Friday, November 28, 2025 | 5pm to 8pm
At dusk, the waterfront comes alive with one of Swansboro’s most enchanting traditions — the Annual Christmas Flotilla. From 5 pm to 8 pm, watch a dazzling parade of boats adorned with shimmering lights glide along the White Oak River, filling the night with holiday magic.
🎅 Santa Arrives by Boat and greets children at Pugliese Pavilion after the flotilla parade
🍫 Sweet treats, warm cider, and hot cocoa from local vendors
🎶 Live festive music to set the mood
⚓ Bring Your Boat! Sign up to participate in the flotilla for your chance to win prizes
🚌 Free Parking Shuttle & Tractor Hayride from the Swansboro Recreation Center (4:00–8:30 pm)
♿ Accessible parking at Town Hall with golf cart shuttles to downtown
Enjoy the Spectacular Views!
✨ Picture yourself sipping hot cocoa on the waterfront, the sound of holiday music in the air, and boats gliding past dressed in their holiday best!
Shop Small, Stroll, Sip & Savor!
Find the magic in every little shop. Stroll historic downtown Swansboro, eat in our local restaurants, meet the local merchants & the makers, and discover one-of-a-kind gifts you won’t find anywhere else. Download our downtown map & guide!
Thanksgiving • Christmas Flotilla •
Shop Small Saturday
Gather with loved ones, bring your friends and the whole family. Swansboro is the perfect place to get away, celebrate Thanksgiving, and kick off the Christmas season.
Spend Thanksgiving Weekend in Swansboro
Book your stay now in a storybook Airbnb, VRBO, or our welcoming and award-winning Hampton Inn & Suites right in town. Arrive early and enjoy Thanksgiving your way — reserve a table at one of our local restaurants, order a catered holiday feast from a nearby eatery, or cook up your own coastal-inspired dinner in your vacation rental kitchen. Then settle in for a weekend filled with small-town magic, riverfront views, and holiday festivities you’ll treasure all year long.
Walk it off, coastal style! Hammocks Beach State Park’s trails are open all weekend (8 am–6 pm, even on Thanksgiving Day) — the perfect way to stroll off your feast, soak in the scenery, and enjoy quality time with family, friends, and leashed pups.
Check out our Downtown Merchants, Tours, Food & Drink Guide & Map
