Events

Celebrate Bat Appreciation Week at Hammocks Beach State Park with a family-friendly evening program all about bats. Kids and grown-ups will learn about bat myths and conservation, then take a short hike in search of friendly furry night flyers. Meet on the back deck of the Visitor Center at 6 pm.

Bring your littlest ghouls to the Not Too Spooky Spectacular at Northwoods Recreation Center for a morning of gentle Halloween fun! Families can enjoy festive snacks, hands-on crafts, games, and storytime, and every little one goes home with a goody bag. Costumes are encouraged, so dress up and join the celebration — this one is all treats, no tricks.

Bring the kids in costume to Morehead City's annual Trunk or Treat, where decorated vehicles hand out treats. Families can enjoy kids' activities along with a trunk decorating contest and a costume contest. The event is free and alcohol and tobacco free.

Gather the family for a special evening of fun! Enjoy hot apple cider, cookies, and family-friendly "spooky" stories in this cozy storytime event at the Sneads Ferry Branch Library. Bring your camping chair and blanket, settle in, and join us for a night of treats, tales, and just the right amount of spooky!

Bring the family to A2C for trick-or-treating in the front parking lot, plus games, treats, and entertainment in the event area. A costume contest begins at 5:30 p.m., with categories for children ages 5 and under, ages 6–10, all ages, and best family costume; prizes will be awarded.

Step into a Beetlejuice-themed Halloween walkthrough at Northwoods Recreation Center, where families will encounter quirky costumed characters, creepy surprises, and plenty of playful scares before heading to games afterward. Costumes are welcome but not required, and admission is free with a donation of two nonperishable canned goods. The City describes the event as suitable for the whole family but does not list specific ages; because the walkthrough includes spine-chilling thrills and scares, caregivers may want to consider each child's comfort with spooky experiences.

A guided walking tour starting from the Missiles and More Museum in Topsail Beach, covering the island's Operation Bumblebee missile-testing history and the concrete towers still standing along the shore. Expect to be on your feet and outdoors for the duration, so it suits school-age children who can manage a walk rather than toddlers. Wear sun protection and comfortable shoes, and confirm the ticket price with the Historical Society.

Spend Halloween afternoon at Cape Carteret Community Park during the Town of Cape Carteret's annual Fall Festival. Families can enjoy trunk-or-treating along with children's games and activities presented in partnership with Cape Carteret Baptist Church. The town does not list specific age ranges for the children's activities, so families can check the official event page for updates before visiting.

Join the Town of Burgaw for a free community trunk-or-treat at Courthouse Square, where the town's trunk-or-treats are consolidated in one spot for a safer, sweeter Halloween. Families can come in costume, and Burgaw Baptist Church and Lions Crest Martial Arts help make the evening a treat for kids of all ages. Groups can register a trunk for free at burgawnc.gov/halloween so there is room for everyone.

Celebrate culture and community at Onslow County Parks & Recreation's free Hispanic Heritage Celebration at Onslow Pines Park. Families can enjoy live entertainment, games for kids, educational booths, and a soccer tournament, along with local vendors and food trucks. It's a lively afternoon to honor the heritage and contributions of the Hispanic community together.

Join Pender County Parks & Recreation at Hampstead Kiwanis Park for a family-friendly outdoor screening of How to Train Your Dragon. The event is listed from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., with the movie beginning at dusk. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, and your favorite movie snacks to enjoy together.

Bring the family to Jacksonville Commons for Red, White & Salute, a free community celebration honoring veterans on Friday, November 6, from 6 PM to 9 PM. Enjoy live music, food trucks, craft vendors, and a fireworks finale together.

Hampstead's NC Spot Festival celebrates the spot fish with fried spot dinners, live music on the main stage, arts and crafts vendors, and a Kids Corner with inflatable rides and games. Gates open at 9 AM both days, with music running into the evening on Saturday and the festival wrapping up at 5 PM on Sunday. Admission is $5 and children 6 and under are free; spot dinners are $12 and an all-day inflatable ride pass is $20. Pets and coolers are not allowed, so bring lawn chairs for the field.

Line Western Boulevard with the family for Jacksonville's annual Veterans Day Parade, hosted by Rolling Thunder NC-5 to honor local veterans and those serving today. The patriotic parade runs from Coastal Carolina Community College to Village Drive, with decorated trailers, vehicles, and marching groups. It's a meaningful way for kids to cheer on and thank service members. Free and open to the public.

Young learners can enjoy After Hours Academy: Creatures of the Night at Zing Zumm Children's Museum, a Monday-afternoon session with storytime, sensory play, STEAM activities, an art project, and museum play. Admission is $5 per child 12 months and older, with 2 adults free per child and children under 12 months free. Preregistration is required, and each session must be registered for separately on the museum's online calendar.

Pirates take over the NC Maritime Museum Gallants Channel Annex for the Beaufort Pirate Invasion, a weekend of cannon demonstrations, living history, sea battles, performances, activities, vendors, and food trucks. The festival runs Saturday, November 14 from 10 AM to 6 PM and Sunday, November 15 from 10 AM to 4 PM. Weekend admission is $10 per person and covers both days, kids 12 and under are free, and parking is free with admission, though spaces may be limited.

Historic downtown Swansboro glows for Swansboro by Candlelight, with luminaries, twinkling lights, and holiday window displays for families to stroll past together. Kids can catch Nutcracker ballet scenes by Swansboro Dance Studio at 5 PM, then gather in Olde Towne Square for the town Christmas tree lighting at 6 PM. Live music continues on the Pugliese Pavilion stage into the evening, and downtown merchants offer seasonal refreshments. Downtown streets close to traffic from 3 PM.

Enjoy an outdoor showing of Elf with the family at Soundside Park. The free event is listed from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., with the movie beginning at sundown. Bring a lawn chair or blanket for the evening.

Stroll through The Gardens of Southeastern North Carolina as thousands of holiday lights glow along a self-guided walk, with visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus every night. Kids can set off on the Elf Quest Experience, find their way through the Holiday Maze, toss never-melting snowballs in the Snowball Fight Arena, and roast s'mores by the fire. The lights are open 5:30-9:00 PM on Friday, November 20 and Saturday, November 21. Tickets are $14 in advance or $18 day-of, children 4 and under are free, and military families get 10% off; the event is cashless and pets are not allowed.

Bring the family to Dees Park for a free outdoor showing of Toy Story 5, rated PG. Pack blankets, chairs, and snacks for the evening; concessions and glow items will also be available for purchase from local organizations.

Join Surf City for a holiday market by the sound at Soundside Park. Shop local vendors and get a head start on holiday gifts with the whole family before the Tree Lighting at 4 PM the same day. Come browse, stroll the park, and soak up early holiday cheer together.

Kick off the holiday season at the Jacksonville Christmas Parade on Saturday, November 21, hosted by the Jacksonville Onslow Chamber of Commerce and presented by Marine Federal Credit Union. This year's theme is "A Star-Spangled Christmas: Celebrating 250 Years of America," and Jacksonville native and NASA astronaut Christina Koch will lead the way as Grand Marshal, with Santa making a special appearance. The parade steps off at 9:45 AM and travels Western Boulevard from Coastal Carolina Community College to Brynn Marr Shopping Center; the road closes at 9:00 AM, so arrive early to claim a curbside spot. Watching from the route is free, and optional paid VIP bleacher seats are available through the Chamber.

Port City Ballet Theater dancers visit the Hampstead Branch library for a ballet demonstration and a reading of The Nutcracker. Afterward, families can take photos with professional ballerinas and meet Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy. The storytime takes place in the library's Hampstead Meeting Room.

Gather at Soundside Park for Surf City’s Tree Lighting on November 21. The event runs from 4:00 to 7:00 in the evening.

Bring the family to Pender Memorial Park for Drive-In Turkey Bingo at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 22. Play bingo from your vehicle for chances to win Thanksgiving prizes such as frozen turkeys, desserts, and gift cards. The fee is $5 per player or $20 for a family pack.

Bring the family to Hampstead Kiwanis Park for Drive-In Turkey Bingo at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 22. Play bingo from your vehicle for chances to win Thanksgiving prizes such as frozen turkeys, desserts, and gift cards. The fee is $5 per player or $20 for a family pack.

Young learners can enjoy After Hours Academy: Turkey Talk at Zing Zumm Children's Museum, a Monday-afternoon session with storytime, sensory play, STEAM activities, an art project, and museum play. Admission is $5 per child 12 months and older, with 2 adults free per child and children under 12 months free. Preregistration is required, and each session must be registered for separately on the museum's online calendar.

Kick off the holiday season on the Beaufort waterfront as the town's own Fisherman Santa makes his grand entrance by mini trawler along Front Street. Kids can watch for Santa's boat before he begins his holiday visits at John Newton Park. The evening continues with the Christmas tree lighting and caroling on the waterfront, a festive way for families to celebrate together.

Swansboro's waterfront lights up for the annual Christmas Flotilla, as boats decorated with holiday lights parade along the White Oak River. Boats enter the harbor around 6 PM, and Santa arrives by boat to greet children at Pugliese Pavilion after the parade. Families can enjoy live holiday music plus hot cider, cocoa, and treats from local vendors. Park at the Ward Farm fields behind the Hampton Inn for a shuttle to Town Hall (4:30-8:30 PM); downtown streets close to traffic from 3 PM.

Stroll through The Gardens of Southeastern North Carolina as thousands of holiday lights glow along a self-guided walk, with visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus every night. Kids can set off on the Elf Quest Experience, find their way through the Holiday Maze, toss never-melting snowballs in the Snowball Fight Arena, and roast s'mores by the fire. The lights are open 5:30-9:00 PM on Friday, November 27 and Saturday, November 28. Tickets are $14 in advance or $18 day-of, children 4 and under are free, and military families get 10% off; the event is cashless and pets are not allowed.

The Core Sound Waterfowl Museum on Harkers Island fills with crafters, artists, decoy carvers and vendors for a full-day Christmas market the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Watching the carvers work is the draw for most children. The museum galleries and the view over the sound are worth the drive out. Confirm admission with the museum, as market entry and gallery admission can differ.

Celebrate the season with your family at Pender County Courthouse Square in downtown Burgaw. Craft vendors and food trucks are on site from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m., giving families time to browse and eat. Festivities begin at 5:00 p.m. with s’mores, live entertainment, and Santa, followed by the tree lighting at 6:00 p.m. on the square.

Join Pender County Parks & Recreation at Central Pender Park for a family-friendly outdoor screening of The Polar Express. The event is listed from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., with the movie beginning at dusk. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, and your favorite movie snacks to enjoy together.

Stroll through The Gardens of Southeastern North Carolina as thousands of holiday lights glow along a self-guided walk, with visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus every night. Kids can set off on the Elf Quest Experience, find their way through the Holiday Maze, toss never-melting snowballs in the Snowball Fight Arena, and roast s'mores by the fire. The lights are open 5:30-9:00 PM each night from Thursday, December 3 through Sunday, December 6. Sunday, December 6 is a non-profit night supporting Duplin Christian Outreach Ministries. Tickets are $14 in advance or $18 day-of, children 4 and under are free, and military families get 10% off; the event is cashless and pets are not allowed.

Celebrate the season together at the Hampstead Kiwanis Christmas Tree Lighting at Hampstead Kiwanis Park. The event runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on December 4.

Celebrate the season at Dees Park with artificial snow, Christmas games, crafts, and a visit with Santa. Families and friends can gather around fire pits, watch a movie, and take part in a gingerbread-house contest. Children can also write letters to Santa during the evening.

Visit Soundside Park for the Christmas Market and watch decorated boats arrive on the Intracoastal Waterway. The boats depart at 5:00 p.m. and are expected at the park around 6:00 p.m., weather permitting. Public viewing of the flotilla is free.

Join Santa for a Christmas bike ride at the Earl G. & Inez Batts Recreation Complex. The event runs from 10:00 a.m. to noon on December 5.

Kick off the holiday season with the whole family at Jacksonville Winterfest at Riverwalk Crossing Park in downtown Jacksonville. The City's annual celebration typically includes children's games, real-snow sledding, Santa's Workshop, ice sculptures, holiday entertainment, and pony, hay, and train rides. It also typically features the city tree lighting and a flotilla of decorated boats on the New River. Time to be announced; check jacksonvillenc.gov/winterfest for the 2026 schedule.

Celebrate the holiday season together at Lights Over Onslow at Onslow Pines Park on Sunday, December 6, from 2 to 6 p.m. Gather for the annual Christmas tree lighting and drone show. Onslow County Parks & Recreation says additional activities are planned, with more details to come.

Set sail for a pirate-themed holiday storytime at Picnic Shelter 2 in Hampstead Kiwanis Park. Children of all ages and their families can enjoy the story, hot cocoa, and gingerbread cookies together. This free Pender County program requires no registration.

Stroll through The Gardens of Southeastern North Carolina as thousands of holiday lights glow along a self-guided walk, with visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus every night. Kids can set off on the Elf Quest Experience, find their way through the Holiday Maze, toss never-melting snowballs in the Snowball Fight Arena, and roast s'mores by the fire. The lights are open 5:30-9:00 PM each night from Thursday, December 10 through Saturday, December 12. Tickets are $14 in advance or $18 day-of, children 4 and under are free, and military families get 10% off; the event is cashless and pets are not allowed.

Meet Santa at the Historic Burgaw Train Depot and enjoy Christmas crafts and cocoa together. Bring your own camera if you would like a photo with Santa. This event is free and open to the public, with no registration required.

Two hours with Santa at the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum on Harkers Island, aimed squarely at younger children. The late-afternoon slot and indoor setting make it manageable for toddlers who would not last through a long outdoor event. Bring a camera, and check with the museum whether photos with Santa are included.

Stroll through The Gardens of Southeastern North Carolina as thousands of holiday lights glow along a self-guided walk, with visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus every night. Kids can set off on the Elf Quest Experience, find their way through the Holiday Maze, toss never-melting snowballs in the Snowball Fight Arena, and roast s'mores by the fire. The lights are open 5:30-9:00 PM each night from Thursday, December 17 through Tuesday, December 22. Tickets are $14 in advance or $18 day-of, children 4 and under are free, and military families get 10% off; the event is cashless and pets are not allowed.

Celebrate the season at this inclusive holiday evening for the special-needs community, hosted by City of Jacksonville Recreation & Parks at Kerr Street Park. Families can enjoy food, games, and a holiday craft together, and festive attire or ugly Christmas sweaters are welcome. Open to ages 1-99, and family members and caregivers are welcome, with no more than 2 people registering with each participant. The cost is $7 and registration is required, opening November 16.

Little ones ages 3-5 can enjoy a light breakfast, make a holiday craft, and chat with Santa at the Jack Amyette Recreation Center. This cozy holiday morning from City of Jacksonville Recreation & Parks is a sweet way for preschoolers to celebrate the season. The cost is $5 and registration opens November 23.

Stroll through The Gardens of Southeastern North Carolina as thousands of holiday lights glow along a self-guided walk. Kids can set off on the Elf Quest Experience, find their way through the Holiday Maze, toss never-melting snowballs in the Snowball Fight Arena, and roast s'mores by the fire. The lights are open 5:30-9:00 PM on Saturday, December 26, the final night of the season. Santa and Mrs. Claus are not at this final night. Tickets are $14 in advance or $18 day-of, children 4 and under are free, and military families get 10% off; the event is cashless and pets are not allowed.

Young paleontologists ages 3-6 can dig into a dino excavation, enjoy story time, make a themed craft, and share a dinosaur snack at Northwoods Recreation Center. This is a drop-off program, so parents don't need to stay unless their child isn't potty trained. The cost is $7 and registration opens November 23.

A reading-readiness hour at the Richlands branch pitched at 4- and 5-year-olds, the age just before or just starting school. Longer stories and letter and sound games go further than a standard toddler storytime. Free and weekly, with no registration required.

A children's book club at the Swansboro branch for readers in grades 1 through 5, combining discussion with a related activity. Free, weekly, and a good fit for a child who has moved past picture books and wants to talk about what they read. Check with branch staff about the current title before the first visit.

A 45-minute session for babies up to 18 months and their caregivers at the Swansboro branch, with rhymes, songs and plenty of floor time. It doubles as a way to meet other parents of babies the same age in Swansboro. Free, weekly, no registration.

A brisk half hour of songs, instruments, dancing and action rhymes for 2- to 4-year-olds at the Sneads Ferry branch. It is designed to let toddlers move rather than sit still, so it suits children who struggle with a seated storytime. Free, weekly, and early enough to leave the rest of the morning open.

A half-hour storytime at the Sneads Ferry branch for 4- and 5-year-olds, with longer books and early literacy games aimed at children heading into school. It runs straight after the Music and Movement session, so families with two children close in age can do both in one trip. Free and weekly.

Poplar Grove's holiday light festival opens Thanksgiving weekend with campfires, visits with Santa, a decorated manor house, a juried gift show, food trucks and live music. Tickets are $10 for all ages. It runs 5 to 9 PM, so dress children warmly for an evening outdoors, and the firepits give everyone somewhere to thaw out. The festival repeats over the following weekends in December.