Skip to main content

Holiday Events

HAM Banner

Saturday | Dec. 7 | 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Leland Cultural Arts Center | 1212 Magnolia Village Way

Don't miss this popular one-day holiday event at the Leland Cultural Arts Center! Stop by on December 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Holiday Art Market features unique handmade gifts that are sure to please everyone on the shopping list. This is a FREE event to attend.

HAM1
HAM2
HAM3
Tree Lighting

Saturday | Dec. 7 | 6 - 8 p.m.
Leland Town Hall | 102 Town Hall Drive

Join the Town of Leland for the annual lighting of the Leland Tree. Mayor Brenda Bozeman will welcome guests to the Town Hall Plaza at 6 p.m., followed by Santa flipping the switch to light the tree and illuminate Town Hall. 

  • Santa will be greeting visitors between 6:15 - 8 p.m. on the Town Hall Plaza. Bring your wish list and a camera to capture the moment!
  • Write a letter to Santa at one of our Letter Writing Stations and drop it in Santa's Mailbox before you leave!
  • Starting at 6 p.m., Dixieland Kettle Corn food truck will be serving treats across Old Fayetteville Road at Leland Brewing Company.

Town Hall Drive will be closed to vehicle traffic between Village Road and Old Fayetteville Road.


Free off-site parking will be available: 

  • Port City Community Church (187 Old Fayetteville Rd.) with a free shuttle to and from the event beginning at 5:30 p.m.
  • First Baptist Church of Leland (517 Village Rd. NE) with no shuttle service

This event is pet-, alcohol-, and tobacco-free.

tt
tt
tt
Santa Visits

Cookies with Santa

Tuesday | Dec. 10 | 6:30 p.m.
Leland Cultural Arts Center | 1212 Magnolia Village Way
$5 / person | Registration required

Cookies with Santa is SOLD OUT but we encourage you to join the free waitlist and staff will contact you when and if space becomes available. 

Join old St. Nick for this special holiday program. Snack on milk and cookies, have fun with a holiday craft, and enjoy story time.

  • Children must be accompanied by parent/guardian(s).
  • All attending family members (including parent/guardian) must be registered.
  • Please limit parent/guardian/adult attendance to two (2) per family group.

$5/person; registration required. Register online or in person at the Leland Cultural Arts Center.

 

Visits with Santa

Tuesday | Dec. 17 | 5:30 - 8:15 p.m.
Leland Cultural Arts Center | 1212 Magnolia Village Way
Free | Pre-registration required

Bring the family to visit with Santa! Drop off your wish lists and take a family photo!

Registration is for one family group. Please do not register children or family members individually.

  • Children must be accompanied by parent/guardian(s).
  • Multiple families (up to 8) may register for each 30-minute time frame.
  • Visit will not include activities, food, or photographer.

Registration required. Register online or in person at the Leland Cultural Arts Center.

Santa
Big Band

Friday | Dec. 13 | 7 - 9 p.m. 
Leland Cultural Arts Center | 1212 Magnolia Village Way
$15 / person

Wilmington Big Band will be playing holiday classics and big band favorites all night long. Purchase tickets online or in person at the Leland Cultural Arts Center.

Sensory Sensitive Santa

Saturday | Dec. 14 | 12 - 3 p.m.
Leland Cultural Arts Center | 1212 Magnolia Village Way
Free Event | Pre-registration required

Those families who have specific needs can enjoy the time-honored tradition of a visit with Santa in a subdued environment.

Please note that this program is intended for children and families of children with sensory processing disorders and sensory sensitivities to visit Santa in a calm and quiet environment.

Space is limited to create an environment best suited to the needs of these families.

If your family does not fit this description but you are looking for an opportunity to visit Santa, you can find him at one of our other events around town.

All disclosure of information is fully voluntary and in an effort to participate in specific Town of Leland programming.

  • Children must be accompanied by parent/guardian(s).
  • Registration is for one family group.
  • Multiple families (up to 5) may register for each 30-minute time frame.
  • Visit will not include activities, food, or photographer.

Register online or in person at the Leland Cultural Arts Center.

Will Founders Park be decorated this year?

Due to the ongoing construction, this year's Leland in Lights display will not include Founders Park. Please enjoy the displays at Town Hall and other Town of Leland properties including Fire/Rescue Stations 51, 52, and 53; the Municipal Operations Center; and the Leland Cultural Arts Center.

Will the Leland Express Train be running this year?

Due to the ongoing construction in Founders Park, the Leland Express train will not be leaving the station this year. Look for the Leland Express at major events and throughout the holiday season following the completion of Founders Park construction.