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Category Archives: Swansboro, North Carolina
North Carolina, Eastern North Carolina, Coastal North Carolina, Atlantic Ocean, White Oak River, Intracoastal Waterway, Onslow County, Quaint Village, Historic
Swansboro Christmas Flotilla
Friday, November 28, 2025 | 5pm to 8pm
Join us at dusk in Swansboro the day after Thanksgiving, on Friday, November 28th, 2025 from 5 pm to 8 pm for one of our most enchanting evenings of the year. (More details to follow!)
Experience the magic of the holiday season at Swansboro's Annual Christmas Flotilla, where a dazzling parade of boats adorned with shimmering lights will illuminate the waterfront in the heart of the historic downtown district.
Enjoy the Spectacular Views!
Food & Family Fun with Santa
Come hungry and enjoy delicious bites from local food vendors! Let the festive music set the mood as you savor sweet treats, warm cider, and hot cocoa. Keep an eye out for Santa Claus, who will make a special arrival by boat before heading to Pug Pavilion to greet the children right after the flotilla!
Bring Your Own Boat!
⚓ Don't miss your chance to join the fun and the possibility of winning a cash prize. Sign up at Swansboro Festivals Boat Sign Up.
Free Parking Shuttle & Tractor Hayride
For the first time ever, the Town of Swansboro is offering a FREE Parking Shuttle and 🚜 Tractor Hayride! Add a touch of magic to your evening—park at the Swansboro Recreation Center and catch a fun ride to downtown Swansboro to enjoy the festive boat parade. Service runs from 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
♿ Accessible parking will also be available at Swansboro Town Hall with golf cart shuttles to take you downtown for your convenience.
Stay for the Weekend!
Plan a long Thanksgiving weekend getaway to Swansboro! Bring your holiday shopping list and enjoy Shop Small Saturday! Check out our unique accommodations with Airbnb and VRBO, as well as our Trip Advisor top-rated Hampton Inn & Suites, conveniently located within a short distance from Historic Downtown Swansboro.
Gobble up some coastal Swansboro goodness for Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday, November 28th at local eateries, Saltwater Grill or Preston's Corner Bar & Grill. Give them a call and make your reservations!
Enjoy nature and hike the trails at Hammocks Beach State Park! Learn about the flora, fauna, and our history. The park's Visitor Center and hours of operation are from 8 am to 6 pm daily, except for Christmas Day.
What Not To Bring for the Safety of our Patrons
Flotilla Parade Route
Enjoy the Spectacular Views!
Street closures will be at 2 pm and will re-open at 9 pm, immediately after the event. This allows time for our vendors to set up and we appreciate your cooperation to have the streets cleared of all vehicles by 2 pm.
Streets affected by the closures include:
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All of Church Street
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All of Front Street
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Water Street from Elm Street to the water
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Elm Street will be open for southbound traffic
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Walnut Street will be open to northbound traffic
Download Merchants & Restaurants Guide & Map
We look forward to seeing you in Swansboro!
Swansboro by Candlelight
Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025 | 5pm to 9pm
☔ Rain or Shine Event
Step into a magical winter wonderland in Historic Downtown Swansboro on November 8th, 2025, from 5 pm to 9 pm, as the Swansboro Downtown Merchants & Restaurants host their Annual Swansboro by Candlelight. Enjoy the warm glow of luminaries lining the streets, whimsical shop window displays, and the charming touches of ribbons and bows that evoke the nostalgia of days gone by.
Enjoy live entertainment in Olde Towne Square, indulge in wine tasting at Bake Bottle & Brew and The Gray Dolphin, and savor refreshments provided by the Downtown Merchants and Restaurants.
Don't miss the Swansboro Dance Studio as they perform scenes from their Nutcracker Ballet at 5 pm!
A highlight of the evening will be the Annual Town of Swansboro Christmas Tree Lighting at 6 pm at Olde Town Square!
Plan a long weekend getaway in Swansboro! Discover our unique Airbnb and VRBO accommodations, as well as our award-winning Hampton Inn & Suites.
Enjoy the live music on the Pug Pavillion Stage in Olde Towne Square!
featuring
The Will & Tony Show
Where to Park
Street closures will be at 3 pm and will re-open at 9 pm, immediately after the event.
Streets affected by the closures include:
• All of Church Street
• All of Front Street
• Main Street will be closed up to Elm Street
• Moore Street and Church Street will be closed up to Water Street
Download Merchants & Restaurants Guide & Map
We look forward to seeing you in Swansboro!
Mullet Festival of North Carolina
October 10 thru 12, 2025
Join us for the 71st Annual Swansboro Mullet Festival of North Carolina in Historic Downtown Swansboro. (More details to follow!)
Free Admission | Rain or Shine Event
Pre-order your 70th Annual Swansboro Mullet Festival T-shirt!
Click Here!
What began as a small potluck-style gathering to celebrate the completion of the bridge over the White Oak River is now a highly anticipated part of Eastern North Carolina culture and the oldest festival on North Carolina's Crystal Coast.
The occasion celebrates the mullet, a species of fish found in Eastern North Carolina waters. Swansboro natives remember days long ago when mullets were hauled to shore in nets hooked to tractors along the beach. Back in 1954, mullet fed the workers building the White Oak River Bridge.
Photo Credit: Swansboro Historical Assn. | Frank Tursi | Charles Farrells
The White Oak River Bridge now serves as a vital link between Onslow and Carteret counties. Upon its completion, the conception of the Mullet Festival began as a way for the communities to celebrate the arrival of the modern era – in bridge form – and that spirit of celebration continues, 70 years later!
Contest is Now Closed
Enter to Win!
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Swansboro Getaway Contest
Plan Your Mullet Festival Getaway to Swansboro!
It's a perfect fall weekend to discover the charm of our quaint and historic coastal town. Book your stay for a FUN-filled Mullet Festival Weekend at our award-winning Hampton Inn & Suites – Swansboro!
The weekend festivities kick off on Friday, October 11th, with the traditional Blessing of the Fleet at Casper's Marina at 6 pm. This is a very festive occasion, for both spectators and boat owners. All are welcome to participate. As the tradition continues, a wreath will be dropped in memory of the boat owners who have passed on.
Check out the Mullet Festival Music Line Up!
All Drone Photos: Todd Dini
For a complete line-up of the 70th Annual Swansboro Mullet Festival of NC happenings, head over to the
Swansboro Festivals Website
Enjoy the convenience of transportation to Historic Downtown Swansboro via the Mullet Festival FREE PARKING SHUTTLE running throughout the weekend from Ward Farm just behind the Hampton Inn – Swansboro off of Hwy 24!
Out of care and concern for your companion animals, please leave pets at home. However, we do allow trained service dogs to accompany a person with a disability, per the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Fall Fishing & Boating
Find out more about fishing and boating in Swansboro. Let our expert local fishing charters, outfitters, and eco-tour operators provide some of the most amazing and relaxing experiences on the water along North Carolina's Coast.
