Let the feeling of the holidays inspire you this year with a visit to a state historic site, museum, state park or aquarium. You can take a hike up Jockey's Ridge, enjoy a candlelight tour of Tryon Palace or a ride a Holiday Train at the North Carolina Transportation Museum. For more information visit https://www.ncdcr.gov/things-to-do/trips-travel-ideas/holidays.
East
Throughout December. N.C. Maritime Museum at Southport. Winter Holiday To-Go Craft Bags. New holiday craft kits are now available at the N.C. Maritime Museum at Southport. Each kit includes four crafts with written instructions and a link to a video guide, as well as two storytimes. The kits are most appropriate for ages 4-12 (with the stories skewing toward the under-10 crowd). The winter holiday kits will be available until 3 p.m. on Dec. 31 or until sold out. Kits are $7 each if picked up at the museum, which is located at 204 E. Moore St. in downtown Southport, or $12 by mail to anywhere in the U.S. Kits may be purchased online at ncmaritimemuseumsouthport.com or by calling 910-477-5151.
Dec. 11, 18, 25, 10-11 a.m. Biological Wonderland Hike, Carolina Beach State Park. Join a Park Ranger at the Flytrap Trail for a hike along the trails. Learn about different habitats that exist within Carolina Beach State Park and how each habitat affects the plants and animals that call the park home. Meet at the Flytrap Trail Parking Lot at the end of Nature Trail Lane. This program is a lot like the Carnivorous Plant Hike. We substitute this during the colder months when the carnivorous plants are dormant. This is an outside program. The trail is handicap accessible. Programs will be 25 people or less. Space is limited so please call, email, or simply stop by to register to reserve your spot at (910) 458-8206 or Carolina.beach@ncparks.gov.
Dec. 11, 18. Candlelight, Tryon Palace, New Bern. Candlelight is a site wide event for Tryon Palace that includes tours of the Governor’s Palace, Stanly House, Dixon House, and numerous activities on the grounds. Gates open to all ticket holders at 4:30 p.m., and ticket times indicate Palace tour times only. Spend the rest of your evening exploring the historic homes, participating in various activities, and being entertained in the Performance Tent. Food will be available to purchase from food trucks located outside the Palace gates. You can also stop by the King’s Arms Tavern for adult libations, and Mistletoe Corner to enjoy drinks and delicious snacks in a festive holiday setting. Don’t forget to end your enchanted evening with a show of black powder fireworks. Candlelight is a rain or shine event, but fireworks may be cancelled during extreme weather conditions.
Dec. 11. Gov. Charles B. Aycock Birthplace State Historic Site, Freemont. Christmas Open House. Learn about 19th-century Christmas traditions from costumed interpreters. See open-hearth cooking. Enjoy hot apple cider and cookies. Make a Christmas craft. The open house will run 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free.
Dec. 11. N.C. Aquarium-Pine Knoll Shores. Santa by the Sea. Enjoy special treats and games in a seasonally decorated aquarium! Make holiday cards and an ornament, have a photo with Santa as part of admission for ages 12 and under. A new treat will be magic shows throughout the day. Fee.
Dec. 13, 2-3 p.m. Huggins Island History Tour, Hammocks Beach State Park. Join a park ranger on this boat ride to one of our historic island treasures - Huggins Island. You will learn about the diverse history that has shaped this maritime island over the years. A great chance to see and explore one of the Atlantic coast’s better preserved earthwork fortifications and how it played a role in the American Civil War. Dress for the weather. The tour is subject to cancellation due to the weather. Space is limited and registration is required by contacting the park office at 910-326-4881.
Dec. 17-19. N.C. Maritime Museum, Beaufort. 27th Annual John Costlow Christmas Train Show. The 27th annual John Costlow Christmas Train Show is moving to a new home this year. The N.C. Maritime Museum in Beaufort, in partnership with the Beaufort Lions Club, will host the annual show that features antique working model trains and model trains of all sizes. The train layouts will range from simple circles traditionally found around the Christmas tree to more elaborate systems. Each display has been carefully designed by the owner or operator to appeal to those just beginning this hobby, as well as others who have had a lifetime interest in model railroading.
The show will be open to the public Dec. 17 from 4-8 p.m., Dec. 18 from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Dec. 19 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free.
Dec. 24, 10-10:45 a.m. Holiday Dune Hike, Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Celebrate the holiday season outdoors. Join a ranger for an educational, easy-to-moderate 3/4-mile hike to the ridge. The hike will start location at Shelter No. 3.
Dec. 26, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Looking for Longleafs, Hammocks Beach State Park. Meet a few of our N.C. state trees at the park and learn why they have been so naturally and culturally important to the Tar Heel state. We will visit a unique natural community- a remnant coastal fringe sandhill forest. The program starts at the nearby former Simmons Camp and will involve road shoulder parking. We will meet at the Visitor Center entrance and caravan down to the site. The road access to the site is not paved and low ground clearance vehicles are not recommended. Contact the park office to sign up at 910-326-4881 because parking is limited.
Dec. 29, 10 a.m.-noon. Bear Island Eco-Hike, Hammocks Beach State Park. Enjoy a ranger-guided boat ride to Bear Island and learn about one of North Carolina’s hidden treasures. You will be able to explore and discover about some of nature’s wonders in the winter and maybe even collect some beach souvenirs. Dress for the weather. The hike is subject to cancellation due to the weather. Space is limited and registration is required by contacting the park office at 910-326-4881.
Dec. 30, 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Ghostly Tales and Soundside Campfire, Jockeys Ridge State Park. The breeze off the Roanoke River is calling you to join us for an evening of spooky stories from the Tar Heel state. The glow of the campfire will light up the beach, while a ranger reveals to you some of N.C.’s haunted happenings. Do not worry, the chill on your bones will be warmed with s'mores and hot chocolate (provided by Friends of Jockey's Ridge). Registration is required, so call (252) 441-7132, email jockeys.ridge@ncparks.gov, or stop by the park in advance.
Dec. 31, 6 p.m.-midnight. Midnight Magic in Manteo, A New Year’s Eve Event, Roanoke Island Festival Park, Manteo. Roanoke Island Festival Park’s representative 16th-century ship, the Elizabeth II, is helping ring in the New Year in downtown Manteo. Festivities begin at 6 p.m. and run throughout the evening ending with the Elizabeth II illuminated with 2022 lights and a colorful fireworks display at midnight. Live music, kid's zone with fun games and activities, and fireworks will bring cheer to the new year. This free, safe event will be great for the whole family and one you won't want to miss!
Piedmont
Dec. 9, 5:30 p.m. Tree Lighting Ceremony Returns at State Capitol, Raleigh. Join the State Capitol and Gov. Roy Cooper for the return of the annual tree-lighting tradition on Thursday, Dec. 9! The festivities will begin on Capitol Square at 5:30 p.m. with holiday music performed by the Raleigh Concert Band. The lit tree will be visible the length of Fayetteville Street. The Junior Woman’s Club will give away cookies and hot chocolate — and even Santa is scheduled to make an appearance. The Capitol will not be open during or following the ceremony and will not host a holiday open house this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you would like to visit the Capitol or view interior decorations, the building is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Dec. 10, 7 p.m. Museum Movie Night, N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh. Watch the movie “Frozen” and join the sing-a-long. There will be movie trivia (with prizes) and mammalogist Mike Cove will answer questions about northern animals. Additionally, enjoy a live band, fun science and activity tables, and free tea/cider/cocoa and cookies. Tickets are $5 for the general public and $2 for staff and members. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the movie begins at 7 p.m. Purchase tickets at https://naturalsciences.org/calendar/event/museum-movie-night-frozen-sing-a-long-version/.
Dec. 11, 12, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Believe, North Carolina Zoo, Asheboro. Come celebrate the magic of the season at the North Carolina Zoo's holiday event Believe...In the Magic of the Season. The Zoo will be beautifully decorated for the winter holidays, and you’ll make fun, family memories including meeting Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. Believe is an outdoor, COVID-19 safe holiday experience and celebration of the season. Using CDC and DHHS safety protocols, guests will journey through the outdoor experience on the Zoo’s pathways. More information is available at https://www.nczoo.org/experiences/events.
Dec. 11 1-1:45 p.m. The Justice Theater Project presents Black Nativity in concert, North Carolina Museum of Art, Raleigh. Artistic leaders Dr. Asabi (Stephanie Howard) and Rev. Ray Watkins bring this soaring 45-minute gospel concert to life. It features nine soloists, West African and contemporary dance, a live band, vibrant costumes, and a beautifully poignant narrative. This event takes place outdoors (weather permitting) and seating is general admission—please bring lawn chairs or blankets. The concert is free but registration is required. For more information call (919) 715-5923 or email at help@ncartmuseum.org.
Dec. 11, 18, 5:30 and 7 p.m. Candlelight Campus Tour, Charlotte Hawkins Brown Museum at the Palmer Memorial Institute State Historic Site. Starting the first week of December, the Visitor’s Center will be open to the public and staff will have children’s craft bags available along with a story walk featuring “The Nutcracker in Harlem” by T. E. McMorrow with illustrations by James Ransome. Staff will also be giving candlelit holiday-themed tours of the campus on Saturday, Dec. 11 and Dec. 18 at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Craft bags and the story walk are free and will be available during regular site hours (Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.), and the guided tours are $5 per family.
Dec. 12, 2-3:30 p.m. Christmas in the City: An evening with Joseph Fuller, North Carolina Museum of Art, Raleigh. Join award-winning pianist and recording artist Joseph Fuller as he presents Christmas in the City. The performance features his arrangements of some of the most popular holiday favorites, including “Deck the Halls,” “Still, Still, Still,” “The Christmas Song,” and many more. Tickets are $20 for members and $22 for nonmembers. For more information call (919) 715-5923 or email at help@ncartmuseum.org.
Dec. 14, 7-8:30 p.m. Holiday Flavors of the Past, State Archives of North Carolina, Raleigh. The State Archives of North Carolina will host a virtual roundtable, “Holiday Flavors of the Past,” Tuesday, Dec. 14, 7-8:30 p.m. State Archives staff will share stories about holiday foods from the collection including the tradition of Old Christmas in Rodanthe and its foodways, holiday feasts on military bases, and 150-year-old recipes that can become DIY holiday gifts. Register at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_urpSDCMyRHikOwn67AZHOQ. Submit questions before the program to Adrienne Berney at adrienne.berney@ncdcr.gov or share your questions and comments during the event.
Dec. 18, 2-3 p.m. 2021 Nobel Prize in Physics Lecture, N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh. Learn about the science that won this year’s Nobel Prize in Physics in a special presentation brought to you by NC State Physics and the NC Museum of Natural Sciences in-person at the Museum’s Daily Planet Theater (2nd and 3rd floors) and on YouTube Live. The 2021 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded for “groundbreaking contributions to our understanding of complex physical systems.” We will talk about and demonstrate some key features of complex systems, including why they can be so hard to predict. More information: https://naturalsciences.org/calendar/event/2021-nobel-prize-in-physics-lecture/.
Dec. 19, 2-3:30 p.m. Community Music School Holiday Concert, North Carolina Museum of Art, Raleigh. Enjoy performances by Community Music School (CMS) students during this afternoon concert, which features Kyrese Washington, CMS alum and 2021 Presser Music Scholar, UNC Greensboro School of Music. For more information, please call (919) 832-0900 or email mdoerner@cmsraleigh.org.
Dec. 14, 21, 28. N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh. Virtual Trivia Tuesday. Register for interactive Virtual Trivia Tuesdays. Join Quizmaster Chris Tuesdays in December for this great opportunity to virtually mingle with friends, compete for bragging rights and perhaps even learn something cool. Questions feature a mix of science facts, current news, pop culture and scientific discoveries. Register to play Dec. 14, Dec. 21 or Dec. 28.
Dec. 22, 1-2 p.m. Eno River State Park, Durham. Hibernation Hike. Join us for a hike to talk about how different animals throughout the park hibernate and hopefully we will see some hibernation locations. Bring water and proper footwear for a hike and dress for the weather. The hike will start at the Piper-Cox House and is limited to 10 participants.
West
Dec. 11. Winter with the Western Company, Fort Dobbs State Historic Site, Statesville. Visitors to the reconstructed Fort Dobbs will be able to experience daily life as it was in the 18th century. Costumed re-enactors representing colonial soldiers and settlers will bring the fort to life with ongoing demonstrations including hearth cooking and woodworking. Musket firing demonstrations will be held at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Event hours are Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is $2 per person. Face masks are required indoors.
Dec. 26, 28-31. Winter Holiday Train Rides, North Carolina Transportation Museum, Spencer. Join the museum for special train rides during the winter break between Christmas and the New Year. It is another seasonal tradition families love to do together, especially when children are on break from school. These special “Winter Holiday Train Rides” are offered Dec. 26 and 28-31. It is a great opportunity to visit the N.C. Transportation Museum, browse the exhibits, spend time inside the museum’s Gift Station, and enjoy a 25-minute train ride around this State Historic Site. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.etix.com/ticket/e/1023463/2021-winter-holiday-train-spencer-north-carolina-transportation-museum%20.
Dec. 27, 10 a.m. Winter Nature Hike, Lake James State Park. The air is cool and the leaves have fallen from the trees, and what better time of year to enjoy a walk in the woods. Meet Park Ranger Jamie as he leads a group of hikers along the Mill’s Creek Trail in search of Lake James’ winter residents. The hike starts at the Paddy’s Creek bathhouse breezeway at 10 a.m. Please bring appropriate clothing and footwear for the weather.
Dec. 30. Winter Boat Tour, Lake James State Park. Many species of waterfowl, including ducks, grebes, loons and cormorants spend the winter months on Lake James and now you have an opportunity to observe them in their element. Ranger Clay will be your captain and guide aboard the park patrol boat as we search for birds. The weather could be blustery, so be sure to dress warmly if you are one of the eight lucky participants. Registration is required and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Call the park office at 828-584-7728 to reserve your spot. Meet your captain at the Paddy's Creek Area, East Picnic Shelter at 9:45 a.m. for a briefing prior to departure promptly at 10 a.m.
Dec. 30, 2 p.m. Orienteering for Kids, Lake James State Park. Come and learn a essential skill that is being replaced with satellites, smart phones, and GPS. Orienteering is a skill developed in the 19th century for traveling through unknown lands with only a map and compass, but navigation has been around for much longer. This program will teach children how to read a basic map, how to use a compass, and set them forth on a short orienteering course to test their new found skills. This program is set up for children ages 8-14 and parental supervision is required on the short orienteering course. We will meet at the Paddys Creek Day Use Area Office at 2 p.m.
Dec. 31. Alder Trail Hike, Lake Norman State Park. End the year right as you join a Ranger and enjoy a short hike at Lake Norman State Park. We will hike the .8-mile Alder Trail which follows the shorelines of Norwood and Hicks Creek. Participants can expect to discover flora and fauna which call the park home. The hike will begin at 10 a.m. and will leave from the Visitor Center. All CDC and NC COVID-19 restrictions must be followed. For more information, please call 704-528-6350.
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (NCDNCR) is the state agency with a vision to be the leader in using the state's natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational and economic future of North Carolina. NCDNCR's mission is to improve the quality of life in our state by creating opportunities to experience excellence in the arts, history, libraries and nature in North Carolina by stimulating learning, inspiring creativity, preserving the state's history, conserving the state's natural heritage, encouraging recreation and cultural tourism, and promoting economic development.
NCDNCR includes 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, three science museums, three aquariums and Jennette's Pier, 41 state parks and recreation areas, the N.C. Zoo, the N.C. Symphony Orchestra, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, State Preservation Office and the Office of State Archaeology, and the Division of Land and Water Stewardship. For more information, please visit www.ncdcr.gov.