Holiday Events & Programs in the East Nov. 18-Jan. 2. N.C. Aquarium-Fort Fisher. Cape Fear Festival of Trees. The Lower Cape Fear Hospice hosts this beloved tradition amidst the inspiring backdrop of the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Visitors will delight in more than 50 dazzling, decorated trees in a unique aquatic setting. Free with admission. Nov. 26 and Dec. 8, 11, 15, 17. N.C. Symphony, Goldsboro, New Bern, Tarboro, Jacksonville, Wilmington, respectively. A Classic Holiday Pops. Join the Symphony for a spectacular evening featuring beloved traditional and popular music, including music from The Polar Express and The Nutcracker—plus a sing-along celebration of the season. Fee. Nov 27 and Dec. 4, 11, 18. Tryon Palace, New Bern. Discovering Tryon Palace: Holiday Décor. Take a tour of the Governor's Palace and focus on the decorations for the upcoming "Christmas Belles: A Candlelight Christmas Celebration." Tryon Palace Gardens and Greenhouse Manager, will lead a tour of the first floor of the Governor's Palace, describing the special items used in the decorations, sharing design tips, and explaining themes inspired by an 18th-century fascination with the East. 9:15 a.m. Fee. Dec. 7. Historic Bath. A Christmas Celebration. celebrate with us in a day-long event! From 10am to 2pm, tour the Palmer-Marsh House and Bonner House free of charge, enjoying the decorations and learning more about food in the 19th century with a cooking demonstration at the Bonner Kitchen. During the afternoon, enjoy the Exhibit Center and our walking tour of the town, as well as the gift shops and restaurants of the area. Beginning at 6pm, step back in time and visit the Palmer-Marsh House by candlelight, where William Palmer is hosting his friends and acquaintances for an evening of festivities. Explore the changing political atmosphere on the eve of revolution, and William’s inner conflict between his staunchly loyal family and his rebellious friends. After touring the house, stop by the Tavern and play a round of whist or other period games while sipping hot cider. Fee, children under 5 free. Dec. 7. Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, Seven Springs. Christmas Flotilla and Tree Lighting. Parade of boats down the Neuse River complete with music and dancing, Christmas movies on the beach and a tree lighting. Santa will be available for pictures. Concession sales will benefit the park. Donations of unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots will be accepted. Daytime festivities 1-4 p.m. Evening festivities 6 p.m. Flotilla 7 p.m. Free Dec. 7. Fort Fisher, Kure Beach. Holiday Open House. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season at the Fort Fisher Holiday Open House 2019. Free and open to the public, the program will feature seasonal decorations, holiday music, and special discounts in the museum store. Try your hand (and feet!) at 19th Century dance steps and learn about the history of Santa Claus.10 a.m. -4 p.m. Free. Dec. 7. Museum of the Albemarle, Elizabeth City. Holiday Open House: Christmas in Who-Sum-Ville! Delve into the magical world of Dr. Seuss’ classic book How the Grinch Stole Christmas during the annual holiday open house. See characters from the book brought to life by MOA’s Junior Docents, watch the Albemarle Express O scale train as it travels around the Albemarle region making stops at county landmarks in each of the 13 counties our museum serves. Search for historical characters drawn in Seussical style. Take photos with Cindy Lou-Who and other characters at our “Who-ville Village”, make Grinch crafts, and enjoy Grinch-inspired refreshments. Santa will stop by to make sure he has your wish list. 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Free. Dec. 7. Bentonville Battlefield, Four Oaks. A Civil War Christmas. Enjoy cookies and cider while listening to period music and greetings from costumed interpreters. Military interpreters will discuss how the common soldier spent their holidays. 10 a.m. Free. Dec. 7. N.C. Maritime Museum, Beaufort. Crystal Coast Christmas Flotilla. Boats, yachts, oars, kayaks and commercial vessels decorated for the season can be seen at 5:30 p.m. on the Morehead City waterfront and at 6:15 p.m. on the Beaufort waterfront. All decorated boats are judged and prizes for excellence and creativity are awarded at the Awards Party after the flotilla. Fee to participate; free to observe. Dec. 7. N.C. Aquarium-Fort Fisher. Santa’s Magical Morning. Unwrap a magical holiday experience at Santa's Magical Morning. Spy Santa diving in the Cape Fear Shoals with his aquatic friends. Enjoy holiday storytime (and cookies) with a special North Pole guest. Expect giggles of glee when the jolly old elf presents a specially selected gift to each child. Registration required. 8-10 a.m. Fee. Dec. 7. Tryon Palace, New Bern. Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day: Free Film and Lecture. This event will feature a free showing of ‘Pearl Harbor: The Heroes Who Fought Back’ at 11 a.m. Following the film, at 1:30 p.m. there will be a lecture featuring local author Jay Eldred who will give his perspective on how that infamous day changed the course of American history and share with us stories told first-hand by World War II veteran Thomas Poole. Free. Dec 7. CSS Neuse, Kinston. A Victorian Christmas. After the 10 a.m. parade, visitors can enjoy cider and cookies in the CSS Neuse Civil War Center. Sample Victorian times while making crafts, watching a puppet show, cookies, cider, and crafts are part of the museum’s free day. Dec. 8. Museum of the Cape Fear, Fayetteville. Holiday Jubilee. An open house of the 1897 Poe House with performances by the Coventry Carolers and The Carolina Chordsmen on the front porch of the Poe House, with Christmas decorations providing the back drop. Smell of cooking on the 1902 stove and take photos with Santa in the museum! 1-5 p.m. Free. Dec. 10. Brunswick Town, Winnabow. An 18th Century Christmas. Join us and explore how the American colonists celebrated Christmas. Costumed interpreters will provide guided tours of St. Philips Anglican Church on the half hour. During the program, you can enjoy Colonial refreshments in the Visitor Center, participate in traditional games, or try your hand at Moravian paper stars and other 18th century crafts. The highlight of the evening will be an authentic period candlelit service in the ruins of St. Philips Anglican Church. The service will begin at 5:00pm and will conclude by 5:30pm. Fee per vehicle. Dec. 11-15. Roanoke Island Festival Park, Manteo. A World War II Radio Christmas. This moving holiday show recreates the experience of attending a recording of a 1940s radio show broadcast on Christmas Eve during World War II. Using period songs and stories inspired by actual veterans, World War II Radio Christmas transports the audience to another time. Fee. Dec. 13. Historic Edenton. Caroling in the Courthouse with the Albemarle Sounds. Come enjoy your favorite Christmas songs in the historic 1767 Chowan County Courthouse. 6-7 p.m. Free Dec. 13, 14. Historic Edenton. Iredell House Christmas Groaning Board. So many cookies will be present that the table will “groan!” The Edenton Tea Party Daughters of the American Revolution and James Iredell Association join Historic Edenton in hosting this event. 1-5 p.m. Santa visits 4-7 p.m. Free. Dec. 14. Historic Halifax. Christmas in Halifax. A community-wide celebration and a family tradition in the historic town of Halifax, NC. Tour homes and churches festively decorated for the season. Enjoy children’s activities at the Halifax County Library. At 2 p.m., see the annual Christmas Parade along King Street. Children and the young-at-heart may visit with Santa after the parade in the Historic Halifax visitor center. Enjoy a homemade brunswick stew and sandwich lunch at a local church fundraiser. This is a community-wide event with activities taking place throughout the Town of Halifax! Free. Dec. 14. 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. 14 and 21. Tryon Palace, New Bern. Christmas Belles: A Candlelight Christmas Celebration. Beautiful decorations, heartwarming holiday vignettes by period characters, all illuminated by the magical glow of candlelight. The governor’s palace and other historic homes will be open for tours. 4:30-9:30 p.m. Fee. Dec. 20. Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, Seven Springs. Grinchy Greens Campfire. Tonight’s campfire topic…the Grinch. We will start with a reading of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”, then learn about some trees and plants that stay green all year round, even in the dead of winter. As always, we will wrap up the campfire with marshmallows. 5 p.m. Free Dec. 21. Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, Seven Springs. Happy Holidays to the Birds. Join a Ranger as we look at how birds deal with the colder temperature changes and the struggles they face. We will also make some tasty snacks for the birds using birdseed, which you can take home for the feathered visitors in your yard. For those with nut allergies, this will be a peanut butter free activity. 2 p.m. Free Dec. 22. Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, Seven Springs. Reindeer Games. Why does Santa need reindeer and how they differ from our local whitetail deer? Come find out during the program, we will play some Reindeer Games and make reindeer food you can leave with Santa’s cookies. 2 p.m. Free
Holiday Events & Programs in the East Nov. 18-Jan. 2. N.C. Aquarium-Fort Fisher. Cape Fear Festival of Trees. The Lower Cape Fear Hospice hosts this beloved tradition amidst the inspiring backdrop of the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Visitors will delight in more than 50 dazzling, decorated trees in a unique aquatic setting. Free with admission. Nov. 26 and Dec. 8, 11, 15, 17. N.C. Symphony, Goldsboro, New Bern, Tarboro, Jacksonville, Wilmington, respectively. A Classic Holiday Pops. Join the Symphony for a spectacular evening featuring beloved traditional and popular music, including music from The Polar Express and The Nutcracker—plus a sing-along celebration of the season. Fee. Nov 27 and Dec. 4, 11, 18. Tryon Palace, New Bern. Discovering Tryon Palace: Holiday Décor. Take a tour of the Governor's Palace and focus on the decorations for the upcoming "Christmas Belles: A Candlelight Christmas Celebration." Tryon Palace Gardens and Greenhouse Manager, will lead a tour of the first floor of the Governor's Palace, describing the special items used in the decorations, sharing design tips, and explaining themes inspired by an 18th-century fascination with the East. 9:15 a.m. Fee. Dec. 7. Historic Bath. A Christmas Celebration. celebrate with us in a day-long event! From 10am to 2pm, tour the Palmer-Marsh House and Bonner House free of charge, enjoying the decorations and learning more about food in the 19th century with a cooking demonstration at the Bonner Kitchen. During the afternoon, enjoy the Exhibit Center and our walking tour of the town, as well as the gift shops and restaurants of the area. Beginning at 6pm, step back in time and visit the Palmer-Marsh House by candlelight, where William Palmer is hosting his friends and acquaintances for an evening of festivities. Explore the changing political atmosphere on the eve of revolution, and William’s inner conflict between his staunchly loyal family and his rebellious friends. After touring the house, stop by the Tavern and play a round of whist or other period games while sipping hot cider. Fee, children under 5 free. Dec. 7. Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, Seven Springs. Christmas Flotilla and Tree Lighting. Parade of boats down the Neuse River complete with music and dancing, Christmas movies on the beach and a tree lighting. Santa will be available for pictures. Concession sales will benefit the park. Donations of unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots will be accepted. Daytime festivities 1-4 p.m. Evening festivities 6 p.m. Flotilla 7 p.m. Free Dec. 7. Fort Fisher, Kure Beach. Holiday Open House. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season at the Fort Fisher Holiday Open House 2019. Free and open to the public, the program will feature seasonal decorations, holiday music, and special discounts in the museum store. Try your hand (and feet!) at 19th Century dance steps and learn about the history of Santa Claus.10 a.m. -4 p.m. Free. Dec. 7. Museum of the Albemarle, Elizabeth City. Holiday Open House: Christmas in Who-Sum-Ville! Delve into the magical world of Dr. Seuss’ classic book How the Grinch Stole Christmas during the annual holiday open house. See characters from the book brought to life by MOA’s Junior Docents, watch the Albemarle Express O scale train as it travels around the Albemarle region making stops at county landmarks in each of the 13 counties our museum serves. Search for historical characters drawn in Seussical style. Take photos with Cindy Lou-Who and other characters at our “Who-ville Village”, make Grinch crafts, and enjoy Grinch-inspired refreshments. Santa will stop by to make sure he has your wish list. 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Free. Dec. 7. Bentonville Battlefield, Four Oaks. A Civil War Christmas. Enjoy cookies and cider while listening to period music and greetings from costumed interpreters. Military interpreters will discuss how the common soldier spent their holidays. 10 a.m. Free. Dec. 7. N.C. Maritime Museum, Beaufort. Crystal Coast Christmas Flotilla. Boats, yachts, oars, kayaks and commercial vessels decorated for the season can be seen at 5:30 p.m. on the Morehead City waterfront and at 6:15 p.m. on the Beaufort waterfront. All decorated boats are judged and prizes for excellence and creativity are awarded at the Awards Party after the flotilla. Fee to participate; free to observe. Dec. 7. N.C. Aquarium-Fort Fisher. Santa’s Magical Morning. Unwrap a magical holiday experience at Santa's Magical Morning. Spy Santa diving in the Cape Fear Shoals with his aquatic friends. Enjoy holiday storytime (and cookies) with a special North Pole guest. Expect giggles of glee when the jolly old elf presents a specially selected gift to each child. Registration required. 8-10 a.m. Fee. Dec. 7. Tryon Palace, New Bern. Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day: Free Film and Lecture. This event will feature a free showing of ‘Pearl Harbor: The Heroes Who Fought Back’ at 11 a.m. Following the film, at 1:30 p.m. there will be a lecture featuring local author Jay Eldred who will give his perspective on how that infamous day changed the course of American history and share with us stories told first-hand by World War II veteran Thomas Poole. Free. Dec 7. CSS Neuse, Kinston. A Victorian Christmas. After the 10 a.m. parade, visitors can enjoy cider and cookies in the CSS Neuse Civil War Center. Sample Victorian times while making crafts, watching a puppet show, cookies, cider, and crafts are part of the museum’s free day. Dec. 8. Museum of the Cape Fear, Fayetteville. Holiday Jubilee. An open house of the 1897 Poe House with performances by the Coventry Carolers and The Carolina Chordsmen on the front porch of the Poe House, with Christmas decorations providing the back drop. Smell of cooking on the 1902 stove and take photos with Santa in the museum! 1-5 p.m. Free. Dec. 10. Brunswick Town, Winnabow. An 18th Century Christmas. Join us and explore how the American colonists celebrated Christmas. Costumed interpreters will provide guided tours of St. Philips Anglican Church on the half hour. During the program, you can enjoy Colonial refreshments in the Visitor Center, participate in traditional games, or try your hand at Moravian paper stars and other 18th century crafts. The highlight of the evening will be an authentic period candlelit service in the ruins of St. Philips Anglican Church. The service will begin at 5:00pm and will conclude by 5:30pm. Fee per vehicle. Dec. 11-15. Roanoke Island Festival Park, Manteo. A World War II Radio Christmas. This moving holiday show recreates the experience of attending a recording of a 1940s radio show broadcast on Christmas Eve during World War II. Using period songs and stories inspired by actual veterans, World War II Radio Christmas transports the audience to another time. Fee. Dec. 13. Historic Edenton. Caroling in the Courthouse with the Albemarle Sounds. Come enjoy your favorite Christmas songs in the historic 1767 Chowan County Courthouse. 6-7 p.m. Free Dec. 13, 14. Historic Edenton. Iredell House Christmas Groaning Board. So many cookies will be present that the table will “groan!” The Edenton Tea Party Daughters of the American Revolution and James Iredell Association join Historic Edenton in hosting this event. 1-5 p.m. Santa visits 4-7 p.m. Free. Dec. 14. Historic Halifax. Christmas in Halifax. A community-wide celebration and a family tradition in the historic town of Halifax, NC. Tour homes and churches festively decorated for the season. Enjoy children’s activities at the Halifax County Library. At 2 p.m., see the annual Christmas Parade along King Street. Children and the young-at-heart may visit with Santa after the parade in the Historic Halifax visitor center. Enjoy a homemade brunswick stew and sandwich lunch at a local church fundraiser. This is a community-wide event with activities taking place throughout the Town of Halifax! Free. Dec. 14. 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. 14 and 21. Tryon Palace, New Bern. Christmas Belles: A Candlelight Christmas Celebration. Beautiful decorations, heartwarming holiday vignettes by period characters, all illuminated by the magical glow of candlelight. The governor’s palace and other historic homes will be open for tours. 4:30-9:30 p.m. Fee. Dec. 20. Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, Seven Springs. Grinchy Greens Campfire. Tonight’s campfire topic…the Grinch. We will start with a reading of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”, then learn about some trees and plants that stay green all year round, even in the dead of winter. As always, we will wrap up the campfire with marshmallows. 5 p.m. Free Dec. 21. Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, Seven Springs. Happy Holidays to the Birds. Join a Ranger as we look at how birds deal with the colder temperature changes and the struggles they face. We will also make some tasty snacks for the birds using birdseed, which you can take home for the feathered visitors in your yard. For those with nut allergies, this will be a peanut butter free activity. 2 p.m. Free Dec. 22. Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, Seven Springs. Reindeer Games. Why does Santa need reindeer and how they differ from our local whitetail deer? Come find out during the program, we will play some Reindeer Games and make reindeer food you can leave with Santa’s cookies. 2 p.m. Free
