Island of Lights: Lighting at the Lake
holiday_light_displays

Artistic rendering โ€“ Event may differ

Island of Lights: Lighting at the Lake

Experience the magic of the holiday season at the Island of Lights opening celebration. Festivities commence with a brief ceremony, followed by the enchanting illumination of displays around Carolina Beach Lake. Wander the mile-long trail, capture unforgettable photos, and meet Santa Claus. The lake remains beautifully lit throughout the holiday season, offering a festive start to your celebrations.

What to Expect

Illuminated lakefront displays and Santa visit

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: Free for Spectators
  • Pets: Service animals welcome

Other Christmas Events Near Carolina Beach

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ (5/5)

Best For

Families and couples

Vibe

Festive and enchanting

Energy Level

Low

Budget

FREE

Photo Friendly

๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท (4/5)

Weather Sensitivity

High

Special Events & Promotions

  • Official illumination ceremony
  • Santa Claus meet-and-greet
  • Lake remains festively lit through the holiday season

Tags

holiday light displaysSanta visitsfamily friendlyfree eventseasonal activitiesholiday traditionfestive decorationsChristmas Village

Location

Carolina Beach Lake Park
400 Lake Park Boulevard South
Carolina Beach, NC
28428

Event Details

Duration

Event starts at 6:00 PM, lighting at 7:00 PM

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Carolina Beach

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau

Quick Actions

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot for the illumination ceremony and to ensure ample time to meet Santa.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking the one-mile trail around the lake and bring a camera for memorable photos.
  • Check the event website closer to the date for any updates or additional details regarding festivities.
  • Consider bringing a thermos of hot chocolate to enjoy while taking in the festive light displays.
  • The lake will remain lit throughout the holiday season, offering a chance to revisit the beautiful displays if you miss the opening night.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the event start?

Festivities begin at 6:00 PM, with the illumination ceremony taking place at 7:00 PM.

Is there an admission fee?

Admission is free for spectators.

Where is the event located?

The event is held at Carolina Beach Lake Park, located at N Lake Park Blvd and Atlanta Avenue in Carolina Beach, NC.

Will Santa be there?

Yes, Santa Claus will be present to hear Christmas wishes.

How long is the walking trail?

The trail around the lake is approximately one mile long.

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 30, 2025
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team

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