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December 5, 2025 – December 7, 2025
Mark your calendars for the first weekend in December and experience the magic of Waterfowl Weekend as the traditions of “Down East” come to life at the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center on Harkers Island. This much-anticipated event celebrates the region’s heritage, artistry, and community spirit, making it one of the most cherished holiday traditions on the North Carolina Coast. The annual celebration of Down East’s traditions begins Friday evening with the Island’s “Bring Back the Lights” opening night.
Celebrate dozens of local and regional artists, carvers, and crafters who showcase their work while enjoying food, music, and a fellowship service on Sunday morning with family and friends. From decoy carving and retriever demonstrations to competitions in duck calling, loon calling, and head whittling, the event highlights the skills and creativity that define the Core Sound way of life.
Visitors can also explore the museum’s galleries, including special decoy exhibits and the ever-popular Gallery of Trees, beautifully decorated for the season.
Whether you’re sampling seafood chowders at the Chow Down, browsing the artistry of decoy carvers, or enjoying live music with family, this celebration is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season in coastal North Carolina.
Friday, December 6th: 5:30 – 9:30 pm
One of the weekend’s highlights is the Core Sound Chow Down, held on Friday evening, December 5, as the Museum on Harker’s Island sparkles with holiday lights. Local cooks from Down East and neighboring communities prepare recipes passed down for generations. Guests can sample an incredible variety of the following:
The “Core Sound Chow Down” judging will be led by seafood market and restaurant chefs from across eastern NC. Supper starts at 5:30.
Tickets for the Chow Down typically go on sale in advance, with discounted rates for museum members. Tickets are $35 for members and $45 for non-members.
Saturday, December 6th, 2025 9 am – 5 pm
Sunday, December 7th, 2025 10 am – 4 pm
As always, admission is free and everyone is welcome.
Parking at National Park Service, golf carts will be circling to pick you up
(No cars – except pickup and deliveries – inside the Museum parking lot)
CCATS Shuttle Service will be provided from the school.
Make your visit to the Crystal Coast a memorable one when you plan your stay with Emerald Isle Realty! Search and compare over 700 vacation rentals, all perfectly priced to fit your budget.
Event dates and information are subject to change without notice. Please visit the official event website for more information.
7501 Emerald Drive
Emerald Isle, NC 28594
Getaways@EIRealty.com
Rentals: (866) 586-6980
Sales: (800) 304-4060
Hours:
Monday-Sunday (9am-5pm)
