The town lights luminaries that greet the Crystal Coast Christmas Flotilla as it parades by the Morehead City waterfront to the Beaufort waterfront. The boats dock, and Santa and the crews gather for a festive awards ceremony hosted by the Morehead City-Beaufort Yacht Club at the North Carolina Maritime Museum. The event benefits the Core Sound Decoy Carver's Guild and is the area's largest off-season event. Held in conjunction with the Core Sound Decoy Festival, the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum opens its doors and offers a slate full of traditional down-home fun. Educational exhibits, competitions, retriever demonstrations, arts and crafts, and, of course, food, can be found at the museum's Shell Point headquarters, at the very end of Highway 70 on Harkers Island.
Admission is free.
This three-day event takes place the first weekend in December. The Carteret County Model Railroad Buffs display their delightful model railroads, complete with villages, towns and even a circus with miniature rides that work. Kids love this exhibit, and so do adults. No fee is charged, but donations are appreciated. Local choral groups, school groups and musicians entertain throughout the five-day event.