by: Emily Rea

For some folks over the past five years in Wilmington, it just wouldn’t be the holidays without a wonder-filled stroll through the dazzling Airlie Gardens during a favorite annual holiday tradition: Enchanted Airlie. The chill in the air does nothing to deter guests, who, with their scarves, mittens and cups of cocoa, from inside the big white, heated tent, set out to enjoy the season at their own paces, taking in the festive lights and enjoying live musical entertainment. The grand, stately oaks beckon all to come see the elegantly strung lights that accentuate their regal statures, provoking awe and adoration. If it all sounds like something out of a Norman Rockwell painting, well, it practically is.

Since 2005 Airlie Gardens has so graciously put on the holiday event of the season, opening its garden gates to one and all, and proving that the beautiful treasures of nature are well worth traversing through during all times of year, not just when the azaleas and tulips are peeking their blossoms to enjoy the warm spring sun.

Yes, there is something truly romantic about the old oaks in winter, dressed to the nines in their holiday lights, yet easily not overstepping the boundaries of gaudy spectacle. The sensational atmosphere makes for one truly enchanted evening for couples; yet, it is also an extremely family-friendly scenario: a place to bring the kids, for example, to see the largest model train display in the Southeast. Chugging down the miniature tracks in all their replicated glory are the mini trains as old as the ‘40s and ‘50s in a holiday village created by Cape Fear Model Railroad Club.

Another popular stop for children is the big white “North Pole tent,” in which they can sit on Santa’s knee and tell him everything within their heart’s desires. “More than anything this Christmas, I want my very own wishing star,” I once overheard a young girl tell the jolly bearded man. Her big brown eyes looked up at his rosy face with all the hopeful, trusting innocence that only such a magical place as Enchanted Airlie can evoke. “You got it,” he responded, with a twinkle in his eye.

For families and couples this Christmas, the entire set-up, acre upon acre, proves as diverse and impressive as ever, featuring displays in a post-Victorian garden setting. There will be outdoor garden trains, beautiful poinsettias and other flowers in the walk-through greenhouse, as well as strolling carolers and musicians.

New this year is a larger train area, the Butterfly House, the Minnie Evans lighted crayon drawing, and different lightscapes to captivate the spirit of the season.

Families can have their pictures taken in Airlie Garden’s 2,400-square-feet floral conservatory, and there will be refreshments and holiday gifts available from area vendors—making one-of-a-kind gifts easily checked off the shopping lists. Port City Java coffee is provided, and other vendors include Lumina Winery and the Great American Cookie Company.

Tickets to Enchanted Airlie must be purchased before 4pm, the night of the event; $5 for adults and $4 for children ages 4-12. Tickets are available at the Garden Service Center, Monday through Saturday 9am-4pm (no sale after 4pm or at the gate during the show), as well as online at www.airliegardens.org.

A $3 parking pass is also required unless visitors opt for “green” pricing, a brand new option this year, whereby admission is $20 per automobile or standard SUV. Folks who pile (safely) into one vehicle will receive a Carload Ticket—individual tickets or parking passes will not have to be purchased, as it’s an all-in-one ticket. However, the green offer does exclude large passenger vans and buses.

Each Friday and Saturday evening through December 19th, as well as December 21st and 22nd, the gates of Enchanted Airlie will open for two sessions of self-guided tours: 5-7pm and 7-9pm. Tickets are valid for one of the two sessions each night. No smoking and no pets are allowed. Although Enchanted Airlie is an outdoor walking experience—wherein patrons traverse mixed paths of mulch, gravel, grass, Earth and paved materials—the display will be open rain or cold; please dress appropriately. Airlie Gardens is located at 300 Airlie Road in Wilmington.

“Everyone loves to celebrate Christmas,” Jim McDaniel, Parks and Gardens Director of New Hanover County, observes. “I think it’s a chance to get out of your normal hectic day, out of the car and walk through an old-fashioned Christmas-light display in a very unique setting as a family—which we seem to have less and less time to do.”

For more information about Enchanted Airlie, visit www.airliegardens.org or call 910-798-7700.