2013 Island of Lights New Years Celebration - Tuesday, December 31st

The New Year's Celebration will be held on New Year's Eve, Tuesday, December 31st near the Gazebo at the Boardwalk in Carolina Beach. Don't miss the giant lighted beach ball being dropped at midnight followed by a spectacular fireworks demonstration.

This free family-friendly event will feature a DJ and dancing with refreshments and party favors available for purchase. In an Island of Lights tradition, there will be a raffle, with the winner taking home the original artwork for the Island of Lights 2013 official Christmas card and ornament.

Bring the family to Carolina Beach at 9 pm to join the festivities!

Wishing you and yours a happy and healthy 2014!

Kure Beach Fantasy Christmas Show

Announcing the 2013 Fantasy Christmas Show, to be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday, December 13-15, at 7:00 pm. As usual, the show will be held on K Avenue, next to the Kure Beach Fishing Pier, and it will include a pre-show at 6:30 pm to get the crowd "warmed up" for the big show.

This whimsical, annual show has become a tradition in Kure Beach and features a cast of singers, dancers and costumed characters. Your favorite Christmas songs are performed by an all-local cast, while beloved Christmas characters like Frosty the Snowman, The Grinch, Santa & Mrs. Claus and their silly elves, keep the crowd in stitches.

This FREE show is fun for young and old, alike. Try to arrive early to get a seat in our bleachers, but bring a folding chair just in case. Even when the weather is balmy it always seems to snow at the show, so dress accordingly and have a merry old time!

Christmas Trees on Pleasure Island

Ready to trim the tree? Whether you're a full time local or are spending the holidays here on Pleasure Island you don't need to go far to find that classic centerpiece of seasonal decorating. At least two island businesses are offering live trees this year.

Pleasure Island Rentals Christmas Tree Lot

2 N Lake Park Blvd in Carolina Beach
Premium grade North Carolina Fraser Firs. Fresh, professionally made wreaths. Free delivery on the island. Partial proceeds go to Carolina Beach Elementary School.

True Value Island Tackle & Hardware

801 N Lake Park Blvd in Carolina Beach
Top grade Fraser Firs from the North Carolina Mountains. Open till 9:00 pm during the week and 8:00 on Sunday. Free Delivery.

Pleasure Island Gift Guide

Shop local, support the businesses on Pleasure Island, and check a few items off your holiday gift list. Here are a few ideas that are sure to please on Christmas morning:

1. Something sparkly to brighten her day from Jeanne's Jewels.

2. Surprise the angler in your life with a new rod and reel from True Value Island Tackle & Hardware.

3. Put together a gift basket of delicious goodies from The Veggie Wagon.

4. Turn your favorite family photo, action shot of the kids playing sports, or snapshot of our beautiful island scenery into a work of art with help from CanvasGicleePrinting.com.

5. Let their 2014 be a year of health, wellness, and relaxation with a class package to Salty Dog Yoga & Surf.

6. Is there a surfer you love who earned a top spot on the "nice list"? Wow them with a new board from CB Surf Shop.

7. Send them out for dinner...and adventure...aboard one of Pleasure Island's many fine charter fishing outfits. (Find them under "Fishing / Boating / Water Sports" here.)

Happy holiday shopping!

Island of Lights Christmas Parade and Flotilla

It's almost time for some of the most beloved Pleasure Island holiday traditions...the Island of Lights Christmas Parade and Christmas Parade! Don't miss these events that are filled with holiday cheer and fun for the whole family. Gather with friends, bring some hot chocolate, and sit back to enjoy the show.

Carolina Beach Christmas Parade 2013

The Parade heads down Lake Park Boulevard beginning at Atlanta Ave near the Carolina Beach Lake and ending at the Federal Point Plaza. Watch unique and entertaining floats, dance to the sounds of the marching bands, and keep an eye out for Santa Claus as he'll be there to welcome in the holiday season!

Friday, December 6th 2013
Starts at 7:30 pm

Carolina Beach Christmas Flotilla 2013

The flotilla, a unique coastal tradition - essentially a parade on the water, runs along the canal from Snows Cut to the Carolina Beach Boat Basin and back. See elaborately decorated boats and their enthusiastic crews lit from bow to stern by festive holiday lights.

Saturday, December 7th, 2013
Starts at 6:00 pm

Island of Lights 2013 Card & Ornament Available

The 2013 Island of Lights Christmas Card and ornament are now available for purchase at the following businesses on Pleasure Island:

• Touche ~ 201 N Lake Park Blvd
• Jeanne's Jewels ~ 1009 N Lake Park Blvd
• The Checkered Church ~ 800 St Joseph St
• Island Tackle & Hardware ~ 801 N Lake Park Blvd
• Carolina Beach Furniture ~ 1021 N Lake Park Blvd
• Nautilus Art & Frame Shop ~ 1009 N Lake Park Blvd

Ornaments are $14 each and cards are $10 per pack of twelve.

Whether you're adding to a collection or starting a new tradition, don't miss the chance to add this lovely ornament to your tree! 

And friends near and far are sure to love receiving a handwritten note on one of these beautiful cards.

Give Thanks on Pleasure Island

Wondering where you're going to put all those relatives coming to visit for Thanksgiving? Why not head to Pleasure Island for a fun filled, family getaway at some of the most beautiful North Carolina beaches?

Rent a house with room for everyone to spread out (or choose from many other accommodations options!)

Whether you're visiting for the holiday or are local there are lots of area businesses ready to help you create a feast to remember this year.

Preparing the big meal at home (or at the home away from home you've rented for the holiday)? Find the ingredients, drinks, and special touches to add to your menu at The Veggie Wagon, Island Wellness Market, or Brew Thru Carolina Beach (this is sure to be the easiest on your list of errands!)

Order pies or other desserts (as well as some bagels or pastries for breakfast the next morning) from Big Apple Bakery.

Will you be a guest at someone else's house this Thanksgiving? Find the perfect host/hostess gift at one of Pleasure Island's great boutiques such as Checkered Church Gift Shop, Jeanne's Jewels, or The Shoppes at Squigley's.

After that delicious Thanksgiving dinner the last thing you'll want to do is head back in the kitchen (except maybe for some of those yummy leftovers!) Explore the many wonderful Pleasure Island restaurants to keep the great eating going strong all weekend long...with someone else slaving over the stove & doing the dishes!

Pleasure Island Shopping Spree 2013!

Support Pleasure Island and keep the benefit of your dollars local, while getting a jump start on your holiday shopping at the Pleasure Island Shopping Spree on Saturday, November 23, 2013.

The shopping spree takes place at the following shops and businesses from 10 am to 6 pm:

• Jeanne's Jewels & Fashions
• Majik Beanz Coffee Shop
• Artful Living Group
• Island Wellness
• Checkered Church
• Island Chic
• Primrose Cottage
• Nautilus Art & Frame
• Island Roast Coffee
• Brew Thru
• Footprints
• Big Apple Bakery

Shop and Win!

Shop Saturday, November 23 at any of the participating stores listed, make a purchase of $10 or more, and be qualified to win a $75 Gift Basket at the Raffle Party on Sunday, November 24th from 4 pm to 7 pm at Casa Matta Italian Restaurant. Each participating store will be raffling a Gift Basket valued at $75 or more. Receive one raffle ticket for every $10 worth of purchases from a participating store. Must present receipts at the Raffle Party to receive raffle tickets and must be present to win.

The Raffle Party at Casa Matta will also include:

• Free Appetizers!
• Entertainment from DJ Mike Worley
• Drink, appetizer, and dinner specials.

For additional information call any of the participating businesses or Jeanne's Jewels and Fashions at (910) 707-0316.

Plan Your Holiday 2013 Trip to Pleasure Island

Now is a great time to get a visit to Pleasure Island during the 2013 holiday season on the books. There are many beloved traditions to participate in, and there's always lots to do in the quaint beach towns of Carolina Beach & Kure Beach as they are transformed into the "Island of Lights."

Friday, November 29th - Lighting at the Lake

Friday, December 6th - Christmas Parade

Saturday, December 7th - Christmas Flotilla

Saturday, December 14th - Tour of Homes

Tuesday, December 31st - New Years Celebration

From November 29th on there will be a beautiful holiday light display at the Carolina Beach Lake, the perfect place to take an evening stroll. Lights and other festive decorations will start to pop up all over the island around this time as well!

Find great holiday gifts at the many unique shops, boutiques, and galleries on Pleasure Island. Learn more: Shopping (select "Retail Services / Shopping / Specialty Shops" as the Attraction Type.)

And of course your favorite North Carolina beaches are here for you at any time of year! Whether it's one of those bonus warm winter days or there's a seasonable chill in the air you can enjoy a stroll along the sand with family or friends.

Come for a day, a weekend, or longer! You can often find accommodations such as beach houses, condos, and hotel/motel rooms at very discounted rates when compared to the height of the summer season.

Get started planning your holiday getaway today! http://www.pleasureislandnc.org/