While most UNCW students elect to go home during the Christmas holiday, there are plenty of events in town to keep those who stay in the Christmas spirit.

The Seahawk has highlighted some of Wilmington’s bigger Christmas events for those students, faculty members and residents of Wilmington interested in attending.

Enchanted Airlie

One of Wilmington’s biggest Christmas events is being held at Airlie Gardens. A tradition since 2005, the 67-acre public garden is hosting Enchanted Airlie from Nov. 25 through Dec. 21.

Enchanted Airlie drew a crowd of over 28,000 last year with its LEGO display. This year, the display will set a world record, featuring miniature architectural feats of the city of Wilmington.

In a press release, director of Airlie Gardens Jim McDaniel said, “Enchanted Airlie has been a family favorite for Wilmingtonians and even those from as far away as California and even Germany for many years. With the addition of the LEGO display, kids and adults alike have renewed interest in the long time holiday tradition of Enchanted Airlie.”

Also on display will be what the Gardens call a Poinsettia Paradise with more than 400 holiday plants, 300,000 Christmas lights and live musical entertainment along with a meet and greet with Santa. Attendees will enjoy complimentary coffee from Port City Java, concessions with hot chocolate, popcorn and cookies, and wine from Noni Bacca Winery.

Enchanted Airlie tickets must be purchased in advance by calling (910) 798-7700 or by visiting airliegardens.org.

Downtown Wilmington

Historic downtown Wilmington will be hosting several events, all of which are highlighted in the Season of Celebration. Events include the holiday lighting of the USS North Carolina, reindeer-drawn carriage rides, a Jingle Bell walk and a memorable Christmas show held Dec. 19.

Promotions director of the USS North Carolina Heather Loftin said, “The ship has beautiful lights streamed from bow to stern, up and over the ship. It’s lit nightly from now until the end of the year.”

As part of its 50th anniversary, the battleship was lit with Christmas lights as part of the Wilmington Holiday Tree Lighting Nov. 25. The battleship (and tree in downtown Wilmington) will be lit nightly until the end of the season.

Also available in downtown Wilmington this year will be “reindeer”-drawn carriage rides from Dec. 16 to Dec. 24. From 6 – 10 p.m., for $5 to $12 a person, riders can see the Christmas lights of downtown Wilmington by carriage.

Dec. 19 will be a busy day for downtown Wilmington with the first annual Jingle Bell Walk and a memorable Christmas show.

The Jingle Bell Walk will involve musicians and artists lining specific areas with their music and art for purchase from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit www.dbawilmington.com for more information. From 7 – 10 p.m., Fat Tony’s Italian Pub will be hosting a live music show from the Wilmington Big Band. Admission is free for those donating an item to Toys for Tots.

Also held Dec. 19, the Downtown Business Alliance and Historical Society of the Lower Cape Fear will be announcing the winners of the downtown business and residential Christmas decorating contest.

Jingle Bell Run in Wrightsville Beach

The Wrightsville Beach Museum of History will be hosting its third annual 5K Jingle Bell Run on December 17 at 9 a.m. Participants are encouraged to dress in festive clothing for the run.

“For the past two years, the weather has been terrible,” said Bobby Brandon, who works with the museum to raise funds during the run. “This year, we do have a weatherman working with us from WECT. We’ve got to have good weather with a weatherman.”

Last year, the run had over 300 runners and Brandon hopes for more this year. There will be free t-shirts to the first 300 participants. The race begins at the museum and continues through the Wrightsville Beach Loop.

“We’re going to have age group categories for runners and awards for first, second and third for both male and female. There will also be an overall male and female winner for the race,” said Brandon. “Separately, we’ll have awards for best costume.”

For more information, visit www.wbmuseum.org. Runners can also register for the race on active.com.