Illustration of small red wooden boats with string lights carrying figures in Santa hats past a lighthouse and a snowy pier (Annual Topsail Area Christmas Flotilla)

Annual Topsail Area Christmas Flotilla

Spectators can watch a parade of boats adorned with thousands of twinkling holiday lights glide along the Intracoastal Waterway. The illuminated fleet travels from Bush Marina into the waters of Soundside Park for a festive waterfront display.

Map It Details Official site

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Plan Your Visit

When

Tickets

Free for the public to attend. Boat registration fees have been waived.

Hours

The fleet departs at 5pm and is expected to arrive around 6 p.m. Boats should arrive at Soundside Park around 6 p.m. Times are estimated, and inclement weather may cause a delay.

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Topsail Area

Going?

Location

Soundside Park · 517 Roland Ave, Surf City, NC 28445 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 ⚪ (4/5)

Best For

Families and holiday-light fans

Vibe

Festive waterfront parade

Energy Level

Low

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

High

Tips & Advice

  • The flotilla is free for public spectators, so you can watch without paying an admission fee.
  • Plan to be at Soundside Park around 6 p.m. for the expected arrival, but allow flexibility because times are estimates.
  • Keep weather in mind: arrival at Soundside Park is weather permitting, and inclement conditions may delay the flotilla.
  • Register early if entering a boat, because participation is first come, first served.
  • Boat captains must attend the Captains Meeting unless other arrangements are made; watch for the invitation by email.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Public viewing is free.
  • Boat registration fees are waived for this season.

Links & Contact

Run by Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What will spectators see?

Decorated boats carrying thousands of lights travel along the Intracoastal Waterway into the waters of Soundside Park.

Can I take part in the flotilla with my boat?

Yes. Boat participation requires registration and is first come, first served; captains must attend the Captains Meeting unless other arrangements are made.

What should participating captains know about the meeting?

Captains will be invited by email before the flotilla. Attendance is required unless other arrangements are made.

Can businesses get involved?

Businesses can ask about sponsorship by calling the Chamber.

Could weather affect the flotilla’s arrival?

The arrival at Soundside Park is weather permitting; times are estimates and inclement weather may cause a delay.

Browse Christmas in Jacksonville

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

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