Registration Now Open for 2016 Christmas Flotilla

See more photos of previous Flotilla participants here.

Ready to deck the masts and stern with boughs of holly and strands of light to give spectators an ooh-la-la experience they’ll be glad to skip the neighborhood light tours for?

Boat parades are big part of holiday celebrations along coastal communities, and the annual Pleasure Island Christmas Flotilla is no exception. The flotilla means gathering together along the banks of the basin with friends and family watching fishing boats, pontoons, sail boats, and the like light up the waterway as part of the 25^th annual Island of Lights celebration. And now is your chance to be part of the action.

Registration is now open for the 2016 Christmas Flotilla to be held on Saturday, December 3, 2016 beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Carolina Beach Boat Basin. Fishing boats and pleasure craft registered will compete for prizes in several categories: category 1 for boats over 24’, category 2 for boats 18’ to 24’, and category 3 for boats 17’ and under. There is also a special Judge’s Prize—Best Overall. A panel of judges will be on hand to choose the winners, awarding $400 to the Best Overall, $300 to the first place winner in each category, and $150 for second prize in each category.

Design a decorative theme of lights and holiday accouterments like candy canes, snowmen, stars, Christmas trees, or palm trees that will amaze and delight the spectators who line up to see this coastal Christmas tradition. How about adding some special guests like Santa and Mrs. Claus or some elves to entertain the masses. Take it high-tech or keep it old-school. Your limited only by your imagination.

The parade route runs from Snows Cut to the Carolina Beach Boat Basin and back. Residents and visitors alike will line up along Carolina Beach Boat Basin to cheer on the creatively decorated vessels as they cruise the Intracoastal Waterway.

For an application to enter a boat in the Flotilla go to the Checkered Church at 800 St. Joseph St, Carolina Beach or click here for a printable application. Don’t hesitate to call at 910-386-8081 or visit here if you have any questions or need additional information.