Enchanted Airlie
Visitors take a self-guided walking tour through Airlie Gardens to take in sparkling holiday lights and festive music. The half-mile route guides guests along illuminated garden pathways. The annual holiday event serves as a major fundraiser supporting garden conservation and stormwater management projects.
See more Christmas events near Wilmington
Plan Your Visit
Website / Tickets
When
Tickets
Carload ticket: $35 for a car, standard truck, SUV, or mini-van that fits in a standard parking spot. XL van ticket: $65; the 2026 ticket section says up to 11 passengers or conversion vans. Group tickets for 12+ passengers in one vehicle: $85 for nonprofit organizations or $125 for for-profit organizations; special reservation required and space is limited. Prices are plus tax and service fees. Tickets include onsite parking and admission for all passengers in the vehicle. In-person Gift Shop purchases avoid online ticketing service fees, but tax is still added. The FAQ also describes an XL van ticket as for a 12–15 passenger van or Sprinter van, and says group tickets are for limos or mini-buses; this differs from the 2026 ticket section.
Hours
Reservation times per evening: 5:30-6:30pm, 6:30-7:30pm, 7:30-8:30pm, and 8:30-9:30pm.
Ages
All ages
Parking
Tickets include onsite parking for all passengers in the vehicle. Walk-ins and bicycles are not permitted. Guests must follow their ticket date and time; early arrival does not guarantee parking or admission before the reserved time.
Accessibility
The 1/2-mile walking tour is wheelchair, walker, and stroller accessible, with free wheelchairs available for checkout; visitor trams do not run.
Pets
Only service animals are permitted; pets are prohibited.
Going?
Location
Tips & Advice
- Buy tickets as soon as your sale opens, since dates and times sell out and there is no waitlist once they do.
- Arrive within your ticket's window rather than early, because parking and admission are not guaranteed before your reserved time and you must leave by its end.
- Ride over together in one vehicle, since tickets are sold per carload and everyone on a ticket must arrive in the same car.
- Buy your ticket in person at the Airlie Gardens Gift Shop to skip the online ticketing service fees, though tax is still added.
- Dress for the weather, because the walk goes ahead in heavy rain and cold, and you forfeit your ticket if you skip your date.
Special Events & Promotions
- Azalea, Magnolia & Camellia member presale on October 14, 2026, for membership benefit tickets.
- Family & Individual member presale on October 21, 2026; membership must be active on October 1.
- General public tickets go on sale October 28, 2026, when members can also buy extra tickets.
- Group tickets for 12 or more passengers in one vehicle need a special reservation, and space is limited.
- Buy in person at the Airlie Gardens Gift Shop to avoid online ticketing service fees (tax still applies).
Links & Contact
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a ticket for each person?
No. Tickets are sold per vehicle, and one carload or XL van ticket covers onsite parking and admission for everyone inside. Everyone must arrive in the same vehicle, and there are no walk-ins or bicycles. Groups of 12 or more in one vehicle need a special group reservation.
Will Santa Claus be there?
No. Santa Claus is no longer part of Enchanted Airlie.
Is the walk wheelchair and stroller accessible?
Yes. The half-mile route is wheelchair, walker and stroller accessible. Wheelchairs can be checked out for free, first come, first served, with an ID. No visitor trams run during Enchanted Airlie.
What happens if it rains?
It runs rain or shine, and heavy rain or cold won't cancel it. It's only cancelled for severe or dangerous weather, and the call is usually made on the day. Ticket holders are emailed and it's posted online. Cancelled dates aren't rescheduled.
Is there a waitlist for sold-out dates?
No. Returned or refunded tickets go back on the ticketing page, so check there for openings.
Browse Christmas in Wilmington
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.