Downtown New Bern Calendar 2013

May 24-25, 2013 - The Musical '9-5", New Bern Civic Theatre.

May 26 New Bern Pirate Adventures The Pirate Ship "Renegade" Sailing from the New Bern Grand Marina at the Doubletree, Reservations required 252-504-2628

May 27 In Honor and Remembrance, Tryon Palace, 9-5 Free admission for all active duty and military veterans with the presentation of their military ID. Discounted admission will be given to their accompanying family members.  

May 30, 2013 - Sunrise Business Update 8:00 AM Baker's Kitchen - 227 Middle Street, Downtown New Bern, Swiss Bear Downtown Development Corporation and New Bern Area Chamber of Commerce Sunrise Business Update - May, 2013 Guest Speaker: Willo Kelly - President, NC-20, Address: 227 Middle Street, Downtown New Bern Cost: $10.00 per person, includes buffet breakfast NOTE: Limited Seating - Please RSVP RSVP: Email: SMilliron@NewBernChamber.com or Telephone: 252-637-3111 

May 31, 2013 Voci Allegre "New Bern: Milestones in Music Locations: History Center - Cullman Hall 6 pm.

June 1  New Bern Pirate Adventures The Pirate Ship "Renegade" Sailing from the New Bern Grand Marina at the Doubletree, Reservations required 252-504-2628

June 1  Rivertowne Players Flea Market Fundraiser, Masonic Theatre, 8 am-2 pm.

 June 1 - June 30, 2013 Daily Annual Garden Art Show. Garden Art created by Potters, Painters, and Metal workers. Featuring Paintings of gardens, garden sculpture, whirlygigs, plant stakes, oversided metal flowers, birdhouses, and birdhouses by local and regional artists. A special visit from Sheep Farmer, needle felter, soap maker Mellissa Gray! Melissa will be demonstrating during the evening. Carolina Creations 317 Pollock St, Downtown New Bern Open daily. 

June 1, Sweet Water in Concert, Isaac Taylor Garden, 228 Craven St, 6 pm.

June 2, 2013 NC Symphony at Tryon Palace, South Lawn, Gates Open 5 pm, Concert 7:30 pm. Free  

June 2, 2013 Ballroom Tea Dance, Historic Stanly Hall Ballroom, 4-6 pm

June 8, Blueberry and Bluegrass Day, New Bern Farmer's Market

June 8, Jane Austin in June, Tryon Palace, Tea Tours, Dance Classes, Historic Games, Lectures, Free admission to the gardens.

June 15, Flag Day Ceremony Union Point Park, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band, sponsored by New Bern Elks Lodge #764, 11-noon, bring your lawn chair!

June 22, 2013    3:00 - 10:30 pm   Union Point Park  2nd Annual "Meet Us at the Point "- 2013 
Bern Beach Blast   Presented by: Weyerhaeuser Company and New Bern Area Chamber of Commerce - Featuring  Spare Change, Coastline Band, The Embers, The Tams.


June 22, 2013 New Bern Pirate Adventures The Pirate Ship "Renegade" Sailing from the New Bern Grand Marina at the Doubletree, Reservations required 252-504-2628

June 28, Harry Potter and the Obnoxious Voice of the SSSSSpoof, Rivertowne Rising Stars Camp Broadway, Masonic Theatre 7 pm

June 29, Brew Bern 2013 Riverfront Convention Center

June 29, Bear City Opry, 516 Hancock St, 7 pm

July 4, Independence Day Celebration, Fireworks, Lawson Creek Park

July 4, The Glorious Fourth, Tryon Palace 11 am, Fife and Drum Performance and Reading of the Declaration of Independence, free garden admission 9-7
  
July 5, 2013 - Parrothead Party at the Market 6:30 PM Farmer's Market -Downtown New Bern The New Bern Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the following event: Gates open at 6:30 PM, $10 per person (at the gate), $8 per person - from the Chamber of Commerce office.
   
July 12, 2013 5-8 pm ArtWalk Downtown New Bern Janet Dixon will be the featured artist at Carolina Creations.

July 12-14 Romeo to Go, Comedy, New Bern Civic Theatre, Fri-Sat 7:30 pm, Sun 2 pm

July 13, Neuse River Day Dragon Boat Festival, Union Point Park

July 16, 2013 New Bern Pirate Adventures The Pirate Ship "Renegade" Sailing from the New Bern Grand Marina at the Doubletree, Reservations required 252-504-2628

July 18-21 Damn Yankees, Rivertowne Players

July 19-21 Romeo to Go, Comedy, New Bern Civic Theatre, Fri-Sat 7:30 pm, Sun 2 pm


July 25-28 Damn Yankees, Rivertowne Players
 
August 15, 2013 - Business Expo 2013  10:00 AM-5 PM The New Bern Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the Business Expo 2013 at the  New Bern - Craven County Convention and Visitors Center

August 16, 2013 River Jam 5:30-10:30  Union Point Park - Downtown New Bern - sponsored by New Bern Area Chamber of Commerce, Young Professionals Group, featuring "Old Habits" and  "Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band"



August 17  New Bern Pirate Adventures The Pirate Ship "Renegade" Sailing from the New Bern Grand Marina at the Doubletree, Reservations required 252-504-2628

August 24-25 Coin Show, Riverfront Convention Center

Sept 6-8 Bike MS Historic New Bern Weekend

Sept 13, 2013 5-8 pm ArtWalk Downtown New Bern
Lou Plummer will be the featured artist at Carolina Creations.
 
Oct 12, 13 Mumfest
 
October 19 Neuse River Bridge Run

Nov 8, 2013 5-8 pm ArtWalk Downtown New Bern

Nov 8-10 Holiday Home and Gift Show, Riverfront Convention Center





 

Four Seasons Chamber Music Festival presents Schubert and Dvorák

December 1st in New Bern

The Four Seasons Chamber Music Festival presents the second concert of its inaugural season in New Bern on Saturday, December 1 at 7:30 p.m. at the North Carolina History Center’s Cullman Performance Hall at Tryon Palace.  This Four Seasons in New Bern concert will feature internationally-renowned musicians Thomas Sauer, piano; Ara Gregorian, violin; and Amit Peled, cello; performing masterpieces by Schubert and Dvorák. 

The Four Seasons Chamber Music Festival brings world-class musicians to eastern North Carolina and beyond for concerts, master classes, interactive community outreach, a children’s residency, Next Generation residencies, Next Gen on the Road tours and the Four Seasons Family Night. Highlights of past seasons include more than 97 public concerts, 254 master classes, two performances at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall and a six-concert tour of Israel.

Director of the Mannes Beethoven Institute, pianist Thomas Sauer has performed at the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Philadelphia Chamber Music Society, Philharmonie in Berlin and at the Wolf Trap Center; has appeared at the Marlboro, Seattle, Portland and Salt Bay festivals; and is on the piano faculty at Vassar College and the Mannes College of Music.

 Cellist Amit Peled has appeared in the premier halls of London, New York, Paris, Berlin and Tel Aviv; has performed as soloist with the Baltimore Symphony, European Philharmonic and Jerusalem Symphony; has appeared at the Newport, Seattle and Marlboro festivals; and is on the cello faculty at the Peabody Conservatory.

Founder and artistic director of the Four Seasons Chamber Music Festival, Gregorian has appeared at festivals throughout the United States, Finland, Holland, Canada and Puerto Rico; has performed extensively as a member of chamber music groups such as the Daedalus Quartet, Concertante and the Arcadian Trio; and is a member of the violin faculty at East Carolina University

"It is exciting for Four Seasons to become a part of the New Bern community," said Ara Gregorian, festival founder and artistic director. "I look forward to collaborating with our internationally-renowned guest artists in this concert that features masterpieces that are sure to thrill.”

Additional concerts this season include the season finale concert of Four Seasons in New Bern, which takes place on May 4, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church featuring artists Adam Neiman, piano; Axel Strauss, violin; Ara Gregorian, violin; Maria Lambros, viola; and Ani Aznavoorian, cello, with repertoire by Chopin, Elgar and Schumann.

The Four Seasons Chamber Music Festival is in residence at East Carolina University.

Ticket prices are $25 for the public and $10 for students. Tickets can be purchased at www.ecuarts.com, by calling 800-ECU-ARTS, or by visiting the Bank of the Arts in New Bern. For information on how to support Four Seasons Chamber Music Festival programs and outreach, call 252-328-1268.

For more information about the festival, repertoire, guest artists, or outreach go to www.ecu.edu/fourseasons, or call 252-328-6019.

Special devices are available for guests who are hard of hearing. Please contact Penne Sandbeck at (252) 639-3593 or pssandbeck@tryonpalace.org 48 hours in advance of the performance to make arrangements.

Calendar Listing:

Saturday, December 1, 7:30p.m.

The Four Seasons Chamber Music Festival at Tryon Palace

North Carolina History Center, Cullman Performance Hall

Tickets: $25 Adults, $22 Council of Friends Members, $10 Students
The Four Seasons Chamber Music Festival presents the second concert of its inaugural season in New Bern on Saturday, December 1 at 7:30 p.m. at the North Carolina History Center’s Cullman Performance Hall at Tryon Palace.  This Four Seasons in New Bern concert will feature internationally-renowned musicians Thomas Sauer, piano; Ara Gregorian, violin; and Amit Peled, cello; performing masterpieces by Schubert and Dvorák.
Performers:    Thomas Sauer, piano; Ara Gregorian, violin; and Amit Peled, cello

Program:        masterpieces by Schubert and Dvorák. 

For tickets:           Tickets can be purchased online at www.ecuarts.com, by calling 800-ECU-ARTS, or by visiting the Bank of the Arts in New Bern.  Tickets will be available the night of the performance at the North Carolina History Center pending availability.  For information on how to support Four Seasons Chamber Music Festival programs and outreach, call 252-328-1268.

Seating is general admission.  Presented by The Four Seasons Chamber Music Festival in the Tryon Palace Performing Arts Series.

Splendors from Afar: A Tryon Palace Christmas 2012

Friday, November 23^rd – Saturday, January 5^th  2012

Enjoy the sights, sounds, and scents of Christmases past and splendors from afar at Tryon Palace.  Meet the Tryons at a grand masked ball, join the festivities at the Stanly’s Twelfth Night party, explore early America’s fascination with the exotic, and immerse yourself in our festive 18^th-century candlelit holiday tradition. 

Call Tryon Palace at 252-639-3500 or 1-800-767-1560 for more information, or visit www.tryonpalace.org for a complete listing of holiday events. 

Friday, November 23 - Sunday, November 25, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Friday - Saturday and 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sunday

Festive Holiday Kick-Off Weekend

Join us as we kick off the holiday season on Thanksgiving weekend. Christmas decorations are up in the North Carolina History Center, Governor’s Palace, and in our three historic houses. 

Tuesday, December 4, and Thursday, December 6

A Celtic Christmas Concert

Featuring Jennifer Licko Carrere, Dylan Foley, and Bob Noble

Tryon Palace Performing Arts Series

Jennifer Licko Carrere, Dylan Foley, and Bob Noble perform a hauntingly beautiful Celtic Christmas Concert with lively Christmas favorites Cullman Performance Hall, North Carolina History Center, 529 S. Front Street, New Bern, NC. 

Performance: 7:00 p.m., Doors and Seating 6:00 p.m.

Tickets: $22 Adults, $18 Council of Friends Members, $10. Students

For tickets: On sale November 1, 2013. For tickets call (252) 639-3524 or visit the North Carolina History Center ticket desk. Tickets are also available at the performances. Seating is general admission. Media sponsorship is provided by Public Radio East and the Sun Journal. Band is sponsored in part by Emerald Isle Realty and JD Technologies. 

Saturdays, December 8 & 15, 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Christmas Candlelight

$20 per adult, $10 per student

Governor Tryon cordially invites you to a grand masquerade in the Governor’s Palace.  With decorations inspired by his wife, Margaret Wake Tryon’s, childhood in Bombay, India, you’ll experience firsthand early American’s fascination with cultures from afar through vivid and exotic decorations, masked characters, and historic entertainment.  The evening ends with a grand illumination behind the Governor’s Palace.  Tickets will be sold for specific tour time slots.  To purchase tickets, contact Tryon Palace at 252-639-3524 or 1-800-767-1560. 

Sunday, December 9, 3:00 p.m.

“Christmas-In-A-Shoebox”

North Carolina History Center, Cullman Performance Hall

$6 per adult, $3 per student; included with regular admission

The Stewarts, a family of sharecroppers, reside in rural North Carolina two miles outside of Kinston. On this midday, we find them gathered in the living room of their small plank farmhouse two day before Christmas in early 1960’s. Snow is falling as they sing holiday songs. Mama and Daddy Stewart, along with their two grandchildren, are heading to town in the old pick-up truck. Left behind are six other children. Sibling bantering, an unexpected guest, a special cake, an advancing snow storm and a stranger on the muddy path make this a hilarious original family play-reminding us of a distant time no more and the true meaning of Christmas. Co-sponsored by the North Carolina Association of Black Storytellers (NCABS).

Wednesday, December 12, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Tryon’s Tales for Tots: Twas the Night Before Christmas

North Carolina History Center, Education Classroom

$6 per child with one accompanying adult free; additional adults $6. Included with regular admission

Ages 3-5, with parental accompaniment.

You’re never too young for history! Pre-schoolers and parents will learn about the start of many of our holiday traditions by visiting the George W. Dixon House and making a festive holiday craft that they can take home with them.

Space is limited to 20 children.  To reserve your child’s spot, please call (252) 639-3500. Extra openings will be filled the day of the event on a first come, first served basis. 

Thursday, January 5, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. or 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Twelfth Night with the Stanlys

$40 per adult, $35 per Council of Friend Member

Join the Stanly Family at their elegant Twelfth Night party – January 5^th, 1813.  The evening will begin with an historically inspired dinner followed by

a Regency Twelfth Night celebration in the Stanly House complete with traditional entertainments. 

Who knows? You may even be crowned King or Queen of the evening!

This event is designed for adults; reservations and prepayment required by January 3.  Payments received after December 16 by credit card only. 

Call 252-639-3524 to register. (Maximum enrollment: 20 per time slot, Minimum enrollment: 10)

Festival of Tables helps Salvation Army fight hunger

     The Salvation Army of Craven and Pamlico counties is hosting a new fundraiser — Festival of Tables — with a motto, “Setting the table to help fight hunger.”

     Tickets are available for the Sept. 21 fundraiser at the N.C. History Center in New Bern.
     The 6 to 9 p.m. event will feature themed “Tablescapes,” designed and decorated by area businesses, organizations and individuals. They will be reviewed by a panel of judges.
     Ticket prices are $35 per person in advance, with a silent auction and heavy hors d’oeuvres and beverages included. Tickets are $40 the day of the event.
     “Making healthy food available to individuals and families to meet the nutritional needs of growing children, middle-aged adults and seniors remains at the heart of Salvation Army programming,” said Capt. Ray Morton, based in New Bern. “To capitalize on the public’s interest in healthy eating, the era of celebrity chefs, family gatherings around meals and holidays, and our nation’s interest in ethnic foods and tradition, the New Bern Corps is bringing this new event to the area.”
     The premise of the event, he said, is to bring individuals, civic clubs and local businesses together to display their organization’s creative table decoration skills in a formal competition.
There are a variety of ways to be a part of the Festival of Tables.
     Since the beginning of 2012, the local Salvation Army has assisted 1,175 clients, an increase of 60 percent from 747 during the same period in 2011.
     During the 2011 Christmas season, the Army provided feeding assistance and children’s toys to 790 families, with more than 3,000 adults and children. The numbers for 2011 was 1,450 children and adults.

Reprinted from the Sun Journal

Christmas Trolley Tour in Downtown New Bern Christmas 2012

Christmas Trolley Tour
All tours begin and end at 333 Middle Street 

Christmas TROLLEY Tour

Celebrate the Holiday season with a 60-minute trolley tour through the downtown historic district highlighting the Holiday decorations our downtown merchants are showcasing in their windows. Join us as we get in the Holiday spirit by caroling on board the trolley.

Tours are offered on Friday, November 23rd; Saturday, November 24th; Friday, November 30th, Friday, December 7th and Friday, December 14th at 5:30pm and 7:00pm. Space is limited, so pre-paid reservations are strongly recommended.

Tickets are $10 per person

Make it a holiday to remember.
New Bern Tours puts the
"jolly" back into Christmas.
Contact New Bern Tours to make your reservation (252) 637-7316!

http://www.newberntours.com/pages/specialty-tours-1.htm

 

A Wonderful Wreath Contest 2011

This is the second year for our Wonderful Wreath Contest - Here are the entries!

New Bern Antique Show Feb 10-12, 2012

NEW BERN ANTIQUE SHOW FEBRUARY 10 – 12 AT THE NEW BERN RIVERFRONT CONVENTION CENTER


 
New Bern, NC - The New Bern Preservation Foundation will hold their annual New Bern Antique Show & Sale at the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center Friday through Sunday, February 10-12, 2012. “This year’s show promises to have something for everyone of every age,” says Show Chair Etteinne Mitchell.
 
In the midst of New Bern’s historic downtown, the Convention Center will host 45 professional antique dealers for the Valentine’s weekend. These dealers will offer 18th through 20th Century furniture, crystal, jewelry, rugs, paintings, prints, linens, silver, glass, toys, books, and everything from antique buttons to memorabilia.
 
In addition, on Saturday and Sunday professional identifiers will be available to evaluate items brought to the show. The valuations are FREE to show attendees. Attendees will be limited to two items.
 
There will be raffles for cash prizes and numerous non-cash prizes such as helicopter flights and boat trips.
 
Show times are 10 am to 5pm on Friday and Saturday and 11 am to 4:30 pm on Sunday.
 
A ticket to the show covers admission for all three days. Tickets are $7.00 in advance or $8.00 at the door. They may be purchased in advance at the New Bern Preservation Foundation, Mitchell Hardware, and Harris Teeter. All proceeds from the Antique Show will benefit the preservation activities of the Foundation.
 
For additional information call the Foundation offices at (252) 633-6448 or visit the Foundation’s website at www.newbernpf.org .
 
ABOUT THE NEW BERN PRESERVATION FOUNDATION: Since its founding in 1972, the Foundation has saved, restored, and preserved over 60 historic structures, caused three New Bern neighborhoods to be accepted by the National Register of Historic Places, worked with NCDOT to preserve a portion of Craven County’s historic brick road system, and added immeasurable value to New Bern as an attractive tourist destination. The Foundation buys or accepts historic properties, stabilizes them, and then sells them for restoration pursuant to contractual covenants with buyers requiring, among other things, that they be restored to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards. Currently the Foundation has started a project to save and restore historic Union Station in New Bern.

Downtown Calendar & A Dickens of a Christmas in Downtown New Bern 2011

A Dickens of a Christmas
in Downtown New Bern 2011
Read all about it!


Now through Dec 24, 2011 Bear Plaza, a winter wonderland, Santa in Bear Plaza, Head in the Hole photo op, kissing stations, thousands of lights! Read all about it!

It's a Wonderful Wreath Contest in Downtown New Bern!  Register and Vote for your favorite wreath by clicking here.


Now through Dec 31 "Music, Mirth, and Merriment": The Holiday Season at Tryon Palace, Special Events Daily! Calendar  

 

We would like to congratulate 8yr old Marshall Jordan as the winner of the Help Tiny Tim contest!

Leave your letter to Santa in his mailbox in Bear Plaza!

- Dec 2, 2011 Friday 5-8 pm Suds for Studs Shopping Evening at Studio 323

- Dec 2, 2011 Friday 6 pm - Tree Lighting Ceremony Hilton

- Dec 2, 2011 Friday 5:30 and 7 - Christmas Trolley Tours Reservations Required 

- Dec 2, 2011 7 pm It's a Wonderful Life, Movie Night at the Athens Theatre, $5, includes popcorn and soda. Call 252-634-9057 for more information.


- Dec 3, 2011 Saturday Breakfast with Santa, New Bern Riverfront Convention Center, $12 for children and adults, www.ncfestivaloftrees.com   CarolinaEast Foundation Be sure to call! Almost sold out. 252-633-8247.

- Dec 3, 2011 Saturday - Make your own Holiday Cards! 11 am -1 pm Gallery 323 Details
-
Dec 3, 2011 Saturday  Pet Photos with Santa, 8:30-11 am, Nauti Paws For more info & reservations call Nauti Paws at (252) 637-0247.

- Dec 3, 2011 Saturday 5:30 PM Union Point Park, Annual Christmas Flotilla

- Dec 3, 2011 Saturday -11 AM and 2 PM Glad Christmas Comes - A Dramatic Garland of Victorian Christmas Readings presented by Tryon Palace Details



- Dec 3, 2011 Saturday 3 pm -  Christmas Parade Monetary proceeds will be used to purchase gifts for Christmas parties held for the Mentally Handicapped children of Craven County given by the Craven County Jaycees.

- Dec 3, 2011 7 pm Miracle on 34th Street, Movie Night at the Athens Theatre, $5, includes popcorn and soda. Call 252-634-9057 for more information.

- Dec 4, 2011 Sunday - Holiday Open House New Bern Bed and Breakfasts 2-5 pm Free Details


- Dec 4, 2011 Sunday - 2 and 6 pm A Christmas Carol, Co-sponsored by the Friends of New Bern-Craven County Public Library and the English Speaking Union, at the NC History Center, Cullman Performance Hall. Free with advance registration. Call 252-638-7800.


- Dec 4, 2011 4 pm Prancer, Movie Afternoon at the Athens Theatre, $5, includes popcorn and soda. Call 252-634-9057 for more information.



- Dec 9, 2011 Friday  5:30 and 7 - Christmas Trolley Tours Reservations Required  


- Dec 9, 10, 11, 2011 Hemingway, His Way, One Man Play, Details

- Dec 9, 2011 Friday Suds for Studs Shopping Evening at Studio 323 Details
- Dec 10, 2011 10-2  Cookie Walk, Christ Episcopal Church Details

- Dec 10, 2011 Saturday The Holly and Ivy Home Tour Details


- Dec 10 - Saturday - 7 pm to midnight - Accidental Artist - Paint 'til You Faint - Complimentary refreshments. For more information, call 634-3411. 

- Dec 10, 2011 Saturday Make your own Ornament masterpieces! Studio 323 Details


- Dec 10, 2011 1-3 pm, Book signing with Phil Scearce, Trent River Coffee Company.

- Dec 10, 2011  5-9 pm, Tryon Palace Christmas Candlelight Tour, Tickets must be purchased in advance. Call 252-639-3524 or 800-767-1560. Click here for details!

- Dec 11, 2011 3 pm, Christmas in a Shoebox! Performance in the Cullman Performance Hall at Tryon Palace, $6 per adult, $3 per student. Call 252-639-3584 for more information.



- Dec 12, 2011 Monday Messiah  3 pm Open Rehearsal - 7:30 pm Performance, Centenary United Methodist Church, call 252-633-2918 for reservations and tickets.


- Dec 14 - Wednesday - 3pm to 7pm - Accidental Artist - Santa's Workshop - $15.00 for children 12 and under.  For more information, call 634-3411. 



- Dec 14, Wednesday - Tryon's Tales for Tots: Twelve Days of Christmas! Ages 3-5, $6 per child. call 800-767-1560 for more information.

- Dec 15, Thursday 7:30 pm  NC Symphony Holiday Pops Concert


- Dec 15, 2011 Thursday Community Sing on the street 300 Block Pollock St Details

- Dec 16, 2011 Friday - 6-7pm  Carolina Violin Ensemble under the direction of Chris Gawlik - Bank of the Arts


- Dec 16, 2011 - 5:30 and  7 - Christmas Trolley Tours Reservations Required  


- Dec 17, 2011 -  9:00 am. Pet Parade. Meet at the Corner of Front and Craven in the field area. Line-up will begin at 8:30 am and the parade will start at 9:00 am.  Last year we had 300 pets with their people. Costumes are encouraged but not mandatory! For more info call Nauti Paws at (252) 637-0247.

- Dec 17, 2-9 pm Battle of the Bands, featuring eight live bands and six comedians at the Athens Theatre, $5, call 252-634-9057 for more information.


- Dec 18, 2011 Sunday Many shops and  restaurants open on Sunday in Downtown New Bern!

- Dec 20, 2011 Tuesday Pro Musica of New Bern, First Presbyterian Church - Tuesday, December 20, 7:00PM-8:15PM; (Arrive early to get a good seat.) Free to the public. Pro Musica is an a cappella singing group, organized in 1977. The concert will include traditional carols, modern seasonal pieces as well as humorous numbers. A love offering will be collected for Religious Community Services and the Merci Clinic. First Presbyterian Church, 400 New Street.

- Dec 22, 23, 24, 2011 - 7-8 pm Living Nativity in front of Centenary United Methodist Church, Middle Street.


Come back to this page as the season progresses for more details!

Christmas Candlelight Celebration at Tryon Palace 2011

Christmas Candlelight Celebration at Tryon Palace
Saturdays, December 10 and 17, 2011

One of the biggest events of the holiday season!

One of the biggest events of the holiday season is Christmas Candlelight at Tryon Palace. It is the rare chance to travel back in time to witness what Christmas was like in the 18th century. Hailed by Time magazine in its Christmas Top 10, Christmas Candlelight occurs only twice each year: the two middle Saturdays in December, this year on December 10 and 17, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. each evening.

Musicians and colonial entertainers can be found both on the Palace grounds and in the North Carolina History Center. This magical evening is topped off with a spectacular grand illumination fireworks display on the South Lawn.
 
At this year’s Christmas Candlelight celebration, history comes alive in 1772 colonial New Bern with fascinating characters, elegant dancers and merry musicians. As well as celebrating the recent birth of a baby girl, Governor Martin and his family are marking King George III’s birthday, an event celebrated every year in Britain and colonial America for the reigning monarch. In addition, the Martins are preparing for the holidays, so the Governor’s Palace is beautifully decorated with candles and much greenery for the season.
 
Outside, the townspeople of New Bern have turned out to see the great folk arrive at the Palace and celebrate these festive events in their own way. Governor Martin has employed circus performers, musicians, and other entertainments to provide merriment for his guests and the townspeople, including a fireworks display at the end of the evening. In the Kitchen Office, the servants in the house have been busy for days preparing for the evening’s entertainment, which has only been made more difficult by the Martin children. At the local coffee house, eavesdrop as patrons not only exchange lighthearted banter, but also debate weighty issues of the day. From Palace dancing to political debates, this evening of pleasantries will also illuminate a pivotal time in our nation’s history.
 
Tours of the Governor’s Palace and site are scheduled on the hour, although there’s also plenty of other celebration on site and in the North Carolina History Center, where there are ongoing performances and activities for the whole family. You can even do a little holiday shopping at the Museum Store and the Holiday Craft and Garden Shop behind the Stable Office, which will both be open during the Candlelight celebrations.
 
Tickets for Christmas Candlelight at Tryon Palace are $20 adults and $10 students (grades 1-12). It is recommended that tickets be purchased in advance, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., at the North Carolina History Center, 529 S. Front St. (at Metcalf) in New Bern, or by calling 252-639-3524 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
 
This year, Tryon Palace is offering a holiday special. $25 per adult provides entrée to both the Christmas Candlelight celebration and the Twelfth Night party at the Stanlys, to be held on Thursday, January 5 at 6 p.m., 7 p.m. or 8 p.m.! Twelfth Night, the last night of Christmas festivities, transports the guests back to January 5th in the year 1803, to a time of mirth and merrymaking. Designed for the enjoyment of adults, there will be entertainments and light refreshments of the era. Who knows, you may be crowned King and Queen of the evening! Space is limited, so call 252-639-3524 to make your reservations. Reservations and prepayment are required by Jan. 3. Payments received after Dec. 16 are by credit card only.
 
For a complete list of all the Music, Mirth and Merriment during Tryon Palace’s Holiday Celebration, please visit us online at www.tryonpalace.org/calendar or call 800-767-1560.

Studio 323 Events for December 2011

Studio 323 events during the Christmas Holiday Season

Suds for Studs – Men’s shopping nights at Studio New Bern Art Works and the working artists studios. We offer shopping assistance, great wrapping skills, an opportunity for wives to preregister their likes, and a 10% discount. Adult beverage provided. The evenings of Dec. 2^nd, and 9^th.

Make your own Holiday Cards! - Printing one of a kind Holiday Cards is fun and easy. Sign up and make 5 of your own prints that you can send out to friends and family.

The workshop will be held at Gallery 323 on Pollock St. ( the old Baxters Jewelry Store) in New Bern on December 3, 2011 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Please visit Gallery 323 at 323 Pollock Street for information or email Marsha Rogers at artchicks7@gmail.com

Make your own Ornament masterpieces! Join us on Dec. 10^th at gallery 323 to paint in the style of 20^th century artists. Each adult will receive 3 clay bisque ornaments. We will help you draw and apply glazes to create memorable holiday masterpieces for your home or as gifts.  Visit Studio 323 , on Pollock street for more information .

Christmas Tree Ship

The Christmas Tree Ship arrives at SkipJack Landing at the foot of Pollock Street on Saturday, November 26, at 2:00 pm. Purchase your tree to help support Coastal Carolina Classrooms.

Six foot and 8 foot trees will be available along with 24” wreaths.  The trees are #1 Fraser firs cut just before delivery.  For more information, call 252-638-7862.

Carolina Violin Ensemble perform Christmas Carols

"Carolina Violin Ensemble," under the direction of Chris Gawlik, will be performing a Christmas concert at the Bank of the Arts in New Bern on 16 December, 6-7:00 pm. Chris Gawlik studied violin performance at the Krakow Conservatory and subsequently became a member of the Krakow
Philharmonic Orchestra.

He performed throughout Europe prior to immigrating to the United States, where he then established Gawlik Violin Co. in Greenville in 1993.

As a violin maker, he has a complete understanding of the workings of the violin itself. As a teacher, he strives to use the best aspects of the Suzuki Method in combination with some traditional techniques to produce highly competent and proficient musicians with technical and musical mastery.

For this year’s performance, Mr. Gawlik has chosen a select group of violin students to perform your favorite Christmas carols. In addition, Chris will perform Baroque violin duets with his wife, Mei Gawlik. Mrs. Gawlik also teaches violin at Gawlik Violin Co. and performs with professional orchestras throughout the South. We hope you enjoy the concert!

The Bed and Breakfast of New Bern Holiday Open House Dec 4, 2011

                              THE BED & BREAKFASTS OF NEW BERN

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE IS

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4^TH

2 PM UNTIL 5 PM

TAKE A PEEK INSIDE THESE

SEVEN HISTORIC HOMES.

JOIN THE YULETIDE CELEBRATION:

BEAUTIFUL DECORATIONS

HOUSE TOURS

REFRESHMENTS

CAROLS

SANTA, AND MORE!!

NEW BERN’S HOLIDAY TRADITION IS FREE

AND AN EASY WALKING TOUR IN

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN NEW BERN

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4^TH    2PM UNTIL 5PM

Breakfast with Santa 2011

Saturday, December 3, 2011

New Bern Riverfront Convention Center

203 South Front Street
New Bern, NC 28560

Enjoy this community holiday fundraising event for the CarolinaEast Foundation. Breakfast with Santa will include breakfast buffet, photo with Santa, Letters to Santa, cookie decorating and craft activities. Mrs. Claus will be available for story time. A children's only gift shop "Under the Tree" will also be available.

$12 for children and adults

www.ncfestivaloftrees.com

CarolinaEast Foundation

Amy Willis

252-633-8247

Light Up the Season Celebration Nov 25 2011

Downtown New Bern Business Council invites everyone to a "Light Up the Season" celebration in Bear Plaza from 4pm-6pm on Friday, November 25, V103.3 will be on hand to welcome Santa and the "Help Tiny Tim Contest" winner.

Santa and his helper arrives by horse and carriage accompanied by costumed characters! Bell ringing, choral groups and other performers welcome Santa and at 5:30 Santa and his helper flip the switch to "Light Up the Season" in Bear Plaza and throughout Downtown New Bern with thousands of lights! Crafts for kids too.

Open Houses at many Downtown shops will serve refreshments. This is the kickoff to a month of celebration with a parade, flotilla, tours, music, decorations, and theatre in Downtown New Bern, November 25-December 24. Come and join the celebration!

For more information visit www.DowntownNewBern.blogspot.com or call the Chamber at 252-637-3111.