One of eastern North Carolina’s favorite holiday outings is back in Pender County. The Southern Lights, the nighttime holiday event at The Gardens of Southeastern North Carolina in Willard, opens for the season on Friday, Nov. 20, 2026, and tickets are on sale now, WWAY reported on Nov. 11. If you live in Burgaw, Rocky Point, Hampstead or anywhere in the Cape Fear region, or you are thinking about a move to western Pender, here is what to know before you go.
What The Southern Lights Is
The Southern Lights is a self-guided walk through illuminated botanical gardens with thousands of lights and holiday displays. According to the event page from The Gardens of Southeastern North Carolina, the evening includes:
- Visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus every event night except Dec. 26
- Appearances by the Grinch on select nights (not Dec. 17 through 26)
- An Elf Quest Experience, a Holiday Maze and a Snowball Fight Arena
- S’mores by the fire and wood-fired pizza from Cugino Forno
The gardens are located at 985 Johnson Nursery Road in Willard, an unincorporated community in Pender County. Proceeds from ticket sales support The Gardens of Southeastern North Carolina, a nonprofit botanical garden.
2026 Dates and Hours
The Southern Lights runs on select nights only, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Per the event page, the 2026 event nights are:
- November: Nov. 20–21 and Nov. 27–28
- December: Dec. 3–5; Dec. 6 (a nonprofit night supporting Duplin Christian Outreach Ministries and the YMCA); Dec. 10–12; Dec. 17–23; and Dec. 26
Because it is not open every night, check the calendar before you plan around a specific date, especially Thanksgiving weekend and the week before Christmas.
Tickets and Prices
- Advance general admission: $14
- Day-of tickets (online or at the gate, if not sold out): $18
- Children 4 and under: free
- Groups of 25 or more in a single order: $12 per person
- Military discount: 10% off general admission for active-duty and retired military and their dependents, with valid ID
The event is cashless, so bring a card or phone wallet. Tickets are non-refundable except when the organizers cancel without a reschedule date, but they can be transferred to another available date in the same season if you do it at least 24 hours ahead. Weather is not a reason for a refund if the event stays open, so dress for a chilly evening outdoors.
Tips for a Great Night
- Buy early. Advance tickets save $4 per person, and some nights may sell out.
- Layer up. November and December nights in Pender County can be cold, and you will be walking outside.
- Plan your Santa photo. Santa is there every night except Dec. 26, so pick a date that works for your family.
- Make it a day. Pair your visit with dinner in downtown Burgaw or a stop at one of the county’s holiday events, like Christmas in Burgaw.
Why Western Pender Appeals to Buyers
Events like The Southern Lights are part of what makes western Pender County feel like home: small communities, open land and long-running local traditions. For buyers, the area offers a different lifestyle than the Hampstead and Topsail coast. Homes often sit on larger lots, and rural properties may rely on private wells and septic systems, so due diligence matters.
If you are exploring the area, our guides to living in Burgaw, living in Atkinson and living in Currie are a good starting point. Considering land? Read our guide to septic, wells and perc tests in Pender County.
FAQ: The Southern Lights in Willard
When does The Southern Lights open in 2026?
The first event night is Friday, Nov. 20, 2026, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. It runs on select nights through Dec. 26.
How much are tickets?
Advance tickets are $14, day-of tickets are $18 if available, and children 4 and under are free. Groups of 25 or more pay $12 each.
Is the event cash-only?
No. It is cashless. Cards and contactless payments are accepted for tickets and purchases.
Can I change my date?
Yes. Tickets can be transferred to another available date this season if you make the change at least 24 hours before your scheduled visit.
Thinking About Calling Pender County Home?
From small-town Burgaw to the quiet roads around Willard, Pender County offers room to breathe and traditions worth sharing. Talk with Aspyre Collective about finding your place in western Pender.
