Hello, November! We're ready for you. The Crystal Coast of North Carolina and its surrounding beaches and towns are gearing up for the holidays while still enjoying beautiful beach weather, plenty of sunshine, and pristine golden sandy beaches. Here are the highlights of November in Emerald Isle and all along the North Carolina coast. If you haven't booked your Emerald Isle rental, now's the time. Your beach vacation awaits—and so do the fun and festivities. Happy November!

November 8, 2019 

Friday Free Flicks, Emerald Isle Community Center

Enjoy a family night out at the movies in Emerald Isle—for free! The second Friday of every month, the Emerald Isle Community Center hosts movie night in the gym. Bring a chair or blanket, spend a $1 for popcorn and a drink, and then sit back and watch the show. Movie begins at 7p.m. This month's featured film is Small Foot (PG). Event details here.

November 9, 2019 

Veterans Day Parade in Morehead City

Celebrate Veterans Day early! On behalf of the Carteret County Veterans Council and the over 8,000 veterans of Carteret County, you are invited to the 2019 Carteret County Veterans Day Parade. The parade is held in Morehead City starting at 11a.m. The parade begins at 17th Street and proceeds down Arendell Street in the east-bound lane to 5th Street. Event details here.

November 9-10, 2019 

World War II Weekend at Fort Macon

November 9, 2019 from 2-5p.m. and November 10, 2019 from 10a.m.-4p.m. A small group of reenactors are in the fort Saturday afternoon and Sunday showing what Fort Macon would have looked like during WWII. Uniform talks, weapons demonstrations, and other short talks and presentations are given throughout the day. Event details here.

November 16, 2019

Holiday Extravaganza Show, Carteret Community College

Join the holiday fun from 6-9p.m. at the 9th Annual Holiday Spectacular that celebrates both Thanksgiving and Christmas. Seating is limited and the show is usually a sell-out, so get your tickets as early as possible. Event takes place at Joslyn Hall on the Carteret Community College Campus. Tickets can be purchased at The Kountry Kitchen in Morehead City. Event details here.

November 24, 2019 

Beaufort Community Thanksgiving Feast

Join the Beaufort Historical Association for the annual Community Thanksgiving Feast from 11:30a.m. until 1p.m. A traditional turkey dinner is provided by some of the area’s finest restaurants as well as Scarborough Faire Catering. Served at the Beaufort Historic Site, dinners are available for take-out or to enjoy under the tent. Admission fee is $25 and you'll definitely get your money's worth. Event details here.

November 28, 2019 

Pine Knoll Shores Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot

Get a jump start on burning off all those excess Thanksgiving Day calories with this scenic run, jog, or walk. This is a fun and free celebration that is open to vacationers and locals alike featuring plenty of ways to enjoy the local scenery while enjoying a little community spirit. The 3.1 mile walk, run, or jog begins at the McNeill Park, which is situated off of Oakleaf Drive, on the edge of the Bogue Sound. There is also a 2-mile dog-walking course option. Registration begins at 8:15a.m. and the Trot begins at 9a.m. Event details here.

November 28, 2019 

Thanksgiving at the Beach

Why not enjoy the best of both worlds with holidays spent at the beach? Seriously, it's a really wonderful way to make memories and change up your holiday routine. You can still enjoy all of the festivities of the holiday season paired with sunshine, sand and surf. What's not to love? If you're not convinced, read more about why a beach vacation in the off season is the best. 

November 29, 2019 

Santa Arrives by Boat on the Beaufort Waterfront

Kick off this special time of year and bring your family down to the beautiful Beaufort waterfront at 11a.m. sharp to welcome the arrival of Santa Claus. In keeping with maritime tradition, Santa is cruising to his workshop located by the Dock House. The crew of the Beaufort Oars will be rowing their 34 ft. Cornish gig with their special passenger on the bow of the boat. He’ll be escorted to his workshop by his favorite elves. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be listening to your special holiday wishes until 3 p.m. Event details here.

November 30, 2019 

Emerald Isle Christmas Parade

This is an Emerald Isle holiday tradition! Find your spot for the Christmas parade beginning at 3p.m. on Hwy 58, Emerald Drive. After the parade ends, come out to the official Christmas Tree Lighting at Merchant’s Park. Enjoy free refreshments, as well as a holiday carol sing-a-long as Santa Claus visits with the children. Event details here.