2017 Dates
Enchanted Airlie is open to the public Nov. 24-25, Dec. 1-2, 8-10, and 13-22, 2017. There are two reservation times each evening, 5-7 and 7-9 p.m. Enchanted Airlie tickets are available on the Airlie Gardens website, or Blockade Runner guests can call the hotel to make arrangements.
North Carolina’s ‘Enchanted Airlie’ Grows International
WILMINGTON | WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC – When night falls over 67-acre Airlie Gardens in December, the forest comes alive as “Enchanted Airlie,” an estimated 750,000 twinkling lights illuminating the half-mile, self-guided, walking trail of holiday displays. Seasonal sounds fill the air and warm holiday refreshments add the perfect touch for a winter stroll.
Created by the Airlie Gardens Foundation ten years ago, Enchanted Airlie has rapidly gained national and international prominence as a must-see attraction for the holidays. “We have visitors from all 50 states and 47 different countries,” said Janine Powell, Airlie Gardens’ Development Director. “During Enchanted Airlie we’ll see around 30,000 people.”
The Southeast Tourism Society voted Enchanted Airlie a Top 20 Event in 2012. In November, Out and About editor for Raleigh’s WRAL-TV, Kathy Hanrahan, selected Enchanted Airlie as one of five picks in North Carolina for “places you should definitely try to visit before the end of the year.”
Once the property of 19th century financier Pembroke Jones and his wife Sarah, Airlie Gardens is the last undeveloped land open to the public along Bradley Creek, across the waterway from Wrightsville Beach. In 1999, Airlie Gardens was purchased by New Hanover County, preserving Airlie as a historic public garden, maintained by supporters and the county.
The iron gates of Airlie Gardens will open for Enchanted Airlie on 13 days, with two run-times each evening, 5-7 pm and 7-9 pm. Dates are spread throughout November 28 and December 22, with tickets frequently selling out.
“The entire experience is truly enchanting,” added Powell. “Our Santa has become a tradition for so many families.” Other highlights include expansion of the Enchanted Forest, Poinsettia Paradise with over 400 bright and colorful plants, over 19.5 miles of LED lights on cone-shaped holiday trees, and a light display coordinated with holiday music. New in 2014, Winter Princesses Elsa and Anna will greet guests and be available for photos.
Tickets are available for purchase on Airlie Gardens or Blockade Runner Beach Resort websites. Blockade Runner includes accommodations and breakfast and is located 3 miles from Airlie Gardens. Tickets must be pre-purchased; they are not available at the gate.
Admission to Enchanted Airlie is available by carload, couple’s pass, or individual, with children under 4 admitted free. Large passenger vans, limos, and buses should call in advance for special arrangements. Enchanted Airlie is handicap accessible, with wheelchairs available on a first-come basis.
Proceeds from Enchanted Airlie benefit the preservation and improvement of New Hanover County’s historic Airlie Gardens.
Tickets only: www.AirlieGardens.org
Tickets and accommodations: www.blockade-runner.com
Contact information:
Janine Powell, Development Director
Airlie Gardens
300 Airlie Road
P. 910.798.7700
C. 910.612.7854
E. jpowell@nhcgov.com
Robert B Butler | PR
Note: Additional holiday activities in the Wilmington/Wrightsville Beach area include the 31st Annual North Carolina Holiday Flotilla, Cape Fear Festival of Trees at Cameron Art Museum, Christmas Light and Train Spectacular at Wilmington Railroad Museum, Holiday Train Expo 2014 at Old Salt Shaker Bookstore Building, Every Christmas Story Ever Told & Then Some at Cape Fear Playhouse, Holiday Flea at the BAC, Old Wilmington Candlelight Tour, Polar Express Holiday Show at Wilmington Railroad Museum, Holiday Pops Concert with the NC Symphony, Santa Claus Cruise, Wilmington Holiday Parade, and New Year’s Eve Celebration.
Historic Airlie Gardens, once the showplace of 19th century financier Pembroke and Sarah Jones, features 67 acres of groomed maritime forest, pristine habitat for swans, egrets, geese and owls. When night falls in December, the forest comes alive as "Enchanted Airlie," with an estimated 750,000 twinkling lights illuminating a half-mile, self guided trail as classic holiday tunes stir memories.
The Southeast Tourism Society voted Enchanted Airlie one of its Top 20 events in 2012. In 2014, Raleigh’s WRAL-TV Out and About editor, Kathy Hanrahan, selected Enchanted Airlie as one of five picks in North Carolina “for places you should definitely try to visit before the end of the year.”
"Airlie is a magical place... It's a magical time of year. People have a certain spirit during the holidays. It's hard not to be happy when you're at Airlie."
-Tara Duckworth, Director, New Hanover Count Parks and Gardens
Enchanted Airlie tickets, including overnight accommodations and breakfast, are available at: www.blockade-runner.com
Tickets only: www.airliegardens.org
The Minnie Evans Bottle Chapel
Designed and built by Virginia Wright-Frierson
Made almost entirely of recycled bottles, surrounded by glittering bottle trees
The iron gates of Airlie Gardens will open for Enchanted Airlie on 11 dates in December, with two run-times each evening, 5-7 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Dates are spread during the period December 5 thru 22, with tickets frequently selling out. Tickets are not available at the gate and must be pre-purchased.
Thanks to the North Carolina Lego Users Group, Enchanted Airlie will again present a spectacular LEGO display featuring over 250,000 bricks!
Celebrating more than a century by the sea, the history of Airlie Gardens dates back to 1886.
The grand 467 year old Airlie Gardens Oak
The Airlie Gardens Butterfly House, home to eleven native species of butterflies, decorated for Enchanted Airlie
Attending Enchanted Airlie will be Santa Claus himself!
Experience an evening stroll while feasting your eyes on a spectacular array of lights and holiday displays.
Ribbit on exhibit and dressed up for the holidays at Enchanted Airlie...
All photography by Airlie Gardens. www.airliegardens.org
Enjoy coffee, hot chocolate, popcorn, cookies and more from local food vendors.
Enchanted Airlie is a wonderful way to celebrate the season!
Enchanted Airlie tickets, including overnight accommodations and breakfast, are available at: www.blockade-runner.com
Blockade Runner Beach Resort is located three miles from Airlie Gardens
Airlie Gardens self-guided walking tours: www.airliegardens.org.
Proceeds from Enchanted Airlie benefit the preservation and improvement of
New Hanover County’s historic Airlie Gardens
Serving nonprofits, communities, foundations and supporting companies
