Flotilla 2024

Every year the town of Wrightsville Beach outdoes itself with holiday decorations and a festive atmosphere as it hosts the North Carolina Holiday Flotilla. This year marks the 41st lighted boat parade and day in the park.

The three-day event kicks off Friday Nov. 29, with a parade boat captains meeting at 6 p.m., followed by the Captains Kick Off Party (tickets required), which is hosted this year at Bluewater Grill.

Saturday is an all-day affair, in Wrightsville Beach Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is the place to purchase local arts and crafts, and flotilla merchandise, as well as enjoy bounce houses for the kids and other fun activities.

At 5 p.m. the sponsors’ tent opens waterfront at nearby Atlantic Marine. One hour later the lighted boat parade begins on the north side of the Heide Trask drawbridge. A fireworks display follows the last boat reaching the United States Coast Guard station on Wrightsville’s south end. The route provides many spots for spectators to enjoy this free celebration and fireworks, however parking is challenging and traffic lanes on the Causeway become restricted to protect spectators once the boat parade begins. Early arrival, chairs, blankets and warm gear are encouraged.

 On Sunday, Dec. 1 at 10 a.m. the winners are announced at the Captains Breakfast.