Carolina Beach Christmas Flotilla 2026: Island of Lights boat parade
The Carolina Beach flotilla is a lighted boat parade: decorated boats travel the Intracoastal Waterway from Snows Cut to the Carolina Beach Boat Basin in the Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla, held each year on the second Saturday after Thanksgiving. Boats compete for prizes.
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Key details
- Date and time: Saturday, December 5, 2026, 5:00 PM Eastern Time (per the Island of Lights Facebook event)
- Route: Intracoastal Waterway, from Snows Cut to the Carolina Beach Boat Basin
- Cost: Free to watch
- Organizer: Island of Lights, Pleasure Island's volunteer holiday committee
What to expect
Spectators watch from spots along the waterway and around the Carolina Beach Boat Basin as the boats pass after dark. The flotilla is one of several Island of Lights events, which also include Lighting at the Lake, the Tour of Homes and the New Year's Eve countdown.
Parking and getting there
Arrive early for a spot near the Boat Basin, since the downtown and Boardwalk area fills up on flotilla night. Town parking rules apply.
Listings on Whats Up CB
- Island of Lights: Lighting at the Lake · Fri, Nov 27 · Carolina Beach Lake Park
- Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla · Sat, Dec 5 · Intracoastal Waterway, Snows Cut to Carolina Beach Boat Basin
- Island of Lights Tour of Homes · Sat, Dec 12 · Participating homes
- Island of Lights New Year's Eve Countdown and Drone Display · Thu, Dec 31 · Carolina Beach Boardwalk
Video from past years
StarNews: 2024 Island of Lights flotilla in Carolina Beach (video)
Questions and answers
When is the Carolina Beach flotilla?
The 2026 Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla is Saturday, December 5, 2026 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time.
Where is the best place to watch the lighted boat parade in Carolina Beach?
The Carolina Beach Boat Basin, where the route ends, and spots along the Intracoastal Waterway from Snows Cut south.
When is the 2026 Island of Lights flotilla?
Saturday, December 5, 2026 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time.
Where can people watch the flotilla?
Along the Intracoastal Waterway between Snows Cut and the Carolina Beach Boat Basin. The Boat Basin, where the route ends, is a popular viewing area.
Does it cost anything to watch?
No. Watching the flotilla is free.
Where are updates posted?
Island of Lights posts flotilla updates on its Facebook page, so check there on the day.
Official information
Details can change; confirm with the organizer before you go.