Southport unveils festive lineup for WINTERFEST 2025

SOUHTPORT, NC (WWAY) — The city of Southport released details on the weeklong WINTERFEST 2025 celebration.

The event from December 5th to the 13th brings back traditions and introduces new event.

People of all ages are invited to share in the magic, music and merriment in Southport.

From December 5th through the 13th, the city will hold their fifth annual Storefront Showcase Decorating contest. People can cast their votes and winners will be announced December 15th for most community spirit, most festive, best classic Christmas, biggest surprise and best overall.

The City of Southport Community Relations Department and the Winterfest Tea Committee will host Winterfest Tea on Saturday, December 6th at 1:00 p.m. at the community building. Tickets are $50 and available at the Fort Johnston Visitors Center & Museum. Proceeds will benefit three local organizations.

Shop-with-a-Cop Concert Back Porch Rockers at Franklin Square Park & Golf Cart Decorating Contest will be Monday, December 8th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the department’s Shop-with-a-Cop program.

On Tuesday, December 9th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. the Southport Garden Club presents its First Annual Winterfest-ival of Trees at Franklin Square Park. Individuals, businesses, churches and organizations can display decorated trees throughout the park. There will be crafts, caroling, visits from Santa and from the Grinch.

The Light Up the Night Christmas Parade, sponsored by the Southport Fire Department, begins at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, December 12th. The
route follows Moore and Howe Streets, returning to the station where children can visit Santa.

For the 31st year, the Southport Christmas Flotilla will illuminate the waterfront with a spectacular parade of decorated boats. This event will be held December 13th starting at 6 p.m. The flotilla route runs from Old American Fish to Marker 19 near The Landings, then returns along the
Intracoastal Waterway.

Additional events:

• Shop, Dine & Enjoy Local This Winterfest – All WINTERFEST long
• Downtown Tree Lighting Ceremony – Friday, December 5, 6 PM at Whittler’s Bench
• Pet Pictures with Santa – Sunday, December 7, 2–4 PM, Indian Trail Meeting Hall
• State Port Pilot Annual Cookie Contest – Wednesday, December 10, 3:30–5 PM, Southport Community Building
• Supper with Santa’s Elves – Wednesday, December 10, 5–6:30 PM, 209 Atlantic Ave. (Pre-registration required.)
• Polar Express Outdoor Movie – Thursday, December 11 at Dusk, Fort Johnston Garrison Lawn
• Once More Bookstore Holiday Open House – Friday, December 12, 10 AM–4 PM, 727 N. Howe Street
• Winter Craft Festival – Saturday, December 13, 10 AM–4 PM, Bay Street
• Santa’s Workshop – Saturday, December 13, 10–11 AM, 209 Atlantic Avenue
• Winterfest Performing Arts Program – Saturday, December 13, 11 AM–3 PM, Fort Johnston Lawn
• Old Brunswick County Jail Tours – Saturday, December 13, 11 AM–5 PM
• Holiday Tour of Homes – Saturday, December 13, 11 AM–5 PM. Tickets available November 19 through the
  Southport Historical Society
• Southport Train & Toy Show – Saturday, December 13, 12–5 PM, Indian Trail Meeting Hall
• Charlie Brown Makes New Friends Christmas Party – Saturday, December 13, 3–5 PM, Southport Community
  Building, hosted by the Brunswick Arts Council