Savor the Season It¹s easy to get so caught up in the hustle and bustle that we forget to slow down and enjoy ourselves. This year, take time for seasonal celebrations you may have overlooked in the past. Pack the entire family into the car, pick a neighborhood, and spend the evening "oohing and ahhing" at resplendent light displays. Or make plans to attend the local Christmas tree lighting Carolina Beach kicks off the season with its annual Light Up The Lake ceremony. It¹s worth doing a little research to find out about less well-known events. For example, did you know you can see ³Santa by the Sea² at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher? 
Let Someone Else Deck the Halls Does the thought of trimming the tree and hanging the stockings have you stressed? Then let someone else do the heavy lifting. Many places offer holiday home tours that give you a glimpse at some of the area¹s finest homes, decorated in their holiday best. More than 50,000 people will line the shores of the Intracoastal Waterway to see boats decked out for the holidays and on display in a floating boat parade during the 31st Annual North Carolina Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach. Or take it to the next level with Carolina and Kure Beach¹s Island of Lights Festival the entire island, businesses and homes all take part. 
Sweat it Out It goes without saying that it¹s tough to maintain your waistline during the holiday season. If your normal gym routine isn¹t enough, take part in a holiday-themed event like the Turkey Trot or the Jingle Bell Run at Wrightsville Beach. Another great thing about run/walks like this? Many of them benefit local charities, so you can feel good about giving back to a good cause.
Take a Holiday Vacay Gifts are nice, but cherished memories last much longer. Plan a getaway this year to enjoy quality time with loved ones. The holiday season is a great time for a trip to North Carolina's three island Beachesto enjoy unique holiday events, more affordable lodging options and smaller crowds. Book a large vacation rental so you can bring the extended family along! 
Ring in the New Year Your Way Inevitably, the holiday season will once again draw to a close, marking the end of one year and the beginning of another. Celebrate with a bang including fireworks and a giant lighted beach ball drop at the Island of Lights New Year¹s Eve Countdown or another similar blowout. Alternatively spend a quiet evening at home reminiscing on the past year and looking forward to the new.
For more information, please visit Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau at their WEBSITE!
