Renovated Founders Park Host Annual Holiday Celebration Featuring Double the Train Rides, Live Music, and Outdoor Movies
LELAND, NC — A cornerstone of the holiday season in northern Brunswick County returns next month with a newly renovated backdrop, expanded family attractions, and a full slate of weekend entertainment.
The Town of Leland will host the official return of Leland in Lights on Saturday, November 21, at Founders Park. The annual attraction, which draws families from across the region to walk through thousands of glowing light displays, will shine nightly through January 3. This season marks the first time the event has taken place following extensive, long-term renovations to the park grounds at 113 Town Hall Drive.
Town officials said this year’s display features several new visual installations, including a large centerpiece built in the heart of Founders Park designed to serve as a focal point for visitors and photos.
The festivities begin November 21 with the Grand Illumination of Leland in Lights at 6:00 p.m. Leland Mayor Brenda Bozeman and Santa Claus are scheduled to light the park during the opening ceremony. Opening night will feature performances by traditional holiday carolers on the park’s amphitheater stage, food vendors, and access to the park’s mini-trains.
To accommodate anticipated crowds, the town is expanding its trackless train rides this season. Through sponsorship from the Leland Tourism Development Authority, a second Leland Express train has been added to the fleet to carry passengers around the illuminated park grounds.
A variety of local vendors will be on-site for opening night and a craft beer garden will feature selections from regional favorites Brunswick Beer and Cider and Leland Brewing.
Town Hall Drive between Village Road and Old Fayetteville Road will be closed to vehicle traffic from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on opening night. Visitors are instructed to park at Port City Community Church, located at 187 Old Fayetteville Road, or First Baptist Church of Leland, located at 517 Village Road NE. Free shuttle buses will operate between the off-site parking lots and Town Hall starting at 5:30 p.m. Designated accessible parking will remain available on-site at Town Hall and Founders Park.
Following the opening ceremony, the town will host its “Live at Leland in Lights” series on select weekend evenings throughout December.
The December schedule includes live entertainment on December 4, a holiday screening of “Home Alone” alongside visits with Santa Claus on December 5, visits with Santa on December 11, a holiday screening of “A Christmas Story” on December 12, live entertainment on the 18th, and a dueling pianos performance by Blazin’ Keys Entertainment on December 19.
On programmed weekend evenings, the Leland Express trains will operate from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with main stage activities beginning at 6:00 p.m.
Leland in Lights is free and open to the public. The lights will turn on automatically each evening through January 3rd for self-guided walks and evening visits.
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