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The Most Fun and Festive December Events in Emerald Isle

Posted On Monday, November 27, 2017

Festive December Events in Emerald Isle

'Tis the season for all things fun and festive. December is a month full of holiday celebrations and more on the Crystal Coast of North Carolina. Come and experience a coastal Christmas where seashells trump snowflakes and you can build a sandman instead of a snowman. Toss off those snow boots and grab your flip flops, then join us for all of the December events and things to do at the beach. Here's what's going on in Emerald Isle and beyond this month. See you around town and on the beach!


Emerald Isle Events and Things To Do in December


Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair

December 2, 2017
8a.m. to 4p.m. @ Emerald Isle Community Center
On the first Saturday in December, Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation hosts the 6th Annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair in the gymnasium. The fair features all handmade or hand-authenticated items from local artisans and crafters. With over 30 vendors, you are sure to find just the right gift for everyone on your Christmas list. Croatan High School Band is on site with concessions. Thanks for supporting the local businesses and crafters. Happy shopping!

Santa & A MovieSanta and a Movie

December 8, 2017
6p.m. @ Emerald Isle Community Center
Children of all ages join Santa for a Christmas story after enjoying milk and cookies and watching a short Christmas movie classic. Santa’s helper, Isabel the Elf, is joining in the fun this year for some clown-like fun. Kids are encouraged to wear their most comfy Christmas pajamas. Please bring a blanket for your family to sit on during the movie. The admission fee is one unwrapped gift per child. Registration opens November 1, 2017 and you must pre-register by Thursday, December 7 at 5p.m. to attend. There are only 75 children spaces available and they fill up quickly. Don't miss out!

Red Cross Blood Drive

December 15, 2017
2-7p.m. @ Emerald Isle Community Center
It is the season for giving so please consider donating to the Carteret County Chapter of the American Red Cross blood drive at Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation Community Center. Thank you!

Emerald Isle ChristmasFamily Christmas

December 25, 2017
Christmas at the beach is the best. How are you spending your coastal holiday? May it be filled with family, friends, food and festivities complemented by the sun, sand and surf.


Emerald Isle New Year's Eve

December 31, 2017
Stay in and celebrate a cozy New Year's Eve in right in your Emerald Isle rental or go out on the town and ring in the New Year with drinks, dinner and a walk on the beach. Cheers to 2018!

For more information, events and things to do this month and every month, check out the Town of Emerald Isle Event Calendar.

More Crystal Coast Events and Things To Do in December


Core Sound Waterfowl Weekend & Decoy FestivalDecoy Festival

December 2-3, 2017
@ Harkers Island Elementary School
Celebrating its 30th year, the Core Sound Decoy Festival offers antique decoy exhibits, retriever demonstrations, and competitions including duck calling, loon calling, head whittling, and a live and silent auction. There’s always delicious food offered by Harkers Island Elementary School staff and volunteers, and plenty of shopping opportunities from the many vendors who flock to the festival each year. Experience a Down East December for yourself and see why it's a local favorite event. Admission is $8 daily, children under 12 are admitted free of charge.

Beaufort Holiday Art Walk & Christmas Candlelight Homes Tour

December 9, 2017
@ Beaufort Historic Site
The Mattie King Davis Art Gallery holds an opening art reception from 2-5p.m. that features three new artists: Carol Roop, Craig Gurganus and Janet Jaworski. Enjoy art works from an array of regional artists showcased in various shops, galleries and restaurants throughout downtown Beaufort before attending the Candlelight Tour. Then celebrate the season with a tour of private homes throughout Beaufort from 5-8p.m. on a double-decker bus with carolers from local churches. Prior to the tour, the Visitor Center is serving up refreshments, handing out maps and selling tickets to the Candlelight Tour. The Holiday Art Walk is free and the Christmas Candlelight Tour costs $16.

New Year's Eve Downtown Countdown

December 31, 2017
5p.m. to midnight @ Morehead City Waterfront
The Downtown Countdown is one of the biggest New Year’s Eve parties on the Crystal Coast of NC. Enjoy the views along the Morehead City waterfront before taking part in the first crab pot drop of the night. The fun continues with music, magicians, fire dancers and stilt walkers. After the sun sets, enjoy a laser show and colorful glow party. The Downtown Countdown is a free, family-friendly event so bring everyone you can. Once the clock strikes midnight, there will be one last crab pot drop and a spectacular fireworks show to end the evening. Ring in the New Year in true Crystal Coast style. See you there!

New Year's Day Penguin Plunge

Penguin PlungeJanuary 1, 2018
1p.m. @ Atlantic Beach

This is technically a January event, but you'll want to start mentally preparing for this in December. Start your New Year off in the coolest way possible—literally. The Penguin Plunge is a Crystal Coast tradition where you dive in to the Atlantic Ocean waters while supporting a local cause. Go ahead and start your 2018 off with a splash, if you dare. (IMG Source: Penguin Plunge Facebook)
So there you have it. Mark your December calendar and check it twice. Let us know if we'll see you at any of these fabulous local events on the beautiful Crystal Coast of North Carolina. Emerald Isle beach is calling your name, so come and spend a coastal Christmas with us. Happy December!

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So what's on your December calendar? Will we see you on the Crystal Coast this month? Let us know!

Festive December Events in Emerald Isle Pin