Atlantic Beach, NC, is a great summer vacation destination. However, when the summer heat has cooled off, and most tourists have returned to their homes, it is also an excellent place for winter getaways. Despite what you might think, there are plenty of things to do in Atlantic Beach, NC, in the winter.
Plan your wintertime escape to Atlantic Beach and look forward to fewer crowds, cheaper airfare, and these unbeatable winter activities.
Core Sound Decoy Festival
The Core Sound Decoy Festival is more than just a sound decoy festival. It is a festival devoted to carving, testing, and selling sound decoys for hunting.
The event aims to increase awareness and appreciation of waterfowl; while it may seem counterintuitive, remember that one crucial part of hunting is maintaining respect for local wildlife and game. Carving wooden sound decoys and raising awareness for waterfowl achieves those goals in multiple ways. At Core Sound Decoy Festival, many artists and folklore storytellers are also present. Core Sound Decoy Festival is one of the most interesting Atlantic Beach events, especially in the winter.
Core Sound Decoy Festival is happening December 3 and 4, 2022, at Harkers Island Elementary School. On December 3, the competition will begin. There will be judging and two retriever demonstrations throughout the day. On December 4, it’s Youth Day! There will be more competitions to watch, as well as the Youth Prize Drawing and the Awards Presentation. You don’t want to miss this fun, family-friendly event!
Christmas Candlelight Tour
When you think about Christmastime, you’re likely picturing all the beautiful holiday lights on a cozy downtown street. You’ll find that just minutes from Atlantic Beach in the town of Beaufort! Don’t miss the chance to see incredible lights and decorations as you explore one of the quaintest and most interesting towns on the North Carolina coastline.
The Christmas Candlelight Tour is a tour of Beaufort, North Carolina, on a double-decker bus. The tour takes you through Beaufort, stopping at historic buildings along the way. All the historic buildings, and the main street, are decorated for the holidays by the town; Christmas lights, wreaths, tinsel, everything you can think of. It’s a magical sight! This tour is an excellent opportunity for guests of all ages to experience Christmas cheer and learn more about Beaufort and its rich history.
Additionally, churches and inns in town are decorated for the season and opened to the public so everyone can admire the decorations. At night, especially from the bus, it perfectly captures the essence of Christmas decorations. The tour runs on December 10th from 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person. A side note: you can walk the entire tour route for free, but the bus is much more enjoyable and adds to the overall experience.
On top of the tour itself, you can also participate in the tour raffle and auction! The raffle will give you the opportunity to win gift certificates to local businesses like the Old Beaufort Shop and the Mattie King Davis Art Gallery. During the tour, you’ll also have the option to participate in a unique silent auction, including one-of-a-kind items donated by local Atlantic Beach shops and restaurants. Best of all, the proceeds from the silent auction will benefit various education and preservation programs held throughout the area.
Chocolate Festival
The Chocolate Festival is a fundraiser for various non-profit organizations around North Carolina, specifically the Swansboro area. Volunteers from all across North Carolina come together to create this festival; the central theme, as you can see, is chocolate! Funds from the proceeds go toward helping local food banks, shelters, and other community aids.
Over the last decade, the festival has raised around $600,000 towards these pursuits, a massive benefit to the community. Additionally, some of the proceeds from the festival are given over to scholarships for local high schoolers, ensuring their academic achievement is rewarded. Not only do you get to enjoy decadent chocolates, but you can also rest assured that your money is going toward a great cause!
The chocolate offerings are always excellent. Chocolatiers, bakers, and more bring their creations from across the area to be sampled, and every single one is excellent. Notable vendors include Ben & Jerry’s and the Girl Scouts with their cookie booth. If you like chocolate and want to give back to the community while on vacation, check out the Chocolate Festival.
This event will occur on February 4 and 5, 2023, at the Crystal Coast Civic Center in Morehead City. Purchase your tickets online in advance or at the door on the day of the festivities! If you want to burn some calories before you indulge in all that sweetness, sign up for the Cocoa 5K that runs in conjunction with the Festival! More information will be provided about the 5K as February 2023 approaches.
Plan Your Atlantic Beach Vacation!
Ready for an unforgettable winter escape to Atlantic Beach? Begin planning your dream getaway to the Carolina Coast today! View our Atlantic Beach vacation rentals, book your favorite, and prepare to make lifelong memories!
Your Atlantic Beach Rental
While on vacation, you’ll need somewhere to stay; that is where our Atlantic Beach vacation rentals come in. Cannon & Gruber is a trusted vacation rental company in the Atlantic Beach area with rental properties that suit anyone’s needs at reasonable prices.
Whether you’re traveling by yourself, with your partner, or with the entire family, Cannon & Gruber has the rental for you. You’ll have access to all the amenities you need for a relaxing stay, such as complimentary WiFi, flat-screen TVs, convenient parking, fully equipped kitchens, beautiful area views, and more. Plus, any attraction you may want to visit is no more than a short drive away from your property.
The Carolinas are a great place to vacation, no matter the season. Taking a winter vacation to North Carolina may sound counterintuitive, but it is a great idea; the weather cools to manageable levels, and popular tourist attractions are much less crowded than in the summertime. Additionally, off-season rental prices are often much better than peak-season prices.
We highly recommend a winter vacation in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina, and checking out everything this town offers in the colder months. Find your perfect Atlantic Beach rental and book a stay today!
