Carolina Beach, NC -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/15/2011 -- There is something refreshingly original about the holiday season in Carolina Beach (http://www.carolinabeachgetaway.com), a North Carolina beach destination known for creating unique and lasting memories for visitors. Perhaps it’s the giant holiday light displays or a beach ball drop at the island’s New Year’s Eve Countdown, or one of the other vibrant holiday events that give visitors at this North Carolina coastal destination a break from the ordinary.

Thanksgiving Weekend Kick-Off
After taking part in Thanksgiving festivities, visitors can head down to Carolina Beach Lake Park for the Light Up the Lake ceremony, the official beginning to the month-long Island of Lights Festival. Beautiful lighted displays surrounding the lake come alive during this special night, which includes a visit from Santa Claus!

Christmas By The Sea
Christmas by the Sea, presented by the Boardwalk Makeover Group, will hold its opening ceremony and lighting Friday, Nov. 25 at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk after the Island of Lights ceremony at the lake. Visitors can enjoy Santa's workshop, a fire pit, a live nativity scene, hot cocoa and other family-friendly activities every Saturday through New Year's Eve (http://bit.ly/jKDdqW).

Holiday Happenings At The Island of Lights Festival
From Nov. 25 through Dec. 24, the Island of Lights Festival ignites the holiday spirit in both young and old. During the first weekend of December, a nighttime parade featuring lighted floats, queens, clowns, horses and a visit from Santa Claus provides fun for the entire family. Carolina Beach follows up the next evening with one of its more original Christmas celebrations with the Island of Lights Holiday Flotilla, where visitors can check out fantastically outfitted fishing vessels and pleasure crafts decorated with strands of lights that parade up and down the Intracoastal Waterway, from Snow’s Cut to the Carolina Beach Boat Basin and back. Families can take advantage of off-season hotel and beach rental rates and plan a holiday getaway around these fun and festive events.

Visitors can also view some of the area’s best-decorated beach homes with the Island of Lights Tour of Homes, showcasing a unique brand of Southern hospitality (http://bit.ly/ppK6Zk).

New Year’s Eve
New York City may have a crystal ball drop at midnight, but how about ringing in the New Year with a giant beach ball? That’s exactly what happens at Carolina Beach, which can boast a coastal New Year’s Eve countdown like no other (http://bit.ly/q7cRPU). The event also features music, dancing and fireworks.

To find out about more about making your holidays original, Carolina Beach style, visit http://www.carolinabeachgetaway.com/.

UPCOMING EVENTS:
Pleasure Island Fresh Market
Saturdays through Dec. 3

3rd Annual Christmas by the Sea
Friday, Nov. 25-Saturday, Dec. 17

Island of Lights – Light Up The Lake
Friday, Nov. 25-Saturday, Dec. 24

NC Holiday Flotilla Dinner Cruise
Saturday, Nov. 26

Island of Lights Christmas Parade
Friday, Dec. 2

Island of Lights Holiday Flotilla
Saturday, Dec. 3

Fort Fisher Holiday Open House
Tuesday, Dec. 6

Kure Beach Christmas Fantasy Show
Friday, Dec. 9-Saturday, Dec. 10

Island of Lights Tour of Homes
Saturday, Dec. 10

Island of Lights New Year's Eve Countdown
Saturday, Dec. 31

About Carolina Beach, N.C.:
Carolina Beach is an original and unique North Carolina beach. This recently renovated seaside town offers family-friendly fun all year long where visitors can experience a classic boardwalk, interesting festivals and colorful characters. For more information, visit http://www.CarolinaBeachGetaway.com or call (800) 641-7082.