Tryon Palace – Candlelight - The Sociable Adventurer

The Candlelight Christmas event at Tryon Palace in New Bern, North Carolina, is a beloved annual holiday tradition that transforms the historic Governor’s Palace into a magical winter wonderland illuminated solely by the soft glow of hundreds of candles. Visitors embark on guided tours through lavishly decorated rooms in the Palace, as well as the Stanly, Dixon, and Commission Houses, where costumed interpreters bring colonial-era stories to life with engaging vignettes tied to North Carolina’s rich history.

The evening, held on select December dates with gates opening at 4:30 p.m., features festive entertainment on the grounds—including live shows with juggling, magic tricks, and delightful puppet performances, alongside Fife and Drum shows, and visits with Santa—alongside food trucks and seasonal treats at Mistletoe Corner. The celebration culminates in a spectacular black powder fireworks display around 9:30 p.m., creating an enchanting, rain-or-shine experience that captures the joy and wonder of a colonial Christmas.