Things starting to look festive at Carolina Beach, Pleasure Island

The Carolina Beach Boardwalk is a little more festive this holiday season than in years past. The first ever Christmas by the Sea kicked off Friday evening.

Hundreds gathered and toured the lights and displays, live nativity scene, the fire pit, and gathered around the Christmas tree for carols. The event is an effort of the Boardwalk Makeover Committee, which has been working hard all year to restore family entertainment to the boardwalk.

Dan Wilcox, Carolina Beach Mayor Pro-tem said, “The overall goal is to see kids happy and to see their eyes light up and give families something to do during the winter season. Come down, walk around, look at the lights, sit by the fire for a while, listen to some stories. I mean, its family entertainment and that’s what we’re trying to do here at the boardwalk.”

The Christmas by the Sea will last throughout the holiday season on the boardwalk. The lights will be lit each night, and Santa will visit on Saturday nights.

A bit further south on Pleasure Island, Carolina Beach residents enjoyed ‘Light up the Lake. Hundreds waited in anticipation, and counted down to see the lake light up with Christmas lights.

The annual event kicks off the Island of Lights Festival which lasts all month long.

This year’s display features Santa on his sleigh, angels, and even a few dolphins to go along with a beach motif.