The Town of Leland is spreading holiday cheer with a full schedule of festive events throughout December, headlined by the return of Leland in Lights. Visitors of all ages can enjoy sparkling light displays, rides on the Leland Express, Santa visits, local art vendors, live music, and more.
Leland in Lights and Founders Park Reopening
The magic begins Saturday, Dec. 6, at 6 p.m., when Founders Park, located at 113 Town Hall Drive, officially reopens. All areas of the park will reopen except the amphitheater, which remains under construction and is expected to be completed in late spring 2026. Grand Illumination will feature Santa and Mayor Brenda Bozeman flipping the switch, lighting up Town Hall Drive and Founders Park in a warm holiday glow. Afterward, visitors can stroll through the park, ride the Leland Express, drop off letters to the North Pole, and enjoy treats from local vendors and food trucks, including Mimi and Papa’s Gourmet Popcorn and Sweet Shop, Cape Fear Bread Company, The Green Bean ILM, Chocolate and S’more, Fusion Fries, Smash n Dash, and Port City Plates.
Parking for Grand Illumination will be available at Port City Community Church, located at 187 Old Fayetteville Road, and First Baptist Church of Leland, located at 517 Village Road NE, with shuttle service to Town Hall starting at 5:30 p.m. Accessible parking will be available at both Town Hall and Founders Park. Town Hall Drive between Village Road and Old Fayetteville Road will be closed from 4:30 to 9 p.m. A detailed parking map is available on the Town’s website.
Leland in Lights will shine nightly through Jan. 4, creating a perfect backdrop for photos and evening strolls. On select weekends, hop aboard the Leland Express to tour the park and enjoy holiday treats from local food trucks.
Pack the Patrol Car
Spread the joy of giving with Pack the Patrol Car on Dec. 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Walmart, located at 1112 New Pointe Boulevard. The Leland Police and Leland Fire/Rescue departments will collect nonperishable food items and new, unwrapped toys for children of all ages to donate to Brunswick Family Assistance.
Holiday Art Market
Find the perfect gift at the Holiday Art Market on Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Leland Cultural Arts Center (LCAC), located at 1212 Magnolia Village Way. Shop nearly 30 local vendors offering jewelry, paintings, pottery, and more. Visitors can purchase treats from Port City Java and Mimi and Papa’s Gourmet Popcorn and Sweet Shop while browsing.
Wilmington Big Band Performance
Enjoy holiday classics and big band favorites performed at the LCAC on Dec. 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 and available online or at the LCAC.
Santa Visits
Join Cookies with Santa on Dec. 9 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the LCAC for crafts, story time, and festive treats. Tickets are $5 with registration required in advance and available online or at the LCAC.
For a calmer experience, Sensory-Friendly Visits with Santa will take place on Dec. 20 from 12 to 3 p.m. at the LCAC. This free event offers a soothing environment for children with sensory sensitivities. Each registration is for one family group, with up to five families per 30-minute session. Registration is required online or at the LCAC.
