Burgaw does the holidays the small-town way: a courthouse square full of local vendors, a tree lighting neighbors actually show up for, a parade through downtown and a giant blueberry to ring in the new year. The Town of Burgaw has now posted its full 2026 lineup, so if you live in Pender County, are thinking about moving here, or just want a reason to spend a winter Saturday downtown, here is the schedule and a few tips for making the most of it.
The 2026 Christmas in Burgaw Schedule
The town’s Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department announced the lineup in early November, as reported by WWAY and WECT on Nov. 4, 2026. Here is what is on the calendar:
- Saturday, Nov. 28: Christmas on the Square Vendor Market, 2 to 7 p.m., and the 18th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, with Christmas activities from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Pender County Courthouse Square.
- Friday, Dec. 4: Santa in the Park, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Dee’s Park.
- Saturday, Dec. 12: Santa’s Workshop, 1 to 3 p.m., at the Historic Burgaw Train Depot, followed by the Annual Christmas Parade at 5:30 p.m. in downtown Burgaw.
- Wednesday, Dec. 16: Senior Christmas Lunch and Learn, noon to 1 p.m., at the Burgaw Town Center.
- Saturday, Dec. 19: Breakfast with Santa, 8 a.m. to noon, at the Burgaw Town Center.
- Thursday, Dec. 31: The annual Blueberry Drop, 5 to 7:30 p.m., around the Pender County Courthouse Square.
Some events require advance registration, according to the town. Details and sign-ups are collected at the town’s Christmas in Burgaw page.
Nov. 28: Shop Small on the Square
The season kicks off on Small Business Saturday. “Both events also happen to fall on Shop Small Saturday, so plan to spend the day with us and enjoy local arts and crafts vendors to complete your Christmas shopping,” Codie McGrew of the town’s Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department told WWAY and WECT.
The Visit Pender event listing puts arts, crafts and food vendors from 2 to 7 p.m., with the tree lighting itself at 6 p.m. It also mentions local singing groups, s’mores stations and local nonprofits. If you are new to the area, this is one of the easiest ways to meet neighbors and get a feel for downtown in a single afternoon.
Dec. 12: Santa’s Workshop and the Parade
Dec. 12 is the big downtown day. Santa’s Workshop runs in the afternoon at the Historic Burgaw Train Depot, and the Christmas parade steps off at 5:30 p.m. Plan to arrive early, park a few blocks out and walk in, because the courthouse square and surrounding streets fill quickly on parade nights.
Dec. 31: The Blueberry Drop
Burgaw is home to the North Carolina Blueberry Festival, so it only makes sense that the town rings in the new year with a blueberry. This year’s Blueberry Drop runs from 5 to 7:30 p.m. around the courthouse square, with live music from ’80s-themed band Cassette Rewind, food trucks and fireworks, according to the town’s announcement. The early hours make it a family-friendly way to celebrate without staying up until midnight. The town said more details will be shared closer to the event.
What It Says About Living in Burgaw
Holiday calendars are not the reason people buy a home, but they are a good window into daily life. Burgaw’s events center on a walkable historic downtown, a county courthouse square and a handful of parks and public buildings within a few blocks of each other. If that kind of community rhythm appeals to you, here are a few things to know:
- Walkability: Homes within walking distance of the square put you close to these events and to downtown shops and restaurants year-round. Our Burgaw town guide covers neighborhoods, schools and commuting.
- Downtown taxes: Properties in the downtown core may fall inside a municipal service district. We explained how that works in our downtown Burgaw service district post.
- Selling this winter: Holiday weekends bring extra visitors downtown. If you are listing, our Burgaw winter seller’s guide covers timing and presentation.
- More Pender holiday fun: The county’s Drive-In Turkey Bingo comes first, on Nov. 22. See our Turkey Bingo post for details.
FAQ: Christmas in Burgaw 2026
When is the Burgaw tree lighting?
Saturday, Nov. 28, at the Pender County Courthouse Square. Vendors run from 2 to 7 p.m., and Visit Pender lists the tree lighting at 6 p.m.
What time is the Burgaw Christmas parade?
Saturday, Dec. 12, at 5:30 p.m. in downtown Burgaw.
Do I need to register for any events?
The town says some events require advance registration. Check the town’s Christmas page for which ones.
Is the Blueberry Drop at midnight?
No. It runs from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 31 around the courthouse square.
Thinking About Making Burgaw Home?
If a small-town holiday season sounds like the kind of place you want to live, we would be glad to show you around. Connect with Aspyre Collective to talk about homes in and around Burgaw and the rest of Pender County.
