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Crystal Coast Vibes Nov. 28-Dec. 4

Crystal Coast Vibes Nov. 28-Dec. 4

What's Happening on the Crystal Coast!

November 27, 2025

November 28-December 4, 2025

Hello friends and neighbors!

If you’re reading this on Thursday morning, the festivities are just a few hours away. If you’re reading this later, you probably still have some tasty leftovers to enjoy. But as of Friday, Thanksgiving will be but a memory and the Christmas season will be moving into full swing. And there’s lots of fun in store these next few weeks.

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

Have fun and Happy Thanksgiving!

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Friday, November 28

Swansboro Christmas Flotilla, Downtown Swansboro.
A dazzling parade of boats adorned with shimmering lights glide along the White Oak River, filling the night with holiday magic.
5-8 pm
The Great Christmas Holiday Laser Show at Carteret County Speedway, Swansboro.
A Night You Won’t Soon Forget…Enjoy the Sounds of the Holidays put to Mesmerizing Laser Lights! Fun for the Entire Family!
6:15 & 7:45 pm | $30 per car
Sip And Savor Charcuterie Class at Harvest of Grace Winery, Newport.
A Holiday Charcuterie Class where you will learn how to impress your Holiday party guests with a beautiful arrangement of meats, cheeses, fruits and more. Indluded is guidance on the best wines to pair with your edible creation.
4-6 pm | $35
Pour Decisions: Candle Bar Edition at Hammer & Stain Crystal Coast, Bogue.
At this hands-on candle bar, you’ll choose your scent, blend your wax, and pour your very own custom candle. For all abilities.
6 pm | $35

Saturday, November 29

Emerald Isle Christmas Parade on Highway 58, Emerald Isle.
This festive family event promises a cheerful display of colorful floats, holiday-themed characters, marching bands, and Santa Claus himself!
2-4 pm
Annual Holiday Craft and Vendor Fair at
The Great Christmas Holiday Laser Show at Carteret County Speedway, Swansboro.
A Night You Won’t Soon Forget…Enjoy the Sounds of the Holidays put to Mesmerizing Laser Lights! Fun for the Entire Family!
6:15 & 7:45 pm | $30 per car
2nd Annual Winter Wonderland Christmas Market at Newport Community Park, Newport.
The evening will feature ice skating on a synthetic rink, visits with Santa, a Christmas Market with local vendors, food trucks, and holiday music throughout the park.
3-8 pm | Admission & parking are free, skating $7 for 30 minutes including skates
3rd Annual Thanks on Tap at Beaufort Spirits Company, Beaufort.
Give thanks and show your support for the Boys & Girls Club, enjoy live music by NRPrhyme & Bryan Mayer, feast on delicious food by Beaufort Grocery food truck, discover treasures from local venders, and sip on holiday drink specials.
1 pm
Fall Chicken Wing Cookoff at Tipsy Turtle Tavern, Atlantic Beach.
Think you have the best wings? Enter for your chance to win $500.00.
Noon-7 pm | $50 Entry Fee for competitors
Hunks The Show at Jack's Waterfront Bar, Morehead City.
Don’t Miss the Ultimate Girls’ Night Out! A Night Full of Fun and Excitement.
8-10 pm | Various packages from $18.85 to $83.81
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

Sunday, November 30

Coastal Crafts at Hammocks Beach State Park, Swansboro.
Learn about some of the unique beach finds and what crafty ways can be applied with them. Build your own craft to take home.
2-3 pm | Free, but registration is required
The Great Christmas Holiday Laser Show at Carteret County Speedway, Swansboro.
A Night You Won’t Soon Forget…Enjoy the Sounds of the Holidays put to Mesmerizing Laser Lights! Fun for the Entire Family!
6:15 & 7:45 pm | $25 per car
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
Poetry Formal Tea at The White Rabbit Cafe, Morehead City.
Poetry Formal Tea with Michael Loderstedt and Tom Peeler.
3 pm | $60

Monday, December 1

Bird Hike at Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach.
A leisurely hike with one of the fantastic rangers at Fort Macon State Park. Learn about the birds native to the area.
9-10 am | Free

Tuesday, December 2

Ceramic Workshop at Carolina Home and Garden, Newport.
Decorate the beloved ceramic trees that hold memories of generations past. Add it to your Holiday decor or surprise someone special with a stunning handmade gift!
6-8 pm | See the website for prices
Coastal Nutcracker Resin Workshop at Wine & Design, Morehead City.
Have a great time while you create gorgeous resin art.
6:30-8:30 pm | $60
Escoffier Dinner at Hospitality & Culinary Arts Center, Morehead City.
Support the talented students of Carteret Community College's Culinary Arts, Baking & Pastry Arts, and Hospitality Management programs! An exquisite dining experience that will play a pivotal role in their educational journey to France.
6 pm | $156.27
Night Hike at Hammocks Beach State Park, Swansboro.
Join a ranger for an after-hours hike under the near-full cold moon! In celebration of National Day of Giving, please bring an unwrapped toy to be donated to Swansboro Christmas Cheer, a local non-profit helping local families. Weather dependent.
5-6 pm | Free

Wednesday, December 3

Light Up The Night at Harvest Church of God, Newport.
The fourth annual Christmas Light Drive Through Experience! An evening of spectacular lights, free hot chocolate, character experiences, and more.
6:30-9:30 pm | Free
Literary Voices Party and Prose at History Museum of Carteret County, Morehead City.
Join acclaimed writers Tim Peeler and Michael Loderstedt for a special evening of poetry, storytelling, and music.
4-6 pm | Free
Santa in the Greenroom 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.
5:30-8:30 pm | $25.63 per family
Plant Bingo at Carolina Home and Gardens, Newport.
Bingo, but the prizes are plants!
6:30-8:30 pm | $5, $15 Small Charcuterie Box, $25 Large Charcuterie Box

Thursday, December 4

History of Santa Claus, Patron Saint of Sailors at Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach.
A family-friendly presentation, where you can learn about Santa Claus without taking away any of the magic.
11 am-Noon | Free
Bug Safari at Hammocks Beach State Park, Swansboro.
Join a Schools in Parks (SIP) specialist in exploration of the hidden world of insects and small creatures in their natural habitat. Weather dependent.
11 am-Noon | Free
Light Up The Night at Harvest Church of God, Newport.
The fourth annual Christmas Light Drive Through Experience! An evening of spectacular lights, free hot chocolate, character experiences, and more.
6:30-9:30 pm | Free
Pressed Flower Bookmarks at Newport Branch Library, Newport.
Are you looking for a homemade holiday gift? Come to the Newport library to make a pressed flower bookmark. Ages 18+, all supplies will be included.
11 am-Noon
Wine About It! Wine Club at 34° North Restaurant, Beaufort.
Wine tasting and food pairing. Three chef-crafted small bites, each thoughtfully paired with a distinctive wine selection.
6-8 pm | $30 plus tax and service charges

Future Events

The Great Christmas Holiday Laser Show at Carteret County Speedway, Swansboro.
A Night You Won’t Soon Forget…Enjoy the Sounds of the Holidays put to Mesmerizing Laser Lights! Fun for the Entire Family!
Dec 5-7, 2025
Morehead City Christmas Tree Lighting at Katherine Davis Park, Morehead City
December 5, 2025
Chamber Music by Candlelight at Tryon Palace New Bern.
Enjoy holiday pieces from the Baroque to the present day in this unique performance.
December 5, 2025
2nd Annual Santa Beach Run at Atlantic Beach Circle, Atlantic Beach.
The Carteret Partnership for Children’s 2nd Annual Santa Run/Walk 5K.
December 6, 2025
Crystal Coast Choral Society resents Rhapsody in Bluegrass - a Christmas Jubilee at the Swansboro United Methodist Church, Swansboro.
December 13, 2025
The Rivertown Players present Anastasia at the Masonic Theater, New Bern.
This captivating production transports audiences from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the vibrant streets of 1920s Paris.
December 5, 6, 7,12,13,14, 2025
The Nutcracker Ballet at the New Bern Civic Theater, New Bern.
The classic favorite The Nutcracker Ballet - a New Bern tradition.
December 5, 6, 7,12,13,14, 2025

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.
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

For residents of Emerald Isle that drive Golf Carts or Low Speed Vehicles (LSVs), permits expire on December 31. Online registration for 2026 permits begins on December 1. Program details and online registration can be accessed HERE . ____

Congratulations are in order for The Chancel Choir of First Methodist Church, Morehead City. The choir will perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City on Dec. 1, 2025, with a 200- to 300-member choir and a full orchestra.