If your holiday spirit needs a little coastal breeze and a whole lot of twinkle, Wilmington and the surrounding beaches deliver in spades. From boats decked out in lights cruising past the Riverwalk and drone shows dancing over the Cape Fear to garden paths sparkling at Enchanted Airlie, merry strolls at Poplar Grove, and old-fashioned hayrides at Mike’s Farm, the season here is equal parts seaside magic and small-town charm. Grab a cocoa, bundle up (coastal nights can be crisp!), and use this guide to plan your November–December joy ride—whether you’re rallying the kids for Lake Linda’s lights, date-nighting at a candlelit mansion tour, or ringing in the New Year with a giant beach-ball drop.

Here’s a curated roundup of festive holiday happenings across Wilmington and the surrounding coastal towns for November and December 2025. You’ll find dates, locations, ticket notes, and quick planning tips you can repurpose for your newsletter, blog, or client itineraries.

Wilmington & Nearby (New Hanover County)

Enchanted Airlie - Large Flowers

1. Enchanted Airlie (Wilmington)

When: Nov 28–29 and Dec 1–21, 2025 (multiple entry windows nightly)
Where: Airlie Gardens, 300 Airlie Rd, Wilmington
What it is: A self-guided stroll through illuminated gardens—arguably the area’s signature holiday experience.
Tickets & tips: Timed tickets sell out fast; buy early. Reservation windows typically run 5:30–6:30 p.m., 6:30–7:30 p.m., 7:30–8:30 p.m., and 8:30–9:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale to the general public at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22. (Dates/entry windows: Airlie Gardens | CVB listing: Wilmington & Beaches CVB)

2. Holidays on Water Drone Show (Downtown Wilmington)

When: Saturdays, Dec 6, 13, 20 & 27, 2025; shows around 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Wilmington Riverwalk / Cape Fear Riverfront
What it is: A free, short-format aerial light show with 100 synchronized drones over the river—great visibility from the Riverwalk and nearby restaurants.
Tickets & tips: Free. Arrive early for dinner and a spot along the rail; plan for post-show traffic. (Event pages: CVB listing | Downtown org update | KOA schedule note)

3. Merry & Bright – A Holiday of Lights at Poplar Grove (Scotts Hill)

When: Nov 28–30; Dec 4–7; Dec 11–14; Dec 18–21, 2025 (typically 5–9 p.m., Thu–Sun)
Where: Poplar Grove, 10200 US Hwy 17 N
What it is: A walk-through light trail across historic grounds with seasonal vignettes, vendors on select nights, and Santa appearances.
Tickets & tips: Dates and hours are posted for 2025; expect weekend crowds. (Details: Poplar Grove | CVB listing)

Enjoying Hot Chocolate

4. Old Wilmington by Candlelight Tour (Downtown Wilmington)

When: Sat–Sun, Dec 6–7, 2025 (Sat 4–8 p.m.; Sun 1–5 p.m.)
Where: Multiple historic homes and sites (ticket booklet includes map), hosted by the Lower Cape Fear Historical Society / Latimer House
What it is: A long-running, self-guided holiday home tour through festively decorated historic properties.
Tickets & tips: Early-bird pricing through Nov 1; one ticket covers both days. (Event page: Candlelight Tour 2025 | CVB listing)

5. Bellamy Mansion Museum: Nights of Lights Holiday Open House (Downtown Wilmington)

When: Dec 18–20, 2025 (5–8 p.m.)
Where: Bellamy Mansion Museum, 503 Market St
What it is: Free, come-and-go tours of the mansion dressed in holiday finery (suggested $5 donation).
Tickets & tips: Family-friendly; photogenic interiors and porches. (Museum event page: Nights of Lights | CVB listing)

6. Burgwin-Wright House Holiday Open House (Downtown Wilmington)

When: Sat, Dec 13, 2025 (evening)
Where: Burgwin-Wright House, 224 Market St
What it is: A festive evening in a 1770s house decorated with fresh greenery, fruit, and floral displays—often with period music and costumed interpreters.
Tickets & tips: Free; donations appreciated. (Event/calendar: Holiday Open House)

7. Wilmington Holiday Parade (Downtown Wilmington)

When: Sun, Dec 7, 2025 at 6 p.m.
Where: Historic Downtown—North Front St from Walnut to Church Streets
What it is: The city’s big annual parade with floats, performers, and community groups—great for kids and new residents.
Tickets & tips: Free; arrive early and plan parking. (City page: Special Events)

Beach Towns & Island Lights (Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Wrightsville Beach)

8. NC Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach

When: Sat, Nov 29, 2025 (boat parade ~6 p.m.; fireworks follow)
Where: Banks Channel / Wrightsville Beach waterfront
What it is: A lighted boat parade plus a weekend of festivities (tree lighting, festival in the park).
Tickets & tips: Free for spectators; public viewing along the causeway and sound-side parks is popular—arrive early. (Town events overview: Wrightsville Beach Annual Events)

Holiday Boat

9. Island of Lights: Lighting at the Lake (Carolina Beach)

When: Fri, Nov 28, 2025; festivities begin ~6 p.m., lighting ~7 p.m.
Where: Carolina Beach Lake Park
What it is: The official kick-off to the Island of Lights season with a one-mile trail of displays circling the lake and visits with Santa.
Tickets & tips: Free; expect crowds and limited on-street parking near the lake. (Event pages: CVB listing | background: Island of Lights overview)

10. Carolina Beach Christmas Parade

When: Fri, Dec 5, 2025 (evening)
Where: Lake Park Blvd corridor, Carolina Beach
What it is: A classic small-town nighttime parade with floats, bands, and holiday characters.
Tickets & tips: Free; city page and CVB listings confirm timing. (Parade page: Carolina Beach | registrant note: RecDesk | CVB listing)

11. Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla (Carolina Beach)

When: Sat, Dec 6, 2025 at 6 p.m.
Where: From Carolina Beach Boat Basin to Snow’s Cut
What it is: Decorated boats glide the Intracoastal Waterway—bring layers and camp chairs for waterfront viewing.
Tickets & tips: Free for spectators. (More info: Pleasure Island of Lights | island lifestyle guide: Island Life NC)

New Year's Eve Firework

12. Island of Lights New Year’s Eve Celebration (Carolina Beach or Kure Beach; location alternates)

When: Wed, Dec 31, 2025
Where: Carolina Beach or Kure Beach town centers (rotating host)
What it is: The famous giant beach-ball drop at midnight and fireworks to ring in 2026.
Tickets & tips: Free; check the Pleasure Island of Lights site for which beach hosts in 2025. (CVB overview: New Year’s Eve Celebration)

North of Wilmington (Pender County & Topsail area)

13. Lake Linda’s Christmas Lights (Hampstead)

When: Seasonal evenings late Nov–Dec (exact nightly schedule posted by organizers)
Where: 218 Old House Rd, Hampstead
What it is: A drive-through/walk-through neighborhood favorite with charitable focus and vendor market days.
Tickets & tips: Follow the official site or Facebook for nightly updates and special events.

14. Topsail Area Christmas Flotilla & Market (Surf City)

When: Sat, Dec 13, 2025 (market + evening flotilla)
Where: Soundside Park, 517 Roland Ave, Surf City
What it is: A growing holiday flotilla on the Intracoastal plus daytime market—great small-town coastal vibe.
Tickets & tips: Free to watch. (Chamber event page: Greater Topsail Chamber | local coverage: Topsail Magazine)

15. Topsail Beach Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting

When: Fri, Nov 29, 2025
Where: Topsail Beach town center route
What it is: An early-season parade that pairs perfectly with a weekend stay on the island.
Tickets & tips: Free; family-friendly. (Event page: Chamber calendar)

South & West of Wilmington (Brunswick County)

16. Leland in Lights (Leland)

When: Dec 6, 2025–Jan 4, 2026; Grand Illumination Sat, Dec 6 (6–8 p.m.)
Where: Founders Park / Town Hall campus
What it is: A walk-through light display across the park campus with whimsical scenes and photo spots; the Town has confirmed plans for the Founders Park campus.
Tickets & tips: Free; monitor Town updates for any construction notes. (Event page: Leland in Lights | park status: Founders Park update)

17. Southport Winterfest (Southport)

When: Dec 1–14, 2025 (many events; Southport Christmas Flotilla Sat, Dec 13 @ 6 p.m.)
Where: Historic Downtown Southport waterfront and venues around town
What it is: A full slate of holiday happenings—tea, concerts, tours, markets, parade, and the flotilla.
Tickets & tips: Many events are free; check the city’s Winterfest hub for the full schedule. (City event hub: Winterfest 2025)

Day-Trip Favorite in Adjacent County (Onslow/Duplin)

Holiday Hayride

18. Mike’s Farm Festival of Lights Hayride & Country Dinner (Beulaville)

When: Traditionally mid-Nov through Dec 23, then Dec 26–28 (nightly, weather permitting); dinner seatings book up early
Where: Mike’s Farm, 1600 Haw Branch Rd, Beulaville
What it is: A ~30-minute hayride through 1.5 miles of lighted holiday scenes; make it a full night with the family-style restaurant or one of the farm’s themed dinners.
Tickets & tips: Hayride tickets typically sold on-site; dinner shows require reservations—confirm 2025 specifics on their site or Onslow tourism pages. (Visit NC dates: state tourism | Farm site: Mike’s Farm)

Planning Notes (Good for Client Emails and Social Posts)

Parking & arrival: Downtown shows and flotillas can draw big crowds. Encourage readers to arrive 60–90 minutes early, use public lots/garages, and consider rideshare for riverfront events. The City and CVB post street-closure maps and parking advisories as dates approach (see City Special Events and CVB Events pages).

Ticketing windows & sell-outs: Enchanted Airlie is the area’s hottest ticket—set reminders and purchase as soon as tickets open. Poplar Grove’s Merry & Bright runs most weekends from Thanksgiving through Christmas, making it easier to fit into visitors’ schedules.

Weather & visibility: For flotillas (Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Southport, Surf City), cool evening breezes off the water are real—layer up and bring chairs/blankets. Waterfront parks and causeways fill first.

Easy weekend pairings: Thanksgiving weekend is a perfect trio: Lighting at the Lake (Fri 11/28) + NC Holiday Flotilla (Sat 11/29) + Enchanted Airlie (Sun 11/30 or early December). Early December stacks the Carolina Beach Parade (12/5), Carolina Beach Flotilla (12/6), and Old Wilmington by Candlelight (12/6–7). Mid-December brings Southport Winterfest highlights, the Topsail Flotilla & Market (12/13), and Bellamy’s Nights of Lights (12/18–20).

Fast Reference (copy/paste for your calendar)

• Enchanted Airlie: Nov 28–29; Dec 1–21, 2025 | Airlie Gardens, Wilmington | Timed tickets required.
• Holidays on Water Drone Show: Saturdays Dec 6, 13, 20, 27 @ ~7:30 p.m. | Wilmington Riverwalk | Free.
• Merry & Bright (Poplar Grove): Nov 28–30; Dec 4–7; 11–14; 18–21 | Evenings.
• Old Wilmington by Candlelight: Dec 6–7 | Historic Downtown | Ticketed self-guided tour.
• Bellamy Mansion – Nights of Lights: Dec 18–20 (5–8 p.m.) | Free, donation suggested.
• Burgwin-Wright Holiday Open House: Dec 13 (evening) | Free.
• Wilmington Holiday Parade: Sun, Dec 7 @ 6 p.m. | Downtown | Free.
• NC Holiday Flotilla (Wrightsville Beach): Sat, Nov 29 (parade ~6 p.m.; fireworks after) | Free.
• Lighting at the Lake (Carolina Beach): Fri, Nov 28 (festivities 6 p.m.; lighting 7 p.m.) | Free.
• Carolina Beach Christmas Parade: Fri, Dec 5 (evening) | Free.
• Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla (Carolina Beach): Sat, Dec 6 @ 6 p.m. | Free.
• Island of Lights New Year’s Eve: Dec 31 | Carolina or Kure Beach (rotates) | Free.
• Lake Linda’s Christmas Lights (Hampstead): Seasonal nights; schedule on official page.
• Topsail Christmas Flotilla & Market (Surf City): Sat, Dec 13 | Soundside Park | Free.
• Topsail Beach Parade & Tree Lighting: Fri, Nov 29 | Free.
• Leland in Lights: Dec 6–Jan 4; Grand Illumination Dec 6 (6–8 p.m.) | Founders Park | Free.
• Southport Winterfest: Dec 1–14 (Flotilla Dec 13 @ 6 p.m.) | Various | Many events free.
• Mike’s Farm Festival of Lights Hayride (Beulaville): Mid-Nov–Dec 23, 26–28 | Nightly hayride; dinner reservations recommended.