The 43rd North Carolina Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach is Nov 27 to 29, 2026. The lighted boat parade starts at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov 28, with fireworks after, and a Day in the Park runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. that day. Parking, viewing spots and admission are not yet announced; we check weekly.
The 2026 Schedule
| Day | Time | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, Nov 27 | 5:30 p.m. | Captains’ meeting |
| Friday, Nov 27 | 7 p.m. | Kickoff party hosted by Bluewater Grill: live music by Spare Change, cash bar. The organizer sells tickets separately; the price is not published. |
| Saturday, Nov 28 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Day in the Park: local arts and crafts vendors, official Flotilla merchandise at the Flotilla tent, food vendors and activities for kids |
| Saturday, Nov 28 | 5 p.m. | Sponsor viewing tent opens |
| Saturday, Nov 28 | 6 p.m. | Flotilla boat parade begins, with fireworks following |
| Sunday, Nov 29 | 10 a.m. | Awards ceremony |
What We Do Not Know Yet
The organizer’s page, read on 2026-10-20, does not state where the Day in the Park is held, where to watch the parade, parking, road closures, shuttle service or whether any viewing is ticketed. We have not guessed at any of them. Questions go to the organizer at ncholidayflotilla1@gmail.com or P.O. Box 713, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480. Vendor applications for 2026 are sold out.
Kid and Family Tips
The Day in the Park lists activities for kids and food vendors. The parade starts after dark, so plan warm layers and a ride home; the organizer has not published parking guidance yet, so expect crowds and check its page before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the NC Holiday Flotilla in 2026?
Nov 27 to 29, 2026 at Wrightsville Beach. The boat parade begins at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov 28, with fireworks after.
What time does the Wrightsville Beach boat parade start?
6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov 28. The sponsor viewing tent opens at 5 p.m.
Is there something to do during the day?
Yes. Day in the Park runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday with local arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, Flotilla merchandise and kids’ activities.
How much does the Holiday Flotilla cost?
The organizer’s page lists no admission price. The Friday kickoff party at Bluewater Grill sells tickets separately and the price is not published.
Where do you park for the Holiday Flotilla?
Not yet announced. The organizer’s page does not state parking; we check weekly and will add it.
When are the awards?
Sunday, Nov 29 at 10 a.m.
Who do I contact with questions?
The organizer lists ncholidayflotilla1@gmail.com and P.O. Box 713, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480.
Sources
- North Carolina Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach, home page and schedule, checked 2026-10-20
More coastal events: see Coast events and all North Carolina events. For drive times between North Carolina cities, see drive times to 20 destinations.
Coming Up Near Wrightsville Beach
- Indigo Girls with Linda Perry (Wilson Center)Oct 29 · Wilmington · about 5 mi
- Abbamania (Thalian Hall)Nov 5 · Wilmington · about 5 mi
- The Electric Light Orchestra Experience with Wilmington Symphony Orchestra strings (Wilson Center)Nov 6 · Wilmington · about 5 mi
- Monty Python's Spamalot (Wilson Center, PNC Broadway and the Beach)Nov 7–8 · Wilmington · about 5 mi
Places Nearby
- Battleship North CarolinaMemorial · Wilmington · about 5 mi
- Bellamy Mansion MuseumHouse museum · Wilmington · about 5 mi
Straight-line distance from the centre of Wrightsville Beach, not driving miles. Events within 40 miles, places within 25. Dates come from our checked events list and may change; confirm with the organizer.
Cite this page: It's North Carolina, “NC Holiday Flotilla 2026: Wrightsville Beach Schedule”, itsnorthcarolina.com/nc-holiday-flotilla-wrightsville-beach/ (updated ). By the It's North Carolina editorial team. Free to quote with attribution and a link to this page; data and tables are licensed CC BY 4.0.