Holiday festivities include flotillas at Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach. These lighted boat parades showcase the Intracoastal Waterway in all its glory. There�s nothing quite like cheering along with spectators as the elaborately decorated sailing vessels and powerboats drift by in a procession of festive lights. The season kicks off Thanksgiving weekend with the North Carolina Holiday Flotilla and Day in the Park at Wrightsville Beach (Sat., Nov. 29). The following weekend, there�s the Island of Lights Nighttime Holiday Parade (Fri., Dec. 5) and IOL Holiday Flotilla (Sat., Dec. 6) at Carolina Beach. Other island holiday events include the IOL Holiday Tour of Homes (Dec. 13), IOL Light Up the Lake (Nov. 28-Dec.25), Pleasure Island Merchants� Shop �Til You Drop event (Dec. 12-14) and more. New Year�s Eve festivities include the Island of Lights Countdown Party at the Kure Beach Pier (Dec. 31), complete with street dance, fireworks display and the lowering of a giant lighted beach ball!

Events in Historic Downtown Wilmington include two 2003 STS Top 20 Events: Old Wilmington by Candlelight Tour (Dec. 6-7) and Colonial Christmas Celebration (Dec. 13-14) at Burgwin-Wright House Museum. Other Downtown holiday events include the annual Lighting of the Battleship North Carolina (Dec. 5-Jan. 6), Lighting of Downtown Wilmington (Nov. 28) and Holiday Parade (Dec. 13), an amazing Festival of Trees (Nov. 29-Dec. 7), and ongoing seasonal theatrical productions and concerts. Downtown Wilmington�s businesses, B&Bs and private homes get all decked out for the season. Enjoy a leisurely �reindeer-drawn� carriage tour through the historic district (Dec. 19-24) or cruise Wilmington�s most decorated neighborhoods via trolley during the Holiday Lights Tour (Fri.-Sun. nights, Dec. 5-23). Enjoy a holiday theme dinner cruise (Fridays in Dec.) or a special New Year�s Eve cruise (Dec. 31) aboard the Henrietta III Riverboat.

Holiday shopping opportunities await at coastal and downtown retailers offering a distinctive selection of original gifts. Find everything from the latest fashions and antiques to handcrafted jewelry, one-of-a-kind art and rare coastal finds. Historic Wilmington & NC�s Cape Fear Coast features upscale shopping complexes, specialty shops, antique stores, trendy boutiques, art galleries, craft shows and more. Experience the dining renaissance in Historic Wilmington and North Carolina�s Cape Fear Coast. New and established restaurants offer an array of fresh seafood and regional specialties to suit every palate and budget. Flavors of the season blend with perennial favorites to satisfy culinary desires during the holiday season.

From the river to the sea, your holiday options are endless�this event roundup is just for starters! For a complete listing of seasonal events, visit website www.cape-fear.nc.us and click on the Christmas tree icon.

For more information on holiday packages click on the Cape Fear Coast�s friendly mascot �Sammy Sand Dollar.� Or you may call 1-866-534-8995 or stop by the Visitor Information Center located at 24 North Third Street in Historic Downtown Wilmington.

Media:
Connie Nelson
cvbpr@cape-fear.nc.us
Communications Manager
(910) 341-4030 or
(800) 222-4757
Cape Fear Coast CVB
www.cape-fear.nc.us
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The New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority d/b/a the Cape Fear Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau (CFCCVB) is the official destination marketing organization of New Hanover County that stimulates economic development through the promotion of travel and tourism.