Southport Magazine

Festivities for the young and young at heart.

STORY AND PHOTO BY: JEFFREY STITES

Everyone loves summer at the Brunswick County coast. Tourists come in droves to soak up the sun and enjoy all we have to offer. But locals know Christmas at the coast is a real treat as well.

Southeastern Brunswick County goes all out for the holidays and since the festivities will have begun when our next issue hits the streets, we thought we’d run down all the activities kicking off the season the first weekend of December.

ANNUAL OAK ISLAND HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING

The Town of Oak Island kicks off its holiday offerings with the Annual Oak Island Holiday Tree Lighting at Middleton Park on December 4th. Live entertainment begins at 5:30 pm followed by the tree lighting at 6 pm and then the welcoming of some special visitors. This free event is sponsored by the Oak Island Parks and Recreation Department.

CHRISTMAS BY THE SEA PARADE

On Saturday, December 5 the Christmas By The Sea Parade steps off at 2pm on Oak Island. The parade route begins at Oak Island Town Hall, 4601 E. Oak Island Drive and ends at 8901 E. Oak Island Drive. The parade showcases the businesses and organizations in our community with a hometown feel that makes it a favorite event of locals, second homeowners and visitors. Floats will be judged separately on color, theme, overall beauty and originality. An Overall Judges Award will be given, as well as 1st and 2nd place awards in the following categories: Group/Club/Non Profit, For Profit and Golf Cart Division. Judging will begin at 12pm. For a parade application contact: Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce, 4433 Long Beach Road, SE, Southport, NC 28461. (910)457- 6964. www.southport-oakisland.com

HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING

Boiling Spring Lakes joins in the festivities with their Annual Holiday Tree Lighting on Saturday, December 5th, at Boiling Spring Lakes City Hall from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The Tree Lighting will take place at 6:15 pm, but the event will also include visits with Santa, hot chocolate, cookie decorating, music and singing. The event is hosted by the BSL Special Events Committee. For More Information please contact Michelle at (910) 367-9015.

A VERY MERRY SHOWBOAT

Up the road a piece at the Battleship USS North Carolina Memorial, but worth the trip, you’ll find A Very Merry Showboat on Saturday, December 5th from 10:00 am -12:00 pm and 1:00 pm-3:00 pm. Free with Battleship Admission. Enjoy a new holiday tradition! Kids can fly a flag (US or NC) with Santa- then Santa and the Battleship’s captain will sign your certificate of authenticity. Type your Christmas wish list on a vintage typewriter using authentic WWII USS NORTH CAROLINA radio message paper, call the North Pole in the Battleship’s main radio room, see Santa’s journey being tracked in the Combat Information Center, create Christmas cards for veterans in VA hospitals and MORE! Bring your camera for some great photo ops. For more information contact (910) 251-5797

CHANUKKAH MENORAH LIGHTING

Finish off your weekend celebrating Oak Island’s Fifth Annual Chanukkah Menorah Lighting at Middleton Park on Sunday, December 6th at 4 pm. Great music and community will fill Oak Island’s Middleton Park on this magical night! Rabbi Paul Sidlofsky, from the Temple of Israel, will again lead in prayer as the holiday’s first candles are lit. Favorite Chanukkah foods and donations are always welcomed and help to keep this event going each year. Contact liz.saller@ yahoo.com for more information. This is just the start of the local festivities. Be sure to pick up the December Southport Magazine for details on all the rest of the holiday happenings!

CHRISTMAS AT THE AMUZU

Beginning Thursday, December 3 and continuing December 4-6 and December 10, 12 and 13, the historic Amuzu Theatre presents Christmas at the Amuzu 2015, featuring Rockette-style tappers and a wide variety of musical numbers.

SEA NOTES CHORAL SOCIETY CONCERT

Sea Notes Choral Society 2015 Holiday Concert “The Joys of the Christmas Season” will be held on Saturday, December 5th at 7:30pm and Sunday December 6th at 3pm at BCC Odell Williamson Auditorium, Hwy. 17 in Supply.

See page 31 for the Holiday Concert details.