Wrightsville Beach, NC -- (SBWire) -- 11/07/2011 --For 28 years running, visitors have made the easy drive down Interstate 40 East to Wrightsville Beach (http://www.visitwrightsville.com) each holiday season for a truly spectacular display – the lighted march of boats large and small known as the North Carolina Holiday Flotilla.
The popular beach destination offers a variety of festive and unique activities like the famed Flotilla during the holiday season. Prior to Thanksgiving Day on Thursday, Nov. 24 and going through New Year’s Day on Sunday, Jan. 1, traditional celebrations share the calendar with signature events like the Cape Fear Kite Festival, Friday, Nov. 4 to Sunday, Nov. 6, and the Surf to Sound Paddleboard Challenge, Friday, Nov. 18 to Sunday, Nov. 20, providing a breath of fresh air and outdoor activities leading up to the holidays – and plenty to do without ever having to leave the island.
Kick Off Thanksgiving Weekend and Celebrate Christmas at the NC Holiday Flotilla
Treat the family to a Thanksgiving celebration at Wrightsville Beach, where families of all budgets take advantage of special off-season rates for hotels, motels and beach house rentals (http://bit.ly/n2uXNn). Loved ones can feast on Thanksgiving Day, then take part in the tree lighting ceremony or get tickets to the North Carolina Holiday Flotilla Captain’s Launch Party on Friday, Nov. 25 and celebrate the 28th Annual Holiday Flotilla on Saturday, Nov. 26 – complete with a lighted boat parade and fireworks display (http://bit.ly/o3BR21). A Wrightsville Beach tradition, the flotilla has been named one of the Top 20 “Must See Events in the Southeast,” and brings almost 50,000 visitors and locals to the beach. On the same day, families are invited to the annual Holiday Flotilla Festival in the Park, complete with arts and crafts booths, food, children’s games and more.
Other area events, including local festivals and a festive 5K Jingle Bell Run (http://bit.ly/pvKa1Q) – costumes encouraged – are sure to get everyone in the holiday spirit. Dozens of holiday events in nearby Wilmington are sure to attract guests as well. Enchanted Airlie offers visitors a chance to stroll through beautifully decorated gardens and enjoy festive lights, live musical entertainment, a working model train and LEGO display with more than 150,000 colorful bricks. With all of the activities available on the island during the holiday weekend, spending Thanksgiving and celebrating Christmas at Wrightsville Beach is a little easier and more memorable for years to come.
New Year’s Beach Blast
Wrightsville Beach’s many beautiful beach rentals and hotels provide the perfect setting for a New Year’s Eve party with family and friends. Ring in the New Year with a variety of special events or just relax and reflect on the year with a long walk on the beach. (http://bit.ly/n8ZmJW).
For special off-season rates and more information on all holiday activities at Wrightsville Beach, go to http://www.visitwrightsville.com.
About Wrightsville Beach, NC
North Carolina’s most accessible beach from I-40 is Wrightsville Beach. It’s easy to get there and even easier to stay. Everything visitors need is right on the island with plenty of family-friendly activities, great food, full-service hotels and rental options and a casual atmosphere year-round. For more information, go to http://www.VisitWrightsville.com or call the Wrightsville Beach Visitors Center at (800) 650-9106.
Celebrate the Holidays Coastal Style at Wrightsville Beach
North Carolina Beach Destination Features Popular N.C. Holiday Flotilla, Other Festive Events Throughout The Season