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 by the Sea in Swansboro
Give thanks, coastal style — in your favorite place by the sea! Whether you’re planning to dine out or enjoy a catered feast at your Swansboro Airbnb or VRBO stay, or our Hampton Inn & Suites, the Friendly City by the Sea has you covered this Thanksgiving.
Open Thanksgiving Day — call ahead for reservations:
Preston’s Corner Bar & Grill
910-708-1305
Downtown favorite with coastal flavor and friendly local charm.
Saltwater Grill
910-326-7300
Waterfront dining with beautiful views and a warm holiday welcome.
Prefer to stay in and let someone else do the cooking?
Icehouse Catering
252-470-8313
Bringing coastal goodness straight to your table — perfect for vacation rentals!
Arrive early and enjoy Thanksgiving your way — 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
