Santa to arrive in Southport by ferry Friday afternoon

SOUTHPORT, NC (WWAY) — Santa Claus will be making a special arrival in Southport by ferry Friday afternoon, and families are invited to ride along.

Santa will board the 4 p.m. ferry from Southport to Fort Fisher and then the 4:45 p.m. return trip into Southport ahead of the town’s “Light Up The Night” Christmas Parade. The parade begins at 6:30 p.m. in Waterfront Park, as part of Southport’s Winterfest celebrations.

Children who ride the ferry will have a chance to meet Santa and take photos during both crossings. He will also be available for visits after the parade at the Southport Fire Station.

Parents should be aware that those planning to enjoy festivities in Southport should bring their vehicles, since ferry service from Southport ends for the night at 6:15 p.m. Families wishing to return to Fort Fisher immediately can ride as pedestrians and catch the final 6:15 p.m. departure. Light refreshments will be available at the Southport Terminal.

One-way fares are $7 per regular vehicle, which includes passengers, and $2 for pedestrians. Children under five can ride free.