Southport, NC
- Southport Winterfest — Dec 5 to Dec 12, 2025. A week-long holiday festival with tree lighting, holiday concerts, storefront decorations, shopping, and community events. (brunswicknc.com)
- Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting — Friday, Dec 5, 2025 at 6:00 PM. Holiday cheer, music, hot chocolate, and community gathering at Whittler’s Bench. (Southport NC – TownofSouthportNC.com)
- Pop-Up Ice Skating — Part of Winterfest, at Fort Johnston Tennis Courts, open Dec 5–13, 2025. Fun for all ages, skate rental provided. (Southport NC – TownofSouthportNC.com)
- Light Up the Night Christmas Parade — Friday, Dec 12, 2025 (parade starts about 6:30 PM). Festive community parade sponsored by the fire department. (City of Southport)
- Winterfest Flotilla (Boat Parade on Water) — Saturday, Dec 13, 2025 at 6:00 PM along the waterfront. Decorated boats, light reflections on the water — a magical holiday tradition. (Columbus County News)
Calabash, NC & Surrounding Area
- Calabash Christmas Tree Lighting & Parade — Friday, Dec 5, 2025 at 6:00 PM in downtown Calabash at Callahan’s of Calabash. Enjoy music, caroling, hot cocoa, a visit from Santa, “North Pole Mail” for children, and community goodwill. (Calabash NC – CalabashTown.com)
Shallotte, NC
- Shallotte Christmas Parade — First Saturday in December (Saturday, Dec 6, 2025). Parade starts at 10:00 AM. Family-friendly, community celebration and a holiday tradition for locals. (ncbrunswick.com)
Ocean Isle Beach, NC & Nearby Beach Towns
- Holiday Art Market (Ocean Isle Beach) — Saturday, Dec 6, 2025, from 10:00 AM–3:00 PM. A great opportunity to shop local artisans, support community makers, and find unique gifts. (Heyzine)
- Seasonal Holiday Markets & Events — Many of the Brunswick Islands beach communities (including Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle) participate in holiday-themed markets, tree-lightings, and festive activities during December. (ncbrunswick.com)
Leland, NC (nearby, sometimes considered with Brunswick local events)
- Leland in Lights — Grand Illumination event begins Saturday, Dec 6, 2025, and runs through January 4, 2026. The light display will be active throughout the season. Great for families, and there are usually extras like train rides for kids. (ncbrunswick.com)
🗓️ What This Means for December 2025 / Early Jan 2026
- December is packed with holiday festivals, parades, tree-lightings, markets, and community events across multiple towns in Brunswick County.
- A handful of events stretch into early January 2026 (especially light displays like Leland in Lights).
- For anyone considering relocating or buying a home, December and early January are great times to visit — you’ll get a feel for local community life, small-town charm, and how welcoming the area can be beyond the peak summer season.
Ready to Experience Brunswick County for Yourself?
December and January are some of the best times to explore Brunswick County. The crowds thin out, the holiday lights glow across every town, and you get to see the community spirit that keeps locals here long after the summer visitors go home. If you are thinking about moving to coastal North Carolina or simply want to learn more about life in Brunswick County, I am here to help.
Reach out today to ask questions about neighborhoods, homes for sale, beach communities, school districts, waterfront living, or anything else you need to feel confident about your next step.
Call or text: 910-945-8494
Email: info@bottlenoserealty.com
Visit: BottleNoseRealty.com
🏡 Let’s find your perfect place in Brunswick County
I look forward to helping you make this beautiful coastal area your home.
