The One Christmas Palace You Simply Must Visit In North Carolina
Ho, ho, ho! The holidays are upon us and it means we’re thinking of all the best ways to enjoy Christmas in the North State. From whimsical light shows to the best homemade decorations you ever did see, everyone is getting in the holiday spirit and one way to make the most of it is getting royal at Tryon Palace.
Each year Tryon Palace lights up in candlelight to celebrate Christmas in Colonial Fashion. Located in New Bern, Tryon Palace was the home to the first Royal Governor of North Carolina. While today what we see is an extensive rebuilt and replica of the original (after a fire devastated much of the original) it's still just as magical.
The Christmas at Candlelight event takes visitors back in time to Colonial Christmas and a more regal and exquisite way to enjoy the holidays. "Seasons of Giving: A Candlelight Christmas Celebration" features decorations inspired by the 12 days of Christmas with characters adorning period-piece attire and holiday vignettes encompassing three centuries.
The annual event is now in its 37th year and has become a Holiday tradition for many in the area. The event includes tours of the Governor's Palace, Stanly House, Dixon House, Commission House and the grounds of the Palace. Inside, the event takes on its own cinematic aura. Tryon Palace describes it as,
"The year is 1770, and William and Margret Tryon are hosting their first party at the new government house. Join Mr. William Haywood at the Dixon House as he presents Mrs. Haywood with a special gift for the Christmas of 1839. Knowing that the Christmas spirit needs to be felt even during times of strife, the Sisters of Mercy welcome the citizens of New Bern to their convent in the Stanly House. At the Commission House, enjoy a visit with Santa, listen to Christmas music and write a Christmas card to New Bern’s first responders in surrounded by decorations inspired by Christmases past."
"The year is 1770, and William and Margret Tryon are hosting their first party at the new government house. Join Mr. William Haywood at the Dixon House as he presents Mrs. Haywood with a special gift for the Christmas of 1839. Knowing that the Christmas spirit needs to be felt even during times of strife, the Sisters of Mercy welcome the citizens of New Bern to their convent in the Stanly House. At the Commission House, enjoy a visit with Santa, listen to Christmas music and write a Christmas card to New Bern’s first responders in surrounded by decorations inspired by Christmases past."
The event includes a multitude of different activities and sights. From touring the grounds and castle to being dazzled by fire eating, sword swallowing acrobatics. There's magic from 18th-century magicians and the Tryon Palace Jonkonnu troupe in attendance. There's also refreshments including cider and cookies with the night ending in a bang with fireworks on the lawn.
While many of us celebrate Christmas like it's 2017, sometimes it's nice to step back in time and away from our modern world. The Candlelight Christmas transports visitors to a simpler time and one of the earliest establishments and traditions of new North Carolinians. With a royal backdrop and themes, this is an event to remember. The first night of Candlelight Christmas takes place Dec 9 from 4:30-9:30 p.m. with adult tickets at 20/person and youth at 10/person. This is often a very popular event with ticket sales going fast.
This is such a neat event. Have you ever attended?
For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
For more information on Tryon Palace and New Bern, read our article here.
