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.
What to Expect
Tour candlelit historic rooms concluding with a black powder fireworks display.
Event Details
Ages
Children 5 & under are FREE
Neighborhood
Historic Downtown New Bern
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Tryon Palace
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.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and history enthusiasts
Vibe
Historic and festive
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Accessibility: The Palace tour involves climbing stairs; the Ticket Desk can suggest options if stairs are difficult.
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.
Quick Actions
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.
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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.