Light Up The Holidays With These Wilmington Christmas Light Displays

There won’t be much snowfall this holiday season in Wilmington. So, to keep everyone in the festive spirit, Wilmington Christmas light displays compensate to bring color to the season. From city-hosted events to festive locals decorating their homes, lights are ready to dazzle spectators everywhere.

Here are a few of our favorite places to check out lights around town.

Downtown Wilmington Holiday Tree Lighting

Downtown Wilmington illuminates the Christmas season with its annual Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony a week after Thanksgiving! With bellies still stuffed with turkey and the taste of pecan pie still lingering on your fingers, come down to celebrate the official Christmas kickoff.

Head down to Riverfront Park to see the massive tree towering over the Cape Fear River with the Battleship North Carolina in the background—it’s authentically a Christmas in Wilmington view! If you’re in town for the event, you can enjoy entertainment, a countdown to the lights, free hot cocoa, and a Santa appearance. The tree will be up all season and illuminated every night, so even if you miss the lighting ceremony, it will be one of the best-decorated Christmas trees you’ll see during your stay.

Check out the Downtown Wilmington Holiday Tree Lighting event details here.

Holidays on Water Drone Show

The Holidays on Water event takes the Wilmington light show to the sky! The Wilmington Riverwalk is a must-visit for its shops and dining. But the holidays make it even more magical with a drone show hovering above the Cape Fear River.

Marvel at Christmas-themed displays created by drones. Hundreds of drones take flight for three Saturdays in December to create floating imagery with stunning precision. Your vantage point is essential to get the full effect of the drone images, so arrive promptly before 7pm to snag the perfect viewing location on Water Street.

“Reindeer” Drawn Carriage through Wilmington Historic District

You won’t need Scrooge’s Ghost of Christmas Past to bring you back to one of the golden eras of Wilmington’s history. The Wilmington Historic District gets new life during the holidays. Buildings and homes built in the 18th century get decorated with modern holiday light decorations to experience the intersection of the past and present.

Hop inside the “Reindeer” Drawn Carriage with local carolers and sing your way through the district. You’ll pass notable homes like the Burgeon-Wright House and the Bellamy Mansion.

Bonus: Attend the Bellamy Mansion Night of Lights Holiday Open House to see this dazzling Victorian mansion decorated inside and out with holiday lights across three stories.

Holiday Riverwalk Lights Cruise

Santa has his sleigh, but you have something even more remarkable to see Wilmington Christmas Lights: a riverboat! Set sail down the Cape Fear River to see all the lights dancing along Wilmington’s riverfront. Your favorite Christmas tunes, seasonal treats, and more accompany the holiday sights.

Wilmington Water Tours and Cape Fear River Boats offer holiday-themed cruises.

Enchanted Airlie at Airlie Gardens

If you thought the Spring was the best time to visit Airlie Gardens, wait until you experience it during the holiday season. Enchanted Airlie is one of the best places to see holiday lights in Wilmington. More than one million twinkling lights and extravagant displays cover this 67-acre garden. A self-guided tour takes you past festive trees outfitted with colorful Christmas lights. Follow winding paths with illuminated decorations hanging overhead. Walk beneath glowing displays that immerse you in the holiday light magic. To top it off, you’ll enjoy the holiday music playing all around.

Are you planning an extended stay near Wilmington this holiday season? You’ll have plenty of opportunities to see this light show. It runs for several weeks from the end of November until right before Christmas.

Drive Around Wilmington’s Neighborhoods

If you’re renting a car during your stay in Wilmington, you’ve unlocked one of the best ways to see Christmas lights. No schedule or tickets are required because our charming neighborhoods light up with holiday decorations every night.

This is one of the best free things to do in Wilmington during the holidays. Several neighborhoods feature private homes adorned with lights and even local businesses that love to show off their holiday spirit. Here are a few of the popular locations that put on a light show every year:

• Woodberry Lights
• 201 Melton Road
• 3220 Kirby Smith Drive
• Chick-fil-A on 5106 College Road

For a complete guide to local houses decorated with holiday lights, check out the map provided by Wilmington Christmas Lights.

Planning Your Holiday Stay in Wilmington

Our Wilmington vacation rentals are ready to welcome you and your family for the holidays! Spend your holiday vacation at Seascape Properties and enjoy a season full of spectacular holiday light displays.