Living like a local: Wilmington wonderland

A parade of decorated boats followed by a fireworks show are among the offerings at the annual North Carolina Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach. (File photo)

Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday that for my family has always provided an opportunity to visit with those that we may not see as often throughout the year. Each year, we decide where we are going to travel and with whom we will visit. We are fortunate to have a long list of loved ones who invite us into their home and that has always felt like the real meaning of the day. 

Some years we hop in the car to celebrate with my family in St. Augustine, Florida, where we can enjoy a beautiful beach and historic downtown. … Sound familiar? Yes, my family has a type. If we don’t go to St. Augustine, then we may head to the Uwharrie National Forest on Lake Tillery, a beautiful part of the state for those of you who haven’t been. We may also visit family in High Point or friends in Charlotte.

No matter where we go for Thanksgiving, we know on the following Saturday we will make it back home to Wrightsville Beach to the magic and wonder of the North Carolina Holiday Flotilla. We never miss it.

The Wrightsville Beach flotilla is the kick-off to the season and should never be missed. Typically, there are about thirty boats showcasing their best holiday decorations. They range from smaller bowriders, which may be lit up to look like a holiday jellyfish, to a giant sportfish boat with lights all the way up the tuna tower to dazzle the crowd. All of the boats have music pumping for the crowd to get into the spirit. 

People line the bridges and docks and local waterfront hotel balconies; I have enjoyed the festivities from each and every one of these places. Last year, we stood on the docks of Banks Channel, my daughter and her bestie belting out Christmas carols at the top of their lungs with thermoses full of hot chocolate in their hands and big smiles on their faces.  One year we even boated to an island and had an oyster roast, where we had a great vantage point for the flotilla and the fireworks! 

Wilmington is awesome. Always. The community really knows how to get into the spirit of the holiday.

Another must-see, classic Wilmington event to kick off the holidays is Enchanted Airlie. Unlike the flotilla, this is not a free event. Being a family favorite, it is well worth the price of admission. Tickets are $30.00 per carload. For this, you will park and walk the famous Airlie Gardens at nighttime. They have been lit up and turned into a winter wonderland. It is nothing short of magical. Tickets sell out fast for this local favorite, so if you missed the chance to get tickets this year, make sure you buy them early next year. Best practice is to buy tickets the day they’re available. 

If you like a good old-fashioned street parade, we have those too. Downtown Wilmington and Carolina Beach both host holiday parades. I have been known in certain years to dress as an elf and throw candy out to the kids. Apparently, there is nothing I won't do for this community or the holidays. 

Whatever type of celebration you are looking to attend, Wilmington and the surrounding beaches have you covered! Take time to enjoy your friends, family and all the magic that this season has to offer.

For more information about the North Carolina Holiday Flotilla, click here.

For more information about Enchanted Airlie, click here.