Illustration of Santa waving from a log cabin porch in a snowy forest with a lantern path leading families to him (WinterFest Festival)
Other Christmas Activities

WinterFest Festival

This annual celebration features a wide variety of holiday activities at landmarks and popular spots across Southport. Highlights include an annual WinterFest Tea, supper with Santa's elves, a cookie contest, and a holiday tour of the North Carolina Maritime Museum. Visitors can also experience a tour of homes, a Friends of the Library Book Sale, a downtown parade, and a Christmas Flotilla on the Cape Fear River.

Dec 4 – Dec 12, 2026 All ages

Plan Your Visit

Food & Drink

The festival features a WinterFest Tea, supper with Santa’s elves, and an annual cookie contest.

Location

Southport, NC Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 ⚪ (4/5)

Best For

Families and visitors of all ages

Vibe

Festive and community-minded

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Allow ample time to enjoy the festival, which has activities virtually every day across Southport.
  • Look over the full schedule before choosing activities, since the festival includes tours, contests, sales and outdoor events.
  • Consider fitting the WinterFest Tea or supper with Santa’s elves into your plans for a festival food experience.
  • Plan to catch the downtown parade or the Christmas Flotilla if either is among your priorities.

Links & Contact

Run by City of Southport

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is WinterFest for?

The festival offers activities for visitors of all ages.

What can visitors do during WinterFest?

Highlights include WinterFest Tea, supper with Santa’s elves, a cookie contest, a maritime museum tour, a tour of homes, a book sale, a downtown parade and a Christmas Flotilla on the Cape Fear River.

What food and drink are featured?

The festival includes WinterFest Tea and a supper with Santa’s elves.

How often are activities held?

Activities take place virtually every day, with a full schedule of things to see and do.

How much time should visitors allow?

Allow ample time to enjoy the festival’s full schedule of 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. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

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