Southport Magazine

Southport’s WinterFest is moving online this year. The city is working to bring the community all the festive holiday cheer that we all look forward to while avoiding in-person gatherings. The result is a series of activities and online events to spread holiday cheer throughout the season. 

The home of WinterFest 2020 is a special event page on the city’s website at www.cityofsouthport.com. The special page will go live  on Dec. 5 and each event will be premiered on a different day. 

“The City of Southport is committed to keeping our community and visitors safe and slowing the spread of the COVID-19 virus, so we are finding safe new ways to enjoy favorite seasonal events,” said Randy Jones, Southport’s Director of Tourism. “This year, WinterFest events can be enjoyed curbside, virtually or live streamed. Southport WINTERFEST 2020, the umbrella under which most of the city’s holiday events fall, will include everything from the Southport WinterFest Holiday Tea, to the Southport Christmas Flotilla.” 

Southport WinterFest Holiday Tea

Festivities kick off with the Southport WinterFest Holiday Tea, sponsored by the Robert Ruark Society and the City of Southport on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 1 pm. Make a cup of Earl Grey, sit back, relax and watch a classic Victorian Tea presentation.

Santa’s Workshop 

Fun, festive bags filled with crafts to keep you busy and entertained for the holidays will be waiting for you at Santa’s Workshop (the Southport Parks and Recreation Building) at 209 Atlantic Ave. Reserve your Christmas crafting bag (choice of youth or senior) by calling 910-457-7945. Bags can be picked up curbside at 6 pm on Monday, Dec. 7.

The State Port Pilot Annual Cookie Contest 

WinterFest continues with this year’s The State Port Pilot Annual Cookie Contest (sponsored by the newspaper) on Wednesday, Dec. 9. Since this year’s event cannot be open to the public, the format has been changed to give everyone an opportunity to enter!

Just plate a dozen of your cookies and bring them with a copy of the recipe including your contact information to the State Port Pilot office between noon and 3 pm on Dec. 9. The contest is free to enter.

A panel of judges will award 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in the categories of taste, texture, and appearance. Winners will be announced at 5 pm.

Watch for more details in your copy of The State Port Pilot, the Holiday edition of Coast magazine, on the State Port Pilot Facebook page, and at www.stateportpilot.com.

Historic Hectic Holidays

Tune in live to the NC Maritime Museum at Southport YouTube channel for an hour-long costumed tour, Historic Hectic Holidays, of the exhibit hall. This year you’ll hear from a sailor aboard a vessel during the Age of Sail, a Wilmingtonian during the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic, and a shipyard worker during World War II. Comment your questions and enjoy this annual tradition with the museum crew from 4–5 pm on Friday, Dec. 11. No account is necessary to watch on YouTube.

Southport’s Christmas Past 

Watch Southport’s virtual contribution to this year’s WinterFest, Southport’s Christmas Past, on Saturday, Dec. 12. Close out this challenging year with a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas with photos and stories of Southport Christmas the way it used to be. Sponsored by the Southport Historical Society.

Christmas Flotilla 

Watch the transformation of a boat into a holiday spectacle! The WinterFest Christmas Flotilla will be seen from a different perspective this year as you watch a boat be transformed into a magical Christmas celebration. Southport Elementary students will also showcase their artwork during this presentation. Sponsored by Downtown Southport, Inc., and the City of Southport on Saturday, Dec. 12, 6 pm.

WinterFest Performing Arts 

Returning to the holiday celebrations this year is the popular WinterFest Performing Arts (Sponsored by Brunswick Arts Council). The entertainment is set for Saturday, Dec. 19, beginning at 11 am. Enjoy special holiday examples of the performing arts, including instrumentals, singing, and dancing.

More information about Southport’s WINTERFEST 2020 activities is available online at www.cityofsouthport.com or by calling the Southport Visitors’ Center 910-457-7927.