Looking for a way to get into the holiday spirit? Here’s a full list of events in Carteret County!
Nov. 18
Gallery of Trees: Opening Day - 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Core Sound Waterfowl Museum, 1785 Island Rd., Harkers Island
The Great Holiday Laser Show- 6-9:30 p.m. Carteret County Speedway, 501 Whitehouse Fork Rd., Swansboro
Scroogefest Craft and Vendor Fair- 3-8 p.m. Annunciation Catholic School, 246 E Main St., Havelock
Jumble Sale- 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Beaufort Historic Site, 130 Turner St., Beaufort
Nov. 22
Beaufort Olde Town Rotary Christmas Tree Sale- 2 p.m. 65-101 Olde Towne Yacht Club Dr., Beaufort
Nov. 24
Pine Knoll Shores Turkey Trot 5K & 2 Mile Dog Walk- Thursday- Pine Knoll Shores Park, 467 Maritime Place, Pine Knoll Shores
Nov. 25
Swansboro Christmas Flotilla- 5-9 p.m. Swansboro
Black Friday Shopping Event- 3-7 p.m. 7025 US-70, Newport
Nov. 26
Christmas Market 2022- 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Core Sound Museum Store, 806 Arendell St., Morehead City
The Emerald Isle Christmas Parade- 2 p.m. Emerald Isle
Holiday Market & Street Fair- 3-8 p.m. Carteret Community College, 3505 Arendell St., Morehead City
Most Incredible Christmas: Ballet Magnificat- 4-6 p.m. West Carteret High School, 4700 Country Club Rd., Morehead City
Dec. 1
Maritime Heritage Series: Santa Claus, Patron Saint of Sailors - 11 a.m.-12 p.m. N.C. Maritime Museum, 315 Front Street, Beaufort
Dec. 2
Light Up the Night Christmas Parade -6-8 p.m.- Atlantic Beach Town Park, 915 W Fort Macon Rd., Atlantic Beach
Christmas Tree Lighting- 5:30 p.m. Katherine Davis Park, 601 Arendell St., Morehead City
6th Annual Holiday Toy Drive- 4-6 p.m. Friendly Market Nursery, 205 Friendly Rd., Morehead City
Core Sound Waterfowl Weekend & Decoy Festival-. Dec. 2 – Dec. 4; Core Sound Museum and Heritage Center, 1785 Island Road, Harkers Island
Dec. 3
Emerald Isle Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair- 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Emerald Isle Community Center, 203 Leisure Ln., Emerald Isle
Crystal Coast Christmas Flotilla- 5:30-7:00 p.m. North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort, 315 Front St., Beaufort
Beaufort Annual Christmas Parade- 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Beaufort
Outdoor Holiday Market- 9 a.m. CHC Joint & Spine Center, 3500 Arendell St., Morehead City
Breakfast with Santa 9-11 a.m. The Bridge Downeast – Ramsey Center, 1344 Island Rd., Harkers Island
Mimosa Bay Holiday Hustle 5K 4:30-6:00 a.m. Mimosa Bay Subdivision, 115 Snow Goose Ln., Sneads Ferry
Newport Winter Wonderland Train & Town Tree Lighting- 5-7 p.m. Newport Community Park, Newport
Gingerbread Workshop- 9-11 a.m. Beaufort Historic Site, 130 Turner St., Beaufort
Elf in the Woods- Swansboro Recreation Center, Details:swansboro.recdesk.com
Dec. 4
Holiday Open House- 2-4 p.m. N.C. Maritime Museum, 315 Front St., Beaufort
Newport Christmas Parade- 3-5 p.m. Newport
Emerald Isle Baptist Church 304 Emerald Plantation Rd, Emerald Isle will host three music events this Advent Season: December 4 will feature the Community Children's Choir during the worship service at 10 a.m. and will share “Carols and Cookies" at 2 p.m. December 11 will feature their Adult Choir Christmas Program during the worship hour at 10 a.m.
Dec. 8
Art in the Park- 3-5 p.m. Randolph Johnson Park, 1017 Pine St., Beaufort
Dec. 9
CCRW Christmas Luncheon- 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Carolina Home & Garden, 4778 NC-24, Newport
Gingerbread Festival- 7-11 p.m. Crystal Coast Civic Center, 3505 Arendell St., Morehead City
Dec. 10
Morehead City Christmas Parade- 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Downtown Morehead City, Inc., 1001 Arendell St., Morehead City
11th Annual Beaufort Holiday Art Walk on Saturday, December 10 from 1:00–4:00 pm.
Beaufort Christmas Candlelight Tour- 5-8 p.m. Beaufort Historic Site, 130 Turner St., Beaufort
Beaufort Holiday Art Walk- 12-3 p.m. Beaufort Historic Site
Gingerbread Festival & Competition 11-5 p.m. Crystal Coast Civic Center, 3505 Arendell St, Morehead City
Annual Race to the North Pole 10 a.m. Dock House on Front Street, Beaufort
The Elysian Ball- 6-9 p.m. The Islander Hotel Ballroom, 102 Islander Dr., Emerald Isle
The Down East Arts & Crafts Show and Farmers Market -10 to 4. Gloucester Community Center is located at 476 Pigott Road, Gloucester, NC
Candlelight at Tryon Palace- Dec. 10 and 17, 4:30-9:30 p.m., each day. Call (252) 639-3524 for tickets
Dec. 16-18
28th Annual John Costlow Christmas Train Show December 16 -18- The 28th annual John Costlow Train Show takes place at the North Carolina Maritime Museum, in partnership with the Beaufort Lions Club. The annual show that features antique working model trains themed around Christmas is fun for the whole family! Friday, December 16, 4p.m. – 8p.m., Saturday, December 16, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sunday, December 18, 11a.m. – 5 p.m..
Dec. 17
Olde Fashioned Holiday Market- 4-8 p.m. Olde Beaufort Farmers' Market, 300 Courthouse Square, Beaufort
Downtown Morehead City Christmas Art Walk -Saturday, December 17 - 1:00–4:00 pm
Dec. 20
Wizards Of Winter Benefit Concert- 7 p.m. Crystal Coast Civic Center, 3505 Arendell St., Morehead City
Jan. 1
Penguin Plunge - 10 a.m.; Atlantic Beach Boardwalk, 201 West Atlantic Blvd.
Christmas Parades
Saturday, November 26 at 2:00pm- The Emerald Isle Christmas Parade takes place on the Saturday after Thanksgiving each year. The parade route will begin at the town government complex and end at Mangrove Drive near CVS in Emerald Ise.
Friday, December 2 at 6:00pm- The Town of Atlantic Beach invites you to show their Christmas spirit on Friday, December 2 at 6:00pm for a parade. The route begins at the Atlantic Beach Town Park and heads east toward the Circle.
Saturday, December 3 at 11:00am- The Beaufort Business Association’s annual Christmas parade starts at 11:00am in downtown Beaufort. The route follows Front Street to Turner Street and ends at the courthouse with local community groups, marching bands and even dogs!
Saturday, December 3 Crystal Coast Christmas Flotilla- The 29th Annual Crystal Coast Christmas Flotilla features boats, yachts, oars, kayaks and commercial vessels decorated for the season. The decorated boats can be seen at 5:30pm on the Morehead City waterfront and at 6:15pm on the Beaufort water front.
Sunday, December 4 at 3:00pm- The 47th Annual Newport Christmas Parade presented by the Newport Parks and Recreation Center will be Sunday December 4 beginning at 3:00pm. The route will begin on Johnson Street and go down Chatham to Howard Blvd and end at Verdun Street.
Saturday, December 10 - Downtown Morehead City presents their annual Christmas parade which starts at 11:00am at 17th and Arendell to 6th Street and Arendell. It is a longstanding tradition in downtown Morehead City featuring creative floats from local businesses, community groups as well as performers from nearby school marching bands and dance teams. It is a fun and festive event for the whole family.
Of course, Santa Claus will be at each of these parades!
Christmas Celebrations at Churches
Shepherd of the Sea Lutheran Church, 201 E Fort Macon Rd, Atlantic Beach; Advent Midweek Soup and Service—Each Wednesday during Advent, beginning November 30, Supper and brief worship service. The meal starts at 6 p.m., and worship will start around 6:30. Christmas Eve Service, Dec. 24 at 5:45 pm.
Life Point Church; behind Waffle House in MHC; Praise Team Christmas Concert, December 18, 10:30 am; Christmas Candlelight & Communion service, December 24, 6:00 pm. Dec 25, regular 11am worship service.
Grace Presbyterian, 2101 Live Oak St., Beaufort; Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 7:00 p.m. on December 24, 2022.
Emerald Isle Chapel by The Sea, 6712 Emerald Dr.; Christmas Stories and Carols, Sunday, December 18 at 10 a.m.; Candlelight Communion on Christmas Eve at 7 pm featuring string trio.
First Presbyterian Church, 1604 Arendell Street, MHC; Saturday, December 24- Services of Carols, Candlelight, and Communion: 3 p.m.: Worship Service geared toward children and families; 5p.m.: Traditional Service; 7 p.m.: Traditional Service. Our 5:00 pm Christmas Eve service will be available via livestream for those not able to attend in person. Visit www.facebook.com/asumc to join us!
Ann Street United Methodist, 417 Ann St., Beaufort - Christmas Cantata- 7-9 p.m. Journey to Bethlehem, Sunday, December 18-A Drive ThruFrom 4:00-6:00 p.m. Moravian Lovefeast and Candlelight Service December 4 at 5 p.m. Coffee and Moravian bread are served as we sing carols and light candles.
First Methodist Church , 900 Arendell Street, Morehead City; Christmas Eve Services - 3:00 The Rise Service (Contemporary Service) in the Fellowship Hall; 5:00 Traditional Service for Children in the Sanctuary; 7:00 Traditional Candlelight Service in the Sanctuary; 11:00 Traditional Candlelight and Communion Service in the Sanctuary
Glad Tidings Church- Country Club Rd, Morehead City- Shepherds and Kings, a dramatic musical. Showtimes: Friday and Saturday, Dec. 2 and 3 at 7 p.m. Sunday Dec. 4, at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Swansboro United Methodist Church; Nativity Festival - Dec. 3 and 4 with indoor displays and a live outdoor nativity
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Nativity Festival- Dec. 2-Dec. 3., 3606 Country Club Rd., Morehead City
Open Door Baptist Church -O Children Come Christmas Cantata – Sunday, Dec. 18 at 5 p.m.
All Saints Anglican Church -Christmas Eve Service Dec 24. At 4 p.m.
Concerts
The Great Holiday Laser Show will debut this year at the Carteret County Speedway. Your holiday dreams can come to life from the comfort of your own car as multiple lasers light up the night sky over the speedway. Mike Meyer, President of Emerald Owl productions says, “This will be a light show unique to Carteret County.” The show runs November 18 and November 19, and then reopens on November 25, November 26, and November 27. Visitors can choose from three sessions on Fridays and Saturdays: 6:10 p.m.; 7:30 p.m. and 8:50 p.m.
Ho! Ho! Christmas Show- Gaylon Pope and SweetWater are back again by popular demand at Mike’s Farm at 1600 Haw Branch Road in Beulaville, NC. Come out for their famous southern style all-you-can-eat menu served buffet style, followed by a musical show of Christmas classics and a touch of comedy. Held Wednesday – Saturday from November 25 – December 23. Cost is $65.00 for adults, $40.00 for ages 7 – 11, $35.00 for ages 5 – 6 and $25.00 for ages 3 – 4. Matinee doors open 2pm, dinner at 2:30pm and show at 3:45pm. Evening the doors open at 6:30pm, dinner at 7:00 pm and show at 8:00pm. Call 910-324-3422 for reservations.
Glad Tidings Church of 4621 Country Club Road in Morehead City presents Shepherds and Kings, a dramatic musical for Christmas. For many, Christmas is a time of joy and celebration, a time to be spent with family and friends. But for others, the same holiday season only serves to underscore the loneliness, pain, and hopelessness of their own lives. Shepherds and Kings proclaims a strong, vibrant message about the power of love- our love for one another, our love for God and God’s desire that all would come to know of His great love for us. Show times are Friday, December 2 – 7 p.m., Saturday, December 3- 7 p.m., and Sunday, December 4 at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Emerald Isle Baptist Church 304 Emerald Plantation Rd, Emerald Isle will host three music events this Advent Season: December 4 will feature the Community Children's Choir during the worship service at 10 a.m. and will share “Carols and Cookies" at 2 p.m. December 11 will feature their Adult Choir Christmas Program during the worship hour at 10 a.m.
The Carolina East Singers, under the choral direction of Susan Gillis Bailey, will perform their Christmas Concert on Saturday, December 3 and Sunday, December 4, 2022. The concert will begin at 4:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church, 1604 Arendell Street, Morehead City. The 60+ voice choir will be preforming Christmas excerpts from Handel’s The Messiah as well as many classic Christmas favorites. The choir will be accompanied by an orchestra. Tickets are $10.00. They are available from any choir member or at these local businesses: In Morehead - First Presbyterian Church or Williams Hardware; In Atlantic Beach - The Pool & Patio Store, Atlantic Station Shopping Center; and in Beaufort - Pet Provisions.
A Bluegrass Choral Christmas with the North Carolina Bluegrass Band, 7:30pm, Saturday, December 10 at Swansboro United Methodist Church, 665 West Corbett Avenue (Highway 24) in Swansboro. And at 3:00pm on Sunday, December 11 at All Saints Anglican Church at 292 McCabe Road in Newport. General Admission $10.00; children 8th grade and under FREE.
A Celtic Christmas with Jennifer Licko at 3505 Arendell Street, Morehead City, NC. Ticket Price $18.00. Join them for an evening of familiar Celtic Christmas Carols with lively tunes infused to celebrate the season. Celtic album of the year winner Jennifer Licko will perform songs from her critically acclaimed "Lights of Christmas" holiday CD alongside world-renowned Celtic instrumentalists. Purchase tickets online on the website of crystalcoastnc.org. December 14, 15 and 16 7 p.m.- 8:45 p.m.
Sunday, December 18, 2022 at 10:00 a.m., First Presbyterian Church, 1604 Arendell Street, Morehead City. Festival of Carols - Intertwining Scripture lessons with beloved Christmas selections from church choir, ladies’ ensemble, ROMEOs (men’s choir), and soloists.
Saturday, December 24, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. First Presbyterian Church, 1604 Arendell Street, Morehead City. Christmas Eve Worship Candlelight and Communion Service
Free Grace Wesleyan Church, Harkers Island; 140 Old Ferry Dock Rd. -The Nelsons live in concert Dec. 1 and 2 at 7:30 pm.
Family Events
Beaufort will hold their 11th Annual Beaufort Holiday Art Walk on Saturday, December 10 from 1:00–4:00 pm. Twenty-three businesses are participating for this popular event. A map and listing of the Beaufort participating merchants is available on the Beaufort Historic Site website at https://beauforthistoricsite.org/event/beaufort-holiday-art-walk/. The Beaufort Historical Association and the Arts Council of Carteret County are sponsoring this event.
On Saturday, December 17 the Downtown Morehead City Christmas Art Walk will be held from 1:00–4:00 pm. Downtown Morehead City’s emerging art district will have 10 businesses and galleries open to view local artwork. Food trucks will be in the parking lot of the new ACCC Arts Center (on the tour) at 1702 Arendell Street on the day of the walk. Also, the ACCC invites all to stay in the area following the walk as many shops and eateries will be open throughout the evening. A tour map and the list of businesses and galleries open for the event is available on the ACCC website at https://www.artscouncilcarteret.org/ArtwalksinDecember#Morehead. The Arts Council of Carteret County and Carolina Artist’s Gallery are sponsoring this event.
The Beaufort Ole Towne Rotary Club will be selling Christmas trees and wreaths in front of Ace Hardware beginning Tuesday, November 22 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The sale will continue through the holiday season until all trees are sold. Here’s your chance to support the local Beaufort community. Proceeds from the sales go directly back to the community through grants to local nonprofits and scholarships to area children. Ace Home Center parking lot, 1511 Live Oak Street.
Start your Thanksgiving Day -Nov. 24, 2022 off right and join the friendly folks of Pine Knoll Shores for a 5K Fun Run or 2 Mile Dog Walk. Registration is free for either event which starts at 9 a.m. The location is McNeil Park, 196 Oakleaf Drive, Pine Knoll Shores, 28512.
Christmas Market 2022, Saturday, November 26 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Core Sound Museum Store at 806 Arendell Street, Morehead City. Crafters, Artists, Carvers, Collectors, Photographers and Vendors of all kinds offering the best Christmas gifts and décor anywhere.
December 1 - NC Maritime Museum, Front Street, Beaufort. Maritime Heritage Series: Santa Claus, Patron Saint of Sailors. 11 a.m. Free, no registration required for the in-person program., held in the museum auditorium. Or watch online live via the museum’s Facebook page or Zoom.
Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair, Saturday, December 3, 2022- The Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair will be held on Saturday, December 3 featuring area vendors who will have plenty of items for your holiday shopping. Great way to support local shopping. This event will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Emerald Isle Community Center at 203 Leisure Lane.
Join the folks at CHC Joint and Spine Center, 3500 Arendell Street, Morehead City on December 3rd at 9 a.m. for the Outdoor Holiday Market.
Mimosa Bay Holiday Hustle 5k 4:30 a.m. – 6:00 a.m. at the Mimosa Bay Subdivision, 115 Snow Goose Lane, Sneeds Ferry, December 3
Newport Winter Wonderland Train and Town Tree Lighting, December 3, from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the Newport Community Park in Newport.
34th Annual Core Sound Decoy Festival December 3 and 4; Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center in Harkers Island.
Art in the Park from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. December 8 at the Randolph Johnson Park at 1017 Pine Street in Beaufort.
Annual Christmas Candlelight Tour December 10, 2022 from 5 – 8 p.m. in Historic Beaufort with a rare glimpse into private historic homes, several inns, bed and breakfasts, all elegantly decorated for the season.
Beaufort Holiday Art Walk show, December 10 from 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. at the Beaufort Historic Site.
Gingerbread Festival and Competition, December 10 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Crystal Coast Civic Center, 3505 Arendell Street, Morehead City.
The Elysian Ball, December 10 from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. at The Islander Hotel Ballroom, 101 Islander Drive, Emerald Isle.
Olde Fashioned Holiday Market under the lights and stars, December 17 in Beaufort- Join an evening of shopping local on December 17 from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Courthouse Grounds.
28th Annual John Costlow Christmas Train Show December 16 -18- The 28th annual John Costlow Train Show takes place at the North Carolina Maritime Museum, in partnership with the Beaufort Lions Club. The annual show that features antique working model trains themed around Christmas is fun for the whole family! Friday, December 16, 4p.m. – 8p.m., Saturday, December 16, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sunday, December 18, 11a.m. – 5 p.m..
LOLP (Land of Little People) 1st Annual Christmas Market, at 7025 US 70 Newport from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., December 17.
Ring in the New Year, January 1, 2023 at the Penguin Plunge, 10 a.m. Atlantic Beach Boardwalk, 201 West Atlantic Beach Blvd.
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