North Carolina Has Its Very Own Christmas Island And You'll Want To Visit
By OnlyInYourState Staff
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Published December 22, 2017
While many think of Christmas as snow and rolling over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house, there are diverse types of Christmas celebrations found throughout the state. It makes sense that being in such proximity to the beach means one North Carolina town figured out how to reel in the Holiday spirit – island style.
From Thanksgiving to New Years, the towns of Carolina and Kure Beach turn Pleasure Island into a holiday light show spectacle illuminating the surrounding lake with quaint Christmas decorations that dazzle and reflect on the water. The annual event always kicks off the day after Thanksgiving with the annual lighting of the lake, then progresses into the New Year with the New Year's Eve celebration.
Pleasure Island is located in southern New Hanover County and reaches into Brunswick County, consisting of two popular beaches, Carolina Beach and Kure Beach. With the Cape Fear River to the left and Atlantic Ocean to the right, it's a beautiful, thin strip of land with abundant water views and coastal vibes year-round. The Island of Lights is more than just a fashionable display of Holiday cheer but includes events throughout the season to raise money and awareness providing a Christmas for the less fortunate.
The event kicks off with the Fashion Show that showcases piece from local boutiques as well as raising money. There's also the annual lighting of the lake and the nearby Holiday Flotilla. Of course, there's the Christmas Parade and the fun Tour of Homes that lets others get a sneak peek inside beautiful houses while also inspiring some decoration techniques.
While many of the events have come and gone for 2017, there's still the annual New Year's Eve celebration that takes place on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk December 31st. Starting at 9 p.m. and rotating between both Carolina and Kure Beach, there's the iconic ball dropping at midnight followed by an extravagant array of fireworks. The free, family-friendly event includes a DJ, raffle, and party favors for purchase.
While it's almost Christmas, touring an illuminated Pleasure Island is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit. It combines holiday cheer with a quintessential beach vibe found nowhere else. This beautiful annual illumination is a must-see before Santa has left gifts under the tree and the New Year's Eve ball drops.
What a cool, little-known event! Have you ever attended?
For more information on Island of Lights, click here .
For another illuminated option, you must make it to the Chinese Lantern Festival in Cary.
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