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If you are planning a visit to the Crystal Coast during the holiday season, you will find a wealth of activities and events to keep you fit, make you smile and help you add some local flair to your holiday gift shopping. Our team at Spectrum Properties has selected a few gems in the area you don’t want to miss.
Holiday Events At The Core Sound Waterfowl Museum And Heritage Center
Looking for a little local heritage and some holiday cheer?
A trip to the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center on Harkers Island is an adventure of its own, where you drive along marshes, sounds and creeks and experience some of the communities that make up “down east” Carteret County—a gem of the Crystal Coast.
Built as a tribute to the history of the residents of Harkers Island, and to preserve the practice of decoy carving, the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum serves as a gathering place for the heritage and traditions of Core Sound. Christmas events bring added touches to the museum and the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum Store. Check out these three.
- Crab Pot Tree Sale & Christmas Attic Preview. November 3-5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the museum store, 806 Arendell St., Morehead City, NC. Among the usual offerings, you’ll find holiday delights, including America’s Original Crab Pot Christmas Tree®! Created and patented by Coastal North Carolina crab trap maker Nicky Harvey and made in Down East by hard-working local fishing family members.
- Gallery of Trees Opening Night. Nov. 18, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the museum, 1785 Island Road, Harkers Island, NC. Featuring a special lighting ceremony for Core Sound Lights.
- Christmas Open House. Nov. 19, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the museum. Kick-off the holidays and enjoy the festive decor, including the annual Gallery of Trees.
Mark your calendar for these events, too!
Holiday Events On The Crystal Coast
Morehead City Veteran’s Day Parade. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Downtown Morehead City, NC.
With military bases all around the area and many current and retired military members in our communities, the Morehead City Veteran’s Day Parade is a time-honored tradition that recognizes those who have served the country in war or peace.
Calico Creek Holiday Pop Up Shop. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Calico Creek Coffee Shop, 1605 Fisher St., Morehead City.
Quickly becoming the go-to place to find unique holiday gifts, the Calico Creek Holiday Pop Up Shop features vendors, food trucks and, of course, coffee. our community. All profits from the coffee bar go towards the mission of fighting drug and alcohol addiction in our communities.
November 12
Mistletoe Magic Holiday Gift Show. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Crystal Coast Civic Center, 3505 Arendell St., Morehead City, NC.
More than 80 vendors will fill the Crystal Coast Civic Center with decorations, entertainment ideas, children’s gifts and clothing, jewelry, wood art, pottery, holiday crafts and many more unique, one-of-a-kind items. Admission is $5 per person. Under 12 is free.
November 19
Jumble Sale. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Beaufort Historic Site, 100 Block Turner Street, Beaufort, NC.
The Beaufort Historic Site turns into a vibrant community market with vendors selling a variety of goods, including art, handmade crafts, holiday gifts, pre-loved treasures, antiques, clothing, food, and much more.
Core Sound Waterfowl Museum Christmas Open House. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center, 1785 Island Road, Harkers Island, NC
November 24
Sports Center Turkey Burner. 701 N. 35th Street, Morehead City, NC.
Here’s another opportunity to burn some calories before enjoying your Thanksgiving feast. The Turkey Burner features a 3-mile run and workout Thanksgiving morning.
November 26
Small Business Saturday Holiday Market & Street Fair. 3 – 8 p.m. Carteret Community College, 3615 Arendell St., Morehead City, NC
Shop local! More than 100 vendors will be set up for the event, featuring local businesses, food trucks, live music, and more! The event is sponsored by the Carteret Community College Small Business Center.
For all of your vacation rental needs, book with Spectrum Properties so we can ensure you have a wonderful stay this holiday season!
Dec. 2.
Atlantic Beach Light Up the Night Christmas Parade. 6 – 8 p.m., Atlantic Beach, NC
This year the parade will begin at the Atlantic Beach Town Park head east down West Fort Macon Road to the Atlantic Beach Circle.
Dec. 3
Beaufort Christmas Parade. 11 a.m. Front Street, Beaufort, NC
This annual parade brings smiles to children and adults alike. Enjoy the small-town holiday festivities against a backdrop of historic Downtown Beaufort.
Friends of the NC Maritime Museum Holiday Flotilla. 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., Morehead City and Beaufort waterfronts
This dazzling display of holiday lights and vessels of all types begins on the water by Shepard Street in Morehead City and travels to Beaufort along Taylor’s Creek.
Dec. 3 & 4
34th Annual Core Sound Decoy Festival. 9 to 5 p.m. both days. Harkers Island Elementary School, 1164 Island Road, Harkers Island. Price: $8 daily, children under 12 free; Sunday children under 18 free.
Sponsored by the Core Sound Decoy Carvers Guild, the festival has many attractions that include antique decoy exhibits, retriever demonstrations, and several types of competitions including decoys, shorebirds, head whittling and more.
You can shop for one-of-a-kind gifts from the many vendors who set up at the festival each year. Food will be offered by Harkers Island Elementary School staff and volunteers.
Dec. 4
47th Annual Newport Christmas Parade. 3-5 p.m. Chatham Street, Newport, NC
The ever-popular Newport Christmas Parade features, floats, bands, fire trucks, farm vehicles and more. The parade will run along Chatham Street, with plenty of space for viewing.
Book Your Holiday Rental With Spectrum Rental Properties
The Crystal Coast is a wonderful location to call home all year long. There is no shortage of activities throughout each season and we have homes available to make sure you don’t miss any of them.
For all of your holiday vacation rental needs, book with Spectrum Properties so we can ensure you have a wonderful stay!
