Cape Fear Coast, N.C. - ‘Tis the season to be enchanted! What could be more enchanting than a magnificent wrought iron gate that opens to reveal a glittering landscape of lighted oaks and twinkling displays in a post-Victorian garden setting? Each Friday and Saturday evening from November 27 through the Saturday before Christmas, Airlie Gardens presents “Enchanted Airlie,” a holiday event that features magical evenings of illumination and wonderment. In addition to Friday and Saturday evenings, shows will also be offered on Thursday Dec. 17, Monday Dec. 21st and Tuesday Dec. 22nd.
Now in its fifth year, “Enchanted Airlie” transforms the venerable gardens into a visually stunning wonderland of theatrically illuminated large oaks, small native trees, and elegant displays. Outdoor garden trains include an impressive “G” gauge set. Leisurely nighttime strolls through 30 acres of tastefully decorated gardens are enhanced by strolling carolers and musicians in a delightful outdoor setting.
“Enchanted Airlie” offers simple pleasures for visitors and residents of all ages. Inside the Garden Services Center, kids of all ages can marvel at the “O” gauge miniature train holiday village created by the Cape Fear Model Railroad Club. And of course, Santa will be in the North Pole tent to greet young children and listen to their holiday requests. Families can have their pictures taken in Airlie’s 2,400-square-foot floral conservatory. Refreshments and holiday gifts are also available from area vendors. And, the Airlie Gift Shop will be open with unique gift ideas.
Due to its popularity, tickets to the “Enchanted Airlie” event must be purchased in advance. Each evening, Airlie’s gates will open for two sessions of self-guided tours on Fridays, and Saturdays: The first will take place from 5pm-7pm; the second is from 7pm-9pm. Two sessions will allow visitors to experience the holiday magic at a comfortable pace. Tickets are valid for one of the two sessions each night.
Tickets, which must be purchased in advance, will not be sold at the gate, so plan ahead and purchase tickets early. Tickets may be secured in advance online at http://www.airliegardens.org/ or via phone by calling 910-798-7700. Tickets must be purchased before 4:00 p.m. for the night of the event. Tickets cost $5 for adults and $4 for children (ages 4-12), and are available online and at Airlie’s Garden Services Center. A $3 parking pass is also required, unless you opt for “green” pricing whereby admission is $20 per automobile or standard SUV (green offer excludes large passenger vans and buses).
Airlie Gardens, located at 300 Airlie Road, is a 67-acre historic public garden bordering Bradley Creek in Wilmington, North Carolina. Visitors are encouraged to dress warmly and comfortably for an outdoor walking tour on gravel, sand, and mulch paths. For more details about Airlie Gardens and “Enchanted Airlie” please call 910-798-7700 or visit http://www.airliegardens.org/.
More than 40 holiday activities celebrate the season in Wilmington & North Carolina’s Cape Fear Coast. For a FREE Visitors Guide or Holiday Events brochure, please stop by the Visitors Information Center in the Historic Courthouse at 24 N. Third Street, Wilmington, or call 910-341-4030 or (toll-free) 1-866-266-9690. Or you can download a Holiday Events brochure by visiting the website http://www.gocapefearcoast.com/ and clicking on the “Events & Announcements” button, then clicking on the red link for the holiday brochure.
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Contact
Connie Nelson,
910-341-4030
cvbpr@capefearcoast.com
