Festival of Trees

Cape Fear Festival of Trees

A Cherished Tradition Paused, with New Ways to Celebrate

For decades, the Cape Fear Festival of Trees has delighted families across our region, filling the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher with the sparkle of holiday lights and the wonder of beautifully decorated trees. It has long been one of our community’s most cherished holiday traditions and a vital fundraiser supporting the mission of Lower Cape Fear LifeCare.

As the Aquarium prepares for a major expansion and renovation, the Festival of Trees will be paused until the project is complete. We remain grateful to the Aquarium for years of partnership and for the countless memories this event has brought to life. Though the Festival won’t take place in its traditional setting this year, we know the magic will return once the Aquarium reopens. We ask for our community’s patience as we await its much-anticipated comeback.

A Smaller Festival of Trees in 2025

While the Cape Fear Festival of Trees takes a brief pause during the North Carolina Aquarium’s renovation, the spirit of this beloved holiday tradition will continue at The Davis Community in Porters Neck. From December 9, 2025, through January 4, 2026, visitors can enjoy a smaller-scale display of beautifully decorated trees, surrounded by holiday events that bring warmth and cheer to the season.

Events:

• December 9–10: Thalian Holiday Cabaret | 7–9 PM | Ticketed event through Thalian at Thalian.org

• December 11: Brian Whitted’s A Very Merry Downtown Christmas | Time and ticket details to be announced | Includes a Holiday Petting Zoo

• December 12: The Davis Community Holiday Market | Time to be announced

After the public event dates in early December, guests can continue to view the trees while dining at Cornelia’s, the Davis Community’s on-site restaurant.

For the latest updates and additional events, visit The Davis Community Public Events Calendar.