The Best Ways to Celebrate the Holidays in Emerald Isle
The holiday season is rapidly approaching, and, as the iconic song by Andy Williams says, it really is the most wonderful time of the year. Want to stay somewhere different this holiday season? It’s nice to change things up every once in a while, and a trip to the beach could be just what the doctor ordered.
Emerald Isle is a fantastic place to celebrate the holidays! While the coast of North Carolina might not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of festive spots, think again: the beaches are gorgeous and secluded, there are plenty of holiday events happening, and you can rent a fantastic Sun-Surf Realty vacation home to make all of your Christmas dreams come true.
Follow along for our favorite ways to celebrate the holidays in Emerald Isle!
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In this piece:
- Visit the Gallery of Trees
- Attend the Emerald Isle Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair
- Annual Emerald Isle Christmas Parade
- Check out the Crystal Coast Gingerbread Festival
- Celebrate with Santa at the North Carolina Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium
- Book Your Emerald Isle Holiday Stay Directly with Sun-Surf Realty!
Visit the Gallery of Trees
- Dates: November 22, 2025-January 10th, 2026
- Time: Open during museum hours (Mon-Sat 10 AM-5 PM, Sun 2-5 PM)
- Location: Core Sound Water Fowl Museum & Heritage Center (1785 Island Road, Harkers Island, NC)
- Admission: Free/Donate what you can
The Gallery of Trees is an age-old holiday tradition on the Crystal Coast! Many folks travel to the museum to celebrate Waterfowl Weekend during the first week of December, and the gallery is a true highlight of their trip, as well.
Families, businesses, and artists participate in the gallery, adorning crab pot trees with ornaments that tell each individual’s story. Every tree reflects a unique piece of North Carolina’s heritage. It’s a fantastic way to learn more about Core Sound and get in the spirit of the season!
Attend the Emerald Isle Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair
- Date: December 6th, 2025
- Time: 9 AM-3 PM
- Location: Emerald Isle Community Center Gymnasium, 203 Leisure Lane, Emerald Isle, NC
- Admission: Free to enter
Get your shopping done locally at the Emerald Isle Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair. It’s okay if you waited until December to get the last of your presents–you’ll find some real gems here!
Each gift here was made by a local artisan, so you won’t have to worry about buying the same thing as someone else (unless they come to the fair too, of course). Over thirty vendors will have booths at the fair, so there’s ample opportunity to find something perfect for even the pickiest person on your list.
Annual Emerald Isle Christmas Parade
- Date: November 29th, 2025
- Time: 2 PM
- Location: Emerald Drive/Hwy 58, between Black Skimmer and Mangrove Drive
It just wouldn’t be the holidays without a Christmas parade. Don’t worry, you don’t have to sacrifice your favorite yearly traditions just because you’re at the beach this year! Emerald Isle has its very own parade.
The parade rolls through the heart of town along Emerald Drive / Hwy 58, beginning at the town government complex and ending near Mangrove Drive (by the CVS).
This festive event is fun for the whole family! Expect colorfully decorated floats, marching bands, holiday characters, and, most importantly, a grand finale appearance by Santa Claus himself.
After the parade, head to Merchant’s Park for the official tree lighting, where the community gathers for cocoa, snacks, and mingling under twinkling lights.
Check out the Crystal Coast Gingerbread Festival
- Dates: Friday, December 12th, 2025-Sunday, December 14th, 2025
- Time: Saturday and Sunday, 11 AM-5 PM
- Location: 203 College Cir, Morehead City, NC
- Admission: Free, but donations accepted (and encouraged!)
What could be more exciting than a Gingerbread Festival? It’s certainly up there on our list of the most festive ways to spend your Emerald Isle Holiday.
Held at the Crystal Coast Civic Center, this annual December tradition transforms the waterfront venue into a sparkling winter wonderland filled with incredible gingerbread creations, themed Christmas trees, and sweet holiday spirit.
Take your time exploring rows of elaborate gingerbread houses, each one crafted by local bakers, artists, schools, and community groups. You’ll be amazed at the creativity on display, from classic candy-covered cottages to imaginative designs inspired by coastal life. Every entry tells a story, and you get to cast your vote for the “People’s Choice Award,” too!
The festival isn’t just about admiring gingerbread masterpieces. Families can enjoy:
- Visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus — perfect for holiday photos.
- Face painting, kids’ crafts, and hands-on activities that keep little ones entertained.
- The Gingerbread Café & Sweet Shop, where you can warm up with cocoa, grab a holiday treat, or pick up a gift from local vendors.
Best of all? Admission is free, so it’s an easy addition to your holiday itinerary. Donations are welcome; The Gingerbread Festival is the primary in-house fundraiser for SECU Crystal Coast Hospice House, the Crystal Coast's premier inpatient hospice care facility.
Celebrate with Santa at the North Carolina Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium
- Date: Saturday, December 13th, 2025
- Time: 9 AM-5 PM
- Location: North Carolina Aquarium, Pine Knoll Shores, 1 Roosevelt Blvd., Pine Knoll Shores, NC
- Admission: General admission to the aquarium is $15 for adults, $13 for children ages 3-12, and free for children under 2. On top of general admission, you will need to purchase an event holiday bag for $10.95 for each participating child.
You’ve seen Santa on his sleigh and parade floats…but what about by the water? Now’s your chance to spend time with Santa by the sea!
The North Carolina Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium is happy to bring back Santa by the Sea in 2025. There’s plenty for your kids to do at this exciting holiday event, from making holiday cards and ornaments, playing themed games, snacking on special Christmas treats, and more. Mrs. Claus will be available for story time, and Santa himself will be there for photos and Christmas cheer. Holiday bags include a take-home photo of each child with Santa plus crafts, holiday treats, activities, and other seasonal fun.
Book Your Emerald Isle Holiday Stay Directly with Sun-Surf Realty!
Winter Emerald Isle vacation rentals like the 6 Bed, 5 Bath "Hart & Sole" are big enough for the whole family!
Wow! With so many fun Christmas and holiday events happening here, it’s becoming clear: Emerald Isle is a great place to spend the winter months. In fact, we have a curated collection of winter rentals available that will make your holiday season incredibly special.
No matter what you’re looking for in your vacation rental, we’re confident you’ll find the right fit amongst our collection of Emerald Isle vacation rentals.
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