Southport Magazine

Southport becomes a seaside winter wonderland in December with WinterFest 2019 events designed to get everyone in the holiday spirit. Events scheduled for December 7 to 14 will set up the holidays for your whole family.

Holiday Tea

For all you Downton Abbey fans, the week kicks off in quite the civilized manner with the WinterFest Holiday Tea on Saturday, Dec 7 at the Southport Community Building. Tickets are $40 each, and the afternoon includes holiday entertainment.

Pets in the Park

The next day, bring Fido into the fun with a Pet Holiday Party at Keziah Park from 2-4 p.m., with treats, games, prizes and a photo op with Santa!

Sea Notes

The South Brunswick High School Choral Concert brings us the sounds of the season with a performance at the Southport Community Building, starting at 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec 9. This free concert is a great chance to show your support for our school arts programs. 

Shop-with-a-cop

Southport Police will host the Shop-with-a-Cop Concert. This free event in Franklin Square Park starts at 5:30 p.m. and will feature Rev & Doc.

Cookie Contest

One of the highlights of the local holiday scene is definitely the State Port Pilot’s Annual Cookie Contest. Residents and local businesses vie for prizes and bragging rights with their delectable treats and festive holiday displays, available for viewing from 3-5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec 11. The little ones can also have supper with Santa’s elves that night, 5-7 p.m. at 209 Atlantic Ave., beside the Southport City Gym. The cost is $5 per child.

movies in the park

Catch the new holiday classic movie, “The Polar Express,” on Thursday, Dec 12, 5-8 p.m. on the Garrison lawn. Take your blankets or chairs and your favorite holiday snacks. 

Maritime Christmas

On Friday night, Dec 13, experience a Maritime Christmas Carol at the Maritime Museum, with visits from ghosts of maritime past, present and future. This free event begins at 3 p.m. Later that night it’s the Light Up the Night Christmas Fire Engine Parade. Children can board fire engines starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Fire Station, and the parade begins at 6:30 p.m. After the parade, children can visit with Santa, and concessions will be available. 

Winter Craft Festival

Find the perfect gift for everyone on your list at the Winter Craft Festival, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Franklin Square park. There will be homemade and homegrown items available for purchase. 

Library Sale

Some ongoing Southport events are incorporated into WinterFest as well on Saturday, Dec 14, with the Friends of the Library Book Sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Southport Realty, 727 N. Howe Street, and tours of the Old Brunswick County Jail, 1-6 p.m. at the corner of Rhett and Nash Streets.

Santa Workshop

The 14th is a busy WinterFest day, with Santa’s Workshop (children’s crafts) planned for 10-11 a.m. at 209 Atlantic Avenue, the WinterFest Performing Arts (singing, dancing, etc.) from 3-6 p.m. at the Southport Community Building and A Coastal Christmas at the Maritime Museum, with crafts and activities from 5-7 p.m. The Christmas Tour of Homes runs from 1-6 p.m. on Saturday as well. Tickets are $15 in advance at the Southport Historical Society Museum Store beginning Nov 25, and $20 the day of the tour. 

Flotilla

WinterFest activities culminate with the Christmas Flotilla. Grab a spot on the waterfront for prime viewing of this Christmas-themed boat parade, beginning at 7 p.m. Dec 14. Southport Elementary art class students are serving as judges for the flotilla, adding even more community spirit to the Christmas season.