Perhaps you’ve heard or read about enchanted forests, but have you actually experienced one? Now is your chance! Visitors who travel to Wilmington, North Carolina’s historic river district and island beaches during the holiday season will have the opportunity to experience “Enchanted Airlie”, a spectacular glittering landscape of lighted oaks and twinkling displays in a coastal garden setting.
Now in its eighth season, Enchanted Airlie (November 23 to December 22) is a Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event. Magical evenings and fond memories are in store for visitors and local residents who visit the tastefully decorated gardens. On select dates beginning the Friday after Thanksgiving and continuing into late December, Airlie Gardens is transformed into a visually stunning wonderland of theatrically illuminated large oaks, small native trees, holiday flowers, and elegant displays. Prepare to be enchanted by a world of holiday fantasy that features 300,000 lights and whimsical LEGO exhibits to delight visitors of all ages.
Back by popular demand is the massive LEGO exhibit that has drawn record crowds. Last year’s Wilmington-themed display featured more than 250,000 LEGO bricks that set a world record as the largest crowd to see a single LEGO display in the U.S. This year’s exhibit promises to be even bigger, spotlighting a number of miniature architectural feats with the colorful blocks.
Enchanted Airlie runs November 23-24, 29-30; December 1, 6-8, 13-15, and 20-22 in two time slots: 5-7pm and 7–9pm. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.airliegardens.org or in-person at Airlie Gardens service center (300 Airlie Rd., Wilmington) between 9am and 4pm. Individual tickets are $5 for adults and $4 for children ages 4 – 12. Children under age 3 are free.
From the river to the sea, more than 40 holiday activities celebrate the season in Wilmington, North Carolina’s historic river district and the island beaches of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach.
For more information about top events in North Carolina take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in North Carolina