The holiday season in east Pender kicks off a week before Thanksgiving this year. The Christmas in Pender-Onslow Festival of Trees returns Friday, Nov. 20, and Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026, at the Topsail Island Moose Lodge on N.C. 50, with decorated trees, local vendors, family activities and Breakfast with Santa, all to support a local nonprofit. If you live in Hampstead, Surf City or Holly Ridge, or you are house hunting in the area this fall, here is what to know and how to make a weekend of it.
Festival of Trees: The Essentials
According to the festival’s official website and the Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism event listing:
- Where: Topsail Island Moose Lodge 2061, 13175 N.C. Highway 50. The festival site lists a Holly Ridge mailing address and the chamber lists Hampstead; either way, it sits on N.C. 50 in the greater Topsail area near the Pender-Onslow line.
- When: Friday, Nov. 20, from 5 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 21, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Cost: Free admission.
- Breakfast with Santa: Saturday, Nov. 21, from 9 to 10 a.m., prepared by the Moose Lodge. The festival says you must have a ticket to eat; tickets are available through the festival website.
What You’ll Find
The festival describes a display of beautifully decorated Christmas trees, family activities, entertainment and special events. The chamber listing adds local vendors and holiday activities. The festival site also mentions a vendor area it calls the Mistletoe Mall and a competition for community members, with rules and age groups posted on the website. The chamber listing mentions a gingerbread contest among the ways to take part.
If you are newer to the area, events like this are a great way to meet neighbors, discover local makers and get a feel for the community spirit that draws so many people to the Topsail area.
A Festival With a Purpose
The Festival of Trees benefits Lauren’s Hope. In the festival’s words, “every gift made through the Christmas in Pender-Onslow Festival of Trees directly supports the mission of Lauren’s Hope and the women and families we serve.” The chamber listing describes the organization’s mission as serving women, men and families in the community. Sponsorships, tree decorating and vendor spots are all ways the community gets involved.
Make It a Weekend in East Pender
The Festival of Trees falls on a busy weekend for local traditions. A few other events on the calendar:
- Saturday, Nov. 21: The Hampstead Kiwanis Park Turkey Trot. See our Turkey Trot guide for details.
- Sunday, Nov. 22: Pender County’s Drive-In Turkey Bingo in Burgaw and Hampstead. Our Turkey Bingo post has the specifics.
- Later in the season: Tree lightings, boat flotillas and Christmas markets fill December. Our Hampstead and Pender County holiday events roundup has the bigger calendar.
Tip: N.C. 50 and U.S. 17 can get busy on event weekends. If you are coming from Wilmington, give yourself extra time, and check NCDOT’s DriveNC.gov for any road work before you go.
House Hunting During the Holidays
Late fall is a good time to look at homes in Hampstead and Surf City. Here’s why:
- Less competition: Fewer buyers tend to be out during the holidays, which can mean more time to decide.
- Motivated sellers: Sellers who list in November and December often have a reason to move, which can open the door to negotiation.
- A true picture of off-season life: Visiting the area in late fall shows you what everyday, year-round living feels like, without summer crowds.
Pair a Saturday at the Festival of Trees with a few showings, and you will come away with a real feel for the area. Our guides to living in Hampstead and living in Surf City are good places to start.
FAQ: Christmas in Pender-Onslow Festival of Trees
When is the 2026 Festival of Trees?
Friday, Nov. 20, from 5 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 21, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where is it held?
At the Topsail Island Moose Lodge, 13175 N.C. Highway 50.
Does it cost anything to attend?
Admission is free, according to the festival website. Breakfast with Santa requires a ticket.
Who benefits from the festival?
Lauren’s Hope, a local nonprofit serving families in the community.
Find Your Place Near Topsail
If a small-town holiday season on the coast sounds like home, let’s talk. Connect with Aspyre Collective to explore homes in Hampstead, Surf City and the greater Topsail area.
