Community Calendar

Highland Holidays presents an intimate live Scottish Christmas concert filled with Celtic vocals, fiddle, Highland pipes, festive songs, stories, Scottish winter traditions, and the celebratory spirit of Hogmanay. This family-friendly cultural experience honors the Carolinas' historical connection with Scotland through exceptional live music.

The international ensemble features 12-year Riverdance fiddle veteran Patrick Mangan, award-winning Celtic vocalist Jennifer Licko, Highland piper Cassandra Calo, Brazilian percussionist Daniel Gohn, and multi-instrumentalist Stephen Pachuta, formerly of The Embers.

“The Carolinas’ connection with Scotland gives us an incredible heritage story to build from. Highland Holidays is about honoring that past while showing how those traditions still live in our communities today. During the holiday season, we bring that heritage together through exceptional music and dance and let it come fully to life onstage.”

A Taste of France, Right Here on the Crystal Coast!

Get ready for an unforgettable culinary adventure while supporting the next generation of talented chefs and hospitality professionals at Carteret Community College!

Join us for an extraordinary dining experience featuring the creativity and passion of students from the College’s Culinary Arts, Baking & Pastry Arts, and Hospitality Management programs. Every bite helps support an incredible educational opportunity that takes these aspiring culinary professionals all the way to France.

Each year, two to four exceptional students are selected for the once in a lifetime opportunity to spend five weeks in France training alongside master Escoffier Chefs. They return home with new skills, techniques, inspiration, and stories to share, and there is no better way to experience their newfound talents than at the highly anticipated Escoffier Chefs’ Dinners.

Come hungry, raise a glass, and prepare to be impressed as these rising culinary stars put their skills to the test. Your ticket does more than provide an exceptional evening of food. It helps make their journey to France possible and invests in the future of the culinary and hospitality industry.

Great food. Incredible talent. A taste of France. And a delicious way to make a difference.

Enjoy an unforgettable celebration filled with joyful holiday hits and plenty of musical sparkle to brighten your season.

North Carolina Symphony
Sophie Mok, conductor

The Gingerbread Festival is a joyful, must-see holiday tradition at the Crystal Coast. This beloved event brings the people together in a warm, festive atmosphere that's filled with creativity, holiday spirit and heart.

Featuring more than 50 talented competitors each year and welcoming several hundred attendees, the festival showcases incredible local creativity while celebrating the season in a truly special way.

Guests can explore beautifully crafted gingerbread exhibits, each one uniquely designed and full of incredible detail, making the event feel like stepping into a holiday wonderland. It’s the perfect outing for families, friends and visitors of all ages to enjoy the sights, take in the festive cheer and celebrate the season together.

Enjoy the lights, the laughter and the stunning gingerbread creations that make this one of the Crystal Coast’s most cherished holiday events.

Beyond the magic and creativity on display, the festival supports compassionate end-of-life care. It’s a meaningful way to celebrate the holidays while making a real difference in the community.

Join the Town of Morehead City for the annual Morehead City Christmas Parade.

The Gingerbread Festival is a joyful, must-see holiday tradition at the Crystal Coast. This beloved event brings the people together in a warm, festive atmosphere that's filled with creativity, holiday spirit and heart.

Featuring more than 50 talented competitors each year and welcoming several hundred attendees, the festival showcases incredible local creativity while celebrating the season in a truly special way.

Guests can explore beautifully crafted gingerbread exhibits, each one uniquely designed and full of incredible detail, making the event feel like stepping into a holiday wonderland. It’s the perfect outing for families, friends and visitors of all ages to enjoy the sights, take in the festive cheer and celebrate the season together.

Enjoy the lights, the laughter and the stunning gingerbread creations that make this one of the Crystal Coast’s most cherished holiday events.

Beyond the magic and creativity on display, the festival supports compassionate end-of-life care. It’s a meaningful way to celebrate the holidays while making a real difference in the community.

Warm up your winter at Atlantic Beach's Annual Smoke on the Water Bonfire on Wednesday, December 30, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Circle. Gather around a roaring bonfire on the beach, enjoy live music by Robert McDuffy, and sip your favorite warm drink from Travelin' Tom's Coffee Truck. Bring your family and friends for an unforgettable evening filled with great music, cozy beach vibes, and the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season on the Crystal Coast.

A Taste of France, Right Here on the Crystal Coast!

Get ready for an unforgettable culinary adventure while supporting the next generation of talented chefs and hospitality professionals at Carteret Community College!

Join us for an extraordinary dining experience featuring the creativity and passion of students from the College’s Culinary Arts, Baking & Pastry Arts, and Hospitality Management programs. Every bite helps support an incredible educational opportunity that takes these aspiring culinary professionals all the way to France.

Each year, two to four exceptional students are selected for the once in a lifetime opportunity to spend five weeks in France training alongside master Escoffier Chefs. They return home with new skills, techniques, inspiration, and stories to share, and there is no better way to experience their newfound talents than at the highly anticipated Escoffier Chefs’ Dinners.

Come hungry, raise a glass, and prepare to be impressed as these rising culinary stars put their skills to the test. Your ticket does more than provide an exceptional evening of food. It helps make their journey to France possible and invests in the future of the culinary and hospitality industry.

Great food. Incredible talent. A taste of France. And a delicious way to make a difference.

Are you ready for a weekend of pure chocolate bliss? Get ready for the Carolina Chocolate Festival!

We're talking about a weekend dedicated to chocolate! There will be more than 25 vendors offering treats like chocolate-covered strawberries, chocolate-covered bacon, chocolate cakes, chocolate fudge, chocolate truffles, chocolate candies, and more. Find your favorites and take some home!

The Carolina Chocolate Festival kicks off on Friday with the Pro/Am Bake Off to be judged that evening, awarding Amateur and Professional divisions. On Saturday, cake will sold by the slice; also whole cakes will be auctioned off to a Chocolate Lovers delight to carry home.

Saturday early morning begins with our 5k Cocoa Run/Walk! Get your blood pumping before indulging in everything chocolate! Register online via the website.

There are additional fun activities to enjoy Don't miss the Pudding Eating contests - open to all ages! Prepare to be surrounded by the most delicious chocolate imaginable!

Are you ready for a weekend of pure chocolate bliss? Get ready for the Carolina Chocolate Festival!

We're talking about a weekend dedicated to chocolate! There will be more than 25 vendors offering treats like chocolate-covered strawberries, chocolate-covered bacon, chocolate cakes, chocolate fudge, chocolate truffles, chocolate candies, and more. Find your favorites and take some home!

The Carolina Chocolate Festival kicks off on Friday with the Pro/Am Bake Off to be judged that evening, awarding Amateur and Professional divisions. On Saturday, cake will sold by the slice; also whole cakes will be auctioned off to a Chocolate Lovers delight to carry home.

Saturday early morning begins with our 5k Cocoa Run/Walk! Get your blood pumping before indulging in everything chocolate! Register online via the website.

There are additional fun activities to enjoy Don't miss the Pudding Eating contests - open to all ages! Prepare to be surrounded by the most delicious chocolate imaginable!