Friday, November 26 – Friday, December 31
Daytime Holiday Tours: Three Centuries of Christmas Cheer in the ‘Athens’ of North Carolina
Experience the Christmas customs found in New Bern throughout its 300 years! Celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas with the Royal Governor’s household, help the Hay family prepare for their holiday season, or make an ornament like one that your grandparents may have hung on their tree. Special theater programs, tours and craft activities will take place throughout the month. Holiday decorations from multiple centuries will be displayed and interpreted in our historic houses and the North Carolina History Center.
Friday, November 26 - Sunday, November 28, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Friday - Saturday and 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sunday
Festive Holiday Kick-Off
All activities are included with regular admission or you can purchase a ticket for each individual activity. Refer to each activity for individual prices. Join us as we kick off the holiday season on Thanksgiving weekend. Christmas decorations are up in the Palace and in our three historic houses. Holiday tours of the festooned gardens and bedecked halls and special activities officially launch us into the Christmas season. Check back later at www.tryonpalace.org for specific performance information.
Friday, November 26, 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
History of Holiday Music
North Carolina History Center, Cullman Performance Hall
$6 per adult, $3 per student, included with regular admission
Join historian and musician Simon Spalding as he explores the history and culture of the holiday music we love.
Friday, November 26, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Help us trim our tree!
North Carolina History Center
Free Admission
Get in the holiday spirit by making an ornament for the North Carolina History Center’s Christmas tree. Drop by the History Center anytime between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to help make a decoration. This activity is free and for all ages!
Friday, November 26, 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Holiday Stories
North Carolina History Center, Cullman Performance Hall $6 per adult, $3 per student, included with regular admission
Join Storyteller Terry Rollins as he shares holiday stories from the past. This program is open to all ages.
Saturday, November 27, 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
History of Holiday Music
North Carolina History Center, Cullman Performance Hall $6 per adult, $3 per student, included with regular admission
Join historian and musician Simon Spalding as he explores the history and culture of the holiday music we love.
Saturday, November 27, 11:00 a.m.
Victorian Ornament Workshop
North Carolina History Center $8 per adult, $5 per student (includes $2 materials fee)
Learn the history and art behind Victorian Christmas ornaments while you make one of your own. Due to skill and supplies, this activity is geared toward ages 14 to adult. Reservations and prepayment required by November 26th. Payments received after November 12th by credit card only. Call (252) 639-3524 to register. (Minimum enrollment: 10; maximum enrollment: 25)
Saturday, November 27, 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Holiday Stories
North Carolina History Center, Cullman Performance Hall $6 per adult, $3 per student, included with regular admission
Join Storyteller Terry Rollins as he shares holiday stories from the past. This program is open to all ages.
Saturday, November 27, 2:00 p.m.
Children’s Historical Ornament Workshop
North Carolina History Center Included with regular admission or $6 per adult, $3 per student.
Make a Christmas tree ornament similar to those made by children over 100 years ago! This activity is geared for youth but open to all ages.
Sunday, November 28, 2:00 p.m.
History of Holiday Music
North Carolina History Center, Cullman Performance Hall $6 per adult, $3 per student, included with regular admission
Join historian and musician Simon Spalding as he explores the history and culture of the holiday music we love.
Sunday, November 28, 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Holiday Fife & Drum Concert
North Carolina History Center, Cullman Performance Hall Free Admission
Enjoy a special holiday concert by Tryon Palace’s Fife & Drum Corps.
Monday, November 29, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Hands-on History: Three Centuries of Holiday Traditions
North Carolina History Center Free admission, all ages welcome
For three hundred years New Bern has been home to people from many cultures and countries. Stop by our hands-on gallery cart to learn how North Carolinians of different backgrounds have celebrated the holiday season through the centuries.
Tuesday, November 30, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Craft Your Own History: Scherenschnitte Paper Cutting
North Carolina History Center Free admission, all ages welcome
History is made everyday, and you can help! Stop by the North Carolina History Center to learn about the centuries-old art of paper-cutting! The art form, known as scherenschnitte (pronounced sharon-shnet-a) was introduced in America in the 1700s by German and Swiss immigrants.
DECEMBER
Wednesday, December 1, 3:00 p.m.
Tryon’s Tales for Tots: Snow
North Carolina History Center $6 per child, adults free; included with regular admission
Ages 3-5, with parental accompaniment.
You’re never too young for history! Pre-schoolers and parents will learn about life in the past through stories, objects and crafts. Come listen, look and learn about the past three hundred years!
Thursday, December 2, 2:00 p.m.
Holiday Decorations Walking Tour
Leaves from Waystation on corner of George and Pollock Streets $6 per adult, $3 per student; included with regular admission
Each year Tryon Palace transforms into a magnificent spectacle of holiday finery. Enjoy a guided tour of the exterior decorations of the Palace and historic homes, led by one of the talented and knowledgeable garden staff who helped create them.
Friday, December 3, 6:30 p.m.
“A Victorian Christmas”
North Carolina History Center, Cullman Performance Hall $6 per adult, $3 per student; included with regular admission
Many of today’s most popular Christmas traditions have their roots in the past. This unique program combines traditional carols and music with a carefully researched narrative to show the connection between customs from long ago and the Christmas we know today. Dressed in 19th-century finery, artists Suzanne and Jim sing time-honored holiday melodies accompanied by a variety of historic instruments. Join us before the show at 6:00 p.m. to warm up with holiday cider and cookies.
Saturday, December 4, 11:00 a.m.
“A Victorian Christmas” — Special Family Presentation
North Carolina History Center, Cullman Performance Hall $6 per adult, $3 per student; included with regular admission
Christmas may not have always been a children’s holiday, but this special program is perfect for kids and families. Enjoy all the music and history of Suzanne and Jim’s popular program in an interactive format adapted for younger audiences. Join us before the show to warm up with holiday cider and cookies.
Saturday, December 4, 3:00 p.m.
“A Victorian Christmas”
North Carolina History Center, Cullman Performance Hall $6 per adult, $3 per student; included with regular admission
Many of today’s most popular Christmas traditions have their roots in the past. This unique program combines traditional carols and music with a carefully researched narrative to show the connection between customs from long ago and the Christmas we know today. Dressed in 19th-century finery, artists Suzanne and Jim sing time-honored holiday melodies accompanied by a variety of historic instruments. Join us before the show to warm up with holiday cider and cookies.
Sunday, December 5, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Hands-on History: Three Centuries of Holiday Traditions
North Carolina History Center Free admission, all ages welcome
For three hundred years New Bern has been home to people from many cultures and countries. Stop by our hands-on gallery cart to learn how North Carolinians of different backgrounds have celebrated the holiday season through the centuries.
Monday, December 6, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Craft Your Own History: Sachets
North Carolina History Center Free admission, all ages welcome
History is made everyday, and you can help! Stop by the North Carolina History Center to learn about spices from around the world as you make your own spice sachet that smells as lovely as it looks!
Wednesday, December 8, 3:00 p.m.
Tryon’s Tales for Tots: Fireplaces
North Carolina History Center $6 per child, adults free; included with regular admission
Ages 3-5, with parental accompaniment.
You’re never too young for history! Pre-schoolers and parents will learn about life in the past through stories, objects and crafts. Come listen, look and learn about the past three hundred years!
Thursday, December 9, 2:00 p.m.
Holiday Decorations Walking Tour
Leaves from Waystation on corner of George and Pollock Streets $6 per adult, $3 per student; included with regular admission
Each year Tryon Palace transforms into a magnificent spectacle of holiday finery. Enjoy a guided tour of the exterior decorations of the Palace and historic homes, led by one of the talented and knowledgeable garden staff who helped create them.
Thursday, December 9, times to be announced
“Candles, Stars, and Lovefeasts: Understanding Moravian Christmas Traditions”
Speaker: Dr. Craig Atwood, PhD, Professor of Moravian Theology, Moravian Theological Seminary North Carolina History Center Free admission
When the Moravians came to North Carolina from Central Europe, they brought with them several Christmas traditions that have become famous in many parts of the world. Craig Atwood, professor of Moravian theology at Moravian Theological Seminary, will introduce us to the Christmas Eve candlelight service, the Moravian lovefeast, and other ways that Moravians celebrate the mystery of Christ's coming into the world. Join us before the presentation to warm up with holiday cider and cookies. Co-sponsored by the Center for Moravian Studies.
Friday, December 10, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Hands-on History: Three Centuries of Holiday Traditions
North Carolina History Center Free admission, all ages welcome
For three hundred years New Bern has been home to people from many cultures and countries. Stop by our hands-on gallery cart to learn how North Carolinians of different backgrounds have celebrated the holiday season through the centuries.
Saturday, December 11, 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Christmas Candlelight
Tickets will be sold for specific tour time slots and are good for evening activities, only. $20 per adult, $10 per student
Experience an 18th-century candlelit Christmas celebration! The evening program includes a tour through the Palace (and perhaps a word or two with the Governor), performances by Tryon Palace’s Fife and Drum Corps and Jonkonnu troupe, and an assortment of other performers. The evening ends with a grand illumination over the South Lawn.
Sunday, December 12, 2:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
“A Christmas Carol”
North Carolina History Center, Cullman Performance Hall Free with advance registration; contact the New Bern–Craven County Public Library at 252-638-7800 to reserve your free ticket (must be picked up in advance).
Join us before the show to warm up with holiday cider and cookies. Co-sponsored by the Friends of the New Bern–Craven County Public Library and the English Speaking Union.
Monday, December 13, 11:00 a.m.
“Dickens in America”
North Carolina History Center, Cullman Performance Hall $6 per adult, $3 per student; included with regular admission
In 1867, Charles Dickens, at the completion of his second American tour, gives an account of his career, with emphasis on the Christmas season and his two American visits. Partake in historic holiday fun for the whole family. Join us before the show to warm up with holiday cider and cookies.
Tuesday, December 14, 12:00pm
Lunch and Learn: “The 18th-Century Holiday Table”
Speaker: Matt Arthur, Tryon Palace Living History Coordinator North Carolina History Center
Free admission; bring your own lunch, beverages will be provided. Feasts and parties were an integral part of the colonial and early American Christmas tradition. In this program, learn about the dishes and desserts that made for a joyous 18th-century holiday celebration.
Wednesday, December 15, 3:00 p.m.
Tryon’s Tales for Tots: Jonkonnu
North Carolina History Center $6 per child, adults free; included with regular admission
Ages 3-5, with parental accompaniment.
You’re never too young for history! Pre-schoolers and parents will learn about life in the past through stories, objects and crafts. Come listen, look and learn about the past three hundred years!
Thursday, December 16, 2:00 p.m.
Holiday Decorations Walking Tour
Leaves from Waystation on corner of George and Pollock Streets $6 per adult, $3 per student; included with regular admission
Each year Tryon Palace transforms into a magnificent spectacle of holiday finery. Enjoy a guided tour of the exterior decorations of the Palace and historic homes, led by one of the talented and knowledgeable garden staff who helped create them.
Thursday, December 16, 6:30 p.m.
“A Little Christmas Basket”
North Carolina History Center, Cullman Performance Hall $6 per adult, $3 per student; included with regular admission
Relive a century-old Christmas with heartfelt stories from a simpler time through the words of poet laureate Paul Laurence Dunbar and performed by the national interpreter of the poets' work, Mitch Capel. Join us before the show at 6:00 p.m. to warm up with holiday cider and cookies.
Friday, December 17, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Craft Your Own History: Christmas Crackers
North Carolina History Center Free admission, all ages welcome
History is made everyday, and you can help! Stop by the North Carolina History Center to learn about Christmas crackers, paper-covered tubes holding candies or prizes that became popular in America during the Victorian era. Learn about the tradition, which remains popular in England today, and make your own colorful Christmas cracker.
Saturday, December 18, 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Christmas Candlelight
Tickets will be sold for specific tour time slots and are good for evening activities, only. $20 per adult, $10 per student
Experience an 18th-century candlelit Christmas celebration! The evening program includes a tour through the Palace (and perhaps a word or two with the Governor), performances by Tryon Palace’s Fife and Drum Corps and Jonkonnu troupe, and an assortment of other performers. The evening ends with a grand illumination over the South Lawn.
Sunday, December 19, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Hands-on History: Three Centuries of Holiday Traditions
North Carolina History Center Free admission, all ages welcome For three hundred years New Bern has been home to people from many cultures and countries. Stop by our hands-on gallery cart to learn how North Carolinians of different backgrounds have celebrated the holiday season through the centuries.
Monday, December 20, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Craft Your Own History: Jonkonnu Masks
North Carolina History Center Free admission, all ages welcome
History is made everyday, and you can help! Stop by the North Carolina History Center to learn about Jonkonnu, a special celebration for African Americans in North Carolina in the 1800s. As you discover more about this festive holiday, you will make and decorate a colorful mask like the ones worn by Jonkonnu performers.
Tuesday, December 21, 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Holiday Stories
North Carolina History Center, Cullman Performance Hall $6 per adult, $3 per student; included with regular admission
Join storyteller Terry Rollins as he shares holiday stories from the past. This program is open to all ages.
Tuesday, December 21, 6:30 p.m.
‘Twas the Day before Christmas
North Carolina History Center Cullman Performance Hall $6 per adult, $3 per student; included with regular admission.
Join Mrs. Lee as she bustles through her Christmas Eve preparing for the big day of festivities to come. Enjoy Victorian Christmas traditions through this theatrical performance, which includes a special rendition of A Visit from St. Nicholas. Fun for all ages! Cider and cookies will be served starting at 6:00 p.m. prior to the performance.
Wednesday, December 22, 3:00 p.m.
Tryon’s Tales for Tots: Christmas Crackers
North Carolina History Center$6 per child, adults free; included with regular admission
Ages 3-5, with parental accompaniment.
You’re never too young for history! Pre-schoolers and parents will learn about life in the past through stories, objects and crafts. Come listen, look and learn about the past three hundred years!
Thursday, December 23, 2:00 p.m.
Holiday Decorations Walking Tour
Leaves from Waystation on corner of George and Pollock Streets $6 per adult, $3 per student; included with regular admission "Each year Tryon Palace transforms into a magnificent spectacle of holiday finery. Enjoy a guided tour of the exterior decorations of the Palace and historic homes, led by one of the talented and knowledgeable garden staff who helped create them.
Friday, December 24 – Sunday, December 26
Seasons Greetings! Tryon Palace is closed in honor of the holidays.
Monday, December 27, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Hands-on History: Three Centuries of Holiday Traditions
North Carolina History Center Free admission, all ages welcome
For three hundred years New Bern has been home to people from many cultures and countries. Stop by our hands-on gallery cart to learn how North Carolinians of different backgrounds have celebrated the holiday season through the centuries.
Monday, December 27, 7:30 p.m.
“Christmas-In-A-Shoebox”
North Carolina History Center, Cullman Performance Hall $6 per adult, $3 per student; included with regular admission
The Stewarts, a family of sharecroppers, reside in rural North Carolina two miles outside of Kinston. On this midday, we find them gathered in the living room of their small plank farmhouse two days before Christmas in early 1960s. Snow is falling as they sing holiday songs. Mama and Daddy Stewart, along with their two grandchildren, are heading to town in the old pick-up truck. Left behind are six other children. Sibling bantering, an unexpected guest, a special cake, an advancing snow storm and a stranger on the muddy path make this a hilarious original family play -- reminding us of a distant time no more and the true meaning of Christmas. Join us before the show at 7:00 p.m. to warm up with holiday cider and cookies.
Wednesday, December 29, 3:00 p.m.
Tryon’s Tales for Tots: Teasel Mice
North Carolina History Center $6 per child, adults free; included with regular admission
Ages 3-5, with parental accompaniment.
You’re never too young for history! Pre-schoolers and parents will learn about life in the past through stories, objects and crafts. Come listen, look and learn about the past three hundred years!
Wednesday, December 29, 3:00 p.m.
Tryon’s Tales for Tots: Depression Boxes
North Carolina History Center $6 per child, adults free; included with regular admission
Ages 3-5, with parental accompaniment.
You’re never too young for history! Pre-schoolers and parents will learn about life in the past through stories, objects, and crafts. Come listen, look, and learn about the past three hundred years!
Thursday, December 30, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Craft Your Own History: Stained Glass Ornaments
North Carolina History Center Free admission, all ages welcome
History is made everyday, and you can help! Stop by the North Carolina History Center to learn about the fascinating history of glass while you make a beautiful stained glass-inspired ornament to keep.
Friday, December 31, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Hands on History: Three Centuries of Holiday Traditions
North Carolina History Center Free admission, all ages welcome
For three hundred years New Bern has been home to people from many cultures and countries. Stop by our hands-on gallery cart to learn how North Carolinians of different backgrounds have celebrated the holiday season through the centuries.
JANUARY
January 1 – February 28
Winter Garden Hours
Monday – Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Sunday, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Last ticket sold at 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 1
Tryon Palace Historic Sites and Gardens is closed in honor of the New Year’s holiday.
Sunday, January 2, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Hands on History: Three Centuries of Holiday Traditions
North Carolina History Center Free admission, all ages welcome
For three hundred years New Bern has been home to people from many cultures and countries. Stop by our hands-on gallery cart to learn how North Carolinians of different backgrounds have celebrated the holiday season through the centuries.
Monday, January 3, 12:00pm
Lunch and Learn: “Twelfth Night Traditions”
Speaker: Karen Ipock, Tryon Palace Curator of Education North Carolina History Center
Free admission; bring your own lunch, beverages will be provided.
“The Twelve Days of Christmas” is a well-known holiday carol, but in the 18th and early 19th centuries, it was much more. The twelve days following December 25th were marked by religious services, feasting and revelry — culminating in a grand Twelfth Night party that marked the end of the holiday season. Learn more about these traditions in this luncheon lecture.
Tuesday, January 4, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Craft Your Own History: Twelfth Night Crowns
North Carolina History CenterFree admission, all ages welcome
History is made everyday, and you can help! Stop by the North Carolina History Center to learn about Twelfth Night, once the most festive holiday of all! The highlight of the Twelfth Night party was crowning a king and queen. Come make and decorate a fun Twelfth Night crown.
Wednesday, January 5, 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m., and 8:00 p.m.
Twelfth Night with the Stanlys
Stanly House $10 per adult
The Stanly family cordially invites you to attend their grand Twelfth Night party – January 5th, 1803. Join in the festivities with traditional entertainments followed by light refreshments. Who knows, you may even be crowned the King and Queen of the evening! This event is designed for adults; reservations and prepayment required by January 3. Payments received after December 17th by credit card only. Call 252-639-3524 to register. (Maximum enrollment: 20 per time slot, Minimum enrollment: 10)
For an updated listing of all calendar events,, visit www.tryonpalace.org or call 1-800-767-1560.
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