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Cruise Wilmington’s Cape Fear River in holiday style—enjoy live music, festive cocktails, and dazzling riverfront lights on this cozy one-hour evening tour. Discover why this seasonal cruise is a must-do for visitors and locals alike.
Cruise Wilmington’s Cape Fear River in holiday style—enjoy live music, festive cocktails, and dazzling riverfront lights on this cozy one-hour evening tour. Discover why this seasonal cruise is a must-do for visitors and locals alike.
Book with Wilmington Water Tours
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
1,745 ratings
Operated by Wilmington Water Tours · Wilmington, North Carolina
Wilmington, North Carolina, is known for its historic riverfront and vibrant cultural scene, but during the holiday season, the Cape Fear River takes on a new kind of glow. The Holiday Lights cruise offers an enchanting one-hour journey aboard the 46-foot enclosed catamaran, The "Wilmington," where guests can soak in the festive splendor of the riverfront illuminated by thousands of holiday lights. This seasonal cruise provides a unique way to experience Wilmington’s waterfront, blending live music, seasonal cocktails, and light appetizers into a cozy evening adventure that’s perfect for families, friends, and couples seeking a memorable holiday outing.
The cruise navigates the scenic banks of the Cape Fear River, a historic waterway that has been central to Wilmington’s development since the 18th century. Along the way, passengers enjoy views of the beautifully lit city skyline, the iconic Wilmington Riverwalk, and charming neighborhoods decked out in their holiday finery. The combination of twinkling lights reflecting off the water, accompanied by live local musicians performing festive tunes, makes for an immersive seasonally themed experience unique to this region.
One of the stand-out features of this cruise is its all-ages appeal, with a full bar offering holiday cocktails and refreshments for adults, alongside light bites that complement the festive beverages. The enclosed catamaran ensures comfort regardless of brisk winter temperatures, allowing visitors to remain cozy while surrounded by panoramic windows showcasing scenic vistas.
Wilmington’s Holiday Lights cruise is a special part of the city’s vibrant holiday offerings, fitting snugly into the local calendar that celebrates maritime heritage and seasonal tradition. This unique river tour stands out because it combines natural beauty, historic atmosphere, and festive cheer in one captivating package—rarely found in typical holiday getaways. Whether you’re a local looking to rediscover your city through a new lens or a visitor exploring North Carolina’s coast, this cruise delivers an intimate, joyful way to celebrate the season on the water.
Offering limited evening departures through November and December, the Holiday Lights cruise is well known for selling out quickly. Booking in advance is highly recommended to secure your spot on this local favorite. Bring your camera to capture the vibrant reflections and smiling faces, and prepare for a warm, festive river journey that captures the heart of Wilmington’s holiday spirit.
Yes, this cruise is family-friendly and suitable for all ages.
The vessel cannot accommodate motorized wheelchairs, so some limitations apply for guests with mobility aids.
Light appetizers are complimentary, while cocktails and other refreshments are available for purchase at the cash bar.
Bring your ticket (digital or printed), warm clothing, and a camera to capture the views.
The cruise lasts approximately one hour.
Cancellations made 24 hours prior to the scheduled cruise receive a full refund.
Wilmington Water Tours offers guided river cruises on the scenic Cape Fear and Northeast Cape Fear Rivers, operating comfortable catamarans that showcase Wilmington’s history, wildlife and waterfront. The company runs a diverse calendar of themed experiences ranging from narrated history and film-history cruises to birding breakfasts, wine tastings, full-moon music drifts, holiday lights and family-friendly Santa excursions. Signature offerings include the Outlander in the Cape Fear tour, Eagles Island narrated sails, Black Water Adventure, sunset and sunset-with-live-music cruises, a 4th of July Firecracker Cruise, and a monthly lecture series with historian Dr. Chris Fonvielle. Tours depart aboard a 49-passenger catamaran called The Wilmington and a 46' catamaran that provides stable, comfortable viewing for photographers and families. Expert captains and friendly crew provide engaging commentary that blends local ecology, naval history and cinematic lore — highlighting Wilmington’s shipyards, battleship heritage and over 400 film and television productions shot in the region. Wildlife sightings often include osprey and other native species, and several cruises include light refreshments, cocktails and charcuterie options. Special events feature live local musicians, seasonal holiday programming and educational birding with authority Jill Peleuses. Private charters are available for customized itineraries. With consistent scheduling of public excursions and themed seasonal events, Wilmington Water Tours serves locals and visitors seeking scenic sightseeing, immersive local history, wildlife viewing and festive riverfront experiences that fit families, couples and small groups. Booking is available online or by phone, and flexible ticketing accommodates last-minute plans, groups, and seasonal event schedules throughout the year with attentive service.
Book with Wilmington Water Tours