Leland in Lights returns Nov. 21 with new displays, expanded holiday entertainment
LELAND, NC (WWAY) — Leland in Lights is returning to Founders Park this November with new holiday displays, live entertainment, visits with Santa and an expanded train experience.
The Town of Leland announced its annual holiday attraction will begin Saturday, Nov. 21, and continue nightly through Jan. 3.
This year’s celebration marks the first Leland in Lights held in the fully renovated Founders Park, located at 113 Town Hall Drive.
Visitors can expect several new light displays throughout the park, including a large centerpiece designed to serve as a backdrop for holiday photos.
The event will also feature two Leland Express trains, seasonal performances, holiday movies, food vendors and other activities throughout the holiday season.
Grand Illumination set for Nov. 21
The festivities will begin with the Grand Illumination of Leland in Lights on Saturday, Nov. 21, at 6 p.m.
Mayor Brenda Bozeman and Santa Claus will officially turn on the holiday lights during the celebration.
The evening will include the unveiling of new displays, rides aboard the Leland Express trains and traditional carolers performing on the amphitheater stage.
Several food vendors are scheduled to participate, including Chocolate and S’more, The Green Bean, Glizzies on the Go, Cheez Boss and Mimi & Papa’s Gourmet Popcorn and Sweet Shop.
A beer garden featuring Brunswick Beer and Cider and Leland Brewing will also be available.
Parking for the 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.
Shuttle service to Town Hall will begin at 5:30 p.m.
Accessible parking will be available at the Town Hall and Founders Park parking lots.
Town Hall Drive between Village Road and Old Fayetteville Road will be closed from 4:30 to 9 p.m. during the event.
Live at Leland in Lights
The town is also introducing expanded entertainment through its Live at Leland in Lights programming on select weekends in December.
Activities will include live music, holiday movies, visits with Santa, food trucks and a beer garden.
The Leland Express will feature a second train this year, sponsored by the Leland Tourism Development Authority.
On scheduled evenings, the trains will operate from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., with holiday programming beginning at 6 p.m.
The entertainment schedule includes:
- Dec. 4: Live entertainment
- Dec. 5: Screening of “Home Alone” and visits with Santa
- Dec. 11: Visits with Santa
- Dec. 12: Screening of “A Christmas Story”
- Dec. 18: Live entertainment
- Dec. 19: Dueling Pianos with Blazin’ Keys Entertainment
Free holiday attraction
Leland in Lights is free to attend, with the illuminated displays available nightly through Jan. 3.
Visitors can walk through Founders Park, enjoy the decorations and take holiday photos throughout the season.
Additional information, including the full entertainment schedule and event updates, is available on the official website.
