Enjoy Oak Island Christmas Events and Activities this Winter [2025]

The holiday season is right around the corner, and there’s nothing like visiting the NC coast during the winter months! Oak Island Christmas festivities bring excitement and fun for the entire family and are perfect for getting into the holiday spirit — from extravagant parades and holiday festivals to brilliant light displays and many other cherished traditions.

Plus, the mild temperatures make this an ideal time to soak up the sun from the shore in the afternoon and gather around a beach bonfire with your loved ones in the evening.

Let’s take a look at some of our favorite holiday traditions on and around Oak Island…

Christmas by the Sea Parade on Oak Island

The annual Christmas by the Sea Parade is held every year on the first Saturday in December! If you haven’t visited the North Carolina coast for Christmas before, this is one event not to miss.

Decorated floats and golf carts showcasing our favorite local businesses go from Town Hall on East Oak Island Drive to McGlamery Street. And, make sure you stick around for the final float to see Santa and Mrs. Claus!

For those who aren’t familiar, the Christmas by the Sea Parade event has been organized for over 35 years by the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Oak Island. There’s something new every year to experience, and it’s one of the best ways to get into the holiday spirit!

Southport Winterfest

If you’re visiting Oak Island in early December, the Southport WinterFest is a must. This week-long celebration kicks off in the first half of December and fills downtown Southport with twinkling lights, local shopping, and coastal holiday charm.

This year’s lineup is packed with festive ways to celebrate. Pop-up ice skating at the Fort Johnston Tennis Courts runs December 5–13 (admission is $15 and includes skate rental), creating a little winter wonderland by the water.

Families can catch an outdoor showing of Polar Express at dusk on the Fort Johnston Garrison Lawn, stroll through the Winterfest-ival of Trees at Franklin Square Park, and soak in the glow of the downtown tree lighting ceremony on December 5 at 6pm.

If you ask us, no holiday season is complete without the Light Up the Night Christmas Parade presented by the Southport Fire Department. Children can hop aboard the fire engines at 5:30pm before the parade rolls along Moore and Howe Streets at 6:30pm. After the route, everyone is invited to visit with Santa, and concessions are available from local vendors.

We’re especially excited for this year’s Winter Craft Market, a farmer’s-market-style event that now stretches along Bay Street. On Saturday, December 13, you’ll find handmade gifts, coastal-inspired art, seasonal goodies, and local treats from 10am to 4pm — an easy way to pick up unique presents and support Southport makers during your holiday stay.
Last but not least, the must-go-to event of the season is still the

Southport Winterfest Flotilla is now in its 31st year. Beautifully decorated boats glide along the Cape Fear River and light up the waterfront as the parade begins at 6pm. We recommend arriving a little early along Southport Waterfront Park to snag a great viewing spot and soak in the glow on the water.

And that’s just the start! Winterfest also includes pet photos with Santa, a Shop-With-a-Cop concert, Santa’s Workshop, tours of the Old Brunswick County Jail Museum, the Annual Holiday Tour of Homes, the Southport Train and Toy Show, and more. For the most up-to-date details, check the Southport–Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce’s holiday promotions page as well as the City of Southport’s event calendar before your stay.

Festival of Trees at the Museum of Coastal Carolina

If you don’t mind a short 30-minute drive from Oak Island, The Museum of Coastal Carolina in Ocean Isle Beach hosts an annual holiday event called the Festival of Trees! You’ll find a selection of beautifully decorated trees by local businesses and organizations displayed through the museum’s galleries. Touring the Festival of Trees is typically included with general admission to the museum, and it is open to the public every week (except for Christmas Day).

If you’re visiting for Thanksgiving, the Holiday Night at the Museum is another fun, family-friendly event that will take place on November 28, 2025 from 10:00am to 4:00pm. This is the Grand Opening for the Festival of Trees and is a celebration you won’t want to miss. There will be all-day activities for the kids, including photo opportunities with White Beard the Pirate Clause and a gift bag.

You can view more details and view all upcoming happenings on their event calendar here.

Holiday Shopping on the Coast

The first place that instantly comes to mind for holiday shopping on the coast is… The Christmas House! While it’s open year-round, there’s always some extra magic in the air for the holidays. If you’ve been here before, you already know they have everything Christmas-related you can think of, and is a perfect place to find unique coastal-themed gifts. We’re certain you’ll find something here for everyone, from a large assortment of puzzles and home decor to sea turtle ornaments and lavish ribbons for all of your decorating needs.

There are so many other options to choose from in Southport and on Oak Island to find gifts for all of your loved ones! If you’re a foodie, check out Nancy Jo’s Homemade Bakery or the artisan cheeses from around the world at Southport Cheese Shoppe. Wine enthusiast? Uncorked by the Sea is right down the road and offers a great variety of hard-to-find wine and beer. Know someone who is in need of a vacation? We can even help you with planning something and a gift card!

Beach Bonfires

What’s better than a beach bonfire after an afternoon of retail therapy or discovering all the holiday events near Oak Island? Yes, that was a trick question — because we don’t think much is better than doing just that! Bonfires are allowed on Oak Island between November 16th and April 30th, and the permits are free. All you need to do is grab one from the local fire department.

Just keep in mind that you must apply for a permit within 72 hours of your planned beach fire on Oak Island. You can learn more about the permits and take a look at frequently asked questions on the Town of Oak Island’s website.

These are only some of the top Oak Island Christmas events this year to enjoy with your family and friends! Head over to our events page for more details, or sign up for our monthly newsletter to receive events and exclusive specials straight to your inbox.

Cooking a Meal Together at Your OKI Vacation Home

Whether it’s your annual tradition or you’re looking to create new ones, there are so many reasons why renting a vacation home on the coast is a great way to spend the holidays! Just imagine overlooking a breathtaking ocean or marsh view while creating memories that will last a lifetime with family and friends.

All of our exclusive Oak Island rentals have everything you need to prepare your meal together with fully equipped kitchens that have full-size appliances, cookware, dishes, glassware, utensils, and more. You’ll even find extra amenities that you might not have at home, like a hot tub for lounging and an elevator for those in your family who have a difficult time walking up stairs. Depending on the property, you may even find board games, books, and movies available.

Visit Oak Island this Winter & Save

When you’re ready to start planning your holiday vacation to OKI… our team would love to help you find the perfect vacation rental to meet all of your needs. We’re available by phone, email, and live chat during regular business hours.