Tryon Palace welcomes holiday season

Each trip to Tryon Palace is a trip back into the everyday lives of Colonial times.

The holiday season adds the colors, smells and sounds of the 18th century at the Palace, along with three historic homes and New Bern academy.

 Palace staff and a small army of volunteers are preparing the site for its trademark nature-inspired decorations.

The holiday season officially begins the day after Thanksgiving and continues through the end of December.

During the Thanksgiving weekend kickoff, beginning Nov. 28, Simon Spalding will present themed one-man shows each day - a mixture of character portrayal and music. Afternoon performances that include themes from the Colonial, Revolutionary and Civil War eras are scheduled at the Palace Visitors Center Auditorium.

Terry Rollins will offer holiday stories in the auditorium and the musical group Thursday Morn' presents two concerts at the carriage bay in the stable office.

The candlelight tours on Dec. 13 and 20 offer a once-a-year view of the Palace and gardens.

The Fife and Drum Corps greet visitors at the entrance, leading the way for a leisurely evening stroll - with minstrels and authentically-costumed characters of the 1700s who recount stories of life and customs during those times.

There is 18th century entertainment throughout the Palace, gardens and grounds, including costumed dancers, musicians, and dynamic performers giving shows of acrobatics and juggling.

Several annual favorites return - Signora Bella, an Italian equilibrist, along with Otto the Sword Swallower.

 There is activity outside the Palace gates, as the Fife and Drum Corps parades from George Street to the Palace and the Jonkonnu dance troupe performs a lively mix of songs and dances in an African American Christmas celebration from the 18th and 19th centuries. 

The skies light up with fireworks at the end of each evening.

The Southeast Tourism Society has rated the Palace candlelight tours among the top 20 holiday events for the past five years.

The month-long Centuries of Celebrations at the Palace replicates two major festive events from December 1770 - the grand opening of the Palace as North Carolina's first permanent capitol and the birthday celebration for King George III. 

The all-natural holiday greenery is accented with oyster shells, red and green apples, pine cones, juniper berries, lotus pods, tallow berries, peacock feathers, and dried flowers, including celosia, larkspur and yarrow.

Garlands drape the banisters, mantles and gates. Pine, boxwood, holly, and cedar are highlighted, with wreaths of boxwood and Fraser fir dressing every door.

Interior arrangements feature elegant peacock feathers and colorful dried flowers, and every dining table recreates of historic Christmases.