Holiday Season Around Sunset Beach
2026
Written by Terrance Davis
Terrance writes for Sunset Properties, sharing insights into top activities, things to do, and best places to stay to help visitors plan unforgettable trips to the North Carolina coast.
Just because temperatures have cooled down and school is in session doesn't mean there is no time for a trip to Ocean Isle or Sunset Beach. From parades to tree lightings to flotillas, there is plenty of holiday cheer for both locals and visitors. Everyone will enjoy the festive events that keep you warm from the inside out! Below are just a few options for you and your group to enjoy here in Brunswick County.
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In this Blog:
- Shallotte Christmas Parade
- Festival of Trees at the Museum of Coastal Carolina
- Black Friday Market in Ocean Isle Beach
- South Brunswick's New Holiday Boat Parade
- Holiday Market at Silver Coast Winery
- One Love Christmas Festival & Holiday Market
- Southport WinterFest
- Plan Your Holiday Trip on the Carolina Coast!
Shallotte Christmas Parade
Deccember 5, 2026
The town's uniquely coastal Christmas Parade is held every year on the first Saturday of December, and this year is no different! The parade starts at 6 pm with the boats entering the Intracoastal Waterway and passing Sunset and Ocean Isle Beaches. You can see this free event over on Sunset Boulevard North, right behind the Old Bridge Historical Society.
Festival of Trees at the Museum of Coastal Carolina
November 12–December 31, 2026
Head over to Ocean Isle Beach to see the Museum of Coastal Carolina turn into a festive forest for its annual Festival of Trees. Local groups and businesses decorate themed Christmas trees, creating a colorful holiday display throughout the museum galleries; admire the creations as you stroll through the exhibits.
Black Friday Market in Ocean Isle Beach
November 27, 2026
Skip the big-name stores and enjoy some local holiday shopping right on the coast. The Pure Markets' annual Black Friday Market returns this year, with local makers, artists, and vendors offering handmade and one-of-a-kind finds. For 2026, the market has moved to a new location at 417 W. Second Street in Ocean Isle Beach, but the market will continue its contributions to the Brunswick County School District.
South Brunswick's New Holiday Boat Parade
December 5, 2026
A longtime OIB tradition is getting a new chapter in 2026. While this year will not see the former Ocean Isle Beach Holiday Flotilla, a new community-organized boat parade is set to replace it! Local sources have confirmed that the event will feature decorated boats covered in festive lights sailing from Sunset Beach toward Shallotte Point, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to catch the colorful vessels on the water. The new event continues the area's tradition of celebrating Christmas in a truly coastal fashion.
Holiday Market at Silver Coast Winery
December 5, 2026
Another event from The Pure Markets, only this one will be held at Silver Coast Winery. Explore the variety of booths here, filled with handmade goods and local crafts while enjoying a relaxed coastal setting. While this serves as a continuation of the previous market, this iteration features both indoor and outdoor spaces, as well as the option to shop at the nearby Silver Coast Winery.
One Love Christmas Festival & Holiday Market
December 6, 2026
The One Love Christmas Festival & Holiday Market will be held right here in Sunset Beach, bringing together area artisans and vendors for an afternoon of Christmas shopping. The festival will include pictures with Santa as well as an Ugly Sweater Silent Auction. Admission is $5, with proceeds supporting vendors and community members who are struggling to access food.
Southport WinterFest
December 4–12, 2026
For one of the longer holiday celebrations in the area, make the trip out to Southport for WinterFest. The coastal town hosts several days of seasonal activities during early December, giving visitors plenty of options if they're planning a holiday day trip from Sunset Beach. The 2026 schedule is yet to be announced; however, previous iterations of the event have featured a Christmas Flotilla, Winterfest Tea, and more! Be sure to check back on the event's website ahead of the festivities for updates.
Plan Your Holiday Trip on the Carolina Coast!
Featured: 1505 CAN - Happy Place
Ready to book your Sunset Beach holiday vacation? Whenever you're ready to spend the Holidays on the Carolina Coast, book your stay directly with us here at Sunset Properties! Our wide collection of vacation rentals includes a variety of accommodations that are sure to make your holiday stay a true gift. Whether you're looking for a pet-friendly home, a rental with dock access, or a property with a private pool, it can be yours when you stay with Sunset Properties. See all of our properties today and save big when you book your stay directly.
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