Candlelight at Tryon Palace
Visitors tour the decorated Palace illuminated by candlelight as costumed interpreters share stories celebrating the earliest days of North Carolina statehood. Admission also includes entry to the historic Stanly and Dixon Houses and Palace grounds activities, featuring the Tryon Palace Fife and Drum Corps and a Continental Line encampment. Guests can browse the Museum Shop, sample food truck fare, stop by the tavern for drinks, and watch an evening black powder fireworks show.
See more Christmas lights near New Bern
Plan Your Visit
Website / Tickets
When
Ages
Children 5 & under are FREE
Neighborhood
Historic Downtown New Bern
Food & Drink
Food trucks outside the Palace gates sell food, with seating available; on the grounds, guests can get snacks, hot beverages, and drinks at the tavern.
Accessibility
The Palace tour involves climbing stairs; the Ticket Desk can suggest options if stairs are difficult.
Going?
Location
Tips & Advice
- Buy tickets early, because Candlelight tends to sell out and tickets can't be refunded or exchanged.
- Arrive well before the tour time on your ticket so you have time for the Stanly and Dixon Houses and the grounds activities.
- Grab dinner from the food trucks outside the gates, then carry it onto the grounds and enjoy it with a drink at the tavern.
- Leave tripods, camera lights and drones at home, because they aren't allowed on Tryon Palace grounds at any time.
- Dress for the weather and stay for the black powder fireworks at the end of the night, which run unless conditions are extreme.
Special Events & Promotions
- Early bird ticket prices are available until October 1.
- This year, gates open to all ticket holders at 3:30 p.m.
Links & Contact
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Candlelight ticket include?
It covers a candlelit tour of the Palace with costumed interpreters and tours of the Stanly and Dixon Houses. It also covers the grounds activities, including the Fife and Drum Corps, the Continental Line camp, entertainment performers and the Museum Shop.
Is there food and drink?
Yes. Snacks, hot beverages and the tavern are on the grounds. Food trucks with seating are outside the Palace gates, and ticket holders can bring their meal onto the grounds to enjoy with a drink at the tavern.
How long should we allow?
Your ticket shows your Palace tour time. Leave time before and after it for the houses, the grounds and the fireworks that close the night.
Can I take photos?
Not inside the historic buildings, where photography and video aren't allowed. Tripods, lights and drones are banned on the grounds at all times.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Candlelight goes ahead rain or shine, but the fireworks may be cancelled in extreme weather. Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.
Browse Christmas in New Bern
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.