Carolina-Style Calabash Platter that’s jam-packed with lightly fried flounder, shrimp, and oysters.

bluewaterdining.com; 4 Marina St., Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480 oceanicrestaurant.com; 703 South Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

If you’re not in the mood for seafood, head to Tower 7 for Baja-inspired Mexican cuisine or Zeke’s Beans & Bowls for acai or poke bowls.

zekes.net/wrightsvillebeach; 534 Causeway Drive, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480 tower7.com; 4 North Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

It wouldn’t be a beach town without an ice cream shop. In Wrightsville Beach, the place to go when you’re craving a cold, sweet treat is Kohl’s Frozen Custard & Kitchen. You can get a classic vanilla or chocolate cone, but you’ll also find creative homemade flavors like Huggy Bear with graham crackers and caramel and Death by Chocolate with brownies, chocolate syrup, and chocolate flakes.

; 92 South Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - Most people decorate Christmas trees for the holidays, while others put lights on their boats.

A coastal tradition has sailed by in Wrightsville Beach on Saturday night.

The North Carolina Holiday Flotilla invited people from far and near for a holiday show.

Boaters decorate their vessels in creative themes using Christmas lights. The displays can been seen from miles away.

This is the 42nd time it’s been held in the area. The event has been dedicated in the memory of one boat owner who participated in just about every show, Billy Baggett. The committee says he alongside his sister, helped to cultivate the event into one of the most treasured coastal traditions in the state.

It’s why a boat owner of 38-years decided to join in on the fun this year.

“We are just grateful to be here,” said Sid Gulledge Sr.

Gulledge and his family wanted to pick a theme that was out-of-the-world.

“They theme is beam me up Santa. It’s a little bit of Christmas, a little bit of UFO, a little bit of extraterrestrial,” said Gulledge’s son.

The family wanted to make their boat stand out from the crowd, since it’s smaller in size.

It consists of lights in the shape of a UFO, a disco ball, a blown up alien prop, and outfits that represents Santa Claus and Astronauts.

One of the judges this year was WECT’s Jon Evans.

The winner of the contest will be announced on their website.

The event committee says while it’s a friendly contest, they really just want to bring neighbors out for a good time.

“It’s just really a cool opportunity to see everyone come together and to bring the town together,” said Bradley Alsip.

The holiday events continues on Sunday.