For more than two decades, a lighted boat parade on the Intracoastal Waterway was part of how many Brunswick County families started the holiday season. When the Ocean Isle Flotilla did not return this year, a group of boaters and local partners moved the tradition a few miles east. The first Holden Beach Flotilla is set for Saturday, November 28, 2026, and it is a good look at the kind of small-town, on-the-water community life that draws people to the island.
Here is what we know from the organizers and the Brunswick Beacon’s Oct. 1 report, plus a few thoughts for anyone who owns, rents, or is shopping on Holden Beach.
Why There Is a New Flotilla This Year
According to the Beacon, the Ocean Isle Flotilla had run for the past 21 years and had been a significant fundraiser for Brunswick Family Assistance (BFA), a nonprofit that helps county families in times of need. When that event ended, boater Jason Murphy, who had taken part in Ocean Isle’s parade for several years, reached out to Holden Beach Marina. The marina signed on, and Murphy partnered with Keith Smith, who also serves as a Holden Beach town commissioner, to build the new event with community sponsors.
The charitable piece carries over. Proceeds benefit BFA, and the official flotilla schedule page asks spectators to bring a new, unwrapped toy to support local families.
Schedule for Saturday, November 28
The event’s official schedule, checked on November 9, lists these times:
- 4:30 p.m. – Pre-flotilla festivities at Holden Beach Marina
- 5:15 p.m. – Final radio check for participating boats
- 5:30 p.m. – Flotilla begins, departing on the ICW from just west of Sailfish Park
- 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. – Boat judging
- About 7:30 p.m. – Boats begin returning to Holden Beach Marina
The Beacon reported that awards and post-flotilla activities are expected to start between roughly 7:30 and 7:45 p.m. at the marina, followed by after-parties at local restaurants. Times are approximate and depend on weather and conditions on the water, so check the organizer’s site the week of the event.
The Route
From the staging area west of Sailfish Park, boats travel along the waterway past Provisions, continue under the Holden Beach Bridge, turn near The Wharf, and head back to Holden Beach Marina, where judging takes place. The Beacon noted boats will be spaced about one to two minutes apart, so the procession should stay visible along the route for a good while.
Where to Watch
Organizers encourage spectators to find safe spots along the route and said more viewing details would be released closer to the date. A few practical tips from our own experience on the island:
- Arrive early. Late November sunsets come early, and parking near the bridge and the waterfront parks can fill up for evening events.
- Dress for the water. Evenings on the ICW can feel much colder than the forecast once the wind picks up.
- Bring the toy donation. It is the simplest way to support the cause.
- Plan your parking. We covered the town’s recent decision on holiday paid parking on Holden Beach, which is worth a look before you head over.
What It Says About Living on Holden Beach
Events like this are part of why buyers describe Holden Beach as a family beach. Much of the island’s social life happens on the water, and a new tradition that started with one boater’s phone call says a lot about how the community works.
For Buyers Considering ICW or Canal Homes
If you are drawn to the sound side because of the boating lifestyle, the flotilla is a good chance to see the waterway at night, judge traffic and noise near the bridge, and talk with boat owners about docks and access. Before you buy, look closely at dock condition and permits, canal depth, and flood zone. Our update on the Holden Beach canal dredging delay is a useful starting point for canal-front shoppers.
For Second-Home and Rental Owners
A Thanksgiving-weekend event gives owners another reason to plan a stay or offer the home to family. If you rent your property, a shoulder-season event can be a selling point in listings. Just avoid promising specific views or times that depend on the organizers. For a broader look at the numbers behind owning a rental here, see our Holden Beach vacation rental investor guide.
New to the island? Start with our Living in Holden Beach town guide.
FAQ
When is the 2026 Holden Beach Flotilla?
Saturday, November 28, 2026. Boats depart from just west of Sailfish Park at about 5:30 p.m. and begin returning to Holden Beach Marina around 7:30 p.m.
Does it cost anything to watch?
Watching from along the route is open to the public. Organizers ask spectators to bring a new, unwrapped toy for Brunswick Family Assistance.
Is this the same event as the Ocean Isle Flotilla?
No. It is a new event, but it continues the tradition after the 21-year Ocean Isle Flotilla ended and keeps supporting the same charity.
Can I enter my own boat?
Boat registration is handled through the official flotilla website. Check there for rules and any remaining spots.
Thinking About a Place on Holden Beach?
Whether you want a canal home with a dock, a second home for family holidays, or a rental with year-round appeal, local knowledge makes the search easier. Talk with the Aspyre Collective team about homes on and around Holden Beach.
