Southport WinterFest 2020
This year, the following WinterFest events can be enjoyed either curbside, virtually or live streamed. Southport WINTERFEST 2020, the umbrella under which most of the city’s holiday events fall, will include everything from the Southport WinterFest Holiday Tea, to the “Southport Christmas Flotilla.” Seven action-packed events of WINTERFEST 2020 include many events that will amaze adults and children of all ages.
‘Tis the season for fun, family and community. So, cozy up, have some cookies, make a cup of hot tea and join us for the week-long 2020 Christmas Season celebration.
WinterFest Performing Arts
December 19,
11 a.m.
Returning to WINTERFEST this year, is the popular WinterFest Performing Arts (Sponsored by Brunswick Arts Council) on Saturday, December 19 at 11 a.m. Enjoy the performing arts, including: instrumentals, singing, and dancing.
Christmas Flotilla
December 12,
6 p.m.
Watch the transformation of a boat into a holiday spectacle. The WinterFest Christmas Flotilla will be seen from a different perspective this year. Southport Elementary students will showcase their artwork. Sponsored by Downtown Southport, Inc., and the City of Southport on Saturday, December 12 at 6 p.m.
Southport’s Christmas Past
December 12,
1 p.m.
Watch Southport’s virtual contribution to this year’s Winterfest, Southport’s Christmas Past on Saturday, December 12. We’ll close out this challenging year with a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas by sharing photos and stories of Southport Christmas the way it used to be. Sponsored by the Southport Historical Society.
Historic Hectic Holidays
December 11,
4 p.m.
Tune in LIVE on NC Maritime Museum at Southport YouTube channel for an hour costumed tour, Historic Hectic Holidays, of the exhibit hall. This year hear from a sailor aboard a vessel during the Age of Sail, a Wilmingtonian during the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic, and a shipyard worker during World War II. Comment your questions and enjoy this annual tradition with the museum crew from 4 – 5 p.m. on Friday, December 11th. No account necessary to view on YouTube.
The State Port Pilot Annual Cookie Contest
December 9,
5 p.m.
WinterFest continues with this year’s The State Port Pilot Annual Cookie Contest (Sponsored by The State Port Pilot) on Wednesday, December 9. As this year’s event cannot be open to the public, we have changed it to give everyone an opportunity to enter!
Just plate a dozen of your cookies and bring them with a copy of the recipe including your contact information to the State Port Pilot office between noon and 3 p.m. on December 9th. The contest is free to enter.
Our panel of judges will award 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in the categories of taste, texture, and appearance. Winners will be announced at 5 p.m.
Watch for more details in your copy of the State Port Pilot, the Holiday edition of Coast magazine, on our Facebook page, and at www.stateportpilot.com.
Santa’s Workshop
December 7,
6 p.m.
Fun, festive bags filled with crafts to keep you busy and entertained for the holidays will be waiting for you at Santa’s Workshop (the Southport Parks and Recreation Building) at 209 Atlantic Ave. Reserve your Christmas crafting bag (choice of youth or senior) by calling 910-457-7945. Bags can be picked up curbside at 6 p.m. on Monday, December 7.
Southport WinterFest Holiday Tea
December 5,
1 p.m.
Festivities kick off with the WinterFest Holiday Tea, sponsored by the Robert Ruark Society and the City of Southport. So, make a cup of Earl Grey, sit back, relax and watch a classic Victorian Tea presentation.
The Side Street Bakery is making available a tasting plate of the goodies and tea that will be featured during the event. Call them to reserve your plate! 910-363-4629
Mayor’s Downtown Tree Lighting Ceremony
November 27,
6 p.m.
Not officially a part of the WinterFest events, but definitely a Southport holiday tradition, the Downtown Tree Lighting Ceremony is conducted the day after Thanksgiving.
This year, the virtual event included performances by the Trinity Methodist Children’s Choir, a special reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, a beautiful tour of the Ft. Johnston Garrison House dressed up in Colonial period finery, and of course – the Tree Lighting by Mayor Hatem at the Whittler’s Bench.