12 North Carolina Seafood Feasts Turning Coastal Christmas Dinner Into A Local Ritual
Christmas dinner doesn’t always mean turkey and stuffing, especially when you live near the ocean.
North Carolina’s coastal communities have created their own delicious holiday traditions centered around fresh seafood caught right from local waters.
From crispy fried flounder to buttery steamed oysters, these restaurants serve up Christmas feasts that celebrate the bounty of the Atlantic while bringing families together for memorable meals that taste like home.
1. Calabash Seafood Hut – Calabash, NC
Fried seafood perfection awaits at this legendary spot where the Calabash cooking style was practically invented.
Golden-brown shrimp, flounder, and scallops emerge from the kitchen with that signature light batter that made this small fishing village famous worldwide.
Christmas here means heaping platters piled high with everything the ocean offers, served family-style so everyone gets a taste of coastal tradition.
Located at 1125 River Rd, Calabash, NC 28467, this restaurant transforms holiday dinners into crunchy, delicious celebrations that locals have cherished for generations.
2. Dockside Seafood House – Calabash, NC
Waterfront views meet mouthwatering seafood at this Calabash gem that keeps Christmas dinner feeling fresh and festive.
Families gather around tables overlooking the water, cracking into steamed crab legs and dunking sweet shrimp into homemade cocktail sauce while holiday lights twinkle across the marina.
The menu reads like an ocean treasure map, offering everything from broiled grouper to fried oyster baskets that make everyone forget about traditional holiday ham.
Find this coastal haven at 9955 Nance St, Calabash, NC 28467.
3. Provision Company – Southport, NC
Boats bob gently in the harbor while Christmas feasts unfold at this picturesque yacht basin restaurant.
Shrimp boats and sailboats provide the backdrop for holiday meals featuring locally caught fish prepared with simple seasonings that let ocean flavors shine through beautifully.
Steamed clams arrive in big bowls perfect for sharing, and the famous fish tacos get dressed up with festive garnishes during December celebrations.
Situated at 130 Yacht Basin Dr, Southport, NC 28461, this spot makes Christmas dinner feel like a coastal adventure.
4. Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar – Wilmington, NC
Oyster lovers rejoice when Christmas dinner means slurping down fresh-shucked bivalves at this downtown favorite.
Raw, steamed, or baked with savory toppings, oysters star on holiday tables alongside buckets of peel-and-eat shrimp that keep conversations flowing and fingers busy.
The casual beach vibe mixes perfectly with Christmas cheer, creating relaxed celebrations where seafood takes center stage and everyone leaves happily stuffed.
Located at 109 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401, this oyster paradise turns holiday gatherings into shucking good times.
5. Fish House Grill – Wilmington, NC
Grilled perfection defines Christmas dinner at this Wilmington establishment where fresh catches get treated with culinary respect.
Mahi-mahi, grouper, and tuna steaks sizzle over open flames, developing those beautiful char marks that seal in moisture and flavor while holiday spices add seasonal warmth.
Side dishes showcase local vegetables and coastal favorites like creamy grits that complement seafood beautifully without overwhelming delicate fish flavors.
Visit them at 1410 Airlie Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403 for Christmas feasts that feel both special and authentically coastal.
6. Edgewater 122 – Beaufort, NC
Historic Beaufort provides the perfect setting for Christmas seafood feasts at this waterfront restaurant where tradition meets innovation.
Local shrimp get sautéed with seasonal ingredients, scallops arrive seared to caramelized perfection, and whole fish presentations make holiday tables look magazine-worthy while tasting even better.
Harbor views enhance every bite, reminding diners why coastal Christmas celebrations revolve around ocean bounty instead of landlocked traditions.
Located at 202 W Beaufort Rd, Beaufort, NC 28516, this restaurant creates memorable holiday experiences.
7. Amos Mosquito’s Restaurant & Bar – Atlantic Beach, NC
Beach vibes meet holiday traditions at this Atlantic Beach favorite where Christmas dinner comes with sand between your toes.
Coconut shrimp, blackened fish sandwiches, and seafood platters arrive at tables decorated with both seashells and seasonal greenery, creating uniquely coastal Christmas celebrations.
The laid-back atmosphere encourages families to relax, share stories, and enjoy ocean-fresh meals without stuffy formality that sometimes weighs down traditional holiday gatherings.
Find this beachside gem at 703 E Fort Macon Rd, Atlantic Beach, NC 28512.
8. Sugarloaf Island Bakery & Seafood Plates – Morehead City, NC
Homemade goodness extends from fresh-baked bread to perfectly fried seafood at this Morehead City treasure.
Christmas plates arrive loaded with local catches accompanied by homemade hushpuppies and coleslaw that taste like grandma’s recipes, creating comfort food experiences that warm hearts and bellies simultaneously.
The bakery side means dessert options include coastal favorites like key lime pie alongside traditional Christmas sweets, giving everyone choices that satisfy holiday cravings.
Located at 1002 Evans St, Morehead City, NC 28557, this spot delivers homestyle Christmas magic.
9. Riverside Seafood Market – Shallotte, NC
Market-fresh seafood goes straight from display case to dinner plate at this Shallotte favorite where Christmas shopping and dining combine perfectly.
Families browse fresh catches in the market before settling down for meals featuring whatever looked best that morning, creating customized Christmas feasts based on daily availability and personal preferences.
The riverside location provides peaceful views that make holiday meals feel special without requiring fancy atmospheres or complicated preparations.
Located at 1101 Bridgers Rd, Shallotte, NC 28470, this market-restaurant hybrid delivers Christmas freshness.
10. Lazy Pirate Island Sports Grill – Carolina Beach, NC
Island vibes collide with Christmas cheer at this Carolina Beach hangout where seafood baskets replace traditional holiday roasts.
Fried shrimp, fish tacos, and crab cakes arrive at tables surrounded by surfboards and Christmas lights, creating uniquely coastal holiday atmospheres that feel relaxed and celebratory simultaneously.
The sports grill format means families can catch holiday games while enjoying ocean-fresh meals, combining multiple traditions into one memorable Christmas celebration.
Find this beachside spot at 701 N Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach, NC 28428.
11. Big Oak Drive-In & BBQ – Salter Path, NC
Drive-in convenience meets Christmas tradition at this Salter Path institution where seafood and BBQ share menu space harmoniously.
Fried fish plates and shrimp baskets arrive quickly for families celebrating Christmas with coastal casualness, proving holiday meals don’t require hours of preparation or formal dining rooms.
Big oak trees provide natural shade while Christmas decorations add festive touches, creating outdoor dining experiences that feel quintessentially North Carolina during the holidays.
Located at 5946 Old Hwy 58, Salter Path, NC 28575, this drive-in delivers Christmas ease.
12. The Oyster Rock Waterfront Seafood – Calabash, NC
Waterfront magic happens when Christmas dinner centers around fresh oysters and locally caught seafood at this Calabash treasure.
Oyster rockefeller, steamed clams, and fried seafood combinations create holiday feasts that celebrate coastal abundance while bringing families together around shared platters and communal sides.
The waterfront location means Christmas sunsets paint the sky while dinner unfolds, adding natural beauty to already special holiday gatherings that create lasting memories.
Visit 9931 Nance St, Calabash, NC 28467 for waterfront Christmas celebrations.