Looking for a cozy, kid-friendly way to spend the day after Thanksgiving? The Museum of Coastal Carolina in Ocean Isle Beach is hosting “HoliDAY at the Museum” on Friday, Nov. 27, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is a beach-style holiday celebration with snow science, crafts, the museum’s Festival of Trees and a visit from a very coastal version of Santa, WWAY reported on Nov. 10.
If you are hosting family over the holiday weekend, own a second home on the island or are thinking about a move to the South Brunswick Islands, here is everything you need to plan your visit.
Event Details at a Glance
- What: HoliDAY at the Museum
- When: Friday, Nov. 27, 2026, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Where: Museum of Coastal Carolina, 21 East Second Street, Ocean Isle Beach
- Admission (per WWAY): Adults 12 to 64, $12; seniors 65 and older, $10; children 3 to 12, $8; children younger than 2, free
The museum notes that face painting and food truck purchases are not included in admission. Event details are posted on the Museum of Coastal Carolina and Ingram Planetarium website.
What Families Can Do
Snow science on the coast
Snow is rare on the Brunswick beaches, so the museum is bringing the science indoors. According to WWAY, guests can make and play in snow, identify animal tracks, learn how animals in cold environments stay warm and study the structure of snowflakes.
Holiday crafts to take home
Kids can design their own snowflakes and make crafts such as snow bottles, tree hats and ornaments.
White Beard the Pirate Claus
The museum’s beloved White Beard the Pirate Claus returns for holiday visits and photos, a fun beach-town twist on the classic Santa visit.
Festival of Trees
The museum’s seventh annual Festival of Trees will be on display, and visitors can vote for their favorite decorated tree. The museum’s Sand Dollar Tree offers a way to give back: guests who make a donation can receive a real sand dollar as a thank-you. For more on the festival itself, see our earlier guide to the Festival of Trees in Ocean Isle Beach.
Face painting and treats
Vicki Paints will offer face painting from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the Kofe Cup Truck will be on site with hot chocolate, coffee, pastries and other refreshments.
Plan Around the Museum’s Holiday Hours
The museum’s posted hours from Nov. 12 through Dec. 31, 2026, are Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m., with extra days Dec. 28 to 31. It is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and ticket sales end 30 minutes before closing. If Nov. 27 does not work for your family, the Festival of Trees can be enjoyed during regular holiday hours.
Make It a Holiday Weekend in the Brunswick Islands
Thanksgiving weekend is a great time to enjoy the islands at a slower pace. After the museum, you might:
- Take a walk on the beach, which is quiet and beautiful in late November.
- Catch the Holden Beach Holiday Flotilla on Nov. 28.
- Browse more seasonal ideas in our Brunswick County holiday events guide.
Why Community Events Matter When You Buy
When buyers ask what year-round life is like on Ocean Isle Beach, events like this are part of the answer. Local institutions such as the Museum of Coastal Carolina keep the island lively in the off-season and give families reasons to gather long after summer crowds leave. If you are considering the island, our guides to living on Ocean Isle Beach year-round and buying a second home on Ocean Isle Beach are good places to start.
FAQ: HoliDAY at the Museum 2026
When is HoliDAY at the Museum?
Friday, Nov. 27, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
How much is admission?
Per WWAY, $12 for adults 12 to 64, $10 for seniors 65 and older, $8 for children 3 to 12, and free for children younger than 2.
Is face painting included?
No. Face painting and food truck purchases are separate from museum admission.
Is the museum open on Thanksgiving Day?
No. The museum is closed Thanksgiving Day and reopens for HoliDAY at the Museum on Friday.
Your Island Home for the Holidays
Dreaming of hosting next Thanksgiving at your own place on the coast? We would love to help you find it. Contact Aspyre Collective to explore homes on Ocean Isle Beach and across the South Brunswick Islands.
