SOUTHPORT — The holiday season will be in full effect this week with the opening of Southport’s annual Winterfest.
A weeklong celebration, Winterfest welcomes attendees to shop and dine locally, partake in the Winterfest Tea on Dec. 6, or participate in the cookie contest and Train and Toy Show. The festival also hosts concerts, open houses and other family-friendly events throughout Southport’s downtown.
On Friday, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m., the celebration is set to open up with the annual tree lighting ceremony, traditionally marking the official start to the festivities. Attendees can view the ceremony at Whittler’s Bench as the mayor lights the city’s Christmas tree. The Southport Beautification Committee will be handing out hot chocolate and cookies as the Trinity United Methodist Church Children’s Choir performs holiday music.
Also opening Dec. 5 is the brand new pop-up ice-skating rink at the Fort Johnston Tennis Courts, to be transformed into a full-sized rink. Open Friday through Sunday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Monday to Thursday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m and running until Saturday, Dec. 13, admission is $15 with skate rentals.
“Winterfest has always been about bringing people together and creating memorable holiday moments,” Allayna D. Taylor, director of community relations, said. “We’re thrilled to offer this exciting new experience that adds to the fun and magic of the season.”
Included in the week’s activities is the Light Up the Night Christmas Parade on Friday, Dec. 12, at 6:30 p.m. Children can begin boarding the fire engines at 5:30 p.m. at the Southport Fire Station. The route is set to follow Moore and Howe streets and will feature festive floats, marching groups and bands, holiday music, and special appearances from Santa Claus.
Also taking place is supper with Santa’s elves on Dec. 10, a Dec. 11 showing of “The Polar Express,” the Winter Craft Festival and Santa’s workshop, both on Dec. 13, and the Winterfest Performing Arts, also Dec. 13.
The week will close with the 31st annual Winterfest Flotilla at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13. There is a mandatory captain’s meeting on Dec. 13 at 10 a.m. at Oliver’s Restaurant.Sponsored by Cape Fear Yacht Club, Downtown Southport, Inc., and the City of Southport, the flotilla will showcase vessels from Old American Fish upriver along the city waterfront to Deep Point Marina and can be viewed at the Waterfront.
Students from the Southport Elementary School Art Program will act as judges for the event.
More information on the schedule for Winterfest can be viewed here.
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