Thanksgiving is a great time to come to the beach anyway but the Saturday following Turkey Day is going to be a real blast as Ocean isle celebrates Christmas in a big way! Don’t miss the Christmas Parade on Saturday, November 29th, followed by the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and the Christmas Boat Flotilla and Party later that evening.

Residents and businesses are busy now decorating their golf carts and other vehicles for the annual Christmas Parade Saturday, November 29th at 1:30 p.m..

Later that same day, at 5:00 p.m., is the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Causeway, on the mainland side of the bridge, across the street from the Fire Department. Bring Christmas spirit and your best singing voice because this is where we get together for some caroling. Then everyone goes across the street (around 5:30 p.m.) to the Fire Station for hot cocoa, coffee and other goodies and that’s when Santa arrives! At this time canned and non perishable goods will be collected to help needy families in Brunswick County. Cash donations will also be accepted.

But, as always, the best is saved for last as everyone heads over to Sharky’s Waterfront Restaurant to watch the 5th Annual Christmas Boat Flotilla and Party to benefit Hope Harbour Domestic Violence Shelter.

Sharky’s will be serving hot dogs and pizza by the sice and hot clam chowder and the THE COUSIN HOMER BAND kicks off after the awards. There is no charge at Sharky’s!