Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach are both lighting up for the holidays with fun parades, festive flotillas and activities for the whole family. Both locations are just a short drive from the Triangle and make perfect day trips.

The North Carolina Holiday Flotilla is at Wrightsville Beach this Friday and Saturday. This is the flotilla's 29th year, and thousands of people are expected to attend.

Friday's events include a Tree Lighting Ceremony, visits with Santa and a launch party. Saturday kicks off with Festival in the Park, featuring plenty of kid's activities, the Boat Parade at 6 p.m. and fireworks right after.

All of the events are free except for the launch party, which is $25 per person.

The Island of Lights Holiday Flotilla is the following weekend at Carolina Beach. The parade starts at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 30, featuring floats, marching bands and of course, Santa. On Saturday, Dec. 1, the flotilla will light up the Intracoastal Waterway starting at 6 p.m. All events are free and open to the public.

Will you be making a trip to the coast this holiday season?