A trip to Holden Beach is a treat for travelers no matter when they arrive, but there’s something extra special about a winter trip this way over the holidays. From the family-friendly beaches and waves to in-town fun and a residential vibe, Holden Beach is a place that invites you to relax and truly relish the holiday season this year. When you can’t wait to make the most of the fun, let this holiday guide to Holden Beach be your starting point to setting off on an unforgettable winter holiday adventure!
A Great Place to Unwind and Relax with the Entire Family This Winter
When you make your way to Holden Beach, North Carolina in pursuit of a well-deserved winter holiday away, you’ll find yourself situated in a charming town just between Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Wilmington, North Carolina. This Atlantic coastal barrier island is as beautiful as it is inviting year-round, and your winter stay will offer up spectacular south-facing vistas over the Long Bay region of Brunswick County. Holden Beach is home to more than eight miles of sandy shorelines to explore and the moderate temperatures enjoyed here all year long mean those beautiful beaches are never off-limits to visitors! Holden Beach offers up a family-friendly atmosphere no matter when you arrive with a great balance of in-town entertainment and wild, off-the-beaten-path adventures too. The low commercial impact on Holden Beach makes it an appealing place for wildlife enthusiasts in the wintertime as well as those who are looking to infuse plenty of tranquility into their stay. That said, you never have to venture far to find amazing shopping or dining if that’s what you’re in the mood for as well. Whether you’re one for boating, fishing, hiking, or exploring, Holden Beach is a wintertime retreat where you can fill your holiday itinerary with the activities and interests you can’t wait to enjoy. Home to sea turtle habitats, world-class golf courses, and savory stops as well, Holden Beach truly has something for everyone.
Winter Weather Expectations
You can’t really go wrong when you head to Holden Beach, North Carolina in the name of getaway fun, but having an idea of what to expect weather-wise over the winter holiday season can help you tailor your plans accordingly. Historically, the average daily highs in the month of December here have lingered around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Even in the evenings, the temperatures rarely drop below the mid-40s. This temperature range means travelers can count on a moderately chilly stay with nothing more than a gentle breeze to contend with on average. There are still nine and a half hours of daylight to enjoy in the wintertime in Holden Beach so as long as you’ve packed your sweater and coat for evening outings, there’s no reason to leave outdoor fun off the list.
Winter Activities to Enjoy in the Fresh Air
For outdoor enthusiasts, a winter holiday away in Holden Beach is a great opportunity to make the most of the fresh air and recreational fun. Fewer crowds mean you’ll have even more space to roam and explore at will when you’re looking to spend some quality time strolling along the beaches. On-the-water fun is also an option in the winter in Holden Beach for travelers who are excited to get out on the waves in seasonal style. While you’ll likely want to make sure you have a wetsuit, hood, and boots on hand for water activities, options to enjoy surfing, kayaking, jet skiing and paddle boarding are all within reach this time of year. If you do go the angling route, you’ll find that trout, oysters, and shrimp are reeled in abundantly during the winter season. This is often true whether you set out to cast a line independently or book a chartered fishing experience to maximize your time on the waves alongside a knowledgeable local guide.
When you’re back on land once more, consider hitting up the many trails that wind their way across Holden Beach. Exploring on foot or bike is equally appealing as these trails take you past great stretches of shoreline as well as through charming neighborhoods. If you focus your attention on a run along Ocean Boulevard, you’ll find designated workout stations along the way to enjoy if you’re up for keeping that health routine in line while traveling this winter. In the evenings, make sure to grab your camera and head to a viewing spot along the Atlantic Ocean or the Intracoastal Waterway. These areas are particularly stunning at night when the sun goes down and vibrant colors are cast across the Holden Beach sky. Stay even longer and you’ll be treated to great stargazing conditions in the wintertime as well.
While summer may seem like the ideal time to hit the greens in Holden Beach if you can’t imagine a getaway without a tee time included, winter is just as appealing! Mild weather and fewer traveler numbers this time of year mean you can take your time on the links and enjoy a round or two at your favorite destinations without having to worry about space. Soak up amazing views as you work on your short and long game at places like the Lockwood Folly Country Club this time of year. Located in nearby Supply, this golf course is a great place to enjoy Intracoastal Waterway vistas and there’s even a chance you’ll incorporate wildlife watching into your golf day!
Indoor Fun to Add to the To-Do List During the Holiday Season
If you’re visiting Holden Beach in the wintertime, there’s a good chance you’ll be looking to get some holiday shopping done before the end of the year rolls around. The good news is that Holden Beach and the many surrounding communities are packed with places to browse and explore when you have a list of gifts to attend to. If you’re in the mood for antiquing, begin your journey at local stops like The Rusty Cupboard in Supply, The Fancy Flea Antique Mall in Shallotte, or Olde Church Antiques in Supply as well. Each offers up a unique and robust selection of inventory that’s ever changing—making every visit a one-of-a-kind experience! Holden Beach is also home to a variety of pottery painting businesses such as Vincent Van-Go (formerly Cappuccino by the Sea), where you can try your hand at creating your own unique gift for yourself or a loved one while you’re in town.
For travelers who have a passion for art and are looking for a great addition to their own home this holiday season, or perhaps a perfect piece for a friend, the art galleries across and around Holden Beach are always worth checking out! Make your way over to Mary’s Gone Wild to explore the work of a truly visionary artist in town who hosts a gallery at 2431 Holden Beach Road SW. Here, you can browse recycled and repainted wine bottles as well as repurposed household goods with a colorful twist designed to tell an innovative story. Over in Ocean Isle Beach just south of Holden Beach, you can spend some time at Island Art and Books when the gifts on your list lean more towards the literary. Sunset River Marketplace in Calabash is the perfect place to set your sights when you’re looking for hand-blown glass, artisan jewelry and custom pottery too. In nearby Southport, the Franklin Square Gallery is a one-stop shop for art designed and contributed by over 1000 local artists. You’ll find pottery, paintings, and sculpture on display to browse and purchase alike.
Warm Up In Savory Winter Style
Getting out and enjoying the great outdoors this winter and holiday season in Holden Beach is always refreshing, but once in a while, nothing sounds better than warming up with a delicious meal. Holden Beach has plenty of savory options to choose from when you’re ready to sit back, relax, and savor the moment. Castaways Raw Bar & Grill on Ocean Boulevard SW is a great place to make the most of oysters on the half shell and crab dip while making the most of live entertainment most evenings as well. Head over to The Cove Restaurant when farm-to-table dining is your style and you’re looking for a pet-friendly place to enjoy a meal as well. Dock House Seafood has your fresh caught fare options covered while The Hot Buffalo is the perfect place to order up fried pickles, chicken wings, pizza, and more. Craving a sandwich or mouthwatering wrap? Make it a point to make time to visit Archibald’s Deli while you’re in town. There’s no place quite like LouLou’s Waterfront Restaurant this winter when you’re excited to pair live music and great Holden Bridge views with a staggering local seafood selection that’s difficult to top!
Holiday-Focused Fun
While winter activities abound across Holden Beach, those who are more than ready to embrace the best of the holiday spirit will find this area teeming with opportunity this time of year. Ocean Isle Beach is proud to host their annual Super Saturday holiday event at the end of November that includes a family-friendly Christmas parade, a tree lighting ceremony, and a Christmas boat flotilla that ends in a big party at Sharky’s! During the first week of December, those who are in the Holden Beach area can make their way to the Old Sunset Beach Bridge where there will be a holiday sing-a-long to attend featuring the West Brunswick High School Chorus in tandem with Seaside United Methodist Church choir members. Refreshments will be served during this free event that’s sure to inspire holiday feelings of joy. Nearby Calabash also has holiday events on their annual calendar with a parade and tree lighting on Beach Drive on the first weekend in December. Locals and visitors are invited to arrive by golf cart or bike and participate in the holiday parade which will be followed with live music, entertainment and plenty of cookies and hot cocoa for all. The annual Shallotte Holiday Market will also be in full swing at the end of November through the Christmas season. This is hosted at Riverside Park and features the fare of local farmers showcasing the very best of their winter crops. There’s also pottery, gourds, jewelry, soaps and more to browse and purchase when you’re excited to get a head start on your holiday shopping. Shallotte also hosts an annual Christmas parade that travels along Main Street the first weekend in December and is a must for those who are in town with the little ones this winter!
The city of Southport will also be hosting a fun Christmas Flotilla at the beginning of December that runs a route along the scenic Southport Waterfront. Guests can bring blankets and chairs to make the most of the view in comfortable winter style as decorated and illuminated boats put on their holiday best performance. Southport also offers locals and visitors a variety of fun holiday-themed events in December ranging from an outdoor movie on the coast complete with hot cocoa to a supper with Santa’s Elves that’s designed to thrill the little ones in your life. There’s also a holiday light fire engine parade and a Santa’s Workshop event to look forward to this time of year. If you happen to be a winter holiday traveler with a paired passion for architecture and holiday décor, you won’t want to miss out on the Southport Historical Society’s annual Christmas Tour of Homes.
Book Your Winter Getaway to Holden Beach Today
There’s never been a better time than right now to turn your winter holiday travel plans to Holden Beach into a well-earned reality. There’s also no reason to wait when you’re excited to make the most of the fun ahead! Let the team at PROACTIVE Vacations make sure you have luxurious, comfortable, and inviting accommodations to top off your holiday stay in style. Our collection of vacation rentals is designed to inspire and we’re here to make sure you’re settled into a home-away-from-home this winter that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations too. Let us handle all of the details while you focus on the winter holiday fun ahead. We simply wouldn’t have it any other way for our valued guests and can’t wait to see you in Holden Beach soon!
