If you’re looking for a picture-perfect way to celebrate the holidays, look no further than Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Known as the Harbor of Hospitality, our riverfront town comes alive each winter with twinkling lights, festive parades, and the sweet aroma of hot cocoa. Whether you’re planning a family trip, a holiday getaway with friends, or just want to soak in the magic of the season, Elizabeth City has some of the best holiday events in North Carolina.
The Magic Begins: Grand Illumination
The holiday season officially kicks off on November 28 with the Holiday Celebration & Grand Illumination. Downtown glows as music, laughter, and thousands of lights fill the streets. The lighting ceremony is a local favorite, complete with free hot cocoa and plenty of photo ops. The perfect way to step into Christmas in Elizabeth City.
Sip Your Way Through the Hot Cocoa Crawl
Once the lights are twinkling, it’s time to warm up from the inside out with the 5th Annual Hot Cocoa Crawl (November 28 – January 3). Each year, Elizabeth City proudly transforms into the Hot Cocoa Capital of the World. Local cafés, restaurants, and boutiques put their own spin on this cozy drink, serving everything from rich, classic blends to spiced, peppermint, or marshmallow-topped creations. It’s one of the sweetest traditions in North Carolina and the perfect excuse to explore downtown, one cup at a time.
Dazzling Lights All Season Long
Of course, no Christmas getaway is complete without holiday lights. Elizabeth City shines with a curated Christmas Light Tour (November 28 – January 3). Pile the family in the car, crank up the holiday music, and enjoy a festive drive past some of the brightest, most magical displays in the region.
Shopping Small & Local
The holidays are also about giving and what better way to give than by supporting local businesses? On November 29, downtown Elizabeth City celebrates Small Business Saturday. Our boutiques, galleries, and specialty shops pull out all the stops with seasonal treats, holiday goodies, and unique gifts you can’t find anywhere else. And all month long, visitors can enjoy the Holiday Window Decorating Contest (December 1–31), where storefronts compete to see who can create the most festive display.
Classic Traditions: Carriage Rides, Parades & Choirs
December brings some of Elizabeth City’s most beloved traditions. On select evenings (December 5, 7, 13, 20, and 27), enjoy mule-drawn carriage rides through downtown. Free for all, though donations are appreciated to keep the tradition alive.
On December 6, downtown comes alive with two of our most festive celebrations: the quirky fun of SantaCon & the Holiday Tree Beehive Hair Party in the afternoon, followed by the beloved Elizabeth City Holiday Parade at 5:30 p.m. This hometown favorite features marching bands, floats, dancers, and of course, Santa Claus himself.
Music lovers won’t want to miss the ECSU University Choir’s “Sounds of the Season” on December 5. A breathtaking concert that fills the air with classic carols and harmonies that capture the true spirit of Christmas in North Carolina.
Waterfront Wonder: Boats, Art & Snow
Elizabeth City’s riverfront is one of the most magical spots during the holidays. On December 5, the First Friday ArtWalk pairs perfectly with downtown holiday shopping, while historic Pailin’s Alley transforms into a Winter Wonderland. Kids can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, sip cocoa, and play in the snow, yes, snow in Elizabeth City! Add in carriage rides and festive activities, and it’s a memory-making experience for families.
That same evening, the Lighted Boat Parade turns the Pasquotank River into a glowing stage of holiday magic. Boats decorated bow to stern glide past the waterfront, creating one of the most unique holiday parades in North Carolina.
Holiday Shopping & Special Events
The fun doesn’t stop there. On December 12–13, the 12 Shoppes of Christmas event invites visitors to explore downtown’s holiday charm while finishing up their shopping list. Paired with our decorated windows, local treats, and cocoa stops, it’s a festive weekend to be downtown.
Plan Your Holiday Getaway
With so many celebrations, Elizabeth City is truly one of the best holiday destinations in North Carolina. Whether you’re sipping cocoa, enjoying carriage rides, or watching the river sparkle with lights, the Harbor of Hospitality is ready to welcome you this Christmas season.
Plan your holiday getaway to Elizabeth City today at www.VisitElizabethCity.com.
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