Tree Lightings & Parades
Surf City's tree lighting and the island's boat parades light up the sound after dark — bundle up and arrive early for parking.
Holiday Markets & Shops
Pop-up craft markets and gift shops along the strand make for a low-key, salty stocking-stuffer run.
Christmas Dinners
Several island restaurants open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with special menus — reservations book up early.
A Coastal Christmas
Lights on the dunes, oyster roasts and a quiet beach walk — Topsail does the holidays at its own easy pace.
Don't-Miss Christmas Spots
Poplar Grove Plantation — Merry & Bright
Hampstead · 10200 NC Hwy 17
Thu–Sun, late Nov through Dec 21 · 5–9 pm
The historic plantation grounds glow with thousands of lights for its annual holiday festival. Walk the lit grounds, meet Santa in the gazebo, tour the Manor House dressed in Victorian decor and A Christmas Story scenes, roast marshmallows at the campfire, and shop the juried gift show and food trucks. Admission charged; kids half-price Sundays.
Lights & tickets →Lake Linda's Christmas Lights
Hampstead · 218 Old House Rd
Nightly through the season · 5:30–9 pm
A beloved local tradition featured on ABC's The Great Christmas Light Fight. The Register family strings thousands of lights around the lake with dancing displays set to music — tune your car radio to 89.5 FM. Free to walk through; the CHRISTmas Shoppe has concessions and gifts, and Santa makes appearances.
Visit info →Holiday Events
Know Before You Go
- Many restaurants close or run limited hours Christmas Eve & Day — call ahead.
- Boat parades and tree lightings draw crowds; arrive early and bring a flashlight.
- Off-season parking is plentiful, but some lots close after dark.
- Dress in layers — sound-side evenings drop into the 40s even on the coast.