Holiday Happenings at NC's Southern Coast

✨ The holiday spirit in Onslow County is here! ✨ Our locals and small business owners are what make it so much fun to visit our area. Check out this round-up all the Fun Things to Do in Onslow County throughout the month of November and December. We hope you join us at our local festivities and events that have become memory-making traditions! We look forward to seeing you, #OnlyinOnslow!

Swansboro By Candlelight

Historic Downtown Swansboro becomes a magical winter wonderland on November 9th, 2024 from 5 pm – 9 pm as the Swansboro Downtown Merchants & Restaurants host their Annual Swansboro by Candlelight. Luminaries line the streets, shop windows display whimsical scenes, and ribbons & bows put the finishing touches on a journey back to the days of yesteryear.

Live entertainment in the Olde Towne Square, Wine Tasting at Bake Bottle & Brew, and The Gray Dolphin. The downtown merchants will be offering refreshments to all of their guests and they will be open until 9 pm. Don’t miss the Swansboro Dance Studio as they perform scenes from their Nutcracker Ballet at 5 pm! A highlight of the evening will be the Annual Town of Swansboro Christmas Tree Lighting at 6 pm at Olde Town Square!

DATE: November 9th
TIME: 5 pm – 9 pm
LOCATION: 102 West Church Street, Swansboro, NC 28584
ADMISSION: FREE
EVENT PAGE

North Topsail Beach Christmas Tree Lighting

Mark your calendars! Join North Topsail Beach for our 3rd Annual Christmas Tree Lighting. Santa will be escorted into North Topsail Beach on our fire truck. This is a free event open to everyone! Share the Table will be joining us this year if you would like to bring non-perishable food items for donation.

DATE: November 20th
TIME: 6 pm – 8 pm
LOCATION: 2008 Loggerhead Ct, North Topsail Beach, NC 28460
ADMISSION: FREE
FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE

70th Annual Christmas Holiday Parade

Parade starts at 9:45am! Road closes down at 9:00am, please find your seats before this time!

Jacksonville’s beloved Christmas Parade is back for its 70th year, and this time we’re Groovin’ Through the Holidays! On Saturday, November 23rd, experience the joy of a community tradition as we light up Western Blvd with festive cheer. Be part of the 15,000-strong crowd that gathers to kick off the holiday season. From Coastal Carolina Community College to Brynn Marr Shopping Center, let’s celebrate 70 years of togetherness and holiday spirit.

DATE: November 23rd
TIME: 9 am – 11 am
LOCATION: Western Blvd, Jacksonville, NC
ADMISSION: FREE
FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE

Swansboro Flotilla

The Swansboro Christmas Flotilla is a time-honored tradition and fun for the whole family! At dusk, on the Friday after Thanksgiving, gather along Swansboro’s waterfront and watch the spectacular parade of lights down the White Oak River. Music will fill the air and you can enjoy treats, such as funnel cakes, cider and hot cocoa as you enjoy the lights glimmering off the river. You’ll be amazed by the lights and décor of the boats and you might even catch a glimpse of Santa Claus!

DATE: November 29th
TIME: 5 pm – 8 pm
LOCATION: 102 West Church Street, Swansboro, NC 28584
ADMISSION: FREE
EVENT PAGE

Christmas Tree Lighting at Onslow Pines Park

Join Onslow Parks & Recreation for a magical evening at their Christmas Tree Lighting & Drone Show presented by Marine Federal Credit Union!

Experience the joy of the season as we light up the beautiful tree and watch the sky come alive with a dazzling drone display. Bring your family and friends for a night filled with festive music, holiday treats, and unforgettable memories. Don’t miss this enchanting event that will surely put you in the Christmas spirit!

DATE: December 8th
TIME: 2 pm to 6 pm
LOCATION: 1244 Onslow Pines Road, Jacksonville, NC
ADMISSION: FREE
FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE

Mike’s Farm Festival of Lights & Holiday Events

What would Christmas in Onslow County be without a trip to Mike’s Farm? The Festival of Lights Hayride is approximately 30 minutes long and takes you through the woods with lighted Christmas scenes and music along the way. Running nightly from 6:00-9:00 from November 14th- December 23rd and an after Christmas encore December 26th-28th. Cost is $15 for ages 5 and older. No reservations are needed for the hayride only and tickets may be purchased upon arrival. INSIDER TIP: Get some Christmas shopping done at the NC Products Barn where you will find a wide assortment of gift ideas that are all produced, manufactured and crafted in the State of North Carolina.

DATE: November 14th thru December 23rd and December 26th-28th
TIME: 6 pm to 9 pm
LOCATION: 1600 Haw Branch Rd., Beulaville (Richlands)
ADMISSION: $15
See Mike’s Farm Website for Pricing

Christmas Town at ELJ Farms

This family-friendly, animated Christmas light experience is something you do not want to miss! Starting at Swingin’ Things, you will be able to purchase tickets for you and your family to drive through a myriad of Christmas lights, giant toy soldiers, and more! We are offering two ways to enjoy the lights…You can either take a tractor ride or drive through in your own vehicle. (no buses, please) Yes, moms and dads, this means you don’t have to worry about pulling kids in and out of car seats.

DATE: Hours and days open listed above on the flyer or check out their website at https://eljfarms.com/christmas-town. (See ELJ Farms Facebook Page for updates.)

TIME: 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm
LOCATION: 133 Batting Cage Trail, Jacksonville
ADMISSION: See ELJ Farms website for pricing

Christmas in the Ferry

Free Kids crafts, activities, musical performances, and of course Santa visit, free cookies coffee & hot chocolate!! Each child gets a free gift from Santa!! Craft Vendors to purchase those special gifts, free bounce house, special Christmas character appearances, photo ops, Festival of Trees, Chili Cook off, Breakfast with Santa, musical and MORE! It’s always a GREAT family weekend!!

DATE: Saturday, December 13th & 14th
TIME: See website for full list of activities and times
LOCATION: 126 Park Ln, Sneads Ferry, NC 28460
ADMISSION: FREE
WEBSITE: Event Page

Richlands Illuminated Christmas Parade

2024 Richlands Downtown Illuminated Christmas Parade. Parade will begin and end at Richlands High School. The parade route travels thru downtown Richlands. Santa will be at the museum following the parade

DATE: Saturday, December 14th
TIME: 5:30 pm – 8 pm
LOCATION: 301 S Wilmington St, Richlands, NC 28574
ADMISSION: FREE
WEBSITE: Event Page

Wreaths Across America

REMEMBER the Fallen. . . HONOR those who Serve. . . TEACH our children the value of Freedom.

Wreaths Across America will be at Coastal State Veteran’s Cemetery to Remember and Honor our veterans through the laying of Remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country’s fallen heroes and the act of saying the name of each and every veteran aloud.

DATE: Saturday, December 14th
TIME: 12 pm
LOCATION: Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Montford Point Rd., Jacksonville
ADMISSION: FREE
WEBSITE: WreathsAcrossAmerica.org

Pogie’s Festival of Lights

Pogie’s Adventure Center is offering Walk Through Light Show at their Farm in Maysville this year. A quirky mixture of classy and tacky holiday fun will be filling the trail through the farm. With plenty of dedicated “instagram worthy” photo stops along the path. Also, offering dog friendly on Fridays. Other fun includes hot chocolate, food trucks and Christmas craft vendors.

DATE: Every Friday and Saturday from November 29th – December 21tst
TIME: 6 pm to 10 pm
LOCATION: 117 Williams farm Rd, Maysville NC 28555
ADMISSION: Free
FACEBOOK PAGE

Coffee Haven’s Annual Merry Ferry Coffee & Christmas

Join Coffee Haven for their annual Merry Ferry event. They will have vendors, live music and more. If were lucky, Santa may pay us another visit right before Christmas.

DATE: Saturday, December 14th
TIME: 10 am-3 pm
LOCATION: 113 Silver Sands Drive, Sneads Ferry, NC

ADMISSION: FREE

FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE

Antique 2 Chic Christmas Gift Market

Join us for our Largest Event of the Year! The A2C 2024 Christmas Gift Market! Shop til You Drop, Visit with Santa & The Grinch, Savings throughout the Store, Samples, Great Food & Sweet Treats, Crafts for Kids, Giveaways, Fun & More!

DATE: December 14th and 15th
TIME: 10 am to 6 pm
LOCATION: 2501 Onslow Drive, Jacksonville
ADMISSION: Free
EVENT WEBSITE

Holiday Happenings at NC’s Southern Coast