“Beary Merry Christmas – Where Holiday Dreams Come to Life-for All Ages!”
Welcome to Beary Merry Christmas, where families, friends, and neighbors come together to celebrate the wonder of the season in historic Downtown New Bern.
This year, we’ve curated an unforgettable holiday experience—filled with festive cheer, whimsical activities, and heartwarming traditions that will create memories to last a lifetime. From twinkling lights to magical moments with Santa, the holiday spirit is alive and shining bright downtown!
Create Holiday Memories|
Whether it’s your first visit or a beloved family tradition, Beary Merry Christmas is designed to make the season magical.
- Watch Santa’s spectacular arrival and see children’s faces light up with joy.
- Stroll through the sparkling streets and take in the breathtaking decorations.
- Join in our holiday-themed scavenger hunt and discover the magic around every corner.
Every moment is a memory waiting to be made—because nothing shines brighter than Christmas in Downtown New Bern.
Explore Downtown Magic
Each block of Downtown New Bern is brimming with holiday charm!
- Enjoy whimsical window displays and twinkling lights.
- Shop local during Late-Night Thursdays, where small businesses stay open late for your holiday shopping.
- Warm up with a festive treat from local cafés as you take in the cozy glow of the season.
When you shop local, you’re not just finding one-of-a-kind gifts—you’re helping our community sparkle a little brighter.
Stay Updated with Event Details
We want you to enjoy every moment of Beary Merry Christmas! Check back often for the latest event details, Santa schedules, and special surprises from the elves.
Follow us on social media for real-time updates and behind-the-scenes holiday fun — because the magic of Christmas in Downtown New Bern is too good to miss!
Santa Experience
Please read through information below regarding the 2026 Santa Experience.
Arrival
- Please arrive **no more than 15 minutes before** your arrival time.
- Enter the waiting area upon arrival. Note that your reservation is an "arrival time" rather than a specific "appointment time," so there may be a short wait.
Visit with Santa
- Please allow some flexibility in appointment timing; we do our best to stay on schedule, but a magical experience can take time! We appreciate your patience and flexibility as our elves work hard to make this season special.
- Your time with Santa usually lasts **3-5 minutes** (depending on group size and visit details).
- After meeting Santa, review your photos with assistance from a Santa helper and finalize your purchase.
- Let us know if there's anything we can do to make your experience even more enjoyable!
Booking Tickets
- Pay Now, Decide Later: An online reservation fee will apply toward your photo purchase.
- One Reservation Per Family: Only one reservation is needed per immediate family. Cousins or friends attending together should make separate reservations.
- Non-Transferable Tickets: Tickets are valid only for the specified date and time. Missed reservations may be accommodated based on availability.
- Adult Supervision: Children must be accompanied by an adult (over 18 years).
Changes, Cancellations & Refunds
- Cancellations or changes must be made at least 24 hours in advance via the link in your ticket email.
- We cannot accept cancellation requests via email or social media.
- Refunds are provided only with 24 hours' notice or if the event is canceled due to adverse weather. No refunds are given for non-attendance.
Event Cancellations
- If we must cancel the event, we will offer affected customers a new date (subject to availability) or a full refund.
Thank you for your understanding and helping us create a magical experience for everyone!
Santa Experience 2026
Please note that the schedule is subject to change due to the availability of volunteers and inclement weather.
FRIDAY, NOV. 27: 10AM-3PM Santa Jim
4PM-9PM Santa Jerry
SATURDAY, NOV. 28: 10AM-3PM Santa Chop
4PM-9PM Santa & Mrs. Claus
Small Business Saturday
SUNDAY, NOV. 29: 12PM-4PM Santa Chop
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 2: 4PM-7PM
Believe Night with Santa Jim
THURSDAY, DEC. 3: 4PM-PM Santa Jerry
FRIDAY, DEC 4: 4PM-9PM Santa Chop
SATURDAY, DEC. 5: *12PM-3PM Santa Jim
4PM-9PM Santa Ervin
Christmas Parade 10am; Flotilla 5:30pm
SUNDAY, DEC. 6: 12PM-4PM
Santa Chop's Nice List Check
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 9: 4PM-7PM
Santa Jerry
THURSDAY, DEC. 10: 4PM-7PM
Santa Chris
FRIDAY, DEC. 11: 4PM-9PM
Santa Jerry
SATURDAY, DEC. 12: 10AM-3PM Santa Jim
4PM-9PM Santa Jerry
SUNDAY, DEC. 13: 12PM-4PM
Cocoa with Santa Ervin
National Cocoa Day
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 16: 4PM-7PM
Santa Ervin
THURSDAY, DEC. 17: 4PM-7PM
Santa & Mrs. Claus
FRIDAY, DEC. 18: 10AM-3PM Santa Jim
4PM-9PM Santa & Mrs. Claus
SATURDAY, DEC. 19: 10AM-3PM Santa Chop
4PM-9PM Santa Jerry S.
SUNDAY, DEC. 20: 10AM-3PM Santa Chop
4PM-8PM Santa Jerry S.
MONDAY, DEC. 21: 10AM-3PM Santa & Mrs. Claus
4PM-9PM Santa Jerry
TUESDAY, DEC. 22: 10AM-3PM Santa Jerry S.
4PM-9PM Santa Chop's Final Naughty or Nice Check
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 23: 10AM-3PM Santa Ervin
4PM-9PM Santa After Dark with Santa Jerry
THURSDAY, DEC. 24: 10AM-4PM **Extended Hours**
Christmas Eve with Santa Jim
Snow Schedule: To Be Announced!
Bear Plaza is under 24 hour Elf Surveillance once decorations go up. Please don't touch or steal any of our decorations, our team works hard to make the area enjoyable.
