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Crystal Coast Arts & Crafts Events - 2026 Schedule

Crystal Coast Arts & Crafts Events - 2026 Schedule

Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.

This Week
Saturday, October 24th - Sunday, October 25th
Atlantic Beach

Wit breezy weather and warm temperatures, the fall is an ideal time to go fly a kite on the Crystal Coast, and this event is an ideal launching point for folks to celebrate their high-flying abilities. The Carolina Kite Festival, which is hosted by the local Kites Unlimited & Bird Stuff, has grown into a stellar and full-day event with hundreds of kites decorating the sky, and plenty of fun to go around.

Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.

Week of October 26, 2026 - November 1, 2026
Saturday, October 31st 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Cape Carteret

Come explore a unique and picturesque corner of the Crystal Coast with this grand event that celebrates all the activities and fun of the fall season. The Town of Cape Carteret Fall Festival features a myriad of food, activities, and entertainment for visitors of all ages, and the free festival is a great opportunity to uncover this scenic town that’s located just a shell’s throw away from the Emerald Isle coastline.

Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.

Week of November 2, 2026 - November 8, 2026
Saturday, November 7th - Sunday, November 8th 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Morehead City

Come and get a big head start on your holiday shopping at this pre-Thanksgiving event that shines a spotlight on the many local vendors, artists, and craftspeople who call the Crystal Coast area home. The Mistletoe Magic Holiday Gift Show is renowned as one of the biggest local shopping events of the year, and it’s a great venue for folks to uncover all the talent and goodies that Eastern North Carolina has to offer.

Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.

Week of November 9, 2026 - November 15, 2026
Saturday, November 14th - Saturday, December 19th 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Morehead City

The Holiday Show is an annual seasonal art exhibition and sale presented by the Arts Council of Carteret County, showcasing a wide variety of handmade artwork, crafts, and unique gift items created by local and regional artists. Held each holiday season at the Arts Council’s gallery in Morehead City, the event provides visitors with an opportunity to explore one-of-a-kind pieces while supporting the vibrant arts community of North Carolina’s Crystal Coast.

Saturday, November 14th 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Swansboro

Swansboro by Candlelight is a cherished holiday tradition that transforms historic downtown Swansboro into a festive winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, seasonal decorations, and small-town charm. Held annually in November, the event marks the unofficial start of the holiday season on the Crystal Coast, inviting residents and visitors to gather for an evening of shopping, entertainment, and community celebration in one of North Carolina’s most picturesque waterfront towns.

Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.

Week of November 16, 2026 - November 22, 2026
Saturday, November 14th - Saturday, December 19th 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Morehead City

The Holiday Show is an annual seasonal art exhibition and sale presented by the Arts Council of Carteret County, showcasing a wide variety of handmade artwork, crafts, and unique gift items created by local and regional artists. Held each holiday season at the Arts Council’s gallery in Morehead City, the event provides visitors with an opportunity to explore one-of-a-kind pieces while supporting the vibrant arts community of North Carolina’s Crystal Coast.

Friday, November 20th - Friday, January 8th
Harkers Island

Celebrate the season with a little bit of coastal style and history at this event that will brighten everybody’s holiday spirits. The annual Gallery of Trees celebrates its opening day on November 18, and patrons will enjoy a wealth of brightly decorated and wholly unique Christmas trees that showcase the culture and the Christmastime beauty of the Crystal Coast.

Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.

Week of November 23, 2026 - November 29, 2026
Friday, November 20th - Friday, January 8th
Harkers Island

Celebrate the season with a little bit of coastal style and history at this event that will brighten everybody’s holiday spirits. The annual Gallery of Trees celebrates its opening day on November 18, and patrons will enjoy a wealth of brightly decorated and wholly unique Christmas trees that showcase the culture and the Christmastime beauty of the Crystal Coast.

Saturday, November 14th - Saturday, December 19th 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Morehead City

The Holiday Show is an annual seasonal art exhibition and sale presented by the Arts Council of Carteret County, showcasing a wide variety of handmade artwork, crafts, and unique gift items created by local and regional artists. Held each holiday season at the Arts Council’s gallery in Morehead City, the event provides visitors with an opportunity to explore one-of-a-kind pieces while supporting the vibrant arts community of North Carolina’s Crystal Coast.

Saturday, November 28th 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Morehead City

The Core Sound Waterfowl Museum Store’s Christmas Market presents a unique opportunity for Crystal Coast visitors to get a jump start on their holiday shopping while exploring the wealth of talented artists and craftsmen who call the eastern North Carolina region home. Free to the public and featuring a myriad of local vendors, this event is a must for anyone who wants to enjoy a little local holiday shopping in style.

Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.

Week of November 30, 2026 - December 6, 2026
Friday, November 20th - Friday, January 8th
Harkers Island

Celebrate the season with a little bit of coastal style and history at this event that will brighten everybody’s holiday spirits. The annual Gallery of Trees celebrates its opening day on November 18, and patrons will enjoy a wealth of brightly decorated and wholly unique Christmas trees that showcase the culture and the Christmastime beauty of the Crystal Coast.

Saturday, November 14th - Saturday, December 19th 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Morehead City

The Holiday Show is an annual seasonal art exhibition and sale presented by the Arts Council of Carteret County, showcasing a wide variety of handmade artwork, crafts, and unique gift items created by local and regional artists. Held each holiday season at the Arts Council’s gallery in Morehead City, the event provides visitors with an opportunity to explore one-of-a-kind pieces while supporting the vibrant arts community of North Carolina’s Crystal Coast.

Friday, December 4th - Sunday, December 6th
Harkers Island

The small community of Harkers Island comes to life at this annual event that puts this community’s rich heritage and history in the spotlight. The annual Core Sound Decoy Festival, which is held the first full weekend in December, is a unique celebration that combines exhibits, demonstrations, vendors, food, and much more, to the delight of local visitors and residents alike.

Friday, December 4th - Sunday, December 6th
Harkers Island

The Crystal Coast is renowned as a popular destination for seasonal visitors of all varieties, and that includes the thousands of waterfowl that flock to this region every year. This unique distinction is celebrated annually at the Core Sound Waterfowl Weekend, which is a fantastic opportunity for visitors to learn more about this stunning landscape, and the many feathered visitors who call it home for the winter season.

Saturday, December 5th 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Emerald Isle

Crystal Coast visitors who want to get a jump start on their holiday shopping will adore this event that takes place in one of the region’s favorite beach towns, and which features a world of coastal-themed treasures. The annual Emerald Isle Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair is a great venue for finding gifts and seasonal treasures of all varieties and is a convenient opportunity for shoppers of all ages to explore all the talented artists and craftsmen that call the southern Outer Banks home.

Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.

Week of December 7, 2026 - December 13, 2026
Friday, November 20th - Friday, January 8th
Harkers Island

Celebrate the season with a little bit of coastal style and history at this event that will brighten everybody’s holiday spirits. The annual Gallery of Trees celebrates its opening day on November 18, and patrons will enjoy a wealth of brightly decorated and wholly unique Christmas trees that showcase the culture and the Christmastime beauty of the Crystal Coast.

Saturday, November 14th - Saturday, December 19th 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Morehead City

The Holiday Show is an annual seasonal art exhibition and sale presented by the Arts Council of Carteret County, showcasing a wide variety of handmade artwork, crafts, and unique gift items created by local and regional artists. Held each holiday season at the Arts Council’s gallery in Morehead City, the event provides visitors with an opportunity to explore one-of-a-kind pieces while supporting the vibrant arts community of North Carolina’s Crystal Coast.

Friday, December 11th - Sunday, December 13th
Morehead City

Come explore a winter wonderland of holiday sights, sounds, and smells at this festive event that is celebrating its 12th year in 2026. The annual Gingerbread Festival & Competition is a fun and all-encompassing celebration that has incredible gingerbread displays, fun crafts and activities for the kids, and lots of ways to celebrate the holidays in style while admiring some of the most unique and creative gingerbread creations that the Crystal Coast has to offer.

Saturday, December 12th 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Beaufort

Celebrate the spirit of the season and a big dose of local color with this annual event that will appeal to art lovers, holiday shoppers, and coastal visitors alike. The Beaufort Holiday Art Walk is a fine opportunity to discover all the talented artisans and craftsmen who call this corner of Carteret County home, and to pick up a far-reaching range of treasures and holiday gifts that can’t be found anywhere else.

Saturday, December 12th 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Beaufort

The summertime Beaufort Farmer’s Market is revitalized for the holidays at this special annual event that combines Christmas shopping, local fare, kids’ activities, and plenty of community spirit. The Old Fashioned Holiday Farmer’s Market is celebrating its 11th year in 2025, and is a delightful opportunity to connect with local fishermen, bakers, craftsmen, artists, and vendors of all varieties to load up on unique holiday presents, or to take home some goodies of your own.

Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.

Week of December 14, 2026 - December 20, 2026
Friday, November 20th - Friday, January 8th
Harkers Island

Celebrate the season with a little bit of coastal style and history at this event that will brighten everybody’s holiday spirits. The annual Gallery of Trees celebrates its opening day on November 18, and patrons will enjoy a wealth of brightly decorated and wholly unique Christmas trees that showcase the culture and the Christmastime beauty of the Crystal Coast.

Saturday, November 14th - Saturday, December 19th 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Morehead City

The Holiday Show is an annual seasonal art exhibition and sale presented by the Arts Council of Carteret County, showcasing a wide variety of handmade artwork, crafts, and unique gift items created by local and regional artists. Held each holiday season at the Arts Council’s gallery in Morehead City, the event provides visitors with an opportunity to explore one-of-a-kind pieces while supporting the vibrant arts community of North Carolina’s Crystal Coast.

Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.

Week of December 21, 2026 - December 27, 2026
Friday, November 20th - Friday, January 8th
Harkers Island

Celebrate the season with a little bit of coastal style and history at this event that will brighten everybody’s holiday spirits. The annual Gallery of Trees celebrates its opening day on November 18, and patrons will enjoy a wealth of brightly decorated and wholly unique Christmas trees that showcase the culture and the Christmastime beauty of the Crystal Coast.

Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.

Week of December 28, 2026 - January 3, 2027
Friday, November 20th - Friday, January 8th
Harkers Island

Celebrate the season with a little bit of coastal style and history at this event that will brighten everybody’s holiday spirits. The annual Gallery of Trees celebrates its opening day on November 18, and patrons will enjoy a wealth of brightly decorated and wholly unique Christmas trees that showcase the culture and the Christmastime beauty of the Crystal Coast.

Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.

Week of December 28, 2026 - January 3, 2027
Friday, November 20th - Friday, January 8th
Harkers Island

Celebrate the season with a little bit of coastal style and history at this event that will brighten everybody’s holiday spirits. The annual Gallery of Trees celebrates its opening day on November 18, and patrons will enjoy a wealth of brightly decorated and wholly unique Christmas trees that showcase the culture and the Christmastime beauty of the Crystal Coast.

Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.

Week of January 4, 2027 - January 10, 2027
Friday, November 20th - Friday, January 8th
Harkers Island

Celebrate the season with a little bit of coastal style and history at this event that will brighten everybody’s holiday spirits. The annual Gallery of Trees celebrates its opening day on November 18, and patrons will enjoy a wealth of brightly decorated and wholly unique Christmas trees that showcase the culture and the Christmastime beauty of the Crystal Coast.

Crystal Coast Map
Emerald Isle Indian Beach Pine Knoll Shores Atlantic Beach Shackleford Banks Beaufort Morehead City Cape Lookout Cedar Island Harkers Island New Bern
History Museum of Carteret County

Resembling a cross between a train depot and a mariner's port, The History Place is certainly an excellent first stop for anyone who wants to learn a little more about the fascinating inland and barrier island history that is found in abundance...

New Bern Waterfront Sunset 3 Bedroom Hom...

Escape to waterfront serenity in this modern 3-bed, 2.5-bath home perched along the Neuse River. Savor sweeping river vistas, private dock access, and direct water access—just across from historic New Bern, and only 30 mins. from the ocean—a...

  • New Bern
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 7
NEW to VRBO: Stunning OCEANFRONT Condo i...

If you are looking for a ideally located beachfront condo on Emerald Isle, in the town of Pine Knoll Shores…look no further! Totally remodeled, elegantly appointed-- 4 BR/3.5bath condo in the phenomenal Coral Shores, a Beacon's Reach community. 4...

  • Pine Knoll Shores
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 3 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 9
Morehead City Ferry Service

The Crystal Coast is best explored from the water, and Morehead City Ferry Service will take explorers to some of the most remote and beautiful corners of this long stretch of Southern Outer Banks shoreline. Launching from the heart of Downtown...

Crew Bern, A riverside retreat located o...

Welcome to the Crew Bern House, a riverside getaway located on the serene banks of the Neuse River. Whether you're seeking a peaceful escape or a fun-filled adventure with friends & family, our comfortable river home offers the ideal blend of...

  • New Bern
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 3 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 13
Island Express Ferry Service

Island Express Ferry Service LLC is the only authorized concessionaire to drop off at Cape Lookout Lighthouse and Shackleford Banks! Offering departures from both Beaufort and nearby Harkers Island, Island Express Ferry Service serves as the...