It can be so easy to get caught up in the hectic chaos of the holiday season. We become preoccupied with gift buying and wrapping, decorating the tree and obligatory company Christmas parties. We can lose sight of the importance of just spending time with family. Well, why not take some time out this year to treat yourself and the kids to holiday festivities that you will reminisce about for years to come? We may not be “dashing through the snow” this Christmas at the beach, but we have all the trimmings to put you in the spirit of the season.
The Light and Train Spectacular at the Wilmington Railroad Museum sports over 20,000 lights, music, cider and of course a visit from Santa himself. The museum also features the Polar Express Holiday show. Let Santa read the kids a Christmas classic while nibbling sweet treats and sipping on some hot chocolate.
The Holiday Elf Camp at the North Carolina Aquarium in Fort Fisher gives kids a chance to make their own gifts while allowing parents some free time to get that last minute holiday shopping done! Although, watching Santa swim with the fishes may be quite a spectacle too. Children and parents can come to the aquarium for Santa by the Sea. Enjoy seasonal music, cookie decorating, stories, crafts and a chance to see Kris Kringle dive with the sharks.
What child wouldn’t love singing “Jingle Bells” with Santa and his reindeer? Take the family on a Horsedrawn Trolley Tour throughout historic downtown Wilmington caroling all the way. The beautifully decorated ante-bellum homes twinkling with lights will warm your hearts.
Perhaps your children will award you “the golden ticket” if you take them to see the wonderful performance of Willy Wonka being put on at Thalian Hall. This feel-good childhood classic still holds lessons for us today wrapped up in much fun along the way.
Our Island of Lights New Year’s Eve celebration is a Pleasure Island tradition. Dance into the New Year at the Carolina Beach boardwalk. Children and adults alike can enjoy music, party favors and refreshments as the lighted beach ball drops from the sky while we count down to 2014.
We invite you and your family to enjoy the beach this Holiday Season. We have so many activities to brighten your spirits. Leave your worries at home and give yourself and your family the gift of time spent well together this Christmas. Create lasting memories and stories that you will carry with you in to the new year!