Head To The Carolina Coast For Affordable Holiday Fun

The Carolinas Offer A Variety Of Holiday Getaways. There Is Something For Everyone.

Myrtle Beach, SC (PRWEB) November 8, 2009 -- It's been a tough year for the economy and more than a few of us just can't wait for 2009 to get on out of here! On the other hand, the holidays are right around the corner. They should be a time of joy and a time for getting together with family. Holidays are a time to take advantage of the affordable family entertainment available along the Carolina Coast.

In coastal communities in the Carolinas, there's more than enough going on to fill up a holiday trip, without emptying the family wallet. Best of all, the hotel rates are low this time of year. So get the family in the car and head to the coasts of North and South Carolina for a week or weekend of holiday fun.
       
In Carolina Beach, N.C., there's lots going on over several days. Sunday, November 22nd, take yourself back to simpler times and stroll down Carolina Beach's main street to enjoy the decorations, open houses and special sales at charming shops during the “4th Annual Holiday Walk.”

Friday, November 27th, catch the 1st Christmas By The Sea and the The “Lighting of the Boardwalk” at 8:00 p.m. Throughout the month of December the Boardwalk will be all dressed up for the holidays and free stuff will include story-telling by a fire pit, ornament making for the kids, and live entertainment.

That same night (Friday, November 27) families might actually want to start getting in the holiday spirit at the Carolina Beach State Park where the Light Up The Lake ceremony takes place at 7:00 p.m. It kicks off a month-long Island of Lights Festival which features lighted displays along a one-mile path around Carolina Beach Lake. There will be entertainment, as well as luminaries, caroling, a live nativity and Santa. And, this family-friendly event is absolutely free.

Families looking to plan a trip now can mark their calendar for the weekend of December 4th because that's one of the best times to head to Carolina Beach.

Friday, December 4th is the date for the spectacular Island of Lights Christmas Parade. For nearly two hours, this electric parade rolls by, featuring floats, bands, clowns, horses, Santa Claus, and much more. The fun starts at 7:30 p.m.

On Saturday, December 5th, the Island of Lights Holiday Flotilla begins at 6:00 p.m. This parade is quite a sight with fishing boats and pleasure crafts, electrically decorated with thousands of lights, cruising from Snows Cut to Carolina Beach Boat Basin and back.

Can't make that weekend, don't worry, there's plenty to do the following weekend.

Saturday, December 12th is the date for the Island of Lights Tour of Homes. Check out holiday decorations and enjoy Southern hospitality while on a self-guided tour. On Saturday and Sunday, December 13th, families can even take the kids over to the Aquarium where everyone gets treated like a kid as adults and children alike can get in for the child's rate of just $6. There will be photos with Santa, crafts, a puppet show, and a big-screen showing of “Mickey's Magical Christmas.” Even “Scuba Santa” will be in the big tank.

As we finally get to the end of this year and begin looking forward to the next one, there's no better place to celebrate than Carolina Beach.

Thursday, December 31st, ring in the New Year at the Island of Lights New Year's Eve Countdown beginning at 9:00 p.m., on the Boardwalk. This is a true family-friendly event with dancing in the street and tunes spun by a DJ. At midnight, a giant lighted beach ball will be lowered, followed by a dazzling display of fireworks.

If your family is looking for some holiday excitement a little further down the coast in South Carolina, there's plenty of affordable options along the Grand Strand of Myrtle Beach.

The Grand Strand always has great offers for golfers looking to take advantage of the great winter weather and affordable deals. Pawleys Plantation is offering packages to help folks celebrate the holidays and ring in the New Year without breaking the bank.

If you're looking to spend Christmas in the Lowcountry, try Pawleys Plantation. At this tranquil, relaxing resort, couples can take advantage of a great special that includes three nights accommodations in a villa suite, one round of golf on Pawleys Plantation's award-winning Jack Nicklaus course, a ticket to the popular “Night Of A Thousand Candles” at Brookgreen Gardens and a Sunday brunch buffet. All this is just $279 per person based on double occupancy.

Planning on spending Christmas with the family, but you want to get away to ring in the new year? Try Pawleys Plantation's New Year's Eve Gala & Golf. For $399 per person based on double occupancy. You and your guest can enjoy three nights accommodations in a villa suite, one round of golf on the award-winning Jack Nicklaus course, a Sunday brunch buffet, plus you will get to ring in the New Year at Pawleys Plantation's New Year's Eve Gala in the Plantation Ballroom and enjoy music, a premium open bar, seated dinner, coffee and cordial station, a champagne toast at midnight and party favors.

Up the road just a bit from Pawleys Plantation, Ocean Lakes Family Campground, keeps the fun going long after the summer season ends.

Awarded the title of 2008-2009 National "RV Park of the Year" by the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, Ocean Lakes is the largest campground on the East Coast and one of the largest in the United States with over 310 acres of campsites and beach house rentals.

December 31st features a New Year's Eve party and 10th Annual Polar Bear Plunge for those brave folks, young and old, who want to take a winter dip in the ocean.

Families can also enjoy the 10th Annual Beach n' Boogie weekend February 12-13, 2010. Beach n' Boogie kicks off Friday evening with Fantastic Shakers and begins again Saturday morning for a full day of fun activities for the whole family. Saturday’s concert features the Band of Oz. Campsites for this event fill up quickly.

To make reservations call 1-800-722-1451 for campsites, and for rental sites call 1-800-845-2229. More information is also available at www.oceanlakes.com.

So head for the coast and get in the holiday spirit. It's proof that families don't have to spend a bundle to have a great time.

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