Celebrate the Holidays Across North Carolina
A Candlelight Celebration at Tryon Palace
This famed North Carolina tradition returns to Tryon Palace with beautiful decorations inspired by the four seasons and lots of holiday festivities and activities on the historic site grounds.
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The Polar Express
All aboard The Polar Express at the N.C. Transportation Museum. Inspired by the runaway hit movie, this holiday favorite comes to life as you and your family take a ride on The Polar Express.
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Statewide Holiday Pops with the North Carolina Symphony
Join your North Carolina Symphony and a special guest star vocalist at this festive concert full of holiday favorites and traditional carols you know and love.
Learn moreThere’s a holiday happening to suit every taste at venues of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Fireworks over Tryon Palace, a “Christmas Flotilla” at the N.C. Maritime Museum in Beaufort, “Christmas by Candlelight” at a state historic site and “Holiday Pops” or other performances with the North Carolina Symphony at home or on tour, are a few of the unique holiday experiences awaiting families at modest or no cost.
State parks offer wonderful ways to experience nature during the holidays, and the “First Day Hike” to start the New Year off right.
Executive Mansion Holiday Tours
North Carolina’s Executive Mansion, the “people’s house,” will open its historic doors again for the beloved annual Holiday Open House on Thursday, Dec. 7: 6-8 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 8: 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 9: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
