WILMINGTON — Airlie Gardens will open tickets for the general public to its 2026 holiday spectacular in October.
Enchanted Airlie tickets go live Oct. 28, 9 a.m., for the general public, but open first for members of Airlie Gardens on Oct. 14, 9 a.m., and Oct. 21, 9 a.m. (memberships must be active by Oct. 1 to qualify).
The event takes place Nov. 27-28 and Dec. 1-21, with four time slots — 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. — available for carloads of visitors to enjoy the self-guided walking tour through the historic gardens.
Each holiday season, more than a million lights sparkle and shine across the grounds — including the landmark 400-year-old Airlie Oak and the Minnie Evans Bottle House. Crews begin stringing the lights and setting up displays on the 67 acres, starting each summer.
There are photo opportunities, including seasonal music. A concessions area is open, selling hot chocolate, wine and beer, candy, popcorn and more for people to enjoy on their half-mile walk through the grounds.
Tickets must be purchased ahead of time as dates and times sell out quickly every year; no walk-ins are allowed. Prices are:
- $35 for a car, standard truck, SUV or mini-van that can fit in a standard parking spot
- $65 for 11-passenger or conversion vans
- $85 for nonprofit organizations
- $125 for for-profit organizations
Groups that have more than 12 passengers in a vehicle require a special reservation.
Learn more about 2026’s event here.
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