43rd annual North Carolina Holiday Flotilla returns to Wrightsville Beach Thanksgiving weekend
WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC (WWAY) — A popular holiday tradition is returning to Wrightsville Beach this Thanksgiving weekend as the 43rd annual North Carolina Holiday Flotilla takes place Nov. 27-29.
The annual event draws thousands of spectators to the coast for a weekend of festivities, including an illuminated boat parade, live entertainment, local vendors and fireworks over the water.
The celebration kicks off Friday, Nov. 27, with the Friday Night Kickoff Party at Bluewater Waterfront Grill, featuring live music from the band Spare Change. Tickets are limited and available for purchase online.
On Saturday, Nov. 28, the festivities continue with Day in the Park at Wrightsville Beach Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will feature local arts and crafts vendors, food, official flotilla merchandise and community entertainment.
The main attraction, the illuminated boat parade, begins at 6 p.m. Saturday, followed by a fireworks display over the water.
Organizers are also encouraging local boat captains to participate in the parade. Boats of all sizes and types, including skiffs, center consoles, fishing boats, sailboats and yachts, are welcome.
Participating captains will compete in eight award categories for more than $14,000 in prize money, along with additional perks for registered participants.
“The North Carolina Holiday Flotilla represents the very best of our coastal community,” event organizers said. “For more than four decades, families, visitors, sponsors, volunteers, and boat captains have come together to create a tradition that signals the start of the holiday season for so many throughout North Carolina.”
Boat captains interested in participating can register through the official North Carolina Holiday Flotilla website.
