Beary Merry Events

Community Tree Lighting
2020-11-27 17:30 - 18:30 (America/New_York)
Beary Merry Christmas 2020 in New Bern officially kicks off Friday, November 29 with the Annual Community Christmas Tree Lighting. A short ceremony will take place at 6pm.
The 30ft artificial tree is sponsored by the generosity of the greater New Bern Community and will be located at Union Point Park.
Due to COVID-19, the annual block party on Middle Street will not be held.
Don’t miss this wonderful small town Christmas tradition!

Mistletoe Market
2020-11-27 11:00 - 20:00
Join us at our 1st Annual Mistletoe Market located on the corner of S.Front & Craven Streets.
Holiday Shopping, Live Entertainment, Festive Food & Wintery Treats!

“Make & Take Gift” Sessions & Story Time with Mrs. Claus
(Advance Reservations Required)
Fri, Nov 27: 11am-8pm
Sat, Nov 28: 11am-8pm
Fri, Dec 4: 5pm-8pm
Sat, Dec 5: 11am-8pm
Sat, Dec 12: 11am-8pm
Sat, Dec 19: 11am-8pm

Seasons of Giving: A Candlelight Christmas Celebration
2019-12-21 16:30 - 21:30
A Candlelight Christmas Celebration
This famed North Carolina tradition returns to Tryon Palace in 2018 with beautiful, new decorations and heartwarming holiday vignettes illuminated by the magical glow of candlelight.

Make your holiday historic this year at Tryon Palace’s 38th annual “Candlelight Christmas Celebration.” Visit with historic characters in period clothing, witness holiday vignettes spanning two centuries, and experience black powder fireworks on the South Lawn. Explore the grounds and buildings of Tryon Palace to travel from 1771 through 1835, and see how New Bern residents from different times and backgrounds celebrated the holidays.
Candlelight is a site wide event for Tryon Palace that includes tours of the Governor’s Palace, Stanly House, Dixon House, Commission House, and numerous activities on the grounds.
Governor’s Palace – 1771 – Experience the beauty, joy, and magic of the holidays as Governor and Mrs. Josiah Martin invite you to their new home for “Masquerade: A Candlelight Christmas Celebration.” To celebrate their first holiday season at Tryon Palace, the Martins are throwing a masquerade ball and guests have come from far and wide to experience a bit of fun and culture with elegant costumes and beautiful decorations based off of the four elements.
Stanly House – 1800-1801 – John and Elizabeth Stanly have recently moved into the impressive house John’s parents built. It’s time for Elizabeth to put her stamp on the house, but there’s pressure on her to meet New Bern society’s expectations and live up to the Stanly name. Tour her home and see how she meets this challenge.
Dixon House – 1835 – The Dixon House wasn’t just home to the Dixon family, but also to Mr. Dixon’s apprentices. These boys and young men learned the arts and mysteries of tailoring from New Bern’s resident expert. Take a look at a lost part of Christmas told through the apprentices’ views.
At the Commission House, enjoy a visit with Santa, listen to Christmas music, write a Christmas card to New Bern’s first responders, and create your very own Masquerade mask!
Food will be available to purchase from food trucks located outside the Palace gates. You can then stop by The Plucked Peacock Tavern to grab a seat and enjoy beer, wine, and delicious baked goods in a festive holiday setting. Also, warm up with hot cider and cookies from Mack’s Cider House in the Trades Building. Don’t forget to end your enchanted evening with a show of black powder fireworks on the Tryon Palace South Lawn!
Candlelight is a rain or shine event, but fireworks may be cancelled during extreme weather conditions. Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. To ensure a more historically accurate experience and fully immerse you in the joy, mystery, and magic of Candlelight, we request no photography or videography within the historic buildings. Tripods, lights, and drones are not allowed on Tryon Palace grounds at any time.

Location:

Governor’s Palace, historic grounds, Commission House, Stanly House, Dixon House. Tryon Palace Gardens will be closed during Candlelight.

The last tours for the Commission House, Stanly House, and Dixon House will begin at 9:15 p.m.

Event Price:
Aug. 1 to Oct. 31 ($20 adults, $10 youth),
Beginning Nov. 1 ($25 adults, $15 youth)
Tryon Palace Foundation Members ($18 adults, $8 youth)

*Tickets are available online until Friday before the event at 11:59 P.M. If available, tickets can be purchased on the Saturday of the event at the North Carolina History Center until 2 P.M.

Free Holiday Crafts!
2019-12-21 11:00 - 13:00, 2019-12-14 11:00 - 13:00 | Bank of the Arts, 317 Middle Street, New Bern, NC, 28560
Come view local artwork and participate in free holiday crafting at Bank of the Arts in Downtown New Bern!

A Christmas Carol @ Temple Church
2019-12-19 - 2019-12-22
A Christmas Carol recounts the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, an elderly miser who is visited by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come.
More information coming soon.

Seasons of Giving: A Candlelight Christmas Celebration
2019-12-14 16:30 - 21:30
A Candlelight Christmas Celebration
This famed North Carolina tradition returns to Tryon Palace in 2018 with beautiful, new decorations and heartwarming holiday vignettes illuminated by the magical glow of candlelight.
Make your holiday historic this year at Tryon Palace’s 39th annual “Candlelight Christmas Celebration.” Visit with historic characters in period clothing, witness holiday vignettes spanning two centuries, and experience black powder fireworks on the South Lawn. Explore the grounds and buildings of Tryon Palace to travel from 1771 through 1835, and see how New Bern residents from different times and backgrounds celebrated the holidays.
Candlelight is a site wide event for Tryon Palace that includes tours of the Governor’s Palace, Stanly House, Dixon House, Commission House, and numerous activities on the grounds.
Governor’s Palace – 1771 – Experience the beauty, joy, and magic of the holidays as Governor and Mrs. Josiah Martin invite you to their new home for “Masquerade: A Candlelight Christmas Celebration.” To celebrate their first holiday season at Tryon Palace, the Martins are throwing a masquerade ball and guests have come from far and wide to experience a bit of fun and culture with elegant costumes and beautiful decorations based off of the four elements.
Stanly House – 1800-1801 – John and Elizabeth Stanly have recently moved into the impressive house John’s parents built. It’s time for Elizabeth to put her stamp on the house, but there’s pressure on her to meet New Bern society’s expectations and live up to the Stanly name. Tour her home and see how she meets this challenge.
Dixon House – 1835 – The Dixon House wasn’t just home to the Dixon family, but also to Mr. Dixon’s apprentices. These boys and young men learned the arts and mysteries of tailoring from New Bern’s resident expert. Take a look at a lost part of Christmas told through the apprentices’ views.
At the Commission House, enjoy a visit with Santa, listen to Christmas music, write a Christmas card to New Bern’s first responders, and create your very own Masquerade mask!
Food will be available to purchase from food trucks located outside the Palace gates. You can then stop by The Plucked Peacock Tavern to grab a seat and enjoy beer, wine, and delicious baked goods in a festive holiday setting. Also, warm up with hot cider and cookies from Mack’s Cider House in the Trades Building. Don’t forget to end your enchanted evening with a show of black powder fireworks on the Tryon Palace South Lawn!
Candlelight is a rain or shine event, but fireworks may be cancelled during extreme weather conditions. Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. To ensure a more historically accurate experience and fully immerse you in the joy, mystery, and magic of Candlelight, we request no photography or videography within the historic buildings. Tripods, lights, and drones are not allowed on Tryon Palace grounds at any time.

Location:

Governor’s Palace, historic grounds, Commission House, Stanly House, Dixon House. Tryon Palace Gardens will be closed during Candlelight.

The last tours for the Commission House, Stanly House, and Dixon House will begin at 9:15 p.m.

Event Price:
Aug. 1 to Oct. 31 ($20 adults, $10 youth),
Beginning Nov. 1 ($25 adults, $15 youth)
Tryon Palace Foundation Members ($18 adults, $8 youth)

*Tickets are available online until Friday before the event at 11:59 P.M. If available, tickets can be purchased on the Saturday of the event at the North Carolina History Center until 2 P.M.

21st Annual The Holly & The Ivy Holiday Homes Tour
2019-12-14 10:30 - 15:30
Please plan to join the New Bern Woman’s Club for our 21st Annual “The Holly and The Ivy” Holiday Homes Tour on Saturday, December 14th. The tour showcases lovely historic district homes. Tickets will be available at Bank of the Arts + Harris Teeters for $15.00 prior to the event + $18.00 on the day of the event. Some tickets will be available (a limited number) at each house. This will be our 20th Annual walking tour which will include 6 houses. Five will be in the historic district + 1 will be in the Ghent neighborhood. All funds this year will go to the victims of Hurricane Florence.

20th Annual Christ Church Cookie Walk
2019-12-14 10:00 - 13:00
Christ Episcopal Church of New Bern will hold its legendary 21st Annual Cookie Walk on December 14th from 10AM to 1PM at the Harrison Center, 311 Middle Street, New Bern. Stroll through a delightfully decorated room and choose from an array of homemade cookies and specialty treats! The Cookie Walk will also include a café where you can purchase savory soups, a deli baguette, holiday coffee, and water to refuel as you explore the venue! There will be live music and opportunities for caroling! And the best thing, all proceeds will benefit local charities! You can’t beat that!
Help us kick start the holiday season and sign up to support cookie walk!

Holiday Hustle 2019
2019-12-14 07:00
At Craven Smart Start, we believe when young children are given the opportunity to reach their full potential, that they will become loving, nurturing independent individuals who will contribute to their families, communities, and society. We believe that all children, when surrounded by a supportive community, can achieve economic success and experience the highest quality of life.
Support Craven Smart Start by registering for one of these family friendly, fun races today!!
NO PETS WILL BE ALLOWED ON THE RACE COURSES!!
Jingle Bell Jog 5K: $25 until Nov. 30/ $30 Dec.1 until race day
Tinsel 10K: $30 until Nov. 30/ $35 Dec. 1 until race day
Santa’s Fun Run: $15/ $20 on race day
$5 per person family discount (3 or more participants)
Register by Nov. 30 to guarantee T-shirt. Registration Fee is NONREFUNDABLE
PACKET PICKUP @ CRAVEN SMART START, FRIDAY DEC. 13th, 3:00pm-7:00pm
CASH ONLY @ PACKET PICKUP
Race timed with disposable chips
Awards for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place, male & female, in age categories 8-17, 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-64 and 65+

Holiday Artwalk & ARTcrawl
2019-12-13 17:00 - 20:00
ArtWalk is a fun, casual celebration of art and community in downtown New Bern, held every second Friday of each month (yes, even in winter!). It begins at 5 p.m. and usually goes till 8 p.m.–but on warm summer nights, it has been known to go on until 10 o’clock. You’re invited to stroll along the sidewalks, drop in on shops and galleries, and dine at one of many fine restaurants and lively taverns on your way.

North Carolina Symphony - Holiday Pops
2019-12-08 19:00 - 21:00
This annual tradition is getting bigger and better and will feature all your festive musical favorites, plus the NCS Children’s Chorus, carolers, falling snow, a sing-along, and a few surprises to make your holiday bright!

Bed & Breakfast Open House
2019-12-08 14:00 - 17:00
Our gift to the community – tour New Bern’s Bed & Breakfasts decorated for the holidays at our Open House – Sunday, December 8, 2019. 2pm to 5pm. Free and open to the pubic. Light refreshments available

2019 Christmas Parade
2019-12-07 15:00 - 17:00
The annual Downtown New Bern / Craven Jaycee’s Christmas Parade. Every year the Craven County Jaycee’s and the City of New Bern work together to bring in the Christmas season and to bring Santa Claus into town!
For the 2019 Parade we would like to have a float competition, so we are announcing the event early! Plenty of time to plan and build your float. Show us your idea of how to celebrate the season, or what Christmas means to you.
The proceeds from the parade are always donated to needy families in the Craven County area. Your entry fee or other donation will be used to make sure as many families as possible have a great holiday.

Breakfast with Santa
2019-12-07 08:00 - 15:00
The CarolinaEast Foundation’s Breakfast with Santa might have temporarily changed its venue, but not the wonderful experience you are certain to have! Breakfast with Santa not only serves as an important annual fundraising event for the Foundation, but also a fun-filled seasonal celebration for the children and families of our community.

LIVE Window Displays
2019-12-06 18:00 - 20:00
Downtown shops participate in this annual event to have their self-made live window displays for visitors and residents to stroll through the historic district and view. There will be a judging and trophy awarded to the winner! Baker’s Kitchen took home in trophy in 2018, who you think will win this year?!

Miracle On 34th Street
2019-12-05 19:30 - 2019-12-15 19:30
December 5, 6, 7, 12 & 13 at 7:30 pm
December 8 & 15 at 3:00 pm
Get tickets online at
www.rivertowneplayers.org/tickets
Tickets
$16.00 in advance
$19.00 at door
$10.00 for students w/ valid I.D.

ENC Live Holiday Gift Show
2019-11-15 11:00 - 2019-11-16 17:00
Help us kick off the season with the annual Home & Holiday Gift Show. Returning to the newly remodeled Riverfront Convention Center in beautiful downtown New Bern on Friday, November 15 from 11 am – 5 pm & Saturday, November 16 from 9 am – 4 pm. This event features over 90 exhibitors offering unique gifts, holiday treats and lots of shopping opportunities! Plus, stop by the Home Expo for new ideas to brighten and remodel your home – inside & out. As an added bonus, tour new RVs, Autos and Sports Equipment at the semi-annual RV, Auto & Sports Show taking place just outside! Hourly prizes, festive atmosphere and Santa make this event extra special!
Friday, November 15 from 11 am – 5 pm
Saturday, November 16 from 9 am – 4 pm

SNOW in Bear Plaza
2018-12-23 18:00 - 20:00

New Bern’s Polar Express
2018-12-23, 2018-12-22, 2018-12-21
All aboard New Bern’s Polar Express
Enjoy a one hour tour aboard the New Bern Trolley filled with caroling, Christmas lights and a visit with the Conductor and Santa’s Elves. Plus a Believe sleigh bell for each guest. Advance ticket purchase is required. Seating is limited.
Departure Dates and Times:
December 7 & 8 at 5:30 pm and 6:30 pm
December 21, 22, 23 at 5:00, 6:00 and 7:00 pm
Ticket Prices:
First Rider: $25
Additional Riders: $15
Children: $10

Beauty and the Beast
2018-12-16 15:00, 2018-12-14 19:30, 2018-12-09 15:00, 2018-12-08 19:30
November 30, December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15 at 7:30 pm
December 2, 9, 16 at 3:00 pm
Get tickets online at
www.rivertowneplayers.org/tickets
Or at Nautical Wheelers in downtown New Bern
Tickets
$16.00 in advance
$19.00 at door
$10.00 for students w/ valid I.D.
Director: Aaron Williams
Producer: Susie Tilley

Sledding Shopping Sunday
2018-12-09 13:00 - 16:00 | iwp_log_5c921d0d9dfc6
Our meteorologists are predicting snow on Craven Street for December 9th! Be sure to bring the kids to this event – it’s not every day that you get to go sledding in downtown New Bern! The town had such a wonderful time last year we’re bringing the slopes back this year for more sledding fun. More sledding ramps this year along with more fun!

The Nutcracker Ballet
2018-12-09, 2018-12-08 14:00
The Nutcracker Ballet
Presented by Down East Dance &
New Bern Civic Theatre
Buy Tickets Now!
November 30 & December 7 at 7:30pm,
December 1 & 8 at 2pm & 7:30pm,
December 2 & 9 at 2pm.
​
TICKETS:
(NOT including Sales Tax or Online Service Fee)
Adults: $15
Youth (12 & Under): $12
​
Tickets can be purchased online or by calling the box office at 252-633-0567. Visit us at www.facebook.com/newberncivictheatre

20th Annual Cookie Walk
2018-12-08 10:00 - 13:00
Christ Episcopal Church of New Bern will hold its legendary 20th Annual Cookie Walk on December 15th from 10AM to 1PM at the Harrison Center, 311 Middle Street, New Bern. Stroll through a delightfully decorated room and choose from an array of homemade cookies to your heart’s content! The Cookie Walk will also include a café where you can purchase a small deli baguette sandwich with a few select sides to choose from! There will be live music/entertainment by our wonderful musical department! For more information on how to help, please feel free to contact co-chairs: Lacee Smith or Yali Ryder! And the best thing…all proceeds will benefit local charities! You can’t beat that!
2018 Cookie Walk poster
