Wilmington, NC Festivals Events - 2025 Schedule

Ring in the holiday season with this magical display of lights, greenery, and gorgeous local scenery with this month-long event that brings plenty of spirit to the season. The Enchanted Airlie celebration is an opportunity to discover how beautiful and glittering this beloved local landmark can be during the holidays, thanks to a dazzling array of lights, and plenty of activities that will leave young and old visitors alike grinning from ear to ear.

Historic Poplar Grove rings in the 2025 holiday season with 4 weeks of "Merry and Bright," a dazzling festival of lights and holiday magic. The decorating divas of Poplar Grove are adding even MORE holiday scenes, vignettes and decorated trees for the ultimate photo ops and MORE of our ancient Oaks will be showcased in warm, flickering light. Fire-pits and marshmallow roasting areas will be out, different food trucks each night, snow machines and the indoor barns will have a select number of culinary delights, adult specialty libations, wine and beer and arts and craft vendors. This year the outdoor tent will be back for covered dining and live music on select nights. A real, professional Santa will be here all nights except for Thursday, December 4th and Mr. Twister (the ingenious balloon man) will be here on his new stage all nights from 5pm-9pm. Of course the Historic 1850’s Manor House will be decked out in its Victorian finest for you to take in the cozy sights and sounds of the Holiday Season.

Join us to ring in 2026 with our special New Year's celebration at 12pm! New Year's Noon is Wilmington's signature family-friendly New Year's event. This year marks the 18th annual New Year's Noon and we are excited for another year of fantastic festivities; decorate a crown, create a streamer wand, reflect back on 2025, and toast to 2026 with a glass of juice!

Head to the scenic Riverfront Park in the heart of Wilmington to celebrate St. Patty’s Day with style by attending the annual St. Patrick's Day Festival. A local tradition for roughly 20 years, this annual event features a world of ways to show your Irish spirit thanks to a bustling combination of food, drinks, music, activities, and plenty of great times to go around.

For more than 75 years, the North Carolina Azalea Festival has reigned supreme as one of the biggest and best festivals along the southeast coastline, and newcomers are welcome to join in the fun to experience full days of vendors, live music, parades, and other events that shine a spotlight on the lively city of Wilmington. Founded in 1948, the North Carolina Azalea Festival has emerged as one of the most anticipated events in the state, and the celebration attracts visitors from all over the world who want to discover how enchanting the Cape Fear region can be.