Friends Holiday Flotilla
Light up the waterfront, gather your favorite people and celebrate Christmas on the Crystal Coast as brilliantly decorated vessels make their way from Morehead City to Beaufort.
One Tradition. Plenty of Ways to Be Part of It.
Each holiday season, the Friends of the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort invite the community to celebrate one of the Crystal Coast’s most distinctive traditions — the annual Friends Holiday Flotilla.
Boats, yachts, sailboats, commercial vessels, kayaks, oars and more are transformed with holiday lights before making their way along the Morehead City waterfront, around Radio Island and into Beaufort’s Taylor’s Creek.
Whether you want to watch from the waterfront, put your name behind the tradition, decorate your own vessel or support what makes experiences like this possible, there’s a place for you in the Flotilla.
See it. Sponsor it. Sail in it. Be a Friend.
The Friends’ Flotilla Viewing Party
See the Flotilla from one of the best seats on the Beaufort waterfront — and make an entire evening of it.
6:00–8:00 p.m. • Harborside Park Deck & Harvey W. Smith Watercraft CenterChili & Cozy Comfort Foods
Settle in with warm bowls of chili and cozy comfort foods made for a December evening on the waterfront.
Hot Cocoa & Cider Bar
Build your perfect cup of hot cocoa or cider with festive toppings and all the holiday favorites.
Live Holiday Jazz
Enjoy upbeat live holiday jazz while the waterfront begins to glow and the illuminated fleet makes its way toward Beaufort.
Nauti Santa & Holiday Photos
Step into a warm nautical holiday scene with Nauti Santa, festive décor and photo opportunities made for your Christmas camera roll.
Your Waterfront Holiday Night Awaits
The Friends’ Viewing Party is an exclusive members-only experience with limited capacity. Advance ticket purchase is required.
PURCHASE VIEWING PARTY TICKETSMake It Spirited.
Come dressed to impress. Sweater, that is.
We’re turning up the holiday cheer at this year’s Friends’ Flotilla Viewing Party. Break out the tinsel, blinking lights, reindeer antlers, jingle bells and that gloriously over-the-top holiday sweater you’ve been waiting all year to wear.
Festive attire is encouraged, holiday spirit is practically mandatory, and there is absolutely no such thing as “too much” when Christmas lights are involved.
Merry. Bright. A little Nauti. Or Nice.
And preferably covered in something that sparkles.
Then the Waterfront Comes Alive
The Flotilla arrives in Beaufort about 6:45 p.m.
When the brilliantly decorated vessels enter Taylor’s Creek, step outside and watch their lights reflect across the water as they make the festive pass along Beaufort’s Front Street.
It’s the reason for the evening — and one of those distinctly Crystal Coast holiday moments that feels even better when experienced together.
Saturday, December 5 • 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Harborside Park Deck & Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center
Watch the Flotilla Along the Waterfront
You do not need a Viewing Party ticket to enjoy the Flotilla. Spectators can watch from public waterfront areas in both Morehead City and Beaufort.
The illuminated fleet begins its slow pass east along the Morehead City waterfront.
The fleet enters Taylor’s Creek and begins its festive pass along Beaufort’s Front Street.
Join the Illuminated Fleet
Decorate your vessel, invite your crew aboard and help light up the Crystal Coast.
Information for Participating Vessels
NO ENTRY FEEParticipating vessels gather near the west end of the Morehead City harbor before the start of the Flotilla.
- Vessels begin gathering around 5 p.m.
- The Coast Guard vessel will position itself near the fleet before the start.
- The Flotilla begins its slow pass east along the Morehead City waterfront at approximately 5:30 p.m.
- The fleet then proceeds around the south end of Radio Island and into Bulkhead Channel.
- All vessels should proceed west toward the end of Beaufort’s Front Street before turning east for the slow Taylor’s Creek pass at approximately 6:45 p.m.
- Vessels proceeding down Taylor’s Creek toward the Beaufort Hotel will be eligible for judging and prizes.
- Flotilla participants may dock at the Beaufort Town Docks after the event, subject to availability.
Registration will remain open through noon on Saturday, December 5, 2026.
REGISTER YOUR VESSELPrizes & After-Flotilla Fun
Participating vessels continuing down Taylor’s Creek toward the Beaufort Hotel are eligible for prizes. Past prizes have included hotel stays and gift certificates.
After the Flotilla, participating vessels may dock at the Beaufort Town Docks, subject to availability, and continue the evening along the Beaufort waterfront.
Put Your Name Alongside the Tradition
The Friends Holiday Flotilla brings residents, visitors, families and businesses together along two of the Crystal Coast’s most recognizable waterfronts.
Sponsoring the Flotilla puts your business, organization or family at the heart of the celebration while helping turn the glow of one extraordinary night into meaningful support for the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort.
Sponsorship opportunities range from $500 to $10,000, with select packages including Viewing Party tickets, recognition, special experiences and additional benefits.
EXPLORE SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIESA Crystal Coast Tradition
Holiday lights reflected across the water, Beaufort’s historic waterfront and families gathered along the shoreline make the Friends Holiday Flotilla one of the season’s most memorable Crystal Coast events.
Come for the Flotilla. Stay for the Mission.
Not a member yet? Become a Friend and join the community that helps support maritime education, preservation, programs and special experiences at the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort throughout the year.
Membership also opens the door to special Friends experiences, including the members-only Holiday Flotilla Viewing Party.
JOIN OR RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIPHow Will You Flotilla?
Contact the Friends of the North Carolina Maritime Museum at 252-728-2762.