Illustration of a light display scene (Island of Lights: Lighting at the Lake)
Christmas Lights

Island of Lights: Lighting at the Lake

Experience the magic of the holiday season at the Island of Lights opening celebration. This enchanting event features the illumination of festive displays around Carolina Beach Lake. Take a leisurely walk along the one-mile trail, marveling at the beautiful light installations perfect for memorable photos. Santa Claus will also be present to hear Christmas wishes, making it a truly magical start to the festive holiday season.

What to Expect

Illuminated lake displays and Santa visit

Event Details

Duration

Evening event, specific times TBD

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Carolina Beach

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau

Food & Drink

Beverage vendors available

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families, couples, holiday enthusiasts

Vibe

Festive, enchanting, community-oriented

Energy Level

Low to moderate

Budget

FREE

Photo Friendly

📷 📷 📷 📷 📷 (5/5)

Weather Sensitivity

High

Location

Carolina Beach Lake Park
N Lake Park Blvd and Atlanta Avenue
Carolina Beach, NC
28428

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: FREE
  • Pets: No pets allowed

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive early to secure a good spot for the opening ceremony and enjoy the festive atmosphere before the lights are illuminated.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking the one-mile trail around the lake to fully appreciate all the light displays.
  • Bring your camera to capture memorable photos of the illuminated displays and with Santa.
  • Check the event website closer to the date for the exact schedule of festivities and Santa's appearance times.
  • Consider bringing a thermos of hot chocolate to enjoy while strolling the illuminated path on a cool evening.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Opening ceremony and illumination of festive displays
  • Santa Claus appearance
  • Displays remain lit throughout the holiday season

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the event start?

Festivities begin at 6:00 PM, with the lighting ceremony typically occurring around 7:00 PM. Specific times for 2026 are TBD and will be announced closer to the event.

Is there an admission fee?

No, admission to the Island of Lights: Lighting at the Lake event is free.

What is the duration of the light displays?

The event itself is on November 27, 2026, but the lake will remain festively lit throughout the holiday season.

Can I bring my pet?

The pet policy for this event is no pets allowed, though service animals are typically welcome.

Where can I find more information about the event?

Additional details will be available closer to the event date on the official website: http://www.pleasureislandoflights.com/lighting-at-the-lake.html

Tags

holiday light displaysfamily friendlySanta visitsfree eventcommunity celebrationfestive decorationsholiday seasonseasonal activities

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Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Sep 20, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team