Amid all the tinsel and trees, carols and cocoa and cheer, winter holidays offer a perfect opportunity to introduce something special into your everyday routine. For some, that means reviving cherished family traditions for the next generation to experience. For others, it’s a chance to carve out time with far away friends or connect more deeply with people you see everyday. All so we can press pause on our busy busy lives, and just for a moment, stop to cherish what truly matters.
Here in Beaufort, North Carolina, we couldn’t agree more. Our charming beach town transforms itself each winter into a holiday tradition paradise. No wonder our historic, downtown community has been named America’s Favorite Small Town by Travel + Leisure, and the South’s Best Small Town by Southern Living. Just hear what they’re saying:
"Don’t miss Beaufort’s Crystal Coast Christmas Flotilla, a charming yearly parade of boats and holiday lights held in the area every December. There’s also a model train show, a holiday art walk, a candlelit homes tour, and an old-fashioned holiday market each Christmas season in Beaufort." –Southern Living Magazine
HOLIDAY EVENTS IN BEAUFORT
Annual Christmas Parade
December 7, 2019 | 1:00 pm
Small town parade brings big time fun for families with the annual Beaufort Christmas Parade along Front Street. Hosted by the Beaufort Development Association. www.beaufortnc.com. To sign-up to participate in the parade, email info@beaufortnc.com.
2019 Crystal Coast Flotilla to Beaufort, NC
December 7, 2019 | 6:15 pm
The Crystal Coast Christmas Flotilla features boats, yachts, oars, kayaks and commercial vessels decorated for the season. The decorated boats can be seen at 5:30 p.m. on the Morehead City waterfront and at 6:15 p.m. on the Beaufort waterfront. Boats may register to participate in the Flotilla by phone or mail, and until noon on Saturday, December 7, at the North Carolina Maritime Museum Store. All decorated boats are judged and prizes for excellence and creativity are awarded at the Awards Party after the Flotilla in the Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center located across the street from the museum. Cash prizes will be awarded!
North Carolina Maritime Museum
315 Front Street
Beaufort, NC 28516
252.504.7763
32nd Annual Core Sound Decoy Festival
December 7-8, 2019 | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
The Core Sound Decoy Festival has been a coastal tradition since 1988. Held the first full weekend in December on Harkers Island, this two-day festival includes antique decoy exhibits, retriever demonstrations, a head whittling contest, and decoy competitions with categories for every kind of carver. There are fun activities for children and educational exhibits, as well as live and silent auctions. Harkers Island Elementary School staff and volunteers dish out scrumptious food, and vendors spread their wares for shoppers who flock to the Festival. This event benefits the Core Sound Decoy Carver’s Guild and Harkers Island Elementary School and is the area’s largest off-season event. Admission is $8 daily, children under 12 are free. Wonderful event full of decoys, great food, and friends!
Core Sound Decoy Carvers Guild
1574 Harkers Island Road
Beaufort, NC 28516
252-728-3755
9th Annual Beaufort Holiday Art Walk
December 14, 2019 | 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Enjoy a festive day in Historic Downtown Beaufort, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and celebrate the season with art receptions and open houses at many downtown locations. A wide variety of art from regional artists will be showcased throughout many of the downtown shops, galleries and restaurants. The Art Walk will begin at The Beaufort Historic Site, and Art Walk maps will be available at participating locations.
Beaufort Historic Site
130 Turner Street
Beaufort, NC
(252) 728-5225
Historic Beaufort Candlelight Homes Tour 2019
December 14, 2019 | 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Tour private homes in Beaufort and ride on the double-decker bus with carolers from local churches. Homeowners will open their doors so that the public can delight in their festive décor and decorations. Tickets $16.
Beaufort Historic Site
130 Turner Road
Beaufort, NC 28516
(252) 728-5225
Sunday Brunch Holiday Walkabout
December 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 | 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
You’ll take a leisurely stroll through Beaufort’s Historic District with your guide to see some of the beautiful homes with festive holiday decorations. After the tour, you can relax and enjoy Sunday Brunch at Beaufort Grocery Company, one of the region’s most renowned dining establishments. Choose your entrée from several breakfast or lunch culinary features on their restaurant menu. Enjoy a mimosa, Bloody Mary, or a holiday drink, and non-alcoholic beverages. $69 per person includes tour, local guide, brunch, some alcoholic beverages, taxes, and restaurant gratuity. Duration 2 ½ hours. Ages: 21 yrs. old & up. Younger adults and children can be accommodated. Private tours, at no additional fee, can be arranged for groups or families. Two person minimum. Call for advance reservations 252-648-1011 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. www.hungrytowntours.com. The #1 Activity on The Crystal Coast by TripAdvisor.com.
Hungry Town Tours
406 Live Oak Street
Beaufort, NC 28516
(252) 648-1011
For a seasonal calendar of events in Beaufort, North Carolina, click here.