Friday, February 14, 2025

Eight free holiday events to catch in Brunswick County

Calabash’s Christmas tree lighting and parade, pictured last year in downtown Calabash. (Port City Daily photo/Courtesy Calabash Community Christmas)

BRUNSWICK COUNTY — Families don’t have to spend a dime to see Santa this holiday season, and if one parade is missed, there’s another one around the corner.

In Brunswick County, several communities are hosting their own holiday parades and events. Whether you’re interested in free candy or getting 18th-century festive, there are holiday events planned to please everyone.

Related: Town Hall, Founders Park transforming for ‘Leland in Lights’

Below, check out eight free holiday events coming up beginning this weekend. For more Brunswick County-based event ideas, visit North Carolina’s Brunswick Island’s event page.

Leland in Lights

See Santa, get a free present, and see Leland light up. Leland’s tree (and park) lighting event kicks off with a promenade down Town Hall Drive. Stick around after Founders Park lights up for Santa’s workshop in Town Hall.

Where: Founders Park (formerly Leland Municipal Park) and Leland Town Hall

When: Saturday, Dec. 7, 6 p.m.

Belville Christmas festival,

Catch a holiday movie and enjoy free hot dots, popcorn, hot chocolate, tea, and coffee at the Brunswick River Walk.

Where: Brunswick River Walk

When: Saturday, Dec. 7, 5 to 8 p.m.

Holiday Art Market, Leland Cultural Arts Center

Dozens of vendors will line Leland Cultural Arts Center for a holiday art market.

Where: Leland Cultural Arts Center

When: Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

An 18th Century Christmas, Ft. Anderson

Experience how American colonists celebrated Christmas with Ft. Anderson’s 18th century Christmas event. The event will feature guided tours of St. Philips Anglican Church every half-hour, games, crafts, and finally, a candlelit service from 5 to 5:30 p.m.

Where: Ft. Anderson, Winnabow

When: Sunday, Dec. 8, 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Oak Island’s Christmas by the Sea Parade

Catch the Oak Island Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas by the Sea Parade in Oak Island. The 2.4-mile parade route begins at Town Hall.

Where: Begins at Oak Island Town Hall and ends at McGlamery Street

When: Saturday, Dec. 7, at 2 p.m.

Shallotte Holiday Parade

Road closures begin at 8 a.m. to make way for the Shallotte Holiday Parade.

Where: The parade begins at the intersection of Main Street and Whiteville Road and will end at the intersection of Smith Avenue.

When: Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m.

Calabash Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade

Directly following the parade, Calabash’s tree lighting event will take place on the main stage.

Where: Downtown Calabash, from Beach Drive to River Road

When: Friday, Dec. 6, 6 p.m.

Bolivia Christmas Parade

The Bolivia Christmas Parade will stretch from the county’s complex to the elementary school.

Where: Old Ocean Highway, beginning at the Brunswick County Government Complex to Bolivia Elementary School.

When: Dec. 16, 6 p.m.


Send tips and comments to Johanna Ferebee at johanna@localvoicemedia.com

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