Elizabeth City, NC, Pulls Out All the Stops for a Festive Holiday Season 

Visit Elizabeth City

Elizabeth City boasts a cozy, small-town feel that people love throughout the year, but when the holidays hit, the city takes on a whole new personality. In fact, you could go so far as to call it a “Hallmark community,” because its holiday cheer is infectious and visible on every corner. 

“Elizabeth City has just the right mix of small-town vibes and waterfront charm,” says Angela Welsh, executive director of Visit Elizabeth City. “It’s friendly, laid-back and full of local flavor.” 

During the holidays, when the city is so festive and community focused, that local flavor is on full display. The downtown area is adorned with lights and other themed decorations, providing that perfect holiday backdrop you desire. 

Events Galore 

What really takes the holiday magic to the next level, however, is a full calendar of events that brings the community together throughout the entire holiday season. 

The celebrations begin with the holiday edition of the First Friday ArtWalk, which starts at 4 p.m. on the first Friday in December. Downtown shops are decked out for the season, featuring local artists, live music and festive window displays. That same night, residents and visitors head to the waterfront for the award-winning Lighted Boat Parade, where skiffs, sailboats and pontoons – covered in Christmas lights – circle the harbor to the sound of holiday music. This unique display combines Elizabeth City’s location along the Pasquotank River with the nautical passions, talents and holiday spirit of its residents. 

The next day is SantaCon, where hundreds of people dress up in red suits and hats in an ode to Santa for a fun and festive pub crawl. Also on the calendar that day is the Elizabeth City Christmas Parade. This night parade features decorated floats, wagons and other vehicles decked out in holiday themes, broadcasting Christmas music and throwing candy to bundled-up onlookers. There’s a different theme each year, and participants put their whole hearts into the occasion. 

Just outside the city, the Dances Bay Christmas Light Show adds its own contribution to the community’s holiday displays. Running from late November through Jan. 1, this brilliant display of lights and figurines is a favorite stop for locals during the holiday season. 

Hot Cocoa Mecca

Seeing how the city puts so much effort into making this time of year so incredible, it’s no surprise that the holiday magic goes hand in hand with another accolade: Elizabeth City bills itself as the Hot Cocoa Capital of the World! And you’d better believe that’s very heavily incorporated into the community’s celebrations. 

“We know how to do the holidays right, starting with a warm cup in hand,” Welsh says. “Our annual Hot Cocoa Crawl is a delicious way to sip your way through downtown, as local businesses offer creative takes on everyone’s favorite winter drink.” 

The Hot Cocoa Crawl is a favorite activity for residents and visitors – not only are the drinks delicious, but they keep people warm as they stroll through downtown enjoying the festive storefronts and stopping into local cafes, breweries and shops. 

The Pasquotank County Library also offers free hot cocoa as well as indoor activities to keep the kids entertained for a while, including a hot cocoa-themed jigsaw puzzle and craft kit. The library is just one of many places in Elizabeth City that leans into the occasion, creating special hot cocoa-themed experiences that pay homage to the city’s love of liquid chocolate. 

“It’s not about fanfare,” Welsh says. “It’s about connection, comfort and slowing down to savor the season one sip at a time.”