LELAND — Holiday events abound in southeastern North Carolina for the next two months. This is especially true in Leland. There will be Holiday Art Market, Gallery of Trees, Live at Leland in Lights, Pack the Patrol Car, and Santa visits scheduled for all to enjoy.
Here is a rundown of what to expect:
Leland in Lights
Live at Leland in Lights is free and will illuminate Founders Park nightly from Saturday, Nov. 21 through Sunday, Jan. 3, with seasonal events in December.
The annual event kicks off Nov. 21 with the Grand Illumination. Families can expect to see Santa, enjoy live music from The American Caroling Company, indulge in goodies from local food trucks and a beer garden. A snow machine also will be set up at Founders Park, 113 Town Hall Dr.
The Leland Express is expanding by adding an additional train sponsored by the Leland Tourism Development Authority. The trains will run from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on various nights, including the kickoff.
The event lineup includes: Friday, Dec. 4, live entertainment; Saturday, Dec. 5, “Home Alone” screening and visits with Santa; Friday, Dec. 11, visits with Santa; Saturday, Dec. 12, “A Christmas Story” screening; Friday, Dec. 18, live entertainment plus more Santa visits; and Saturday, Dec. 19, Dueling Pianos with Blazin’ Keys Entertainment on Saturday, Dec. 19.
For the full schedule and event details click here.
Gallery of Trees
Gallery of Trees is an exhibit of Christmas trees that have been decorated by local groups, businesses, and artists such as Cub Scouts Pack 118, Leland Area Garden Club, The Artificial Flower Shop, Brittany the Illustrator, Summit Roofing, Cintas, and Pelican Landing.
The 2026 exhibit will be at the Leland Cultural Arts Center at 212 Magnolia Village Way, from Monday, Nov. 30, through Thursday, Dec. 17. The arts center is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Holiday Art Market
Offering handmade goods, the annual Holiday Art Market provides a unique way to shop for the season and support local artists. There are more than 30 vendors that will sell jewelry, paintings, pottery and more. There will also be local food trucks, bakers, and Mimi and Papa’s Popcorn and Sweet Shop will have treats there, too. The event will be on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, at 1212 Magnolia Village Way.
Pack the Patrol Car
The event is hosted by the Leland police and fire departments to gather nonperishable food and unwrapped toys for children to donate to Brunswick Family Assistance. The fundraiser will take place on Friday, Dec. 4, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Walmart, 1112 New Pointe Boulevard.
Santa Visits
Cookies with Santa is scheduled at the Leland Cultural Arts Center on Tuesday, Dec. 8, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. It will feature crafts, story time, and treats. Tickets are $5 and registration is required in advance.
Another visit with Santa will be on Saturday, Dec. 12, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., at the LCAC. It’s free but registration is required. Each registration is for one family group, with up to five families per 30-minute session.
Wilmington Big Band
This well-known 17-piece jazz orchestra, Wilmington Big Band, will perform at the Leland Cultural Arts Center on Friday, Dec. 11, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. During the concert, there will be local food and drink vendors such as Mimi and Papa’s Popcorn and Sweet Shop, The Pit Backyard BBQ, and Brunswick Beer and Cider. Tickets are $15.
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