5 Ways To Enjoy Wilmington Christmas Lights

The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the magical atmosphere of twinkling lights and festive decorations. Wilmington, a charming city in North Carolina, is no exception. Every year, the city transforms into a winter wonderland, showcasing its beautiful Christmas lights displays that attract visitors from all over. In this article, we will explore the top 5 ways to enjoy Wilmington Christmas lights, making your holiday season even more special.

1. Take a Stroll Through the Riverwalk

The Wilmington Riverwalk is a must-visit destination during the holiday season. This 1.5-mile path along the Cape Fear River is beautifully decorated with thousands of twinkling lights, creating a mesmerizing display that will leave you in awe. Take a leisurely stroll along the riverfront, enjoying the sights and sounds of the season. You can also stop by one of the many shops and restaurants along the way to grab a hot cup of coffee or do some holiday shopping.

Special Events Along the Riverwalk

Throughout the holiday season, the Riverwalk hosts various special events, including the annual Christmas Parade, holiday concerts, and visits with Santa Claus. Be sure to check the city's events calendar to catch one of these festive events.

2. Explore the Enchanted Airlie

Airlie Gardens, a 67-acre public garden, is transformed into an Enchanted Airlie during the holiday season. This magical display features over a million lights, intricately designed and displayed throughout the gardens. Take a self-guided tour of the gardens, exploring the various light displays, including a beautiful lake, walking trails, and scenic overlooks.

Airlie Gardens Events

Airlie Gardens also hosts various events during the holiday season, including holiday-themed concerts, Santa's Workshop, and a festive holiday market. Be sure to check their website for a complete list of events and to plan your visit.

3. Drive Through the Island of Lights

The Island of Lights, located on Pleasure Island, is a holiday tradition that has been delighting visitors for over 25 years. This drive-through light display features over 50 displays, including festive scenes, animated characters, and of course, thousands of twinkling lights. Load up the car and take a fun drive through the island, enjoying the sights and sounds of the season.

Special Events on Pleasure Island

Pleasure Island also hosts various events during the holiday season, including a festive holiday parade, holiday markets, and visits with Santa Claus. Be sure to check their website for a complete list of events and to plan your visit.

4. Take a Holiday Trolley Tour

The Wilmington Trolley Company offers a special holiday tour, showcasing the city's most beautiful light displays. Take a guided tour of the city's historic district, enjoying the sights and sounds of the season while learning about the city's history and traditions.

Other Trolley Tours

The Wilmington Trolley Company also offers various other tours, including a haunted tour and a historic district tour. Be sure to check their website for a complete list of tours and to plan your visit.

5. Visit the Bellamy Mansion Museum

The Bellamy Mansion Museum, a stunning example of antebellum architecture, is beautifully decorated during the holiday season. Take a self-guided tour of the mansion, exploring its opulent rooms and enjoying the festive decorations. The museum also hosts various events during the holiday season, including holiday-themed tours and reenactments.

Special Events at the Bellamy Mansion

The Bellamy Mansion Museum also hosts various events throughout the year, including historic reenactments, concerts, and lectures. Be sure to check their website for a complete list of events and to plan your visit.

As you can see, Wilmington offers a wide range of ways to enjoy the holiday season, from strolling through the Riverwalk to exploring the Enchanted Airlie. Whether you're a local or just visiting, the city's beautiful Christmas lights displays are sure to get you in the holiday spirit.

We hope you have enjoyed this article on the top 5 ways to enjoy Wilmington Christmas lights. Share your favorite holiday traditions and memories with us in the comments below. Don't forget to share this article with your friends and family to spread the holiday cheer!