This was our first time to go see a flotilla. Wrightsville Beach is the location of the NC Holiday Flotilla and everyone goes to see the boats adorned with lights and holiday magic. We arrived at 4:00pm to get a parking spot among the throngs of people. We arrived just in time because not long after we had our spot the cars started coming one behind another and before we knew it the entire place was packed with people. The flotilla started at 6:00pm and boat after boat paraded down and made a turn at the bridge and continued on the loop for all to see. It was so cold as we stood outside to watch. It was well worth going to see once but I don't think I would do that every year. Some of the boats were decorated better than others and it was a contest with prizes given to the best. Below are photos of some of my favorites of the night. There were approximately 50 boats total and 50,000 spectators.
UPDATE: the mermaid boat was the grand prize winner!
a classy looking boat with a bell 
the mermaid seemed to be the crowds favorite. Her tail fin waved as did her arm
the blue whale was another crowd favorite
I liked the gingerbread house, it looked better in person than in this photo
I believe this little guy was my favorite of all, it was the last boat in the flotilla and was just a small boat that looked like a little fish... so cute!
