Christmas Candlelight Celebration at Tryon Palace 2011

Christmas Candlelight Celebration at Tryon Palace
Saturdays, December 10 and 17, 2011

One of the biggest events of the holiday season!

One of the biggest events of the holiday season is Christmas Candlelight at Tryon Palace. It is the rare chance to travel back in time to witness what Christmas was like in the 18th century. Hailed by Time magazine in its Christmas Top 10, Christmas Candlelight occurs only twice each year: the two middle Saturdays in December, this year on December 10 and 17, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. each evening.

Musicians and colonial entertainers can be found both on the Palace grounds and in the North Carolina History Center. This magical evening is topped off with a spectacular grand illumination fireworks display on the South Lawn.
 
At this year’s Christmas Candlelight celebration, history comes alive in 1772 colonial New Bern with fascinating characters, elegant dancers and merry musicians. As well as celebrating the recent birth of a baby girl, Governor Martin and his family are marking King George III’s birthday, an event celebrated every year in Britain and colonial America for the reigning monarch. In addition, the Martins are preparing for the holidays, so the Governor’s Palace is beautifully decorated with candles and much greenery for the season.
 
Outside, the townspeople of New Bern have turned out to see the great folk arrive at the Palace and celebrate these festive events in their own way. Governor Martin has employed circus performers, musicians, and other entertainments to provide merriment for his guests and the townspeople, including a fireworks display at the end of the evening. In the Kitchen Office, the servants in the house have been busy for days preparing for the evening’s entertainment, which has only been made more difficult by the Martin children. At the local coffee house, eavesdrop as patrons not only exchange lighthearted banter, but also debate weighty issues of the day. From Palace dancing to political debates, this evening of pleasantries will also illuminate a pivotal time in our nation’s history.
 
Tours of the Governor’s Palace and site are scheduled on the hour, although there’s also plenty of other celebration on site and in the North Carolina History Center, where there are ongoing performances and activities for the whole family. You can even do a little holiday shopping at the Museum Store and the Holiday Craft and Garden Shop behind the Stable Office, which will both be open during the Candlelight celebrations.
 
Tickets for Christmas Candlelight at Tryon Palace are $20 adults and $10 students (grades 1-12). It is recommended that tickets be purchased in advance, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., at the North Carolina History Center, 529 S. Front St. (at Metcalf) in New Bern, or by calling 252-639-3524 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
 
This year, Tryon Palace is offering a holiday special. $25 per adult provides entrée to both the Christmas Candlelight celebration and the Twelfth Night party at the Stanlys, to be held on Thursday, January 5 at 6 p.m., 7 p.m. or 8 p.m.! Twelfth Night, the last night of Christmas festivities, transports the guests back to January 5th in the year 1803, to a time of mirth and merrymaking. Designed for the enjoyment of adults, there will be entertainments and light refreshments of the era. Who knows, you may be crowned King and Queen of the evening! Space is limited, so call 252-639-3524 to make your reservations. Reservations and prepayment are required by Jan. 3. Payments received after Dec. 16 are by credit card only.
 
For a complete list of all the Music, Mirth and Merriment during Tryon Palace’s Holiday Celebration, please visit us online at www.tryonpalace.org/calendar or call 800-767-1560.