Winter Retreats at the Crystal Coast:
Activities, Events, and more to Enjoy!
It is easy to think of planning a trip to the coastal beach of North Carolina when enjoying the warm summer days, but what about when the chillier nights set in? Did you know that there is plenty to do in the winter months at the Crystal Coasts that keep tourists and residences coming all year round? From parades, festivals, holidays traditions and more, North Carolina’s Crystal Coast is a cozy getaway to enjoy in the winter months. It’ll keep you coming back for more. Some below events have already happened in 2023. Plan for 2024 now so you don’t miss these signature events next year.
Below is a list of some of the top Crystal Coast Towns paired with a winter seasonal event and more that they each offer to the public as well as locals! Kick off the holiday season at the beach, and make sure you get a great place to stay at any of these towns along the coast.
Below is a list of some of the top Crystal Coast Towns paired with a winter seasonal event and more that they each offer to the public as well as locals! Kick off the holiday season at the beach, and make sure you get a great place to stay at any of these towns along the coast.
photo caption: Atlantic Beach, NC, Penguin Plunge | photo credit: Penguin Plunge INC
Atlantic Beach
For over 20 years locals and tourists have been taking part in the Annual Penguin Plunge right into the Atlantic Ocean to kick off the new year. This adult and kid friendly event always takes place at the Circle Regional Beach Access which is easy for all guests on the coast to join at. The plunge is a great way to bring in the new year and as it takes place on New Year’s Day to help welcome a fresh start to the year. Proceeds go to local charities and is welcome to all from plungers and spectators.
For over 20 years locals and tourists have been taking part in the Annual Penguin Plunge right into the Atlantic Ocean to kick off the new year. This adult and kid friendly event always takes place at the Circle Regional Beach Access which is easy for all guests on the coast to join at. The plunge is a great way to bring in the new year and as it takes place on New Year’s Day to help welcome a fresh start to the year. Proceeds go to local charities and is welcome to all from plungers and spectators.
photo caption: Beaufort's Annual Crystal Coast Christmas Flotilla | photo credit: Crystal Coast N.C.
Beaufort
The small town of Beaufort shows off its small-town holiday feels with their Annual Crystal Coast Christmas Flotilla. The event in early December has taken place for over 25 years and features a large display of vessels with their best seasonal decor! Starting in Morehead City and ending in The Beaufort Hotel dock area and partnered with the Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center where they give awards and prizes you can spot thousands of holiday lights displayed right along the water. Plan now for next year's event…you do not want to miss this Crystal Coast tradition!
Another small-town tradition in Beaufort is the Christmas Candlelight Tour. Going on for over 15 years, this event, which is hosted by the Historic Society of Beaufort, is a one of a kind tour during the holiday season. Tour private homes, inns, and churches of historic Beaufort or enjoy the tour from a double decker bus, to see these homes light up with cheer and lights. This December event is beautiful, taking place in the evening to really like the lights and the history to do the talking while you enjoy this picture-perfect seaside town.
The small town of Beaufort shows off its small-town holiday feels with their Annual Crystal Coast Christmas Flotilla. The event in early December has taken place for over 25 years and features a large display of vessels with their best seasonal decor! Starting in Morehead City and ending in The Beaufort Hotel dock area and partnered with the Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center where they give awards and prizes you can spot thousands of holiday lights displayed right along the water. Plan now for next year's event…you do not want to miss this Crystal Coast tradition!
Another small-town tradition in Beaufort is the Christmas Candlelight Tour. Going on for over 15 years, this event, which is hosted by the Historic Society of Beaufort, is a one of a kind tour during the holiday season. Tour private homes, inns, and churches of historic Beaufort or enjoy the tour from a double decker bus, to see these homes light up with cheer and lights. This December event is beautiful, taking place in the evening to really like the lights and the history to do the talking while you enjoy this picture-perfect seaside town.
photo caption: Night at the Cape | photo credit: CoastalReview.org
Cape Lookout
A popular activity to do during the winter months while at Cape Lookout is the Night at the Cape evening tour from the Island Express Ferry Services in the area. Available from December into January you can enjoy a 5pm launch time to take the Ferry out to sea where you get a one-of-a-kind view of the Lighthouse of Cape Lookout lit up.
Emerald Isle
This southernmost town along the Crystal Coast is Emerald Isle and takes pride in its Annual Christmas Parade. Featuring local bands, floats, dance teams and more, Emerald Isle’s parade has been going on for over 20 years and takes place the day after Thanksgiving. This popular family friendly event welcomes locals and tourists from all over to enjoy the town and cheer on the holiday spirit to kick off the season. Plan now for next year's parade and join in on the fun while you kick off the holiday season at the Crystal Coast.
Harkers Island
Waterfowl Weekend and the Core Sound Decoy Festival have become a tradition for many in and around Harkers Island. Taking place in the beginning of December, this event celebrates the history of the area as well as the art of wooden decoy making and waterfowl hunting along with area preservation . From exhibits, demonstrations, crafts and more all are welcome to take part in the fun and education of how waterfowl are a major part of the Crystal Coast. Plan ahead for this popular event and look into booking for next year’s festival to make the most out of the winter season at the Crystal Coast.
Morehead City
Located on the mainland side of the sound you can find popular Morehead City. Known for great fishing, festivals, and beaches in the summer, Morehead City in the winter offers some unique fun! Such as their Annual Gingerbread Festival in early December. This event is a great fundraiser for the area's Hospice House and includes face painting, Santa, gingerbread competitions, movie nights, local bands, and more.
Another popular and well-established event taking place in Morehead City is the Carolina Chocolate Festival every February. This is a large event including a 5K, a professional bake off, samples and unique chocolate vendors from all over. Located in the Crystal Coast Civic Center you can enjoy the event while also relaxing at any of Morehead City’s hotels and rental homes along the beach.
A popular activity to do during the winter months while at Cape Lookout is the Night at the Cape evening tour from the Island Express Ferry Services in the area. Available from December into January you can enjoy a 5pm launch time to take the Ferry out to sea where you get a one-of-a-kind view of the Lighthouse of Cape Lookout lit up.
Emerald Isle
This southernmost town along the Crystal Coast is Emerald Isle and takes pride in its Annual Christmas Parade. Featuring local bands, floats, dance teams and more, Emerald Isle’s parade has been going on for over 20 years and takes place the day after Thanksgiving. This popular family friendly event welcomes locals and tourists from all over to enjoy the town and cheer on the holiday spirit to kick off the season. Plan now for next year's parade and join in on the fun while you kick off the holiday season at the Crystal Coast.
Harkers Island
Waterfowl Weekend and the Core Sound Decoy Festival have become a tradition for many in and around Harkers Island. Taking place in the beginning of December, this event celebrates the history of the area as well as the art of wooden decoy making and waterfowl hunting along with area preservation . From exhibits, demonstrations, crafts and more all are welcome to take part in the fun and education of how waterfowl are a major part of the Crystal Coast. Plan ahead for this popular event and look into booking for next year’s festival to make the most out of the winter season at the Crystal Coast.
Morehead City
Located on the mainland side of the sound you can find popular Morehead City. Known for great fishing, festivals, and beaches in the summer, Morehead City in the winter offers some unique fun! Such as their Annual Gingerbread Festival in early December. This event is a great fundraiser for the area's Hospice House and includes face painting, Santa, gingerbread competitions, movie nights, local bands, and more.
Another popular and well-established event taking place in Morehead City is the Carolina Chocolate Festival every February. This is a large event including a 5K, a professional bake off, samples and unique chocolate vendors from all over. Located in the Crystal Coast Civic Center you can enjoy the event while also relaxing at any of Morehead City’s hotels and rental homes along the beach.
photo caption: sunset at the beach | photo credit: Pinterest.com
Pine Knoll Shores
A popular destination outside of the beautiful beaches at Pine Knoll Shores in the North Carolina Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium. The winter months are a great time to visit this fun and educational aquarium and take part in their many events, such as December’s Santa by the Sea. Storytime and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday crafts, gifts and more all while taking in the sights of the fantastic NC Aquarium.
So from ferry tours by the moonlight to waterfowl decoy making you can find any great winter activity at the Crystal Coast while still taking in the fresh air and sounds of the ocean. You may even find yourself falling more in love with these small towns during their slow season and soon find yourself coming back for more. After enjoying the Crystal Coast in the winter make sure to venture back for all the other seasons to fully take in what the coastal lifestyle has to offer. And when you are ready to make the job on your dream home along the coast, give us a call at Carl Johnson Real Estate where our knowledge, trust, and resources are yours. CLICK HERE to contact us today to get started on the hunt for your next perfect home!
A popular destination outside of the beautiful beaches at Pine Knoll Shores in the North Carolina Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium. The winter months are a great time to visit this fun and educational aquarium and take part in their many events, such as December’s Santa by the Sea. Storytime and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday crafts, gifts and more all while taking in the sights of the fantastic NC Aquarium.
So from ferry tours by the moonlight to waterfowl decoy making you can find any great winter activity at the Crystal Coast while still taking in the fresh air and sounds of the ocean. You may even find yourself falling more in love with these small towns during their slow season and soon find yourself coming back for more. After enjoying the Crystal Coast in the winter make sure to venture back for all the other seasons to fully take in what the coastal lifestyle has to offer. And when you are ready to make the job on your dream home along the coast, give us a call at Carl Johnson Real Estate where our knowledge, trust, and resources are yours. CLICK HERE to contact us today to get started on the hunt for your next perfect home!