Crystal Coast Vibes
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Crystal Coast Vibes December 19-25

Crystal Coast Vibes December 19-25

What's Happening on the Crystal Coast!

December 18, 2025

December 19-December 25, 2025

Hello friends and neighbors!

We’re counting down. Just a few days until Christmas. Why not take a break from the wrapping, decorating, baking, etc. and go have some fun!

In this issue, you will find Crystal Coast Events, Local Buzz, Entertainment, and the Parting Shot.

Have fun!

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Friday, December 19

Carols and Treats Sing Along at The White Rabbit Cafe, Morehead City.
6-8 pm | Adults: $25, Children (12 & under): $12 , Family of four: $60
Mosaic Coasters at Newport Branch Library, Newport.
Need a cute place to set your drinks? Look no further than the Newport library!
4-5 pm
Italian "7 Fishes" Dinner at Christina's A Wine Boutique, Cedar Point.
The iconic Feast of the Seven Fishes tradition with a modern Italian spin.
6 pm | $95

Saturday, December 20

Breakfast with the Grinch and Cindy Lou Too at Floyd's 1921, Morehead City.
A breakfast the Grinch won’t be able to resist. Santa Claus and Cindy Lou Who will be joining the fun, too.
Seatings at 8:30 am • 9:30 am • 10:30 am | Adults $15 + tax & gratuity, Children $10 + tax & gratuity
Pancakes and Pajamas at Marmalade Cafe and Bakery, Morehead City.
Come in your pajamas and get a free latte! Christmas movies will be playing all day.
8 am-2 pm
BBA Presents Fisherman Santa and Santa Fish House, Beaufort.
Cast your holiday wishes and reel in the Christmas magic.
Photos, treats, and seaside cheer for the whole family!
11 am-3 pm
Grunch with the Grinch at 34° North Restaurant, Beaufort.
This isn’t your average brunch—it’s Grunch! Expect jolly bites, playful banter, and a Grinch who’s more charming than grumpy (well, almost).
11 am-2 pm
Santa in the Sunroom at Carolina Home and Garden, Newport.
Bring your family to visit and take pictures with Santa and create lasting memories. Join in a festive session with Santa Claus that you'll cherish for years to come.
11 am-3 pm | $15.38 per family, $10.15 for the Grinch
Santa's Workshop Open House at John Newton Park, Beaufort.
Santa will be in his workshop to greet the children.
11 am-3 pm
Candlelight Christmas Concert at Swansboro United Methodist Church, Swansboro.
A magical evening filled with holiday favorites and original music!
7 pm | Free
The Spirit of Christmas: Dickens Themed Dinner at The White Rabbit Cafe, Morehead City.
6-8 pm | $75
1st Annual Hooked on Trout Tournament at Emerald Isle Boat Ramp.
A high-stakes, high-impact Speckled Trout tournament dedicated to supporting our veterans.
1-4 pm | $200
Deck Santa Out - Holiday Cheer cookie class! at Christina's A Wine Boutique, Cedar Point.
It’s time for a Holiday Cheer Cookie Class - with SIX cookie designs.
3-5 pm | $45
Claus Crawl at Backstreet Pub, Beaufort.
12 Bars, 3 Hours, 1 Mission: Achieve Maximum Cheer!
1:45-7 pm | $25

Sunday, December 21

Santa's Workshop Open House at John Newton Park, Beaufort.
Santa will be in his workshop to greet the children.
11 am-3 pm
Santa in the Sunroom at Carolina Home and Garden, Newport.
Bring your family to visit and take pictures with Santa and create lasting memories. Join in a festive session with Santa Claus that you'll cherish for years to come.
Noon-3 pm | $15.38 per family, $10.15 for the Grinch
Garden Vendor Market at Carolina Home & Garden, Newport.
Over 20 vendors, all selling different items!
Noon - 4 pm | Free to attend

Monday, December 22

Kids Drop off Mini Camp - Elf Workshop at Hammer & Stain Crystal Coast, Bogue.
Give your little elves a magical crafting experience while you tackle your holiday to-do list!
1-4 pm | $45 (age 6 and older)
Nature Journaling at Hammocks Beach State Park, Swansboro.
A nature-journal hike designed to help you slow down and observe the natural world with clearer, more curious eyes. As you walk, you’ll build creativity through sketching and writing while strengthening memory and learning by recording what you discover.
2-3 pm | Free

Tuesday, December 23

Kids Drop off Mini Camp - Elf Workshop at Hammer & Stain Crystal Coast, Bogue.
Give your little elves a magical crafting experience while you tackle your holiday to-do list!
1-4 pm | $45 (age 6 and older)
Book & Brews at Shortway Brewing Co., Newport.
Are you a book worm that enjoys craft beer and socializing? Join the book club!
6-8 pm

Future Events

Smoke on the Water Bonfire at Atlantic Beach.
January 2, 2026
Casino Royale at The Islander Hotel and Resort, Emerald Isle.
January 10, 2026
The Seaside Arts Council Annual Beach Ball at 213 West, Peletier.
January 15, 2026
Crystal Coast Wedding Expo at Crystal Coast Civic Center, Morehead City.
January 17, 2026
The Underpants by Steve Martin at New Bern Civic Theater, New Bern.
January 30, 31, February 1, 6, 7, 8, 2026
Carolina Chocolate Festival at Crystal Coast Civic Center, Morehead City.
February 7, 2026

Recurring Events

Pop-up Park: City Lights at Morehead City Depot Park, Morehead City.
Every night, from late November through December, this free pop-up park will be adorned with a variety of Christmas lights and decorations. Check the website for the dates and times of Santa’s appearances.
6-8 pm | Free
Holiday Show at Carolina Artist Gallery, Morehead City |Multimedia art show & sale | Daily 11 am-5 pm
Gallery of Trees: Telling our story at Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center, Harker’s Island | Daily through January 9, 2026 |
11 am-5 pm
Outdoor Ice Skating at Beaufort Hotel, Beaufort.
Monday - Thursday December 1, 2025 - February 12, 2026.
4-8 pm | $10
Beach Yoga Every Day - Western Beach Access, Emerald Isle | Daily 8 am | Donation
Championship Trivia at Snapperz Grill, Morehead City | Mondays |
6:30 pm
Roosevelt Natural Area Paddle Trip - NC Aquarium, Pine Knoll Shores.
Explore tidal flats and quiet backwaters with an aquarium educator as you learn about the intricate web of life thriving in this pristine natural environment. Mondays and Wednesdays 9-11 am | $
Taproom Trivia at Nacho Brewery | Morehead City | Wednesdays | 7-9 pm
Music Bingo at The Dock House, Beaufort | Tuesdays | 6:30-8:30 pm
Trivia Tuesday - The Emerald Club, Emerald Isle | Tuesdays 7:30-9:15 pm
Free Admission Wednesday - Grace Adventure Park | Carolina Home and Garden, Newport | 2-6 pm Wednesdays | Free
Music Bingo at Nacho Brewery | Morehead City | Wednesdays | 7-9 pm
Small Arms Demo at Fort Macon State Park- Fort Macon, Atlantic Beach | Wednesdays 10:30-11 am | Free | Small Arms history and demonstrations.
It's All Write - Western Carteret Library, Cape Carteret | 1st and 3rd Wednesdays 4-5:30 pm | 18+ | Writer’s Group Workshop.
Booze Farm Bingo - Bogue Sound Distillery, Bogue | Wednesdays
6-10 pm | 21+ only
Musical Bingo - The Trading Post, Emerald Isle | Wednesdays 7-9 pm
Cru Collabs: Open Jam for Musicians and Djs at Cru Bar, Beaufort | Thursdays | 7-11 pm
Boot & Brews Line Dancing - Dancing Baristas Cafe, Beaufort | Thursdays
Thursday Night Flights - MF Chappell Wine Merchant, Atlantic Beach | Thursdays 5-6:30 pm | $ | Wine Tasting.
Weekly Trivia - Church Street Market & Pub, Swansboro | Thursdays |
6:30 pm
Almost Live Concert Karaoke - Bogue Sound Distillery, Bogue | Thursdays | 7-11 pm
Learn Surf Fishing - Pine Knoll Shores. | Fridays | 8-10 am | $25
Friday Night Flights - 34° North Restaurant, Beaufort. | Beaufort | Fridays | 5-10 pm | $ | Whisky flights
Bingo Beats Saturdays - Billfish Coastal Grill & Bar, Indian Beach. Music Bingo! | Saturdays | 7-9 pm
Karaoke Night - Tackle Box Tavern, Atlantic Beach | Saturdays 9:30 pm -
2 am
Lil Story Time - The Periwinkle, Beaufort | Saturdays 10:30 am - 1:30 pm | Free
Olde Beaufort Farmers Market - Beaufort. | Saturdays 9 am - 1 pm
Saturday Farmer’s Market - The Market at Cedar Point | Saturdays
10 am - 2 pm

New Business Alert!
This one almost got by us, but fortunately we have dedicated readers helping out.

As of November, there is a welcome new addition to the food and drink scene.

Bound & Brewed is a cozy bookstore and coffee shop located at 171 Old NC-58 Unit 4 in Cedar Point. Bound & Brewed is committed to supporting local small businesses and artisans, and giving back to organizations supporting those in need.

Rave reviews have been coming in. You can stop in any day of the week. But leave a spot in your calendar for January 3rd, for a “Meet our Firefighters” event. For more information, see the website.

You can start the New Year off with a head-clearing plunge and support the Downs Syndrome Network of Onslow and Carteret Counties by attending the 5th Annual Shrimp Dip at nearby Topsail Island.

The polar plunge-style event will take place at noon on New Year’s Day at North Topsail Beach access 34, which is located across the street from Beach Bum’s, 4030 Island Drive. For more information, contact [email protected].

Friday, December 19

Smalltown @ Bogue Sound Distillery | Bogue | 7-10 pm
Will & Tony @ Carolina Home & Gardens | Newport | 6 pm
RV Roadshow @ Gaffer's | Emerald Isle | 6-9 pm
Music in the Mullet Bar featuring MartinLangston @ Promise Land Market |
Morehead City | 8 pm
Paul Brion & the Raucous Brothers @ Beaufort Bar | Beaufort | 8:30 pm
Thomas K & The Changelings @ Preston’s Corner | Swansboro | 7-10 pm
Aaron Davenport @ Baxter’s 1892 | New Bern | 7-10 pm | $2
Chocolate Chip & Company @ Blackbeard’s Triple Play | New Bern |
7:30-11 pm
Salty Bones @ Pinky’s Pub | New Bern | 7:30-10:30

Saturday, December 20

Barry Charlton @ Southern Salt | Morehead City | Noon-3 pm
Salty Bones @ Bogue Sound Distillery | Bogue | 7-10 pm
Shaina Marie @ Preston’s Corner | Swansboro | 7-10 pm
4EverAll @ Gaffer's | Emerald Isle | 6-9 pm
Will Easter @ Thirsty Surfer | Emerald Isle | 6 pm
Jingle n' Jammies w/ Kendra Joy & The Misfit Toys @ Shortway Brewing Company | Newport | 6-8 pm
Southern Hellcats @ Carolina Home and Garden | Newport | 6 pm
Thorn @ King Mackerels | Morehead City | 10 pm
Barefoot Wade @ 34° North Restaurant | Beaufort | 8-11 pm
Erika Butters @ Baxter’s 1892 | New Bern | 7-10 pm | $5
Brooke White and the Black Sheep @ The Flying Fox | New Bern | 8-11 pm
28 West @ Pinky’s Pub | New Bern | 7:30