The holidays look a little different along the Brunswick County coast. Instead of snow, you get lighted boats on the Cape Fear River, a tree lighting a few blocks from the beach, and a nightly light show in a brand-new town park. If you live in Brunswick County, or you’re thinking about buying a home in Leland, Southport, Oak Island, Holden Beach, or Shallotte, here’s what’s on the 2026 holiday calendar and what the season means if you’re house hunting or getting ready to sell.
Leland in Lights: Nov. 21 Through Jan. 3
Leland’s big holiday tradition returns this year in the newly renovated Founders Park at 113 Town Hall Drive. According to WWAY’s Oct. 26, 2026 report on the Town of Leland’s announcement, this is the first Leland in Lights held in the fully renovated park, and the displays will be lit nightly from Saturday, Nov. 21, through Jan. 3. It’s free to attend.
The season starts with the Grand Illumination at 6 p.m. on Nov. 21, when Mayor Brenda Bozeman and Santa turn on the lights. The town has added new displays, including a large photo-ready centerpiece, and a second Leland Express train this year. On select December weekends, “Live at Leland in Lights” adds extra programming:
- Dec. 4: Live entertainment
- Dec. 5: “Home Alone” screening and visits with Santa
- Dec. 11: Visits with Santa
- Dec. 12: “A Christmas Story” screening
- Dec. 18: Live entertainment
- Dec. 19: Dueling pianos with Blazin’ Keys Entertainment
On those evenings, the trains run from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., with programming starting at 6 p.m., per WWAY’s coverage. For buyers looking at Leland neighborhoods like Brunswick Forest, Westport, or the areas off Village Road, Founders Park is a good example of the kind of town investment that shapes day-to-day life there.
Southport WinterFest and the Christmas Flotilla
Southport turns its historic waterfront into a week-long celebration each December. Brunswick County’s tourism site, Brunswick Shores, lists these 2026 dates:
- Dec. 4, 6 p.m.: Downtown Tree Lighting at Whittler’s Bench
- Dec. 8, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.: Winterfest-ival of Trees at Franklin Square Park
- Dec. 10, at dusk: “The Polar Express” movie night on the Fort Johnston Garrison Lawn
- Dec. 12, 6 p.m.: The 32nd annual Southport WinterFest Flotilla along the waterfront, weather permitting
Before WinterFest, Southport also has the First Friday Gallery Walk (Nov. 6 and Dec. 4, 5 to 7 p.m.) and the Southport Wooden Boat Show at the Old Yacht Basin on Nov. 7. The City of Southport keeps the full schedule on its WinterFest page.
Oak Island’s First Weekend of December
Oak Island packs its biggest holiday events into one weekend, according to the same Brunswick Shores guide:
- Dec. 4, 5 to 7 p.m.: Tree lighting at Middleton Park Complex, with train rides, crafts, and Santa (free)
- Dec. 5: Breakfast with Santa at the Oak Island Community Center
- Dec. 5, 2 p.m.: Christmas by the Sea Parade along East Oak Island Drive, from Town Hall at SE 46th Street to McGlamery Street
- Dec. 6, noon to 4 p.m.: Holiday Craft Market at Middleton Park Complex (free)
Earlier in the season, the town hosts Doggy Daze of Fall on Nov. 14 and a Glow Ball night golf tournament at the Oak Island Par 3 on Nov. 27.
Holden Beach, Shallotte, and the South End
Holden Beach is holding a flotilla on Nov. 28, with pre-flotilla festivities at Holden Beach Marina, and Shallotte’s Christmas Parade is Dec. 5. Nov. 28 is also Small Business Saturday across the county, a good excuse to explore the shops in Shallotte, Calabash, and Southport.
What the Holiday Season Means for Buyers
Late fall and winter are often a quieter time to shop for a home here. Fewer buyers are out touring between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, which can mean less competition and more time to make decisions. The tradeoff is usually fewer new listings, so it helps to be ready when the right home comes up.
The financing backdrop matters too. Freddie Mac’s weekly survey on Oct. 29, 2026 put the average 30-year fixed rate at 7.24%, down from 7.32% the week before and the lowest level this month, according to Freddie Mac. If you’re shopping during the holidays, getting fully pre-approved before you tour can help you move quickly.
Holiday events are also a great way to “test drive” a town. Walking Southport’s waterfront at the flotilla, or watching the Oak Island parade, tells you a lot about a community’s character that a listing can’t.
What It Means for Sellers
Buyers who tour in December tend to be motivated: relocating for work, timing a move around a new year, or shopping for a second home while they’re in town visiting family. If you’re listing during the holidays, keep decorations simple so rooms still photograph well, make the home easy to show around your plans, and talk with your agent about timing your list date.
FAQ
Is Leland in Lights free?
Yes. The Town of Leland’s light displays at Founders Park are free and open nightly from Nov. 21 through Jan. 3, according to WWAY.
When is the Southport Christmas Flotilla in 2026?
Saturday, Dec. 12, at 6 p.m. along the Southport waterfront, weather permitting, per Brunswick County’s tourism guide.
Is the holiday season a good time to buy a home in Brunswick County?
It can be. There are often fewer buyers competing, though there may also be fewer listings. Being pre-approved and working with a local agent helps you act quickly when a good fit comes up.
Thinking About a Move in Brunswick County?
Whether you’re picturing your first Southport flotilla from your own front porch or planning to sell before the new year, we’d love to help you plan your next step. Contact Aspyre Collective to talk through neighborhoods, timing, and what today’s market means for you.
