Enjoy Oak Island Christmas Events and Activities this Winter [2024]

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! We’re still waiting for the 2024 Winterfest dates and flyer to be released, but this week-long event normally kicks off during the first week of December.

Last year, guests decked their bikes (and themselves) for a fun ride around Southport at the first annual Bicycle & Golf Cart Christmas Parade. Even those who didn’t participate in the parade had a magical time. There was the beloved State Port Pilot Annual Cookie Contest, Supper with Santa’s Elves, and an outdoor showing of Polar Express at the Garrison Lawn (with hot chocolate included)!

If you ask us, no holiday season is complete without attending the annual Christmas Parade that goes from the Waterfront Park, down Howe Street, and then back to the Southport Fire Station! Afterward, everyone is invited to visit with Santa, and concessions are available from local vendors.

We’re looking forward to learning the details of Southport’s Annual Winter Craft Festival at Franklin Square! This farmer’s market-style event near Oak Island always has incredible seasonal vegetables, homemade baked goods, jellies, and unique local art.

Last but not least, the must-go-to event of the season is the Southport Christmas Flotilla, where you can watch beautifully decorated boats and lights glow from the water! This boat parade typically starts promptly at 7pm, and we recommend getting there a little bit early to snag the best view.

Keep posted as more information is released about the Christmas events in Southport for 2024! You can also view the City of Southport’s event calendar for the most up-to-date details.

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 normally takes place on the Friday after Thanksgiving. This is the Grand Opening for the Festival of Trees and is a celebration you won’t want to miss. There are usually all-day activities for the kids, including photo opportunities with Santa Jaws and a gift bag. You’ll even find wall decor and wreaths available for sale.

Keep posted when details about these events are released, and don’t miss 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.